Thank you for all the sweet comments left on my last Silent Sunday post, the picture of my beautiful cat, my much loved Henry.
It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions on Planet Penny this week, because, when I put the picture of Henry on the blog, he was actually in intensive care at the emergency veterinary clinic, and I was trying to think positively
It’s been hard to believe that last Friday Henry was chasing Higgins round the garden. On Saturday morning he was not well and we took him to our local vet. Some time ago he had stones in his bladder and I was concerned this had reoccurred, but an Xray showed he was very constipated, a side effect not uncommon when cats are fed the special food which keeps the bladder stones away. He needed an enema, which of course required sedation, but everything was done without a problem and we took him home to recover.
However it was soon clear that all was not well and being a Saturday afternoon we had to make the trip to the other side of Norwich to the emergency clinic. By Sunday lunchtime,when we went in to talk to the vet he was on a drip, his eyes were cloudy and he barely responded to my touch. The vet was concerned he had had a stroke and appeared not to be able to see, and we
were soon on the way to Newmarket to the specialist for an MRI scan. By this time I was convinced we were looking at the end, and worked my way through half a box of tissues. Once there, however, he managed to walk out of his crate and hide under the chair, and while having his reflexes tested showed signs of the feisty Henry who appears exclusively for vet treatment, cursing and swearing and biting Tim on the thumb. At this point my hopes were raised once more, and the vet decided to keep him in for observation, keep him on the drip, and wait before doing the scan…
We drove home, stopping off for our anniversary meal on the way. The cancelled Sunday lunch at a posh pub turning into something in breadcrumbs in a Little Chef…
Two days later, with little improvement, he had an ultrasound and the MRI scan. The good news, no sign of anything sinister, and his brain seems fine, no clots. But, a severe infection in the middle ear, eating into the bone, requiring an operation.
It’s been so hard. I’ve gone from feeling that it’s not fair to put him through so much, he’s had a good life, that we all know that from the moment we take a little fluffy bundle into our lives we are heading towards that dreadful moment of loss years down
the line. Every vet has said, well he’s 16, he’s an old cat. But he’s my cat. He might have retired from thehunting life, but he’s happily been lord of all he surveys in his own garden, stalking around like a tiger and having the odd funny five minutes with
Higgins. And apparently he’s otherwise in good shape, liver and kidneys absolutely fine, and has been coping with the infection, the anaesthetic on Saturday just knocking everything out of kilter.
If anything sinister had been found, well I think I would have to make the hard decision, but if he can come through this op, there is a chance for him to have a few more years of contented life.
So, all being well, he has the operation tomorrow, and should be home at the weekend..
And I’ll be wearing my nurse’s hat…
I’m really grateful knowing you’re all out there and you’ll be rooting for Henry. Thanks for reading your way through, I want Planet Penny to be a happy place, but sometimes life gets in the way…
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Oh Penny! I have tears in my eyes as I type this. I had no idea that Henry was unwell. I hope that he is soon home with you and that you have more years together. Big hugs to you all. xx
Bon Courage Henry!
hope all goes well Penny. Having been through such things a couple of times now with elderly dogs I know how awful this can be . All you can do is do the very best you can and you will know instinctively when enough is enough…and I’m sure that that’s a long way off ! Best wishes to you both.
I’ll be thinking of you and Henry tomorrow – the vet clinic is just a skip away from my studio so the good vibes won’t have far to fly 😉
The studio assistants are sending their own messages to Henry via cat-ethernet!
Celia
x
Sending positive, happy, healthy vibes to you and your ‘Lord and Master’. God Bless, x
Fingers crossed for Henry. I hope his fighting spirit will see him through. These pets will take their place in our hearts and families.
Kier x
Saying a prayer for Henry!
Dear Penny, I hope everything goes fine tomorrow and Henry is going to be well soon! It’s so hard to see our dear friends being ill. All the best to You and Henry!
xxx Teje
Hi Penny, Sending you big hugs and a small gentle one for Henry! I too was at the vet today with 13 year old Molly the poodle who is on so much medication she rattles! They give us so much don’t they and ask so little in return.. :)x
Our animals are always there for us,no matter the situation. Now you are doing the return favor. We will be thinking of Henry!
I understand and I’m so very glad you can take care of him so well. *hugs*
Hoping for good things for Henry too. He’s a beautiful cat.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Henry and all of you, who must all be miserable hoping that everything is going to work out well and you’ll have your beautiful, or should I say handsome, Henry back.
I’ve just been enjoying your post about the frantic Wren, isn’t she gorgeous! It’s amazing how vocal birds can be, and I’m trying not to imagine the bad language she was using!
The film about Higgins and Butter is wonderful! Just wonderful!
Vanessa xxx
Dear Penny I am thinking of you. It is so hard when our fur babies get older and even more so when trips to hospital and surgery are involved. I am a veterinary nurse and Henry sounds like a strong character…..wishing him a speedy recovery. My mums old cat had a stroke and went blind and we thought that he was on the decline. He coped with the loss of sight without too much adjustment and then to our amazement and the vets he got his sight back about 3 months later! Our world works in strange ways. Sending you big hugs and a kiss for Higgins, he must be wondering where his mate is xx
Large hug for you bothxx
Awe, Henry – get well!
Hi, Penny! Thanks for your note on my blog. You might be surprised at my affinity for cats. The goatmother just lost her very old cat this last Fall. Our critter friends are the best part of our lives. Here’s wishing Henry more time on this ‘mortal coil’ with his family!
sorry to hear of Henry’s troubles Penny :O( I hope that he is OK a few days after writing this post, sending you lots of love XXXXX
Hoping ….that no news is good news xx
I’ve been away for a few days and only just saw this. All digits crossed for you all. I do so hope the outcome is good – it’s so hard when animals reach this stage. I’ve just been through a similar experience with my lovely little cat.
Best wishes to you.
Chrisxx