Megacolon

I was going through pictures of my cats and I came across the picture of Cinnamon, my kitty who passed away 2 years ago. I posted a picture of her before, she was a brown tabby, but because she was in poor health, her colors were not pronounced. We got her when she was still a little kitten and even then we noticed that she was very sickly. She had diarrhea often and when she got well after these bouts, she would stop going to the litter box all together. Her stomach became distended and her fur was all fuzzy and standing. She was diagnosed to have megacolon. According to her vet, this condition is not common in very young cats and this happening is a 1 in a million chance. I got that 1 chance, but I'm not sorry I had her.

Megacolon is like a severe case of constipation. The muscles of the colonic wall do not function properly and the fecal matter cannot pass out. This would result in blood poisoning if not tended properly. She was prescribed laxative for life and her meals would only be soft food with bran mixed in. She also took a medication for hairballs. Tummy massages were a daily must for the stool to pass. When there were days that this would not work, she would have to be taken to the clinic for enemas. In some cats, surgery is an option. But Cinnamon was so small and weak, the doctors decided against it.

We would have weeks when she was okay, then suddenly she would just be lethargic and refuse to eat and at times develop a fever. This was a signal that something was wrong again. She would stay for several days in the clinic. She would be waiting for us inside her cage when we visited her. Cinnamon was a really good patient, maybe she was getting used to staying in the clinic. This went on for several months. But as long as she was fighting to live, we were not giving up on her.

She went to the Rainbow Bridge on June 19, 2003.

Sick Kitties

I brought my kitten Mudpie to the clinic to be nuetered a few weeks ago. Apparently, there was a bug going around the clinic and he brought it home with him. Now, all the cats have colds,too.

Initially, we gave them vitamin C to boost their resistance but now they are are all sneezing and have runny noses. They're all taking antibiotics, yup all 10 of them. It's important to change their beddings,too as they keep on sneezing.

I always try too avoid for them to have colds as it is easy to pass on to each other. There is usually a 2 week incubation period before they start showing symptoms. Usually, the Vit. C works but in this case it didn't. We also check if their appetite is affected. It is frustrating because their shots are up to date but they still managed to get sick.

Everyone is grumpy and they sleep alot. They also like to stay close to their humans. I have 4 cats draped around me at a time. They seek comfort from us and of course we take advantage because it is not everyday that they like to snuggle with us.

And no cat baths for the next couple of weeks, which for sure is a relief for all of them. So to all my kitties, I hope you get well soon.