Please send positive thoughts to Harry

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Harry is back at the vet today for an x-ray on his jaw. DH dropped him off this morning with his lunch and one of his favourite toys and I'm collecting him tonight.

I'm worried what they are going to find. I know we need to know what's going on with his jaw but I'm worried they'll find something sinister otherwise surely it would have healed by now. His x-rays will be reviewed by an orthopaedic vet and then they'll decide what needs to be done. We're only going to have something done if it's essential or will make a huge difference to him but we need to know what's wrong so we can manage it.

Sorry, I'm rambling, I'm feeling like the meanest cat slave on earth at the moment!

Was worried when I saw this thread pop up again that he was having more problems with his jaw. Glad he's not!

I still it wrong that I don't think that's strange at all?! I was wondering where I'd be able to keep it until I could get to the vet if DH was working! I'm just keeping everything crossed he goes in the tray as I'm worried the expression will hurt him. Another day sitting at my desk worrying about him!

His jaw seems fine at the moment Toddler but he couldn't not be having a drama of some sort could he?! The vet said one of his kidneys was slightly enlarged, hence needing a sample. She did say it could just be how he's made. I hope so as my nerves can't take much more of this cat!

@Toddlerteaplease if the dipsticks are anything like human ones, they detect leukocyte esterase (breakdown product in urine) rather than the leukocytes themselves. That's why not all people with frank blood in urine will show up as having leukocytes. So shouldn't be from couch.

Sending hugs to all sick cats.

Misread post, saw they were human ones. Hoping Fatty is ok. X

HE'S BEEN!

Sorry for shouting but I'm so proud of him! It took 3 bags of Katkor to make it acceptable but at least he used it.

The sample is now in the fridge ready for DH take to the vet this morning so please keep sending the positive thoughts until we know he's OK and doesn't have any kidney issues.

Well done puss!

Glad Harry's back home with you - he'll wake up don't worry. Malfoy sends get well purrs.

I've just spoken to the vet and Harry is being tested for kidney failure. I've googled the symptoms and he doesn't have any of them (other than lethargy but he's never been very active!) so I'm trying to think positive. I should know the results on Monday, Tuesday at the latest. It's going to be a long weekend.

I don't know if I'll ever have another cat after this, my nerves are shredded!

Keeping my paws crossed for Harry. I know the shredded nerves feeling. I thought cat's are supposed to be relaxing and good for us!

Thanks Toddler. At least I've only got one that's trying to drive me towards a nervous breakdown!

I've spoken to my cat sitter who, as always, gave me practical advice and told me to calm down and not worry as the raised levels could well have been down to the stress from the sedation as the bloods were done at the same visit as when he had the bad reaction. I'm hoping that's the case as I can't bear to think of him going through anything else. He'd been so healthy for 8 years and it's been non stop vet visits for the last 18 months!

I've just worked out that my girls have run up vets bills of £10,000 between them since February. I hope Tesco will still cover me next year!

Add Harry into that and it's over £13k and we haven't had the bill for his x rays and tests yet!

Good job we love them!

I know!

I'm actually beginning to wonder whether the vet views us as a way of making money as we've never questioned any treatment or even asked the cost before we agree to it. We've been told the owner of the practice will charge for everything he can, especially if it's insurance - fine if you don't have a 20% excess! We're thinking of getting a second opinion if they say he had kidney issues as I'm just not sure any more.

Yes. I would get a second opinion and also one on his jaw if you've not already had one. My vet suggested a referral for CT scan very quickly with fatty.

That's never been suggested for him. They were quite happy to refer him but only for an operation which we're not prepared to put him through as he seems fine at the moment.

I've been looking at other vets and there are a couple that look as if they are a good bet as my cat sitter works there.

I've thought a bit more about the X rays he had done recently (which insurance has paid for thankfully!) and I am glad he had them. I know there is a problem, but I don't have to panic.

Fingers crossed that you won't Beeb to seek another opinion and his bloods will be fine.

I've just heard back from the vet. Harry's urine is normal but slightly dilute and he has very early stage kidney disease. She said she's not worried about him but wants him to go on a renal diet. The other option is phosphate binders in his food, but it won't be as effective as the food.

Harry's so fussy and it took us ages to sort out a diet he actually liked after he broke his jaw so we're thinking of going down the phosphate binders route to start with, and substitute one 'normal' pouch for a renal one.

If he really doesn't like the renal food we're going to stick with the binders. I'm not going to make his senior years miserable by making him eat something he doesn't like so fingers crossed this works. We're not going to do anything until the weather cools down though as he's not eating as much and we won't know whether he likes it or not!

This cat is going to give me a nervous breakdown!

poor Harry. And poor you.