In short, Smegel is dying.
(Everything I want to express has to be in short, since I have no time for anything else. In order to avoid letting the little details of my life slip away I am going to at least try to record them, albeit fleetingly and vaguely.)
We got Smegel because he was a carrier for a heart condition called HCM, or Hypertrophic Cardio Myopathy. The chances of him actually developing the condition were slim, and I didn't think much of it the last 5 years.
Then about 2 weeks ago he started sneezing. Not little faint kitty sneezes. Big sneezes with a wide spray. Then he started coughing these unearthly coughs that sounded like pieces of his lungs were trying to make their way through his esophagus. I noticed he was getting a bit lethargic and not eating much. I commented to Timm that Smegel was really sick, and he reminded me of this possible condition. I promptly googled it, and it seems Smegel is exhibiting most of the symptoms of the advanced stages of this disease. Sadly, at this late stage there is not much that can be done, and he probably has less than 3 months, although I have a hard time imagining him lasting that long. For now I am trying to make him comfortable, love him as much as possible, and watch. As long as he seems no more than uncomfortable I will enjoy the time left. If he deteriorates than I will have to consider euthanasia.
I feel really bad about this. I was really frustrated with the cats after Fiona was born, but I still love them. In fact, Smegel is my favorite pet I've ever had, and I've had a lot of pets.
He is wheezing, I can hear him from across the room. He probably has fluid in his lungs and possibly around his heart. I am trying to comfort him, but I couldn't help but feel guilty after I realized his diagnosis.
I love this little guy, dirt and all.
Even when he claws the furniture. Ack!!
When he inexplicably throws up on the carpet.
He 'smegelizes' my clothes.
He smells like scrambled eggs.
He sweats.
I have to bathe him.
He has undulating fat rolls and kitty cleavage.
I really love him, and I will really miss him.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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5 comments:
What???!! Have you taken him for an actual diagnosis? It sure doesn't sound good.
More updates as discovered.
Linc and I were just talking about this on our way home. So sad.
What the? How could it get to this advanced stage without any previous signs?
This...this is terrible news, I am so sad! Oh man, I'm going to have to break it to Mark...it's going to break his heart, he has that framed picture of Smegs proudly displayed on his desk at work. Oh Jessie, I'm so bummed! I hope sweet little Smegs is able to go peacefully...*sniff* Thinking of you guys.
Oh, how sad! I have a special place in my heart for Smegul, which is saying a lot for a non-animal lover like me. I'm so sorry, Jessie.
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