Update on my cat, for those that have asked

[Mark Lamutt]

First, I really appreciate all of the good wishes from all of you. They really do mean alot.

Here's the update on my kitty. While talking to the vet on Thursday morning, he told us that there was a chance that the tumor could be surgically removed, and that the only way to know for sure was to do an exploratory surgery. We scheduled to take him in next Tuesday morning for that.

This morning, after doing a lot of research yesterday and earlier today, we've decided that instead of having our vet do the surgery, we are going to take the cat up to the Colorado State University school of veternary medicine, which apparently is the country's foremost cancer speciality operation for cats and dogs. I talked to them for a good part of the morning, and am now convinced that they are the best there is in diagnosing and working up treatment options for cancer treatment in pets. Our vet agrees. When I talked to him this afternoon looking for his opinion, he flat out told me that they would be able to provide the best care that's possible. They are the experts and if there's anything that can be done, they'll be the ones to know it. We'll be scheduling the surgery for the cat next week, after which we'll know if they can help him out at all. It'll all depend on what type of cancer he has.

So, that's where things are at the moment. I'm taking comfort in the fact that I am doing everything that I can possibly think of to help him get better.

[gcutler]

Can you post a pic of kitty?

[Mark Lamutt]

I will on Monday. I've been taking a lot of pictures of him yesterday and today with my digital camera. But of course, the software and cable to d/l the pics is a work.

[James_F]

These two are wishing you good luck!

http://members.cox.net/jamesf1/images/bellesimon.jpg

[gcutler]

I don't know, those two look like trouble makers to me. Do you show them Britney pictures when they get out of control?

[gcutler]

Not My Kitty, but a family friend kitty, wishes your kitty well.

[CoriBright]

My four kitties also send their love and best wishes and are keeping their paws crossed.

[James_F]

Originally posted by gcutler
I don't know, those two look like trouble makers to me. Do you show them Britney pictures when they get out of control?

Well they are both "fixed" so I don't think Britney would have any effect...

[Lee L]

I hope things work our for you Mark, I know that Vet Schools can do some unbeleivable stuff when it comes to helping animals, stuff the regular Vet can only dream about.

[Mark Lamutt]

The next 3 posts are pictures that I took this weekend of my cats. The white and orange one is Elliot. He's the one that's sick, although the antibiotics we've been giving him have made him feel noticibly better. He's playing more than he's played in a couple of months. His infection is going away, but of course that's not the main problem. We'll find out today when we're going to take him up to the vet school.

Anyway, here's the first one of Elliot. He's currently 14 pounds (down from 18 in January). He's about 75% Siamese (and we think about 25% cougar). Some of the time he's the most feral cat you've ever seen - growling and hissing and spitting. Times like this he's psycho kitty. But most of the time he is absolutely the most lovable, cuddly cat you've ever seen. He loves sleeping with us - starting out the night wrapped around my head on my pillow, and then moving down between us after I fall asleep. He always knows when something isn't right, and is always there with a cuddle. His purr is also the loudest I've ever heard in a cat - when he's wrapped around my head, it sounds like a muffled jackhammer.

[Mark Lamutt]

This next one is on my back porch. Elliot is a 100% indoor kitty, but he loves to roll on the concrete in the sun. He also loves to eat grass. So, yesterday I took him outside in the sun for a good roll. Usually what he does is wait by the back door when we're going out or coming in, and sneak through to get his roll. Being primarily white, he gets pretty dirty on the concrete, but just loves it.

[Mark Lamutt]

Here's Elliot with our other kitty, Kailie. When my wife and I got together 8 years ago now, Elliot was her kitty, and Kailie was mine. Both of them were very solitary cats, and we were really concerned that they would hate each other. Turns out, though, that about 2 hours after we put them together for the first time, they became the best of friends. They love playing together - wrestling around the house at all hours of the day and night. Kailie is about 6 pounds and significantly smaller than Elliot, but she still has her front claws while Elliot doesn't. So she has that advantage. It's really funny to see, but usually when they are playing, Elliot's on the bottom and she's on top. Oh and how they bait each other at times. Then there are the times that they get into trouble - one of them stands watch for us, while the other does the deed. Usually involving getting into the trash can in the kitchen, or getting up on the kitchen counter after some elusive prize. They are a real tag team, and it's really fun to watch.

[shy007]

Good Luck to Elliott!!!!!!!!

[Maniacal1]

Continued prayers are coming Elliot's way for his comfort and good health.

Your Kailie looks so much like Tober, the youngest of my six, and my only longhair.

[Mark Lamutt]

We started giving Elliot subdermal fluids tonight via an IV that we picked up at the vet today. The fluid is designed to supplement his fluid levels because he's not drinking enough water. Amazingly enough, he sat through the entire 15 minutes of the process just purring away. He didn't even feel the needle when I poked him with it. This along with the antibiotics hopefully will keep him going and happy for awhile yet.

[James_F]

That is excellent news. My wife feels much better now. She is always worried about EVERY Kitty out there.