to let you know what’s going on with the old man, let me start by showing you what the three main problems he is experiencing are…
FELINE HYPERTHROIDISM
Weight loss and increased appetite are among the most common clinical signs of this condition. Weight loss is seen in 95 to 98 percent of hyperthyroid cats, and a hearty appetite in 67 to 81 percent. Excessive thirst, increased urination, hyperactivity, unkempt appearance, panting, diarrhea and increased shedding have also been reported. Vomiting is seen in about 50 percent of affected cats. Clinical signs are a result of the effect of increased T4 levels on various organ systems.
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY:
Scottish Fold cats have tendency to develop Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This disease is caused by thickening of the walls of the main pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle which can lead to congestive heart failure
OSTEOCHONDRODYSPLASIA
.All cats with folded ears develop osteochondrodysplasia. In cats which are homozygous for the abnormal gene (ie having two copies of it), a progressive, crippling arthritis develops early in life whilst in those which are heterozygous (with only one mutant gene), the arthritis tends to progress more slowly (Malik 2001). Affected cats may be grossly deformed, with short wide limbs and a short, inflexible tail. They show lameness, swollen wrist (carpal) and ankle (tarsal) joints, have an abnormal gait, and are reluctant to move and jump. Severely affected individuals become crippled and unable to walk.
as you can see, it’s all pretty intense. he is on thyroid meds to slow the thyroid which slows his heart down so it doesn’t have to work so hard. he takes tramadol for his arthritis which helps with pain and allows him to move around, albeit slower than normal. the heart disease is a recent problem and talking to the vet for a long time, taking into account the amount of meds he is on now and the stress and trauma he goes through with tests and check ups, we have decided to keep him comfortable and watch for additional problems. he is comfortable, eats (alot!) purrs when we scrumful and i get on the floor and rub his belly, uses his catboxs like normal, likes to get under the covers and sleep with me (head on my arm, helps keep his head above his heart and lungs so he breathes easier). he does get tired very easy though and when he is sauntering (waddling actually but i try not to laugh cause he gets indignant!) around the house he has to nap frequently. he is stone deaf so i have to make sure he doesn’t stress out trying to figure out where i am.
so i don’t go anywhere anymore and for those of you i have said i will be going to your events, i am sorry but i can’t. he may last only days or weeks or possibly months but as doc says, he is old and is slowly wearing out. we all do and i would hope that me being around helps ease his mind. thanks for listening and please send good, peaceful thoughts, prayers and energy.
j
Eclectic Haze 