It was an ordeal.
You know what I'm thankful for?
I am thankful that we have access to such an amazing
Veterinary Hospital that features many specialists in
the world of animal medical diseases.
We have a final diagnosis of Idiopathic Epilepsy.
We have a final diagnosis of Idiopathic Epilepsy.
We packed Mae up on Wednesday, December 28th, 2016
for her visit with the Neurologist in Lewisville.
Who was more nervous and stressed???
I probably win #1 on that one.
Mae passed her Neurological evaluation just fine.
Our doctor, was caring, gentle and was
impressive in the manner in which she examined our Mae girl.
After much discussion,
we opted to proceed with further diagnostic studies
to include an MRI, blood work, and spinal tap.
Mae was transported by a technician
to a nearby MRI diagnostic facility
which provides this testing to both small and large animals,
including horses.
The staff at the hospital were attentive and kind.
They gave us a tour of the hospital to
make us feel comfortable leaving her overnight.
I believe, we could not have asked for better.
I felt awful leaving her....we both did.
Yes, it was emotionally draining for all of us.
Once she was back from her MRI and spinal tap, the
nurse called us about 8:45 PM to inform us
that she tolerated her anesthesia and tests very well.
A flood of relief was felt by both of us...
which was followed by not so great dreams....
Mae's neurologist called us this morning
to inform us all of her tests were NORMAL!
They were ruling out
a stroke, meningitis and brain tumor.
Her blood work values were also quite good.
So, her treatment plan will be to continue
her current medications.
Her blood work was sent off to
Auburn for special testing
for levels of Zonisamide
and
this will continue to be monitored every 4-6 months.
Her blood work was sent off to
Auburn for special testing
for levels of Zonisamide
and
this will continue to be monitored every 4-6 months.
It is the best outcome we could have prayed for.
The neurologist did state fragrances and
food types and flavors played little or no part in pet seizures.
If the animal was sensitive to things such as this,
it would most likely occur only once.
We did learn how little is invested in CATS
health as opposed to dogs.
There just are not enough studies to get
clear absolute information on drug reactions
and disease prevention and care.
food types and flavors played little or no part in pet seizures.
If the animal was sensitive to things such as this,
it would most likely occur only once.
We did learn how little is invested in CATS
health as opposed to dogs.
There just are not enough studies to get
clear absolute information on drug reactions
and disease prevention and care.
So, this leaves us all with our NEW NORMAL.....
loving her each day
and
hopefully, keeping her free of seizures,
which may happen from time to time.
For this, I am truly thankful!
We are also thankful that her primary veterinarians
are very proactive with EASTERN medicine,
combined with western medicine and
their continuing education on whole food nutrition.
All we can say is, that once we added
the Chinese herbal supplement in the evening,
she has been seizure free.
We end 2016 with a rather heavy heart.
Mae went from being a healthy six year old cat
to one that will need medication
for the rest of her life.
We have lost so many extremely talented
people this year...but that's all part
of life isn't it?
It reminds us to live in the moment
and
celebrate each day as our gift!
Hugs and blessings to you all.....
We are also thankful that her primary veterinarians
are very proactive with EASTERN medicine,
combined with western medicine and
their continuing education on whole food nutrition.
All we can say is, that once we added
the Chinese herbal supplement in the evening,
she has been seizure free.
We end 2016 with a rather heavy heart.
Mae went from being a healthy six year old cat
to one that will need medication
for the rest of her life.
We have lost so many extremely talented
people this year...but that's all part
of life isn't it?
It reminds us to live in the moment
and
celebrate each day as our gift!
Hugs and blessings to you all.....
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
This is all good news. You've ruled out big, scary things. A once daily herbal medication sounds very manageable and it seems to be working, so I am happy for all of you! It sounds like an incredible facility that you took Mae to. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteWe are getting better at giving her two capsules in the AM, along with her herbal capsule in the evening Jenn. At the beginning, it was near impossible. The pill popper helped tremendously. I thank you for visiting me and leaving such sweet comments. I wish you and your family a very Happy and healthy 2017. Hugs and blessings!
DeleteLove and enjoy your Mae every day. Having just lost my Snowy cat last week I can't emphasize this enough. The new normal sounds doable. So glad there wasn't anything seriously wrong found in all the tests. Hope you have a great new year. May 2017 treat you well.
ReplyDeleteDearest Kathy....I know your heart is hurting for the loss of Snowy. It is quite frankly so very, very sad to lose our beloved pets...almost puts you in the deepest sadness. I pray that God comforts you and know that she is in heaven, warm, safe and happy. I do believe this. I wish you and Joe a blessed and healthy 2017. Gentle hugs.
DeleteAw, I can't express enough how lucky little Mae is to have such a loving and caring family. Her diagnosis is manageable and for that I am so thankful, too. I have cared for many a cat in my business that had medical issues that were managed well and those cats have lived long and comfortable lives. I know Mae will be fine with your care and a knowledgeable vet like yours. Please give her a hug for me. Let's all look forward to a wonderful year ahead. xo
ReplyDeleteI cannot thank you enough Deb for your advice and support with Mae. You were the first person I turned to when I discovered "something was wrong!" I suppose if something just had to be wrong, this is something we can manage. I so value your support and love! Blessings and hugs for a healthy, happy 2017!
DeleteYour Mae is lucky to have you as her owners. I hope she does well on her meds . I guess pets are more like humans than we care to think. My daughter dog did not have cancer but will need a surgery. We pray for our pets too.. Wishing you , your family and all your pets a happy new year with good health. xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteDearest Susie...I will remember your dauthers fur baby in my nightly prayers. It is so very scary! Blessings and gentle hugs for your new year! Sending love.....
Deletemy heart is rejoicing with you. I live for the day that modern 'western' medicine admits to the legitimacy of eastern approaches and more natural ways. thousands of years have gone into the study of those herbal remedies. they deserve respect.
ReplyDeleteI have a dear friend who was told two weeks ago that she has 3 months to live if she has chemo.
if she doesn't... perhaps they give her a year. can you imagine they told her that just before Christmas? but she is strong. made of pioneer stock. and she has a wonderful attitude.
we are envisioning her well. only GOD knows how long she has. so it is in His hands.
I always pray the prayer of Father Tim that never fails... in Jan Karon's Mitford series.
wishing you and darling little beautiful Mae Mobley a happy and healthy new year dear heart! xo
Oh dearest Tammy...how precious is your message to us! Yes...Father Tim! Thank you for the reminder. What a love you are! I am ever so thankful to have you as a blogging friend....what a gift! Blessings for a very happy and healthy 2017!
DeleteI too, am owned by a cat,so I am very happy to read the good news. Best wishes to you, and your adorable cat, Mae, in the new year of 2017.
ReplyDeleteI love this Bonnie..."owned by your cat!" Indeed! Thank you so very much for your kind comment on Mae. Much appreciated. Wishing you a lovely 2017!
DeleteI feel for you - she such a young kitty. One of my cats was diagnosed with lymphoma this year. I take him to a specialists' clinic for treatment. He's on 3 different meds I order compounded from a vet pharmacy in Houston, as he won't take pills. His meds are like chicken flavored treats. Almost all the pets in their waiting room are cancer patients. We're lucky to live 15 min from it. Excellent veterinarians - such a blessing. Mae Mobley is lucky to have you taking such good care of her. Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! Oh how sorry I am to learn of your sweet kitty! I am happy, however there is a treatment for this. We may have to consider going to a compound pharmacy as they expect at some point, adding another med. to her current ones. It's very hard when one of our pets become ill. We pray for the best don't we? I wish you a very happy and healthy 2017! Hugs!
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