Harley Update # 2

My vet is so wonderful. They took us right at 9am. I am SO glad that I took him. The doctor definitely thinks that we are dealing with another health issue. He suspects one of the "older cat diseases" - diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or hyperthyroidism. Harley's symptoms fall under their categories which include throwing up (which he does often), excessive drinking, excessive urination and weight loss. I felt like a complete idiot because I did not realize Harley lost 4 pounds! That is what scared the doctor. Harley is a long haired cat so he always looks the same to me. I guess holding him everyday, you get used to what his body weight is at the time. I never in my life would think he lost it. But the scale did not lie. He was 16 pounds, now he is 12 pounds. He is within normal size for a cat, but not normal for Harley since he has been 16 pounds his whole life. He is just a larger cat.

Needless to say, Harley was not a willing participant in getting an exam. He screamed, hissed, spit and lunged out at the technician and the vet. He never liked going there and my doctor is just so gentle with him. But because of his age, my vet felt like they should give him a light sedation so they can get a good physical exam from him. So, that means I had to leave him there. I wanted to wait in the waiting room! He assured me that he would be ok that with how he was acting was 'normal Harley' with how aggressive he was. There is always a risk though at any type of sedation because of his age. He put it to me like this, "The risk of doing the sedation is a lot less than the risk at not finding out what is wrong with Harley and in 3 to 6 weeks you could have a very sick animal on your hands if we don't catch it early." So, with that being said, I left him there. Of course I was crying like a baby. The vet handed me a whole tissue box. The tech came out and sat with me while I waited to sign the sedation waiver and the "approximate cost" for all the testing. It could have been a million dollars and I would have signed it. That is what Visa is for.

I cried all the way home then sat in the parking lot of my apartment complex for 10 or 15 minutes because I didn't want to go upstairs with him not being there. It is just so empty here. I've been talking to my hubby and Jenny since I got back. In a little while I can call them and see how he is doing and they will be able to let me know when I can pick him up. Also, he is running some bloodwork there and sending the rest out to the lab to see if he can get me an early answer so we can start taking care of whatever it is.

Thank you everyone for all your thoughts, prayers, and emails. You are all a blessing to me. I cannot even put into words how much I love this cat. I even got the tattoo to prove it...because I wear my heart on my sleeve! I will keep you posted. Thank you all again!! ♥ to all of you!