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| Dancer at the Vet's Office Last Week "Get me down from here!" |
I had an email from the vet, yesterday, updating me on Dancer's test results. His thyroid levels are holding steady and we will continue with the dermal medication at its current dosage. The vet is no longer pushing the irradiation treatments.
His kidney functions are holding steady, too, and no treatment is required at this time. His heart murmur hasn't got worse.
She is concerned, however, that his leg muscles seem to have atrophied more. He does have arthritis and he is on medication for that (monthly injections) and at first, they seemed to have helped a lot, but, now, they are not as effective. He no longer jumps up on to the tables, etc., but, he will pull himself up on to the coffee tables, sofas, and my bed (I keep a little stepstool by my bed and he makes full use of it!) And he walks about the house quite a bit and takes me for "walkies" around the house - he leads, turning around to see if I am following and we go about twice around the house before he stops by his food bowl and I have to give him more food.
The vet suggested that I give him a very low dose of the medication I give him as a sedative when I have to take him to the vet's, once or twice a day, to alleviate any pain he might experience when walking. Dancer hates that medicine and giving it to him is torture for both of us! I emailed the vet back, saying I will hold off on giving him that medication for the time being.
He will be checked again in 6 months time, unless there is a need to have him checked before that. And, of course, I will be taking him in for his monthly injections.
Here he is, sitting next to me on the sofa, this afternoon:
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| Dancer |
- He seems to be doing OK, considering the fact that he is 16 years old
- I can give him some of the other medication if I think he needs it
- He will continue to get his monthly arthritis injections
- He continues to be my companion
Sending lots of healing vibes for Dancer. He is doing well for 16 years old. I like that he & you have walkies in the house which end at the food bowl. Sounds like someone I know, who always likes to end our walks at the cafe for a "little treat". :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary-Lou. The walkies originated with getting some cat grass, but, I haven't grown any cat grass in a while, so, now, we end at the food bowl. :D
DeleteI know elderly cat problems all too well and it sounds like Dancer is doing great considering his age. My husband built three stools for our cats when they couldn't jump anymore and we placed them by their favorite places to sleep. They were a big help to them.
ReplyDeleteI know you are familiar with the elderly cat problems, June. Aw, that's sweet that Ward built stools for them! I think I need to get another stool to keep near my daughter's bed - I have placed a box there, but, Dancer will not use the box.
DeleteI like the idea of keeping a little step stool for an aging pet to use to access favourite places. It's cute that Dancer likes to take you for "walkies". Perhaps he has seen you walking and realizes that he needs to do the same!
ReplyDeleteThe step stool makes it easier for him. He takes my daughter for "walkies" too, when she's home!
DeleteI am so glad you have a good vet - and I hope Dancer has many more happy days in your company 🐈
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela. Yes, I've been taking him to this vet clinic since I first got him. I've been happy with their services.
DeleteGood the see that overall Dancer is doing well. I would make the same decision as you about the arthritis and sedative med - if he hates it, then I wouldn't put him through that unless absolutely necessary. How cute that he leads you about the house on his walkies! He's making sure you get some exercise as well!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, I don't want to force medicines down his throat unless absolutely necessary. And if it ever gets to that point, then, there might be some decisions to be made about quality of life. He does enjoy our walkies! :D
DeleteI temporarily couldn't sign in. I think my comment not too long ago went as anonymous!
ReplyDeleteNo problem, Celie. But, thanks for letting me know that it was you. :)
DeleteOther than small, caged pets as a child, I have never had a household animal. I have seen, particularly recently, how important they are to their owners. I'm glad Dancer is doing well and being a good companion (or is it the other way around!) It's good that he is taking responsibility for your daily step count :o)
ReplyDeleteDancer was originally my daughter's, but, she couldn't take him with her when she went up to Berkeley (she would have had to pay an extra $100 per month to keep a pet in her apartment and the rent was high enough as it was). In the years since, he has become more my pet and now, even when my daughter is home on a visit, he comes to me to ask for food. He'll take her for walkies, too. :D
DeleteSounds as though Dancer is holding his own. It’s great that he responded well to treatment and hasn’t declined. I feel for him with the arthritis and stiffness! I’m the same way with bad knees—no climbing or jumping. You’re a good friend to Dancer! ☺️
ReplyDeleteThank you, Taconix. Yes, he seems to be responding well to treatment. We are all starting to feel those age related aches and pains, aren't we? :)
DeleteDancer is such a lovely cat. I'm glad he's holding his own. We all have aches and pains as we get older. Cats make lovely companions. My Shadow was such a lovely cat. He was my son's to start with and adopted me so stayed here when son moved out.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon. Dancer is doing well and yes, he does make a lovely companion. :)
DeleteI’m so glad sweet Dancer got a good report. I hope he won’t have too much pain. I don’t blame you for holding off until he needs the medicine. I didn’t realize Dancer was 16. Amazing! You take such great care of him.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mandy. Yes, he's getting to be a bit elderly, but, I tell him that he's still handsome. :D
DeleteDancer is doing well. I'm glad you both exercise together around the house and I know he is good company for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eileen. Yes, he is good company for me. :)
DeleteThat's good news. And I can understand why you would hold off with any additional medication. I can get Mog to readily accept her flea treatment and worming tablets, but Boo on the other hand...
ReplyDeleteAs long as he is comfortable. there is no need to distress Dancer (and yourself) unnecessarily. X
Thank you, Jules. Yes, if I see that Dancer is having obvious pain when walking, I will give him more medication, but for now, he seems to be fine. We still get the occasional "zoomies" and you wouldn't think he's as old as he is, when he's tearing around the house like that! :D
DeleteThank you for sharing Dancer's medical update.
ReplyDeleteI think he's doing pretty well considering his age and all he has going on don't you? You are caring for him very well and he is still enjoying his life :)
I like your indoor walks ending with Dancer getting a bit of food. lol
You're welcome, Debra. Yes, I think he's doing great for his age. We do like our walkies! The vet and I want him to gain a little more weight, so he gets fed on demand! He's a bit finicky where his food is concerned, these days.
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