Re: Hi everyone. New here. Need help with my kitty please.
Hi Beckie, I have been reading your posts, but am still learning myself...so have been leaving it up to those who have been involved with these problems longer than myself. Until the day my vet told me my kitten had just tested positive for FeLV, I just cared for my cats the way I assumed, was how you were suppose to care for your cats. This was: You spay/ neuter, deworm and vaccinate, according to what were the recommended vaccinations and on which schedules, then you boostered your cats every year after that and dewormed when neccessary. You must also feed a good quality cat food and everything should be fine...I am only a couple months away from that particular way of thinking... Some of the people, who are very well informed, here, do not even vaccinate! This was very shocking to me. However , we are learning, just lately, information is coming up, that is showing, we have been over vaccinating...There is so much to learn... I was really glad to find out it was not Moe making the kitchen messes...You have gotten excellent advice from these guys on that...Cats can be very emotional and they each have their way of getting back to you when they are upset. I know dogs can be the same way...There should be a diplomatic way to solve the kitchen mess problem with your tricky little kitty...obviously, an insecurity problem... My heart is with you Beckie on the FeLV issues. Like everyone here , you are a loving , caring individual who takes the time, to love, appreciate and take the responsibility to do right by your kitty family. The best of luck to you and your boyfriend and bless your hearts! Thank you for being here... Glenda --- Beckie McRae [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi everyone. My name is Beckie. I'm 25 and live in Iowa with my boyfriend and 3 cats (2 of whom are FLV positive). I'm hoping you guys can help me. I have a cat named Moe and he's about 3 and has FLV. About 3 weeks ago, I noticed some bumps around his neck and on his back, and he started to lose his hair. I took him to the vet, and she said it was an environmental allergy, gave him some meds and sent us home. Well the meds just made him worse, so the next week I took him back, and this time he had a severe infection in his eye and tapeworms. This time, different meds, and ointment for his eye. STILL not better. This time I took him in to the vet and told them I wasn't leaving until he was better. That was Wed. They gave him a shot for the tapeworms, Frontline for some fleas, his eye was better so more ointment, and Sat. he seemed fine. Now today when we woke up he had gone to the bathroom in the kitchen (which he did when he was originally really sick), and as soon as he sees either one of us, he runs and hides. He also has FLV. I'm worried sick, and don't know what to do. Anyone else here ever deal with something like this? Also, what's the best way to clean up the mess in the kitchen? I want to eliminate the odor so he won't go in there again! Thanks so much! Beckie Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/222
Re: Hi everyone. New here. Need help with my kitty please.
Hello Beckie, I haven't been participating in the group lately, (just too overwhelmed), but I poked my head in and saw your post. I'm so sorry that Moe is having such a hard time! We all know how frustrating and discouraging it can be to watch our furkids suffer and not be able to come up with something to help them. I'm not familiar with Moe's particular symptoms. Felv is such a devil of a disease in that it effects each cat so differently. You never know what to expect from it because it's not the condition itself, but the fact that it hampers their immune response and leaves them vulnerable to cancers and things that a neg cat might be able to more easily fight off. Moe's weak point seems to be his skin. One thing you can do for both your felv cats is help boost their immune systems with supplements. Things like vitamins, interferon A, transfer factor, colostrum, l-lysine etc might help him fight off whatever is effecting his skin. Did your vet put Moe on antibiotics for his eye infection? What kind? Salmon oil, (high in Omega 3), can help with inflammation, but there are times when you have to haul out the big guns, (steroids), to get it under control. It sounds like you may need to seek out the help of someone more qualified to help you deal with this. I'm sure your vet is doing everything they can, but a gp type vet doesn't usually have the experience necessary and may not be willing to do the research to help resolve each issue as it arises. I would look for a board certified Internist and make sure that they are encouraging about treating cats with felv. Poor little Moe sounds like he's having a hard time emotionally as well as physically. I'm not sure that getting rid of the odor from his accidents will stop his improper elimination problems. You must be a wreck too. That can't be helping either of you. Take a deep breath. Resolve to do everything in your power to help Moe be more comfortable and to bring him back to health. Let him know that everything you are doing, no matter how uncomfortable or scary it is in the short term, is aimed at helping him ultimately feel better. Know that there is only so much we can do when it comes to this horrid disease and don't beat yourself up for not knowing everything. Take it one step at a time and be sure to spend as much quiet quality time with Moe as you can. Keep telling him that you will stick by him, that you love him and that you are grateful that he choose you to see him through this. Blessings to you and your family, I hope that you and Moe find the answers you need very soon, Nina Hi everyone. My name is Beckie. I'm 25 and live in Iowa with my boyfriend and 3 cats (2 of whom are FLV positive). I'm hoping you guys can help me. I have a cat named Moe and he's about 3 and has FLV. About 3 weeks ago, I noticed some bumps around his neck and on his back, and he started to lose his hair. I took him to the vet, and she said it was an environmental allergy, gave him some meds and sent us home. Well the meds just made him worse, so the next week I took him back, and this time he had a severe infection in his eye and tapeworms. This time, different meds, and ointment for his eye. STILL not better. This time I took him in to the vet and told them I wasn't leaving until he was better. That was Wed. They gave him a shot for the tapeworms, Frontline for some fleas, his eye was better so more ointment, and Sat. he seemed fine. Now today when we woke up he had gone to the bathroom in the kitchen (which he did when he was originally really sick), and as soon as he sees either one of us, he runs and hides. He also has FLV. I'm worried sick, and don't know what to do. Anyone else here ever deal with something like this? Also, what's the best way to clean up the mess in the kitchen? I want to eliminate the odor so he won't go in there again! Thanks so much! Beckie
Hi everyone. New here. Need help with my kitty please.
Hi everyone. My name is Beckie. I'm 25 and live in Iowa with my boyfriend and 3 cats (2 of whom are FLV positive). I'm hoping you guys can help me. I have a cat named Moe and he's about 3 and has FLV. About 3 weeks ago, I noticed some bumps around his neck and on his back, and he started to lose his hair. I took him to the vet, and she said it was an environmental allergy, gave him some meds and sent us home. Well the meds just made him worse, so the next week I took him back, and this time he had a severe infection in his eye and tapeworms. This time, different meds, and ointment for his eye. STILL not better. This time I took him in to the vet and told them I wasn't leaving until he was better. That was Wed. They gave him a shot for the tapeworms, Frontline for some fleas, his eye was better so more ointment, and Sat. he seemed fine. Now today when we woke up he had gone to the bathroom in the kitchen (which he did when he was originally really sick), and as soon as he sees either one of us, he runs and hides. He also has FLV. I'm worried sick, and don't know what to do. Anyone else here ever deal with something like this? Also, what's the best way to clean up the mess in the kitchen? I want to eliminate the odor so he won't go in there again! Thanks so much! Beckie
RE: Hi everyone. New here. Need help with my kitty please.
Hi Beckie, Welcome to the group! I can't advise you on the FeLV issues or the other problems Moe, but the mess in the kitchen I have a lot of experience with-if it's urine that you're talking about. Our Bandit was going in the heat vent, of all places, this winter. We tried everything. The first thing we did was take him to the vet. His urine was full of crystals-making it very difficult to go to the bathroom, and since it burned a lot, he often felt the need to pee even if it was only a little dribble. Once we got that cured (with prescription food), the problem didn't stop. He was attracted to the smell (or so we thought), and kept going in the same place. We tried all the spray odor eliminators; we tried putting the plastic carpet protector sheets down with the pokey side up (so he wouldn't go over there); we tried putting cayenne pepper over the plastic pokey stuff where he was going. All of this did not work at all. Not even a little. Our vet decided that it was not a physical health issue, but a mental health issue. Bandit was stressed out about something-having anxiety-and it would be very difficult to determine what that anxiety was from. It could be a cat outside; new neighbors; a new building in the neighborhood, etc. We tried the plug in Feliway stuff which is supposed to calm them down. Nope. No luck. So, we started him on Prozac (Fluoxetine). Half a pill a day at about $6.00 a month. His attitude and enthusiasm didn't change (still a great cat), but his peeing in the heat vent (or as close to it as he could get) stopped overnight! So, my advice: you can try using the odor eliminators that they sell in most big stores which is supposed to remove the enzymes that attract them to the same spot, but if that doesn't work-don't give up! It could be an anxiety issue-especially if you've been going to the vet a lot lately which is probably stressful for Moe. Prozac is a cheap remedy that I think many scoff at since it's just a cat, but it really saved us all a lot of turmoil and stress! I hope everything else goes well for you! Melissa _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Beckie McRae Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 9:22 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Hi everyone. New here. Need help with my kitty please. Hi everyone. My name is Beckie. I'm 25 and live in Iowa with my boyfriend and 3 cats (2 of whom are FLV positive). I'm hoping you guys can help me. I have a cat named Moe and he's about 3 and has FLV. About 3 weeks ago, I noticed some bumps around his neck and on his back, and he started to lose his hair. I took him to the vet, and she said it was an environmental allergy, gave him some meds and sent us home. Well the meds just made him worse, so the next week I took him back, and this time he had a severe infection in his eye and tapeworms. This time, different meds, and ointment for his eye. STILL not better. This time I took him in to the vet and told them I wasn't leaving until he was better. That was Wed. They gave him a shot for the tapeworms, Frontline for some fleas, his eye was better so more ointment, and Sat. he seemed fine. Now today when we woke up he had gone to the bathroom in the kitchen (which he did when he was originally really sick), and as soon as he sees either one of us, he runs and hides. He also has FLV. I'm worried sick, and don't know what to do. Anyone else here ever deal with something like this? Also, what's the best way to clean up the mess in the kitchen? I want to eliminate the odor so he won't go in there again! Thanks so much! Beckie
Re: Hi everyone. New here. Need help with my kitty please.
Hi, I just want to clarify that what he has is Felk (feline leukemia) and not FIV before I say anything - First of all, please be careful what you give to felk kitties - their immune system is already compromised, so whenever you give a hard medications, you want to make sure that that is really what you are dealing with rather than just trial' and error - as medication can make the situation much worse. First of all, has he lost any weight? Does he eat? does he play? have you doen stool sample test? Have you ran any blood work on him? skin problems are usually hard to identify the cause of -- any unfortunately, usually traditional vets will try to use steroid to suppress the symptoms than treating to treat the underlying cause. If he has not lost weight, and eating well - try not to be too concerned -- as I worry that all the medications you are giving him can cause suppression of his immune system and can actiavate the felk virus. Try some omega oil, flex seed oil.. etc which usually good for skin problems. - Original Message - From: Beckie McRaemailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgmailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 8:22 AM Subject: Hi everyone. New here. Need help with my kitty please. Hi everyone. My name is Beckie. I'm 25 and live in Iowa with my boyfriend and 3 cats (2 of whom are FLV positive). I'm hoping you guys can help me. I have a cat named Moe and he's about 3 and has FLV. About 3 weeks ago, I noticed some bumps around his neck and on his back, and he started to lose his hair. I took him to the vet, and she said it was an environmental allergy, gave him some meds and sent us home. Well the meds just made him worse, so the next week I took him back, and this time he had a severe infection in his eye and tapeworms. This time, different meds, and ointment for his eye. STILL not better. This time I took him in to the vet and told them I wasn't leaving until he was better. That was Wed. They gave him a shot for the tapeworms, Frontline for some fleas, his eye was better so more ointment, and Sat. he seemed fine. Now today when we woke up he had gone to the bathroom in the kitchen (which he did when he was originally really sick), and as soon as he sees either one of us, he runs and hides. He also has FLV. I'm worried sick, and don't know what to do. Anyone else here ever deal with something like this? Also, what's the best way to clean up the mess in the kitchen? I want to eliminate the odor so he won't go in there again! Thanks so much! Beckie
RE: Hi Everyone
Julie, It's good to have you back from me too! I'm glad your husband is doing better, and of course I'm pulling for little Tator Tot! tonya"MacKenzie, Kerry N." [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes, JulieI echo Barb's words--no pressure intended, but you have indeed beenVERY missed! much love, Kerry -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Barb MoermondSent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 12:34 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Hi Everyone Julie, It is so good to hear from you; your presence here has been greatly missed. I'm so sorry that health issues have abounded, but I'm praying for a long quiet spell for you and your family. Good to have you back HUGSJulie Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was ! done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it
Re: Hi everyone - long
Hi Bonnie, Prayers are on the way for your kitties and for you! I'm so sorry to hear that all this is happening; it's so hard when it seems that everything is happening at once. Giving sub-q fluids at home is not at all difficult to learn; it can be a bit of trouble if the animal really dislikes it, because you need 8 hands to give the fluids and restrain them at the same time. I have a couple of kitties, though, who don't care at all; I literally "plug them in" and they just sit there while I do other things! Sending you all best wishes, JulieBonnie Nelson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have to admit, I have been only a lurker here for the last year or so. My teaching schedule and problems in personal life with family type stuff have kept me pretty busy. I have been reading every email but many times pretty late and felt awkward responding to some of the sad occurrences over a month late, hence I haven't been responding or posting at all. I sent James an email a few weeks ago changing my email address because our college has just moved to university status and our addresses changed. I did not want to lose contact, so I just put through the email change and have still gotten them but looked back and noted the last one I have read was the end of June - still quite behind in reading. I want to say I have cried many tears reading about the new furangels and celebrated when new kitties were given homes. I am just so sorry that I never posted anything. Especially since right now when I really need to ask for your support. James the week after I told you my cats were doing okay - just getting old, I had 2 cats slow down on their eating. Collette - my asthmatic, IBD and positive FELV test once has slowed down but still eats some. The vet feels like she is moving into pulmonary fibrosus because of the asthma and may be coming to the end because of that problem. The real shocker was when my Antoinette pretty much stopped eating around the same time. I took all three of my cats to the vet - because Cossette needed new blood work before having her teeth cleaned - got all ready for it last November and then never got around to doing it. Any way the vet cleared her for teeth cleaning - all blood work was fine. Collette's blood work was fine but the vet noted her chest enlargement and the progression of her asthma - kind of like people getting chronic obstructive lung disease, but the real shocker was that Antoinette ( Annie) had lost 2 pounds in the 6 month period she had last been there - I told the vet, I really think it occurred in the last 2 - 3 weeks when she slowed down on her eating. She gave me some different suggestions and I tried them all.I am glad that I have still been reading because I have also tried the turkey, chicken and beef lunch meats. Remebered that she liked cream cheese, plain donuts and an occassional potato chip. We have gone through absolutely every kind of cat food and even tried KMR since I remembered when I rescued her that she took that through a bottle for 3 weeks till she was big enough to eat regular kitten food. I took Cossette in for her teeth cleaning and arranged a follow-up for Annie. She had gone from 11 lbs down to 8.9 lbs in about 4 weeks. The vet asked what I wanted her to do and of course I said find something we can fix. I know Annie is 15 years old but she still cuddles and massages my neck, so I didn't think she was ready to go yet. Unfortunately, the chest x-ray showed a lung tumor. Her belly looked fine but her blood work showed that she was heading toward hepatic lipidosis. I asked about an oncologist and the vet told me the closest one was in Southfield, Michigan and I live in Toledo, Ohio. Because of a bad back and legs I don't know how many trips up there I could make but I'm not giving up. The vet gave me some A/D food and feeding syringes but so far Annie has been eating that on her own - about 2 tsp. twice last night and 2 tsp twice this morning. Then I had to come to work. I will be leaving shortly and will let her eat or force feed her every couple of hours tonight. I am taking Collette in for a new chest x-ray to check on her asthma and blood worrk because she still in not eating much either. Collette and Cossette were both from the same liter and are each 16 years old. I know my cats are getting old and the vet understands that I am not giving up on them. When I look in their eyes they are still there. Cossette's teeth cleaning went well yesterday and I even had them do chest an abdominal xrays on her and she looks fine. That was about the only good news this week. So, I guess I need to ask if Belinda can add to the candlelight service - Collette - FELV + once, then negative 6 months later by IFA - thank goodness I joined this group and knew what to ask for. And please add Antoinette (Annie) to the list for her lung cancer and that she either start eating so we can see the oncologist or have a peaceful end. She cuddled in my arm the entire night last
Hi everyone - long
I have to admit, I have been only a lurker here for the last year or so. My teaching schedule and problems in personal life with family type stuff have kept me pretty busy. I have been reading every email but many times pretty late and felt awkward responding to some of the sad occurrences over a month late, hence I haven't been responding or posting at all. I sent James an email a few weeks ago changing my email address because our college has just moved to university status and our addresses changed. I did not want to lose contact, so I just put through the email change and have still gotten them but looked back and noted the last one I have read was the end of June - still quite behind in reading. I want to say I have cried many tears reading about the new furangels and celebrated when new kitties were given homes. I am just so sorry that I never posted anything. Especially since right now when I really need to ask for your support. James the week after I told you my cats were doing okay - just getting old, I had 2 cats slow down on their eating. Collette - my asthmatic, IBD and positive FELV test once has slowed down but still eats some. The vet feels like she is moving into pulmonary fibrosus because of the asthma and may be coming to the end because of that problem. The real shocker was when my Antoinette pretty much stopped eating around the same time. I took all three of my cats to the vet - because Cossette needed new blood work before having her teeth cleaned - got all ready for it last November and then never got around to doing it. Any way the vet cleared her for teeth cleaning - all blood work was fine. Collette's blood work was fine but the vet noted her chest enlargement and the progression of her asthma - kind of like people getting chronic obstructive lung disease, but the real shocker was that Antoinette ( Annie) had lost 2 pounds in the 6 month period she had last been there - I told the vet, I really think it occurred in the last 2 - 3 weeks when she slowed down on her eating. She gave me some different suggestions and I tried them all. I am glad that I have still been reading because I have also tried the turkey, chicken and beef lunch meats. Remebered that she liked cream cheese, plain donuts and an occassional potato chip. We have gone through absolutely every kind of cat food and even tried KMR since I remembered when I rescued her that she took that through a bottle for 3 weeks till she was big enough to eat regular kitten food. I took Cossette in for her teeth cleaning and arranged a follow-up for Annie. She had gone from 11 lbs down to 8.9 lbs in about 4 weeks. The vet asked what I wanted her to do and of course I said find something we can fix. I know Annie is 15 years old but she still cuddles and massages my neck, so I didn't think she was ready to go yet. Unfortunately, the chest x-ray showed a lung tumor. Her belly looked fine but her blood work showed that she was heading toward hepatic lipidosis. I asked about an oncologist and the vet told me the closest one was in Southfield, Michigan and I live in Toledo, Ohio. Because of a bad back and legs I don't know how many trips up there I could make but I'm not giving up. The vet gave me some A/D food and feeding syringes but so far Annie has been eating that on her own - about 2 tsp. twice last night and 2 tsp twice this morning. Then I had to come to work. I will be leaving shortly and will let her eat or force feed her every couple of hours tonight. I am taking Collette in for a new chest x-ray to check on her asthma and blood worrk because she still in not eating much either. Collette and Cossette were both from the same liter and are each 16 years old. I know my cats are getting old and the vet understands that I am not giving up on them. When I look in their eyes they are still there. Cossette's teeth cleaning went well yesterday and I even had them do chest an abdominal xrays on her and she looks fine. That was about the only good news this week. So, I guess I need to ask if Belinda can add to the candlelight service - Collette - FELV + once, then negative 6 months later by IFA - thank goodness I joined this group and knew what to ask for. And please add Antoinette (Annie) to the list for her lung cancer and that she either start eating so we can see the oncologist or have a peaceful end. She cuddled in my arm the entire night last night and woke me up with a neck and cheek message. She isn't giving up yet and neither am I. The vet gave her 200 ml of subq fluids yesterday and will give her another 200 tomorrow when I go in for her weight check. I am going to ask them if I can take a try at this and continue doing it at home to keep her comfortable and maintain some fluids. Again, I am sorry for not participating much lately. Annie, I remember when you joined the group and sense that you are not far away. Gloria, Belinda, and the rest of the old group when
Re: Hi everyone - long
Bonnie, Big hugs to you and your three elderly girls. How stressful to have them all going through something at once. We don't care that you haven't been posting, you know that's not what we're about. I'm praying for answers and quick recoveries. Take heart, you're not alone. Nina
Re: Hi everyone - long
Hi Bonnie, I remember you -- I know what you mean about turning into a lurker -- I've done that too. Busy busy busy! I also am down to 1 supposed FeLV+. Salome' is the only positive left (but I think she's not really infected -- every ELISA is positive, but she never gets sick, and she's 9-1/2 now). The other 3 are negative. Sending positive vibes your way. Try to keep in touch! Terri in NJ =^..^= Terri, Salome', Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, and 5 furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth and Alec =^..^= Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My FeLV Site: http://pages.ivillage.com/ruthiegirl1/MyFeLVinformationSite/My Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350 - Original Message - From: Bonnie Nelson To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2005 3:30 PM Subject: Hi everyone - long I have to admit, I have been only a lurker here for the last year or so. My teaching schedule and problems in personal life with family type stuff have kept me pretty busy. I have been reading every email but many times pretty late and felt awkward responding to some of the sad occurrences over a month late, hence I haven't been responding or posting at all. I sent James an email a few weeks ago changing my email address because our college has just moved to university status and our addresses changed. I did not want to lose contact, so I just put through the email change and have still gotten them but looked back and noted the last one I have read was the end of June - still quite behind in reading. I want to say I have cried many tears reading about the new furangels and celebrated when new kitties were given homes. I am just so sorry that I never posted anything. Especially since right now when I really need to ask for your support. James the week after I told you my cats were doing okay - just getting old, I had 2 cats slow down on their eating. Collette - my asthmatic, IBD and positive FELV test once has slowed down but still eats some. The vet feels like she is moving into pulmonary fibrosus because of the asthma and may be coming to the end because of that problem. The real shocker was when my Antoinette pretty much stopped eating around the same time. I took all three of my cats to the vet - because Cossette needed new blood work before having her teeth cleaned - got all ready for it last November and then never got around to doing it. Any way the vet cleared her for teeth cleaning - all blood work was fine. Collette's blood work was fine but the vet noted her chest enlargement and the progression of her asthma - kind of like people getting chronic obstructive lung disease, but the real shocker was that Antoinette ( Annie) had lost 2 pounds in the 6 month period she had last been there - I told the vet, I really think it occurred in the last 2 - 3 weeks when she slowed down on her eating. She gave me some different suggestions and I tried them all.I am glad that I have still been reading because I have also tried the turkey, chicken and beef lunch meats. Remebered that she liked cream cheese, plain donuts and an occassional potato chip. We have gone through absolutely every kind of cat food and even tried KMR since I remembered when I rescued her that she took that through a bottle for 3 weeks till she was big enough to eat regular kitten food. I took Cossette in for her teeth cleaning and arranged a follow-up for Annie. She had gone from 11 lbs down to 8.9 lbs in about 4 weeks. The vet asked what I wanted her to do and of course I said find something we can fix. I know Annie is 15 years old but she still cuddles and massages my neck, so I didn't think she was ready to go yet. Unfortunately, the chest x-ray showed a lung tumor. Her belly looked fine but her blood work showed that she was heading toward hepatic lipidosis. I asked about an oncologist and the vet told me the closest one was in Southfield, Michigan and I live in Toledo, Ohio. Because of a bad back and legs I don't know how many trips up there I could make but I'm not giving up. The vet gave me some A/D food and feeding syringes but so far Annie has been eating that on her own - about 2 tsp. twice last night and 2 tsp twice this morning. Then I had to come to work. I will be leaving shortly and will let her eat or force feed her every couple of hours tonight. I am taking Collette in for a new chest x-ray to check on her asthma and blood worrk because she still in not eating much either. Collette and Cossette were both from the same liter and are each 16 years old. I know my cats are getting old and the vet understands that I am not giving up on them. When I look in their eyes they are still there. Cossette's teeth cleaning went well yesterday and I even had them do chest
Re: Hi Everyone/Fleas
Hi Julie, It's good to hear from you again - in spite of all the $hi+ you've gone through this year. I can sympathize about the fleas!! I have one cat (semi feral - long hair) Meowmee who must have a flea allergy. She has scratched her neck area RAW. The others are just beginning to scratch more than normal. (My vet says this is a very bad flea summer by the way.) Anyway, I can't put any frontline on Meowmee (yet) because of all the broken skin around her neck - so my vet gave me some Capstar tablets to give her (1 every 2 days) until her skin heals enough for the frontline. Capstar works within 30 minutes to kill any fleas on the cat but only lasts for up to 48 hours in the system. I don't have my bill with me, so I can't tell you prices, but it's not cheap enough to keep them on it long-term. However, it CAN be used in conjunction with the frontline to really blitz the toughest of flea infestations. Here's hoping that your luck and life is on the upswing now! Kat (Mew Jersey)
Re: Hi Everyone/Fleas
most of the vets around here DON'T carry capstar, but a major breed rescue recommends it for any cat first coming into rescue with fleas--gets rids of them right away, so they don't bring any into the environment On 8/10/05, Kat [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Julie, It's good to hear from you again - in spite of all the $hi+ you've gone through this year. I can sympathize about the fleas!! I have one cat (semi feral - long hair) Meowmee who must have a flea allergy. She has scratched her neck area RAW. The others are just beginning to scratch more than normal. (My vet says this is a very bad flea summer by the way.) Anyway, I can't put any frontline on Meowmee (yet) because of all the broken skin around her neck - so my vet gave me some Capstar tablets to give her (1 every 2 days) until her skin heals enough for the frontline. Capstar works within 30 minutes to kill any fleas on the cat but only lasts for up to 48 hours in the system. I don't have my bill with me, so I can't tell you prices, but it's not cheap enough to keep them on it long-term. However, it CAN be used in conjunction with the frontline to really blitz the toughest of flea infestations. Here's hoping that your luck and life is on the upswing now! Kat (Mew Jersey) -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: Hi Everyone
Dear Anne, Thanks so much for your kind words and thoughts. I'm so delighted for Sophie! She's an amazing little girl. Poor Jimi; stomatitis is just miserable. Give them all a big smooch from me! Love, Julie[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Julie, So good to hear from you! I can't even imagine how scary it was when your husband told you he was blind. I'm so glad it turned out all right and that Brownie is doing much better now, without his eyes. I will keep Tater Tot in my thoughts and prayers for a smooth ride for a long, long while and that all is OK with him. Sophie is doing great. She needs enemas less and less and acts just like a regular kitty now, enjoying life and free to roam. Simms is doing just fine, too. Jimi Too Cool is doing pretty well except for his stomatitis. Hugs for you and yours,Anne and Jimi Too Cool, Simms and Sophie in MI "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Hi Everyone
Thanks, Terri! I've been speechless (hard to believe, I know!) more than once myself over the last few months! JulieTerri Brown [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Wow, What can I say -- but it's so good to see you back on the list. Terri - Original Message - From: Julie Johnson To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 10:40 AM Subject: Hi Everyone Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so dangerous (it takes fingernail polish off!!!) but I have 3 cats who get terrible dermatitis from flea bites and I couldn't let them be miserable, but I really, really don't like using it. So, that's what I've been up to! 2005 officially sucks! A big, group hug to everyone and headbutts to all the kitties! Love, Julie"I hol
Re: Hi Everyone/Fleas
Thanks so much for that suggestion; I've seen it in some of my catalogs but never knew anyone who actually used it; good to have experienced feedback! TenHouseCats [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: most of the vets around here DON'T carry capstar, but a major breedrescue recommends it for any cat first coming into rescue withfleas--gets rids of them right away, so they don't bring any into theenvironmentOn 8/10/05, Kat <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: Hi Julie, It's good to hear from you again - in spite of all the $hi+ you've gone through this year. I can sympathize about the fleas!! I have one cat (semi feral - long hair) "Meowmee" who must have a flea allergy. She has scratched her neck area RAW. The others are just beginning to scratch more than normal. (My vet says this is a very bad flea summer by the way.) Anyway, I can't put any frontline on Meowmee (yet) because of all the broken skin around her neck - so my vet gave me some Capstar tablets to give her (1 every 2 days) until her skin heals enough for the frontline. Capstar works within 30 minutes to kill any fleas on the cat but only lasts for up to 48 hours in the system. I don't have my bill with me, so I can't tell you prices, but it's not cheap enough to keep them on it long-term. However, it CAN be used in conjunction with the frontline to really blitz the toughest of flea infestations. Here's hoping that your luck and life is on the upswing now! Kat (Mew Jersey) -- MaryChristineAIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCatsMSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]ICQ: 289856892"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
Re: Hi Everyone
Hi Nina, Thanks so much; it's great to be back among my friends. He definately had lots of good kitty vibes going on; in fact, he said one of the things that made it hard to sleep in the hospital was the absence of cats on the bed! I may have written about Tater Tot; he's from the litter of the sickest kittens ever born. He had all his teeth pulled at 1 year of age because he had such sever and aggressive stomatitis. He's only 6 and he's such a little clown; I miss his antics. Tommy is my IBD kitty and he has good days and bad. Earlier this summer we tried him on a course of Flagyl and prednisone and there really was no change. We also tried him on a course of antibiotics (he had a slightly elevated WBC count and Wendy thought there was a possibility he had some minor infection along the tract somewhere) which really had no affect. I've been giving him raw hamburger lately and he loves it and I think he may have marginally better digestion when he eats it. Brownie is such a wonder! He's such a happy fellow despite everything he has endured. Julie Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Oh my Julie, you and hubby certainly have been through it! I'm so pleased to hear he's back at work and doing so much better. So very, very scary. The scene you painted of him in bed surrounded by furry loved ones reminded me of when my husband was bed-bound recovering from an auto accident. Aren't our kids wonderful? Rehabilitative love works both ways! I remember Brownie and what a trooper he is and has been. I'm pleased to hear he's not in any pain and enjoying his life more. Poor little Tator Tot. Try not to dwell on what the vet says about "it not looking good". "Looks" can be deceiving! I'm pulling for him. Have you spoken about him before? I'm sorry I can't remember. I know you have an IBD kitty too. How is he doing? Welcome back Julie!NinaJulie Johnson wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day that he could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysine since he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed
Re: Hi Everyone
Thank you very much for that link, Jenn.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Julie, here is the link to that support group with members that have blind cats. They are very nice people on there, and some of them have cats exactly like yours, with eyes that have been completely removed. The cat that used to be on their home page was like that, but they recently changed the picture to Sugar instead. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HANDICATS2/ Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a FIV+ cat: http://jenn.rescuegroup.org/FELV/FIV/~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil!No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.4/66 - Release Date: 8/9/2005"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Hi Everyone/Fleas
Thanks so much, Kat; it's great to be back among friends! Thanks for the info on Capstar, too; that's the second time it's been recommended to me. I'm going to have to get some. Mew Jersey has roughly the same weather pattern at Kat-necticut, and I think it must be the humidity that is contributing to such a bad flea problem this year. The last time I can remember it being this bad was about 12 years ago when we had a very tropical summer (I had only 3 kitties then!) and we ended up having to have the house fumigated. That's not much of an option now because I have too many kitties to pack up (not to mention the ones I can't touch!), so I'm going along, combing, washing, Boraxing.I did get one of those little traps that have a small light and a glue pad. I set it up last night and we'll see if it can contribute to the effort! I was considering the old natural method of a lamp on the floor with a shallow dish of soapy water under the light, but I'm reasonably sure that somebody (that would be a 4-legged somebody) wouldtip the lamp into the water and set the house on fire! JulieKat [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Julie,It's good to hear from you again - in spite of all the $hi+ you've gonethrough this year. I can sympathize about the fleas!! I have one cat(semi feral - long hair) "Meowmee" who must have a flea allergy. She hasscratched her neck area RAW. The others are just beginning to scratchmore than normal. (My vet says this is a very bad flea summer by the way.)Anyway, I can't put any frontline on Meowmee (yet) because of all thebroken skin around her neck - so my vet gave me some Capstar tablets togive her (1 every 2 days) until her skin heals enough for the frontline.Capstar works within 30 minutes to kill any fleas on the cat but onlylasts for up to 48 hours in the system. I don't have my bill with me, soI can't tell you prices, but it's not cheap enough to keep them on itlong-term. However, it CAN be used in conjunction with the frontline toreally blitz the toughest of flea infestations.Here's hoping that your luck and life is on the upswing now!Kat (Mew Jersey)"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
Re: Hi Everyone
Julie, I'm not sure if we've discussed this before, but I am positive that what saved Gypsy's life from IBD was a raw diet. She was also on Pred and Flagil, and, well, you name it. The raw allowed her system to process food the way it's suppose to. I do remember you talking about removing the teeth of a one year old. Another fighter! Along with superb caregiving, you must be one heck of a cheerleader! Keep up the good work girl. Nina Julie Johnson wrote: Hi Nina, Thanks so much; it's great to be back among my friends. He definately had lots of good kitty vibes going on; in fact, he said one of the things that made it hard to sleep in the hospital was the absence of cats on the bed! I may have written about Tater Tot; he's from the litter of the sickest kittens ever born. He had all his teeth pulled at 1 year of age because he had such sever and aggressive stomatitis. He's only 6 and he's such a little clown; I miss his antics. Tommy is my IBD kitty and he has good days and bad. Earlier this summer we tried him on a course of Flagyl and prednisone and there really was no change. We also tried him on a course of antibiotics (he had a slightly elevated WBC count and Wendy thought there was a possibility he had some minor infection along the tract somewhere) which really had no affect. I've been giving him raw hamburger lately and he loves it and I think he may have marginally better digestion when he eats it. Brownie is such a wonder! He's such a happy fellow despite everything he has endured. Julie
Hi Everyone
Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so dangerous (it takes fingernail polish off!!!) but I have 3 cats who get terrible dermatitis from flea bites and I couldn't let them be miserable, but I really, really don't like using it. So, that's what I've been up to! 2005 officially sucks! A big, group hug to everyone and headbutts to all the kitties! Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.__Do
Re: Hi Everyone
Julie You have been in my thoughts and not hearing from you in a long time, I worried the worst ... sounds like you are hovering about there (worst) ... hopefully that worst is over and you, hubby, and kitties are on the upswing. You have certainly had an overflowing plate. Prayers and healthy thoughts continue for you. Big hugs, Del - Original Message - From: Julie Johnson To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 9:40 AM Subject: Hi Everyone Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so
Re: Hi Everyone
Thank you so much, Del. I missed you all! I am really hoping for some smooth sailing for a while JulieDel Daniels [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Julie You have been in my thoughts and not hearing from you in a long time, I worried the worst ... sounds like you are hovering about there (worst) ... hopefully that worst is over and you, hubby, and kitties are on the upswing. You have certainly had an overflowing plate. Prayers and healthy thoughts continue for you. Big hugs, Del - Original Message - From: Julie Johnson To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 9:40 AM Subject: Hi Everyone Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so dangerous (it takes fingernail polish off!!!) but I have 3 cats who get terrible
Re: Hi Everyone
Eww, what shitty luck you've had Julie! What can I say to all of that but gees, that really sucks! Where in the NE are you? I'm in Vermont myself. My mate also has Diabetes, but so far has not had any serious complications. I am not looking forward to any of that! I'll keep your kitties in my thoughts. I'm sure your blind guy is much happier now that he is not in pain! I know of an EXCELLENT support group with lots of members who have blind cats, if you are interested. Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a FIV+ cat: http://jenn.rescuegroup.org/FELV/FIV/~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.4/66 - Release Date: 8/9/2005
Re: Hi Everyone
I am so glad you have resurfaced. I have been concerned about you, your husband and chargesas well. JoanJulie Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so dangerous (it takes fingernail polish off!!!) but I have 3 cats who get terrible dermatitis from flea bites and I couldn't let them be miserable, but I really, really don't like using it. So, that's what I've been up to! 2005 officially sucks! A big, group hug to everyone and headbutts to all the kitties! Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If
Re: Hi Everyone
Hi Jenn, So nice to "meet" you! Thanks so much for all the kinds words! I'm in northeastern Connecticut; not too terribly far from you. Thanks so much for the support group suggestion; Brownie was blind before his eyes were removed and he has his area of the FIV+ room marked off with a baby gate so he can't wander when I'm not there. Frankly, I don't think he wants to! He has a fluffy little bed which he adores and he cuddles up there and never makes a move to go past his foodbowl! He's an older fellow and had a pretty rough life, so I think he's content to eat and relax (which sounds really good to me, too!). Julie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Eww, what shitty luck you've had Julie! What can I say to all of that but gees, that really sucks! Where in the NE are you? I'm in Vermont myself. My mate also has Diabetes, but so far has not had any serious complications. I am not looking forward to any of that! I'll keep your kitties in my thoughts. I'm sure your blind guy is much happier now that he is not in pain! I know of an EXCELLENT support group with lots of members who have blind cats, if you are interested. Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a FIV+ cat: http://jenn.rescuegroup.org/FELV/FIV/~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil!No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.4/66 - Release Date: 8/9/2005"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Hi Everyone
Dear Joan, Thanks so much; I've so missed everyone! Love, JulieJoan Doljan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am so glad you have resurfaced. I have been concerned about you, your husband and chargesas well. JoanJulie Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so dangerous (it takes fingernail polish off!!!) but I have 3 cats who get terrible dermatitis from flea bites and I couldn't let them be miserable, but I really, really don't like using it. So, that's what I've been up to! 2005 officially sucks! A big, group hug to everyone and headbutts to all the kitties! Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can
Re: Hi Everyone
Dear Terrie, Thank you for all your kinds words. I've beenbeen miserable not being a part of the group!We're hanging in there and trying to stay upbeat. We feel very fortunate that things worked out, but a little "down time" would be great! Julie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Oh My God, Julie! My heart goes out to you! I hope everything starts getting better for you and your husband. I'm so sorry to hear about the kitties they are in my thoughts. Your family and furkids will be thought of from WA. state. Thanks for updating us was wondering about you since we hadn't heard from you lately. Glad to hear your doing okay! Terrie MohrTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEOwner/DriverCheck sites for available Siameses for adoption!http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/Click Here to Join WASHINGTON SIAMESE RESCUE Yahoo Group!http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescueClick Here to Join K9 and Puddy Xpress Yahoo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K9andPuddyXpress/joinhttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlPetfinder.comAdopt a Homeless Pet!http://www.petfinder.com/http://www.orecatay.com/http://www.awca.net/index.htmhttp://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.petloss.com/http://www.meezer.com/http://thesiamesestore.com/http://tx.siameserescue.org/adopt.htmlSouthern CA. Siamese Rescuehttp://cs.siameserescue.org/Northern CA. Siamese Rescuehttp://cn.siameserescue.org/http://co.siameserescue.org/http://va.siameserescue.org/https://www.paypal.com/"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet.__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Hi Everyone
Julie, I am sorry to hear about you husband's problems, but I am happy that you both are getting back to normal (whatever that means). You have had one Hell of a year so far, I just hope with all my being that the remainder goes better for you and yours. I am happy to hear about Brownie, and his head butting, but saddened for Tater Tot, I am sure they were great comfort to both you and your husband through his ordeals. I will send Tater Tot all the positve vibes I have left in me, and great big hugs to you and yours. Stay upbeat and positive, you sound like your families driving force ;-)) Cherie Julie Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so dangerous (it takes fingernail polish off!!!) but I have 3 cats who get terrible dermatitis
Re: Hi Everyone
Hi Cherie, Thanks so much for your kind words and good vibes for Tater Tot; I'm so worried about him. You're absolutely right; the kitties were a wonderful comfort. When Steve was taking pain medication, he'd nap several times a day and he had LOTS of company. In fact, they all wanted to know why we didn't do this all the time; they thought it was great! JulieCherie A Gabbert [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Julie, I am sorry to hear about you husband's problems, but I am happy that you both are getting back to normal (whatever that means). You have had one Hell of a year so far, I just hope with all my being that the remainder goes better for you and yours. I am happy to hear about Brownie, and his head butting, but saddened for Tater Tot, I am sure they were great comfort to both you and your husband through his ordeals. I will send Tater Tot all the positve vibes I have left in me, and great big hugs to you and yours. Stay upbeat and positive, you sound like your families driving force ;-)) Cherie Julie Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you")
RE: Hi Everyone
That would be wonderful, Joan! Happy to year your Tator Tot is doing fine!"Doljan, Joan" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I just adopted out a Tator Tot,a wobbly, (CH) and she is doing fine. Hopefully the same name will bring the same luck. Joan -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Julie JohnsonSent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 12:05 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Hi Everyone Hi Cherie, Thanks so much for your kind words and good vibes for Tater Tot; I'm so worried about him. You're absolutely right; the kitties were a wonderful comfort. When Steve was taking pain medication, he'd nap several times a day and he had LOTS of company. In fact, they all wanted to know why we didn't do this all the time; they thought it was great! JulieCherie A Gabbert [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Julie, I am sorry to hear about you husband's problems, but I am happy that you both are getting back to normal (whatever that means). You have had one Hell of a year so far, I just hope with all my being that the remainder goes better for you and yours. I am happy to hear about Brownie, and his head butting, but saddened for Tater Tot, I am sure they were great comfort to both you and your husband through his ordeals. I will send Tater Tot all the positve vibes I have left in me, and great big hugs to you and yours. Stay upbeat and positive, you sound like your families driving force ;-)) Cherie Julie Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I
RE: Hi Everyone
Title: Message Dear Julie Amazing---I was thinking of you just at the weekend, and thinking I must send you an email just to say hiso it's so good to hear from you! I am so sorry for the awful timethe hel*lish ordeal---you and your husband have endured. I can totally understand that while you both feel fortunate for the outcome, you must indeed be very angry about what could have happened. I hope you and your husband can now look forward to his continuing recovery. I'm sorry too about your workplace yuckiness--who needs that?---and I really hope things improve vastly and soon on that front for you too. Good to hear Brownie is feeling a lot better, but I'm sorry Tater Tot is having such adifficult time. I'm sending out lots of positive healing vibes for the little soul, and praying along with you that his condition is treatable. When will you know? Wish I had some advice about the fleas, but I know others will jump in. (Is this a time to get professional help--is it even worthwhile? ie do they use the "real thing" whatever that may be? I've hired mice people in the past and it worked like a dream in contrast to my efforts--never saw a mouse again---but I don't know about fleas.) A thought: my building (I live in a 12-unit condo building) has had an invasion of roaches this year for the first time in my 9 years of living there. So far, knock on wood, I haven't seen one yet, and I don't know if this is the reason, but I bought 2 electronic repellents from http://www.pestrepellerultimate.com/google.htm I just checked, and theyprofess to repel fleas too.They offer a 30-day guarantee, so you can't lose--I did have to send one back, because it was defective (it's supposed to be silent to the human ear but I could hear the buzz it made)and the company were good to deal with---they sent a replacement immediately along with a postage paid envelope to send the original back. Anyway, just a thought! Hope the remainder of 2005 improves hugely for you and all of yours---I can't think ofanyone who deserves a BIG break more, take care, Julie, love and hugs, Kerry http://www.pestrepellerultimate.com/google.htm -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Julie JohnsonSent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 9:41 AMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Hi Everyone Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was ! done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater To
Re: Hi Everyone
Julie, I'm so happy that your husband is doing better. You are very lucky. Complication from diabetes can quickly take your loved ones from you. You have to be on top of diabetes all the time, we can't always trust the medical profession to be. I'm sure Brownie and Tator Tot are on there way back to good health too. You've been through so much, you'll be in my prayers. Sheila
Re: Hi Everyone
Thank you so much, Sheila. You're right; one has to be hyper-vigilant all the time. It can be exhausting. I could really go for some dullness! Take care, Julie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Julie, I'm so happy that your husband is doing better. You are very lucky. Complication from diabetes can quickly take your loved ones from you. You have to be on top of diabetes all the time, we can't always trust the medical profession to be. I'm sure Brownie and Tator Tot are on there way back to good health too. You've been through so much, you'll be in my prayers. Sheila "I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)Paws Come WITH Claws!!!If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think your decision to acquire a pet. Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page jpg4mFBSmjmGG.jpg Description: JPEG image
Re: Hi Everyone
Julie, It is so good to hear from you; your presence here has been greatly missed. I'm so sorry that health issues have abounded, but I'm praying for a long quiet spell for you and your family. Good to have you back HUGSJulie Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so dangerous (it takes fingernail polish off!!!) but I have 3 cats who get terrible dermatitis from flea bites and I couldn't let them be miserable, but I really, really don't like using it. So, that's what I've been up to! 2005 officially sucks! A big, group hug to everyone and headbutts to all the kitties! Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it isto protection by man from the cruelty of man. " "The greatness of a nation and its
Re: Hi Everyone
You're so sweet, Barb! I'm so happy to be back and am loving the hug! Julie Barb Moermond [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Julie, It is so good to hear from you; your presence here has been greatly missed. I'm so sorry that health issues have abounded, but I'm praying for a long quiet spell for you and your family. Good to have you back HUGSJulie Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so dangerous (it takes fingernail polish off!!!) but I have 3 cats who get terrible dermatitis from flea bites and I couldn't let them be miserable, but I really, really don't like using it. So, that's what I've been up to! 2005 officially sucks! A big, group hug to everyone and headbutts to all the kitties! Love, Julie"I hold that, the more helpless a
Re: Hi Everyone
Wow, What can I say -- but it's so good to see you back on the list. Terri - Original Message - From: Julie Johnson To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 10:40 AM Subject: Hi Everyone Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, "no; I'm blind". OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day thathe could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysinesince he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off)they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, "I WILL kill you") and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax down! I've had to use Frontline on everyone (Program for the ferals because I can slip it into their food) which I hate to do because I think it's so dangerous (it takes fingernail polish off!!!) but I have 3 cats who get terrible dermatitis from flea bites and I couldn't let them be miserable, but I really, really don't like using it. So, that's what I've been up to! 2005 officially sucks! A big, g
Re: Hi Everyone
Oh my Julie, you and hubby certainly have been through it! I'm so pleased to hear he's back at work and doing so much better. So very, very scary. The scene you painted of him in bed surrounded by furry loved ones reminded me of when my husband was bed-bound recovering from an auto accident. Aren't our kids wonderful? Rehabilitative love works both ways! I remember Brownie and what a trooper he is and has been. I'm pleased to hear he's not in any pain and enjoying his life more. Poor little Tator Tot. Try not to dwell on what the vet says about it not looking good. Looks can be deceiving! I'm pulling for him. Have you spoken about him before? I'm sorry I can't remember. I know you have an IBD kitty too. How is he doing? Welcome back Julie! Nina Julie Johnson wrote: Dear Friends, I tried to get thru my overflowing (months!) of email and it just wasn't going to happen. I can see that we have suffered some terrible losses and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a beloved companion; I hope your memories will comfort you. It also seems that we have new members; the reason for finding this group is always sad, but you will never find a group of more loving, caring friends. Some of you might remember that last winter my husband was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms; the most serious was in his abdomen and after weeks of tests and referrals, he was scheduled for surgery because the abdominal aneurysm was felt to be in danger of rupture. He had that surgery and came through it well. He was home for about a week and one morning we were up having coffee and he suddenly got this really strange look on his face; I asked if he needed pain medication and he said, no; I'm blind. OK; bit of a heart-stopper there. He was rushed to the ER and it was finally determined that his left carotid artery was completely blocked and he'd actually had blood flow stop temporarily. He was transferred by ambulance back to the hospital in Hartford where he had his prior surgery (we live about 30 miles east) and had emergency surgery to clean out the artery. I repeatedly asked how this could have been missed after all the screening that was done pre-surgery since he is a high-risk patient (diabetic and known cardiac blockage). I really got no answers and I am angry to this day that he could easily have died or been left permanently impaired. His sight did return and we feel fortunate, but once again, I feel my trust in the medical community erode a bit further. We absolutely did not intend to sue anyone; we simply wanted to be sure that absolutely everything that he SHOULD be screened for (how can you ask for it if you don't know about it?) he was screened for. He's left with some numbness on one side of his face that primarily bothers him when he trims his beard (says it feels weird), and a big scar from behind his ear to his collar bone; big deal, right? I told him it just makes him look tough! I was out of work for a bit caring for him (he's now back to work, too) and came back to a nightmare of project deadlines, office moves, a new boss, and a generally toxic workplace! On the kitty front, Brownie (FIV+) had both his eyes removed and he is like a different cat! He rubs his head all over now; it obviously hurt too much to do it before. I will never use the vet who initially screened him again. Tater Tot is in the hospital on an IV and being evaluated. He had a mild cold about 2 weeks ago and I took him in and we decided to give sub-q fluids and Lysine since he does have herpes and it just seemed to be a particularly bad flare-up (I was given a sample of a new veterinary lysine gel to try and evaluate; thumbs down! It was way too think and 500mg worth was a really big blob that he was having no part of; so stick to the capsules until they reformulate, is my advice!). Since then, I've observed him straining to poop and passing tiny little stools and by this weekend it was obvious that fluid was collecting in his belly. The aspirate didn't look like typical FIP fluid, but it's being sent out and bloodwork and many other tests are being done. My heart is just breaking for him; he's only six years old and been sick so much of his life. They've already warned me that whatever is going on is not good but I just pray that it's treatable. Please think good thoughts for him. It's been a hot, muggy and miserable summer here in the Northeast and I am having a terrible flea outbreak; I swear that I have some mutant strain of super-fleas that nothing will kill! I've used Borax successfully for years, and at one point (in a room I have sealed off) they were jumping out of it! I'd left an absurd amount on the floor (like half an inch; thinking, I WILL kill you) and I went in to check and vacuum it up after a few DAYS and they were leaping out of it biting me! I swear they were bigger and stronger than before I put the Borax
Re: Hi Everyone
Julie, here is the link to that support group with members that have blind cats. They are very nice people on there, and some of them have cats exactly like yours, with eyes that have been completely removed. The cat that used to be on their home page was like that, but they recently changed the picture to Sugar instead. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HANDICATS2/ Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a FIV+ cat: http://jenn.rescuegroup.org/FELV/FIV/~~~I collect KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil, a 3 yr old special needs cat who must live on a liquid diet for the rest of his life.Bazil's caretaker collects labels and sends them to KMR, where they add up until she earns a free can of formula!PLEASE save your KMR kitten formula labels for Bazil! If you use KMR, even just one can, please ask me for the mailing address you can send them to, to help feed Bazil! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.4/66 - Release Date: 8/9/2005
