22 August 2013

Trials and tribulations....

Hi everyone. well its been quite a day today. mum and dad picked up some special litter from the vet that is small plastic beads and it lets the urine fall to the bottom to enable a sample to be collected. They also got the new medication too. all the trays were taken up and this one put down with the collection litter in. The vet said I would use it when I had to go, mum and dad where more sceptical. I walked around and meowed and walked around and meowed some more. I looked at the tray and walked away. To cut a long story short I just went all over another part of the carpet and soaked it. Mum bought three new trays and we have put them all over the place. We had to give up the idea of getting a sample because I just wont use the litter. I have had the new tablets today and lets see if they help at all with my mind.
   We are trying everything to help me and will also try those puppy pads that people mention and see if they help. The worst thing is the awful noise I make because mum worries that I hurt somewhere.
   Sorry for off loading all this but sometimes it helps to talk.
   Mum starts a few days on the dreaded early shift tomorrow so we may hot get a lot of blogging in but het we are catching up with comments the last few days.
  As we write this it has started pouring with rain, it is very heavy and I can hear thunder rumbling. I am not scared of the thunder though and like to sit and watch the rain.
   Love to all my friends.  Hugs GJ x

45 comments:

BeadedTail said...

Oh Jasper, we hope the vet is able to find a way to help you feel better so you'll use the box again. We understand how your mum and dad are so worried about you especially if you make an awful noise too. We're sending lots of purrs and our mommy is sending your mum lots of hugs. We love you!

Angel Simba said...

GJ, are you making the crying noise as you wee, or in general?

Mom just had a bit of an idea that you could ask your vet about or maybe just try on your own. If you could buy some urinary tract infection test strips for humans (Mom buys them here, they test leukocytes and nitrites, she buys a box of 3 for about $10) and when you go on the carpet quickly wet the test strip from where you went and follow the directions about the colors. That ought to give a possible indication about bacteria. Also, if there is a possibility stones in your blader are involved and giving you pain, maybe the vet could do an ultrasound of your bladder and/or give you some pain medicine to see if that helps things.

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

We are so sorry that you are having such a hard time, G.J.. We PURRRRay that you are better SOON.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

GJ Mom had to have those puppy pads all over for me when I got so sick. She used to follow me all over when I jumped up to potty. I would just do it anywhere too. She never got mad at me or anything because she knew I couldn't help it either. WE are all purring for you.

xoxoxo

Seville at Nerissa's Life said...

Oh Jasper... can the doctor not get a sample? When our doctor needs a sample from one of us, we go visit the hospital and.. well... the doctor just kind of squeezes in the right spot and we pee right on the examination table. Then the doctor uses a syringe to collect the sample. Would that kind of thing help you out?

Many purrs bein' sent your way.

Purrs,
Nissy

Marg said...

OH GJ. we are so sorry that you are having such a hard time. I don't like that you are crying so much. Something must be hurting you. We are so sorry. Big hugs to the Mum and Dad and know that they are so worried.

JC said...

That is a very cute photo of you sitting in your yard.

I am so sorry that you continue to have troubles.

Tell your Mom to tell us anything at any time.

I've been through the older cat wows. I so know how this goes.

Hugs to your Mom and pets to you,

JC and the purr and fur gang

Fuzzy Tales said...

GJ, our former vet used to take the urine samples via needle. It can be tricky, that's true, but it's the best way to get an uncontaminated sample. We don't understand why your vet hasn't already done this, given the problems getting you to pee in a box.

You need the urine analysis done. And btw, we don't know what tests are like in the UK, but here, even though vet clinics do in-house testing, the ONLY way to conclusively determine if there's bacteria in the urine, and what type (and thereby what antibiotics to treat with), is by having a culture and sensitivity test done. Here in our area that means a small sample is sent away out of town to another lab, where they try to grow whatever bacteria might be in the sample over the course of two or three days. It *does* take a few days to do this. Annie had it done, as has Derry, and both times even though the in-house lab at the local vet clinic showed coccidia, absolutely nothing grew in the cultures for the C&S test, meaning that neither Annie nor Derry had a bacterial infection, and therefore didn't need antibiotics.

The other worry we're having for you is crystals or stones, but of course if you were blocked you wouldn't be able to pee at all, or maybe just a few drops, with blood.

We wish we had some good suggestions for you....Have your beans thought about getting another opinion from a different vet? Just a thought.

Continued purrs and purrayers to you all!

Old Kitty said...

Sweet GJ!

My darling Tim (brother to my angel Ol Girl) was diagnosed with dementia in his old age (well he was 17). He'd scream at all hours and stare blankly at nothing and he did pee everywhere. I got disposable baby waterproof quilts/pads and placed them on his favourite sleeping corner (the side of the sofa) so all of the sofa was covered in these baby quilts. I had to keep changing the quilts but they really worked. He didn't have to go far and afterwards I'd like to think he was happier - the screaming eased off a little and he was more himself for a good while but his litter using days were completely over. Tim has always been very good with using the litter - but somehow his dementia just seemed to block and switch off that part of his thinking that told him to use the litter.

But I know the vet's would like a pee sample from you - so we truly hope mum and dad will find some way to get a little! Oh dear!

Please rest now, sweet GJ. And purrs and hugs to you and your lovely mum and dad. Take care
x

My Mind's Eye said...

Hey handsome GJ....bless your sweet heart..I wish we could get inside your kitty noggin to figure out what is going on.
Lots of purrs and hugs
Madi and mom

Sparkle said...

I was going to mention taking a urine sample by needle too - that's how my vet does it. I hate to see you in such distress. I'm continuing to send purrs to you and your humans during this difficult time.

The Island Cats said...

GJ, we're sorry you're having these problems. Y'know, when I needed to have a pee test done, the vet gave the lady with the yellow hair some special litter like that and I refused to use it too, 'cept I just didn't pee for about 24 hours until TLWTYH finally gave in and gave me my regular litter back. Us cats just don't like change.

We hope your vet can figure out how to help you feel better.

Zoey

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We have been getting lots of rain too. None of us mind the rain although we are tired of it being so wet and humid out.

Sorry you didn't like the special litter. We hopes the medicine works for you and you are back to your normal self soon.

The Whiskeratti said...

We're so sorry you're having difficulties again, dear Jasper. PS: That pic of you is perhaps the loveliest we have ever seen of you. Pawhugs from your furriends in North Carolina.

Mickey's Musings said...

Jasper, we do not mind you "off loading" on us. It is better to let it out so you can get ideas and help from friends :) Some good suggestions here too.
We are sending you more purrs and positive vibes!

Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Treasure,Tiger,JJ and Julie

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear you're having all this trouble. Becoming a "mature" cat is not easy...we know of what you speak. Hope the pills work and/or that you're able to give a "specimen" which contains THE answer.

We're crossing our paws, whiskers, eyes for you GJ.

Purrs,

Lizzie & 2 kitties

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

GJ, can't you please just use the litter box so Mum can get a good sample? Our Mom is wondering if you have gladder or kidney stones - that would be very painful if you are trying to pass them. Hang in there, pal, and feel better.

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

san said...

Our vet had palpitated my bladder and then she just squeezed it a little to encourage me to urinate when I went for my test. I went straight away on her table.

Megat.
We are thinking and purring for you as well.

san said...

oh, once she used a needle. It was very quick.

Megat

Jo's World said...

Hey Ginger Jasper:

I am so sad to hear you are still having so many problems. I agree with several others that vet could get a sample from "feeling" and I hope he does it.

cheers,
Stella

Team Tabby said...

We are sending you purrs GJ and hope your vet can help you feel better. Tell your mom she can off load all she wants because when shared the worries are easier to bear.

purrs from all,
Mindy
Moe
Cookie
Mike

White Dog Blog said...

GJ don't be embarrassed about getting a little forgetful. It happens as we get older. My brother, Quinn, used to experience the same problems. Mum the sounds may not be pain at all but GJ's attempt to find you in his confusion...Quinn would wander into another room and get confused. He would cry out looking for the rest of us and just needed someone to come and lead him back to the pack...sometimes just calling back and talking helped. Liquid vitamin B helped Quinn some, and fish oil.

Terri said...

We hope you aren't in pain, GJ :( Lots of purrs and hugs to all of you.

We love LUNA said...

Dear Jasper,
Mommy Léia and I are praying and sending lots of love to you!
Luna - We love Luna

Kari said...

We are so sorry that you continue having problems. If only there was a waiver could help you. We would do anything for you dear, always remember that.
We won't use that special type of litter either. Our mum puts out a totally empty box and we will use it since there is no litter to offend and then she puts the urine in the little container. Most of the time the vet just presses on our bladders. Have you noticed any blood with your urine? We don't think you've gone suddenly senile. We think you are in pain and need help.
We use the human urinary inconstancy pads. We use the fabric ones that can be laundered and the adult disposable ones. The ones for humans are larger and cheaper than those intended for animals. We also use a very large vinyl tablecloth with flannel backing to cover our rug. You can just wipe up the urine when "it" happens and throw them away when ever they get stinky.
You remain in our prayers, darling . All of our love.
P.S. Your photo is one of your most beautiful ever. You and your garden are totally amazing.

Brian's Home Blog said...

We so love you GJ and we know something must hurt if you are shouting when you pee. We sure hope the Vet can come up with something to help soon. Hugs and love from all of us.

John Bellen said...

Do you have Nature's Miracle there? It's pretty good for cleaning up urine messes. I don't suppose you go in the same places each time, eh? If you did, a a litter pan in the same place would catch you.

I sure hope things get better, Ginger Jasper. It must be very hard for you and your mum and dad.

HH and The Boys said...

We are sending you big purrrrrs to help you feel better pal.

Have a great day.

hugs, Bugsy and Knuckles

Hannah and Lucy said...

We so feel for you and your Mum and Dad GJ. This seems to have suddenly got very much worse and we wondered if something else has triggered it off. Take care.
Luv to GJ, Mum and Dad.
Hannah and Lucy xx xx

katsrus said...

I hope they can help you to get better soon. I feel so bad for you and your mum and dad. Always hard when you don't have an answer. Purrs and hugs.
Sue B

meowmeowmans said...

Oh, GJ, we are very sorry you're not doing so well. LIke many of our friends above, I'm wondering if your vet can get a urine sample via a needle? We are worried that you are crying out when you have to go. :(

We are purring and praying, and love you, buddy. Lots.

Pattyskypants said...

We wish that you would use your litter box GJ so you could get some help and relief! Mai mom wishes she knew something to do, but she doesn't. We do like the idea of getting the UTI strips like Simba's mom sez. That seems very intelligent. xxoo Bhu

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

Yeah, good luck liking those bead litter stuffs! We wouldnt either.

Colehaus Cats said...

You know, those puppie/kittie pads are kind of fun to go on. And no one complains. In fact, sometimes compliments come with going! Just sayin'. Still purring for you, GJ....

Gigi said...

Sweet GJ and pawrents, We are purring and purraying so hard for you. And we are sending all of you tons of love too. XOXOXO, Spitty and the Human

Timmy Tomcat said...

My prayers and purrs go to your wonderful parents who love you so much and will try so hard to help you my dear Ginger Jasper.
We are all praying for you and Dad is wracking his head trying to think of how to help!
Love and Prayers from our Family to yours!

Jans Funny Farm said...

GJ, we are sorry you are having such a rough time of it. Your folks too. We send a big hug for your mom to share with your dad and lots of purrs and pawtaps for you.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am sorry you are not doing well GJ. I wouldn't use the new litter either. I am very fussy about which type I use. I am sending more purrs for you.
Sorry I am late visiting. Old Reader only updated your post today. I am wondering how many posts it is updating late or missing altogether.

Unknown said...

Dearest GJ
Mes is purraying!
Kisses
Nellie

Sushi said...

GJ, i hope you feel better soon. Sorry that you're having a rough time. Sending you lotsa purrs for quick healing.

Clooney said...

Oh GJ, we are so sorry to hear that you have been crying. We love you very much and send you all our biggest purrs and prayers.

Everycat said...

Ginger Jasper, we are so sorry that you are still having pee problems.

We have had to use that plastic bead litter and we hated it. Our late bro' Whicky once refused to pee for 30 hrs before he finally gave in.

One thing that helped was having loads of the stuff. If it is KatKor, then it only comes in tiny bags which isn't enough to get a good dig on for peeing. So our apes bought several bags and put them in one tray, this helped and we used it.

I wonder if a vet could show your Mum or Dad how to manually express pee for you. We hope the vet doesn't resort to the cystocentesis as we think it's hateful and it hurts. Maybe a vet nurse could come out and help you with this?

We sure hope you pee in that litter soon and the vets can work out what is wrong.

There's a supplement called Activate ( our ape isn't sure if this is the name) that helps kitties that might have some cognitive decline going on too. This helped out late cat Thomas, it's like a super concentrated set of omega-ish oils, your vet will know about it.

Little GJ we send you lots of rumbly purrs and love and hope you can have a big old pee in that litter very soon

Gerry & Mungo

Everycat said...

PS: GJ, did the vet test your thyroid levels? That can make a kitty feel a bit wonky and do a lot of yelling too.

Everycat said...

PS: GJ, did the vet test your thyroid levels? That can make a kitty feel a bit wonky and do a lot of yelling too.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Hope you have gotten the sample by now, cuz if you start on antibiotics then sometimes that interferes with the test results if the vets are looking for bacteria.

You've gotten lots of good suggestions and yes, a cytocentesis is the only way to really get an uncontaminated urine sample and it really is quick and easy, one little prick and not painful but the kitty does have to hold very still.

You can try using an empty litter box, or putting litter in a box and then pulling a plastic garbage bag over the box and GJ will get the sensation of digging and the sound of the litter, and you can collect the urine off the plastic bag.