Thursday, January 03, 2008

So - we went to the V.E.T.

This morning we packed Pandora into her travelling crate to go to the V.E.T.
Her vet for the last eight years has been her precious 'Uncle' Tim, a lovely man and an extremely good vet who is fantastic with fractious cats - and Pandora defines fractious! He has also cared for Ambrose (who died in 2001) and Echo (who died in 2004) and currently, Charlie.
But lately staffing changes have meant Pandora has had to get used to new vets.
Auntie Elena is one of her favourites - a lovely Spanish lady from Madrid.
Auntie Julie - she doesn't like her so much.
And today Pandora met another new vet, Auntie Helen.

Helen was quick, gentle, understanding and dealt with us as well as Pandora (one of the reasons we still use this practice even though it is more expensive than others).
She checked out the lump, then checked out Pandora's lymph nodes and certain specific parts of her anatomy.

As we hoped, it's unlikely to be cancer. It's more likely a lipoma, as I suspected. It's actually on her ribs and not on her shoulder.
She's not 'sick', she doesn't limp, she is eating fine, sleeping well, using her tray properly and still leaping (albeit gently!) onto laps, chairs, tables and boxes. Not bad for an 18yr old cat - which translates roughly to 85-90yrs old!
We politely refused unnecessary testing, figuring it would upset the old dear too much.
We agreed to watch her carefully for the next couple of months and whip her back to the vet if she appears ill or in discomfort.

Once her claws were clipped she was crated back up for the trip home.

Of course, the old madam got her own back, managing to throw up and wee simultaneously on the way home while her crate was on my lap.


Pandora: we know your time here is not infinite but we will still keep you with us, healthy and content, as long as possible.

cq

11 comments:

Jean-Luc Picard said...

A lovely pet story there.

Ladybug Crossing said...

I'm so glad it turned out to be something not so serious. And, she got you back, didn't she?! Naughty thing!

Fizzy said...

I think I really know who is the boss in the palace!

thanks oh brainy one!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh So Glad to know it is NOT Cancer! Dear Dear Pandora....(What a very sweet picture, CQ...She is so very Beautiful!...)
I know you must be releived to know that you were correct.....
Sorry about the "deposits" she left as you had her on your lap....Have you ever known a cat that didn't get upset with a visit to the Vet? I have not. Whether it's on the way there or back...I bet she is so damn happy to be home, once again, in the safety and warmth of her own cozy places....!

The Video?? NEVER UPLOADED...and they said, 'there is a problem', but didn't say what it was!!!
I guess because I was able to Upload the New Years Video of Sweetie, I had great hopes....WRONG!
I will have to upload it on YouTube and then take it from there.....Just haven't had time to do that....!

Anonymous said...

Ohhh that is wonderful news and definitely a great blessing for the new year!

That C word is definitely a scary one, and it's no less scary when it comes to our pets. It's fantastic to know that Pandora is in the clear.

As it turns out, our Tara has a lump on her underside near her back left leg. It's something that we too need to get checked out, but we're in the same boat as you. We're scared to.

Terry said...

Oh yes...Keep an eye on her for sure Crazie Queen..She is so precious.
I have been reading your Crazie Cats blog.
Such cute and funny stories!!
Do you suppose the cats will be upset because you put this report on your blog instead of theirs'??
Take care....love Terry

Walker said...

Thats good news.
You have to keep an eye on them at this age because they still think they are kittens and still try to do what they used to.
Mine is 16 acts like two.

Dianne said...

So glad she's OK - she looks amazing for her age! My guy Siren has to be gently sedated before visiting the vet and even then he's so hard to handle.

My sweet JR was quite ill the last year of his otherwise healthy 16 years. I had to bring a second carrier to take him home from his many vet visits - he always made a mess on the way there - small price to pay for so much love.

I love your lovely furkids.

Bobkat said...

See, I knew she would be just fine :) This good news must be quite a relief!

Unknown said...

It is obvious you love your special Cat! Very endearing!!

David Edward said...

blessings on your old cat, and your affection for each other