Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Patches saga and Attic update

It's a while I hadn't posted about Patches. The little cat is still very small, in fact we think he'll be an eternal kitten! But since he's on the new meds (antiviral and small dose of steroids) he's been doing very well. Until last week. It became obvious to us that the poor thing was trying to use the toilet, straining a lot and nothing would come out. He peed normally so at least we know it wasn't a UTI but more a constipation issue. We contacted the Ultimate Vet Hero and she said to bring him in as he was probably in discomfort. She adores Patches and is so so good with him. The verdict was that yes he was VERY constipated and needed an enema. When I went picking him up in the afternoon the little cat was exhausted but empty! Within a couple of days he was back to his old self but then on Monday night he refused his food and his belly seemed tender to the touch. After a few texts with the Ultimate Vet Hero (she's that good) she said that she searched on her Vet website for more info and thought that another possibility is that Patches may suffer of congenital hypothyroidism! All symptoms fit: halted growth, slow appearing teeth (he only has 6!) lethargy (he sleeps most of the time hence "LazyPatches!") and little appetite. Anyway, after a good night sleep he seemed better and used the toilet (I gave him lactulose) but we still went in for a blood test to check the latest theory. We should have the results by the end of the week and we are so so hopeful that this may be the problem! He definitely had also this herpes virus because since he's on the antiviral his breathing has been great all the time. If the blood work comes back positive for hypothyroidism we will be able to eliminate the steroids and give him the proper meds! Hang in there Patches, lots of people are looking into your case!

And yesterday we had the structural engineer coming over to take measurements and tell us how much steel we need to support the floor of the new room in the attic (we need to reinforce the current structure both for the floor and the roof). The Architect was also there and they worked very well. The plan is now for the engineer to do up his drawings, give them to the architect so that he can finalise the document which will be used for tendering the work! We are very excited! He's confident that overall it shouldn't take more than 4-6 weeks, to us seems a bit quick, but hopefully he's right! We have also found a place to move out to when the works will be ongoing, probably there is no need to move out but I'm sure we won't regret it! The place is in the same estate, it's a one-bed apt on the top floor of a block with a fantastic view of Dublin as well as the mountains! We love it!

And finally I have contacted a yoga teacher specialised in pre-natal yoga! I'll start in September!! Wohoohoo!

10 comments:

Praying for Hope said...

You're being very calm about your little boy. Our pup has hypothyroidism, dianosed last year, and needs to take a tablet twice a day. The nice thing about hypothyroidism is that it can be delt with.

The Hopeful Elephant said...

Poor Patches...give him a cuddle from me!

How's Elvis? When do you find out if Elvis is an Elvis or a Priscilla? ;)

Alex said...

Poor little Patches - so glad you're getting answers!

Very exciting about the attic - oh that will be so nice!!!

Wishing 4 One said...

Patches... thinking of you and sending you bog huigs from my fur babies here in Cairo. Attic, can not wait to see it girl! Hope you are feeling good and get to see Elvis again soon. Always thinking of you. xoxo

MJ said...

Poor Patches. My cat has had all sorts of issues with his health but once we figured out what was really wrong with him he has been doing amazing!

Best When Used By said...

The thyroid! It makes perfect sense. If so, hopefully you can get him on meds to make him better. A kitty enema can't be much fun for a little cat!

The one-bedroom flat with the gorgeous views sounds lovely! You can pretend you are on holiday. I hope Patches and The Dude adjust to the short term move okay.

Adele said...

(palm slapping forehead) The thyroid makes so much sense! I really hope that this is it so you can get to the bottom of it. And that's great news about the attic.

Momasita said...

Sounds like life is progressing very well for you! The attic is moving forward and hopefully they have finally diagnosed Patches and he'll be a lively little monkey. The flat that you will be moving to sound wonderful!

Saige said...

Poor little Patches. He sure has been blessed to find such a loving, caring home. You're an awesome kitty mama.

Sweet deal about the attic! It feels so good to finally be making progress in the right direction, doesn't it?

I love that you are going to have a view of Dublin. I was there once a few years back and stayed at the Sheldonian near some park in Dublin. Can't remember the name of the park, but the suite we had in that hotel was by far the NICEST, most posh room I have ever stayed in. It was GORGEOUS!

Mrs. Misfits said...

That would be excellent news if it's solved. Poor kitty! And the news on the renovation sound fantastic. Yoga sounds especially right to get you through. Exercise+ stretching are divine.