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!