Azrael's Kitty Sickness!

So, Azrael has been home since Saturday night, but it hasn't been as smooth as I thought it would be. He still has to wear a cone for 2 weeks, and they are not yet sure what kind of stones he had - that will take 2-3 weeks. Ugh. Also, I will have to give him 2 pills, twice a day, which is proving to be incredibly difficult. But, he was thrilled to be home, and ran around in circles rubbing his face on everything. He also ate nearly an entire can of food, which he never does.

I thought that Bartelby and Loki would be happy to see him, but I underestimated their cat-insanity. There was hissing and growling constantly for the first 24 hours. Poor Azrael had to hide in the bathroom, and I was too scared to leave them alone, so my family had to bring Christmas here. Progress is being made, though- Azrael was very happy to sit among the presents and get pet by everyone yesterday, and this morning all three of them were on the bed at the same time without hissing.

The final vet bill came to $1895, in addition to the $1300 I have already spent with the first round of blockages. I can't begin to tell you all how much I appreciate your donations, especially with this happening so close to the holidays. After my next paycheck, they are all going on cat insurance so I never have to ask for help again!

I just got a call from the vet - I can pick Azrael up tonight and bring him home! They had to do another sonogram just to make sure his bladder looked ok, and things seem fine. I'm so happy to get him home!

We went to visit last night at the hospital...my poor shaved kitty is angry, and it was sort of good to see. He has a HUGE incision (maybe 10 stitches?), and looks really skinny. Unlike the past few times we visited, he wouldn't lay down and kept looking for ways to escape. He was full of fight, and the nurse said he had escaped earlier in the evening and freaked out a little. I should be more upset, but I'm sort of glad he's not just laying there anymore.

His temperature was down last night, and I'm just waiting for this morning's phone call with an update. I really hope I can bring him home today! Loki and Bartelby are acting very strange, I think that it is finally sinking in that one of them is missing.

More to come...

We spoke with the surgeon last night after Azrael's surgery, and he said "it couldn't have gone any better". He woke up from the anesthesia (which was my big worry), and they did find at least one stone, which they have sent off for analysis. After they find out what kind of stone it is (it could be one of 12 kinds), that will tell us what kind of dietary or medication needs he will have to prevent this debacle in the future. Oh, that, and pet insurance! Seriously, those of you with pets, buy some now. Don't resort to going to the internet and desperately emailing your (already broke) friends for money. But I digress.

I called this morning for the update, and the doctor said he is peeing on his own (!) and seems to be doing fine. He has a slight temperature, but that is probably just from stress. She said we would probably not be able to take him home tonight, but I have to call back and speak to his surgeon today after 1pm. More updates then!

I have received donations, calls, and emails from friends far and wide, and I can only say that I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the people in my life. Other than the financial aspect, the emotional support that I have gotten from friends, family, and especially Nick (who is the most amazing boyfriend I could ever imagine) has left me just speechless. And you know that's hard to do.

After visiting Azrael last night, our spirits were high. He seemed better, and even played with a toy!

Unfortunately, this morning the doctor called to say he saw a bladder stone on his ultrasound, and he needs surgery which will cost $2000.

Please help, and thanks to all who have helped so far. There are not enough words to thank you.

Just got off the phone with the vet, and Azrael reobstructed early this morning. They had to re-sedate him and put another catheter in. Additionally, he has an eye ulcer that they are treating.

He might be able to come home tomorrow, but we will have to wait and see.

We visited Azrael at the hospital last night and he is doing ok...they did not have to put a catheter back in, so that's a good sign. He was very out of it, but we got to spend about 45 minutes with him, and he was very alert when we left. He enjoyed quality head scratching from Nick, and hid his head in my arm like he does when he's freaked out.

One issue was that both of his "third eyelids" were out, and that's usually a sign of pain or sickness. I mentioned this to the vet, and naturally they would like to do a test to make sure he doesn't have eye ulcers. I remember this test from when I first got them, and as I recall it was at least $100. So, the money I saved by not having to put him under with the catheter again now will go to that, I suppose.

I have to say, I am so overwhelmed by everyone's response to this site. I didn't think anyone would take it seriously, but the compassion and concern that people have shown (in ways other than money, too) has been amazing. I cannot thank you all enough.

I will hear this morning about whether I can take him home tonight. I'll keep you posted!

Kristi

Dear friends,

As some of you know, I am a crazy cat lady. One of my cats, Azrael (aka the black one) fell sick last night and needed to go to the kitty emergency room. It turns out that he had a urinary blockage, and so far it has cost $1300, and he isn't even home yet.

I don't make a lot of money, and as you probably know I have a lot of debt (thanks NYU!). I feel terrible doing this, but it is definitely a bad situation. If you can donate any amount, no matter how small, I would really appreciate it. The cost of this procedure and hospitalization will likely cause me to fall behind on some bills, and to cancel my annual New Year's Party which many of you have attended.

Please forward to anyone you know who is a sucker for cats. Thanks in advance for your support.

Kristi