All Grown-Up (III)

Brought Mikki for her annual review on Wed, 23 Jan. Requested for a blood test to check out her liver enzymes - results as follows:

I also did a Google search to better understand the indicators (findings in orange).

The liver indicator, ie ALT is within the normal range - WHEW!
ALT(Alanine Aminotransferase): An enzyme normally present in liver and heart cells that is released into the bloodstream when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood ALT levels are elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also raise ALT levels. ALT is also called serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT).

The ALKP indicator also turned out to be OK.
ALKP (Alkaline Phosphatase): An indicator of hepatic disease involving the biliary system). ALKP elevations may indicate liver damage, Cushing’s disease, and active bone growth in young pets. This test is especially significant in cats.

The remaining one, AST was on the high side.
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): To investigate damage to liver, cardiac or skeletal muscle
As to what this means, Dr K explained that Mikki might be experiencing some muscle damage - ?!?!? :o Well, her liver indicators are fine (and so "damage to liver" is eliminated) and her heart beat is also normal (and so "damage to cardiac" is eliminated). As to how the muscle damage comes about, this girl is hyperactive in her waking moments so there might be some wear and tear. Dr K didn't prescribe any medication.

As what I told the Clowder's Food Source, we had discontinued feeding Mikki with Prescription Hill's L/D kibbles for some time. We're relieved that her review turned out to be OK.

As to her "blinking eye" condition, Mikki might have knocked herself against some hard surface or incurred it whilst playing rough with Skoda and/or Braun (more likely to be with Skoda lah!). Another possible cause is the air quality. Mikki resists all forms of restraint so Dr K prescribed a Chloramphenicol eye ointment (this should be easier to administer than eye drop).

I asked Dr K if Mikki's weight is alright for her age (she has a hearty appetite but her size is smaller as compared to Skoda and Braun when they were her age). She has reached her "maximum" size. So, the girls' size can now be classified as Big, Medium and Small - no prize for guessing who fits into which size, hee hee.

The vet technician bandaged up Mikki's leg from which her blood sample was drawn. We proceeded to remove the bandage when we got home and it turned out to be a Herculean task. Mikki wouldn't allow me to touch it (I was most gentle). Took us like 30 minutes to finally get the bandage off :( All parties were so exhausted. Grimlock declared he would have no diplomatic ties with Mikki for a week. It was effortless when I had to unbandage Braun the last time (and I did it on my own) - no struggle, no fight even though she was so distressed by the bandage. Mikki also got her booster shots done (FE/FC/FVR vaccination). This time, she had a fever and was knocked out (snuggled up in the crevice behind the TV and on the cable box).

Mikki, you had better get yourself back into Grimlock's good books soon!

Today was Bath Day for Skoda and Braun. Mikki can only be bathed five days after her vaccination. The "ritual" is completed with a special treat. I mixed in the dewormer tablet for Mikki into her treat and she lapped everything up. Hurray, we were spared of the pain!

1,000 (Green) Origami Cranes (II)

Skoda didn't take well to Clavamox. On last Wed, 16 Jan, I returned home to find a liquid puddle on the floor. It didn't look like hairball so we were on alert. Next morning, I woke up and saw four chunks of undigested kibbles on the floor. When I was about to leave for work, Skoda hacked and vomited some yellowish liquid, not as less dense with undigested kibbles as the previous puddles. Called up to inform the vet clinic, as instructed if Skoda had any repeat reaction (the last time she started vomiting a week after being put on Clavamox and Prescription Hill's C/D kibbles). Was told to discontinue feeding of Clavamox and to feed Metoclopramide instead (anti-vomiting tablets). In the evening, we put Skoda on controlled feeding of kibbles.

Over the next two days, Skoda continued to vomit even under Metoclopramide medication and shortly after food. She wasn't able to hold down her intake. She was perpetually "begging" for food (trailed us whenever we went into the storage room where the kibbles are kept). She was more vocal than usual and highly attention-seeking. Her energy level remained the same though. We were losing track of her vomiting frequency so we kept a log.

On Sat, 19 Jan afternoon, we brought Skoda to see Dr K and showed him the log. He said she is the first cat known to him to be allergic to Clavamox. So far he has only seen the allergy reaction in dogs. He gave Skoda a Centrine injection and instructed to continue feeding Metoclopramide and to bring her in for another injection if her vomiting persisted.

We noticed that Skoda wasn't able to hold down kibbles but was fine with wet food. On Sun, 20 Jan morning, we found a vomit puddle. Made an appointment to bring Skoda in for the injection. Shortly after, we decided to monitor her further and cancelled the appointment. Thank God that by evening time, she got better and stopped vomiting and was able to take kibbles. And she has stopped vomiting since. WHEW...

Dr K also told us to give Skoda one week to "rest" her stomach, and to re-introduce Prescription's Hill C/D kibbles after that, and then a review one month later. Diet seems to be the best option because the next available medication has a small risk of causing blindness. It would be best not to take the risk (think: her reaction to Clavamox). And we too would rather not take the risk. Fingers crossed that the C/D diet would bring her urinary tract infection under control!

We're bringing Mikki for her annual review tomorrow, 23 Jan. It is originally due in Feb. We noticed she kept blinking her left eye on and off over the past two to three weeks. Earlier on we had been so preoccupied with Skoda and Braun's injury (I dare not look at their medical bills record :p ). Will get Mikki's eye and liver enzymes checked. No "drama" please!!! After Mikki, Braun's annual review is up next.

Crouching Skoda, Sitting Bear

My sister recently passed me a white teddy bear. I placed the teddy bear in Pinky for the girls to snuggle up to. As usual, Skoda was the first to seize up the new "intruder". I saw her puffed-up tail and decided to observe what got over her. I was quite tickled watching how cautious she was in checking out the soft toy. Once her curiosity was thoroughly satisfied, she walked off. Again, Mikki made a cameo appearance - she was watching Skoda all the time.



Viola, the age of creating silent video clips is finally over for me! :) Shall explore more of Windows Movie Maker.

Where is the Girl? (II)

One night, Grimlock stepped into the bomb shelter (used as storage room). He turned on the lights and saw that Braun was all cosy and "well-hidden" in a high spot, in the midst of some mess.

"Yay, this place might be a tad messy but it sure makes a good hiding place!"

"Let me size up the place."

"Oops, I've been uncovered! Hi, hi!!"

This adventure of Braun will go down the records of CSI. How did she make it to the shelf?!?

All Grown-Up (II)

I envisage Mikki to look like this kitty when she is grown-up:

btw, this is a page from the cat calendar I bought during my Hokkaido vacation. I also like the painting in the background. Lovely calendar, lovely cats. No cutesy kittens. All domestic short-haired beauties (pleasant surprise!).

See the resemblance? (too bad I can't find a photo of Mikki in the same pose)


I hope Mikki doesn't grow up so soon :)

1,000 (Green) Origami Cranes

We finally succeeded in "harvesting" Skoda's urine. We kept her with us in our bedroom last night till about today 5.30am (no litter tray in the room) when she started to "sing the blues". We let her out and kept away the litter trays. At 8am, we isolated her in the study where one litter tray has been placed on "stand-by" that has a plastic bag lining in the lower tray. I think she was already having the urge to pass urine because within minutes, I heard the sound of her digging the pellets. I just wasn't sure whether she "buy big or buy small" (poo or pee) so we kept her inside the study until 9am. This time, Her Royal Highness "granted" our wish :)

The Urinalysis revealed that there is still blood in Skoda's urine; protein and alkaline indicators remained high; and there are traces of infection/bacteria and crystals. Dr K put Skoda back on Clavamox tablets (antibiotics, 62.5mg), to be taken twice daily. This would mean I've to wake up at 5.30am on weekdays :{ so as to feed her one tablet before Grimlock leaves for work. Feeding medication is definitely a two-man operation. Earlier this week, I saw on TV one lady feeding tablet to a cat single-handedly and in a swift manner - wow, I saluate her! Don't think I can master that.

See the "+" signs? These need to be "gotten rid" of...

If Skoda takes well to the antibiotics, we're to re-introduce the Prescription's Hill C/D kibbles in the second week. Hopefully her recent vomiting problem doesn't recur again. Her review is due in two weeks' time (will have to "harvest" a urine sample again). I gathered from Dr K that the main causes for urinal tract infection are: diet, inactivity/lack of exercise, litter tray problem (fussiness) and insufficient water consumption. I also found a useful site on Urinalysis.

You might have seen in drama serials of a certain character been afflicted and his/her loved one would fold 1,000 Origami cranes to wish for speedy recovery. My Google search on the symbolism behind this act yielded the following:

"Legend hold that the crane lives for a thousand years. In Japanese, Chinese and Korean tradition, cranes stand for peace and long life. Folded white paper origami cranes are often placed at memorial parks to symbolize peace. Folded paper cranes are also given to ill people to wish them a quick recovery. It is said that 1000 folded paper origami cranes makes a wish come true."

"For thousands of years the Japanese culture has treasured the crane as a symbol of honor and loyalty. The crane symbol is used on many Japanese heraldic devices and is a theme in many famous works of art. The crane is a majestic bird which mates for life and is extremely loyal to its partner. The bird is strong, graceful and beautiful. Because of the great importance of the crane, the Japanese people feel that a person who folds 1,000 cranes will be granted his or her greatest wish."

And different colours bear different significance.

So, 1,000 Origami cranes - for Skoda's speedy recovery! These are very colourful BUT I visualise them to be all in green...

(12 Jan 08)

"You Groom, I Groom" (II)

Starring: Braun & Skoda

What to look out for:
1) Cameo appearance by Mikki (the one whose head and tail bobble across the screen at the start);
2) Why Skoda's belly fur is so soft and smooth, hee hee (extra grooming care is the trick!);
3) "Improvisation" of an old pet taxi into a cosy couch (what Braun was lying on) that has fast become the Cove's current No. 1 Favourite Snoozing Spot; and
4) Something to think about: Why was Braun staring in Skoda's direction towards the end of the clip?

A Rocket Start!

The heading summarised the start of 2008 for me. (Warning: this is a LONG post)

On New Year’s Day at around 9pm, we heard a commotion in the study. The next moment, Braun scuttled over to the adjourning room (where the litter trays are kept). Then I heard one of the girls using the litter tray and I wanted to check if it was Skoda (we’re monitoring her pee). I saw blood splattered on the wall and the floor and Braun hurried away (I think she saw the shock on my face). We examined her paws and saw one of the nails on her left paw was bleeding. It looked bad. Skoda was the only eye witness of Braun's mishap but she wouldn't piece the details together for us. Immediately we packed Braun into the pet taxi and got on our way to ARVC. Called up the ARVC to check if the vet was around and was told the vet would only be summoned in for emergencies. This would take time so we made a detour and headed for Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital (yes, again!).

This time it was a different vet. She told us that the nail had come off (the whole of it :{ ). She bandaged the paw and put a cone around Braun’s neck (to prevent her from licking the wound). The festive surcharge alone was S$180.

When we got home, it was apparent Braun hated the bandage. She took cover under the dining table and was so disoriented over her new “handicap”. She kept shaking her bandaged paw and actually managed to shake it off. I was amazed how easily the bandage came off. Feeling uneasy over how her wound was now exposed, I decided to bring her in to Dr K the next morning. To avoid jeopardising the wound, we isolated her in one of the rooms for the night.

Dr K said that a part of another nail had also come off. The hospital vet didn’t tell us this. I told Dr K of Braun’s great dislike of the bandage so this time he did a partial bandage and showed me how to do it (lest Braun repeats her feat). He said if Braun persist to resist the bandage, I could either leave the bandage out or try putting a baby mitten over her paw. He also gave her an anti-inflammatory injection. The wound should heal in one week and the new nail would grow back in two to three weeks’ time. Braun now retains the record title for having chalked up the highest medical bill (bet you didn’t think such a record is being kept at the Cove).

When we got home, Braun was so perturbed by her bandage that I decided to remove it. She was howling away, something that she does only when she is distressed. The cone made her very moody (but it had to stay on because this girl loves to lick).

I had taken leave for the day so I attempted to “harvest” Skoda’s urine. Lined the bottom layer of the litter trays (the girls are using Pee Wee system) with a plastic bag and patiently kept a close watch on Skoda. This girl FINALLY peed, at around 9pm. The clinic had already closed for the day. The urine sample needs to be brought in within two hours after "harvesting". Mission failed!

In the evening, Mikki kept blinking her left eye. We asked ourselves if she would be the next one to be seeing Dr K as well. Thank God her "condition" cleared up the next day and there wasn't any abnormality around her eye area.

For the next three days, we kept Braun in isolation when we were out of the house and to cheer her up, she had wet food for dinner. Mikki snarled and hissed at Braun whenever their paths crossed. Skoda had seen Braun with a cone before so she didn’t react so strongly. When we opened the door to the room where Braun was kept, the two rascals would help themselves to Braun’s food and water (as if hers taste any different from theirs). Skoda would use Braun’s litter tray and plonk herself in her favourite couch, aka Pinky which was "on loan" to Braun.

Close-up shot.
The area is blackish because Dr K applied some medication on it.

After we took off the cone on Sun, 6 Jan, Braun immediately spent a good 30-minutes licking and grooming herself. Very quickly she was her happy self again. Mikki still snarls and hisses at her, in a bid to intimidate her (doesn’t look like playfulness to us). If we catch her at this, we’ll keep her away in the room (time-out!). This girl is in need of some discipline.

Fingers crossed that we won’t be hit by an emergency in a long time to come and not have to visit the Animal Hospital again!

On the family front, a perpetual “headache” is making a creeping return. It is causing me quite a bit of mental stress and fatigue is setting in. Grimlock reminded me that the burden is not mine alone to bear. There is a resolution, provided there is no changing of minds. Someone has put kinship to the question and his responses are very disturbing.

On a lighter note, I got a promotion :) (re: reaping the fruits of my labour as mentioned in my last post). The official announcement was made on last Fri, 4 Jan. I didn’t linger on Cloud 9 for long though. Crashed right back to Planet Earth when I took a look at my to-do list (:p haha…).

If the first week is anything to go by, 2008 will be a __________ year?!? (blank to be filled in when the year is up)