Jack is unwell.

Jo Bryant,

My sweet girl is sick and we have no clue what is wrong with her. Blood tests have ruled out problems with her liver and kidneys but show that there are abnormal things happening. We are off to the vets in a minute. They are going to give Jackie intravenous antibiotics, a painkiller, and try to get fluids in to her as she shows signs of being dehydrated. They will probably do more tests to look for feline AIDS and pancreatic damage. She has not eaten in days. Except when I force feed her..

So please keep your fingers crossed for us. Jackie is only eight so there is still a lot of years left in her I hope. She almost took the vet and two vet nurses down yesterday when they tried to take her blood from her jugular vein.

UPDATE

We went back to the vets this morning where they gave Jackie antibiotics, a painkiller/anti-inflammatory and 20 mls of hydration under her skin. She still won’t eat voluntarily. I have had to force feed her a couple of times today – special food that they give the animals when they are in the hospital. She is very unimpressed with me doing that. She isn’t drinking either. If she is still like this tomorrow they will start doing more tests I think. It is very worrying as my sweet girl loves her food. It doesn’t appear she is in pain at the moment. So for now we just don’t know what it is that is going on with her.

I can’t tell you all how much I appreciate all your well wishes and prayers for my girl. I will keep you updated when I know more.

 

Published by Jo Bryant

I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach.

102 Comments

  1. Oh Gosh. I hope she is ok! Know how hard it is when they hurt and can’t tell you what’s wrong. 😦 Maybe she ate something bad? Keeping my fingers crossed for your black baby that she will be up and causing mischief again in no time. xox *hugs*

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      1. Thanks for the update! I’m continuing to watch this space in the hopes of a positive outcome. Try and stay strong and not worry too much. Here’s another *BIG HUG* from across the water!

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        1. She took a few bites of chicken and heart that I gave her today – on her own. So I am thrilled. Keep your fingers and all the rest crossed that this might be the beginning of the way back from whatever it was that made her sick.

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        1. I actually dealt with a new vet but he is lovely, kind and very accommodating. I saw our regular guy today…been seeing Tony for 19 years now and I have a lot of faith in him. He never ever gives up.

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        1. Thanks Tom. My girl actually took a few bites on her own today. Less scars for me. So here is hoping this is the start of the way back to health for her.
          🙂

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  10. I think cats are about the coolest creatures on the planet Jo, and I’d like to think that they only befriend the coolest people. I’ve got my fingers crossed for both of you!

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  11. So sorry to hear about Jack who looks like my Shadow girl. I know what you are going through. It is so difficult to go through. Sending you positive energy your way.

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  18. Thinking of you. We lost Bandit only 2 weeks ago, though he would have been 20 in October. Pets bring us such love and break our hearts. Trusting all will be well and sending love and hugs!

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    1. Thanks Cheryl. I am so sorry for your loss. They do do both, but I wouldn’t ever not have them. It is just worrying because we don’t know what it is. But she is still young and has always been healthy so I have to hope once they figure it out all will be well. I’ve put an update on the post.

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      1. Read the update and hope she had decided to eat again. She’s clearly strong given your comment about the jugular vein incident. Wanted to stop by and say you’ve been in my thoughts. Love and hugs to you and to Jackie.

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        1. Thanks Cheryl. Jackie took some food on her own today. A few bites of chicken and heart, so I am cautiously hoping that she is coming out of whatever it was. Luckily she doesn’t have FIV.
          🙂

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    1. Awwwwww…that is so kind. Thank you so much. I can’t say how much I am touched by all the well wishes that have been posted here for my girl. I’ve put an update on the post.

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    1. Thanks. I really appreciate your comment. She is gorgeous. Actually it is really hard to get a good photo of Jackie because she is sooooo black everywhere, but in real life she is just so pretty to look at. My big gorgeous black Mama. I’ve put an update on the post.

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        1. It certainly has me worried Marianne. And it happened really quickly. One morning she was fine…eating, drinking. By evening she just refused everything. Thanks for the hugs. I needed them.

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  23. So sorry to hear that Jackie is poorly, Jo… I hope everything will be all right in the end. I’m sending healing thoughts your way and am keeping my fingers crossed for some good news …xxx

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  27. I am so sorry to hear about your darling companion’s illness. She is in my prayers. The fact that she was able to give three vet workers the run for their money shows that she still has what I call “cat strength.” Hopefully the medicines will knock out what is troubling her.

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    1. Thanks Russell. She’s a tiger in disguise is my girl. She ate on her own today. Just a smidgeon but it makes me feel hopeful we might be coming out the other side of whatever this was.
      🙂

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  29. Oh noes! Poor Puddy Tat, only 8 aswell 😦 Two of my favourite cats lasted until they were about 14 or 15 so she’s deffo got a lot of years left! My cats have lost their appetites a few times but they were alright afterwards; what other symptoms has she had?

    Have a gander here see if anything matches?

    http://www.helpmycat.com/symptoms.php?ds=363

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    1. God that list is scary. Luckily no…she seems just to not be eating. But today jackie took a few nibbles on her own so I am hoping she is coming out of whatever it was.
      🙂
      Thanks for the ‘poor puddy tat’ thouugh.
      😉

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  30. oh no, that is the worst when they have no idea what is wrong. Our young Fritz (3 in November) came down with something awful shortly after we adopted him. his gums were bleeding, he had a high fever, wouldn’t eat or drink. so I know about hydrating a small animal up close and personal like. it was nearly a week until the fever broke but it did finally break and he returned to normal. they never did know what he had. tons of tests but nothing turned up. he just got antibiotics and lots of love (and water) and that did it. I hope your cat returns to normal soon, it’s no fun when they’re sick 😦 sending positive thoughts your way. such great photos too btw.

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    1. Thanks. So glad your kitty got better. Jackie ate something today. Not a whole lot but seeing as it is the first bites she has taken on her own since Monday I am thrilled.
      🙂

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  32. My toes and fingers are crossed. I wish you all well and a speedy get well to your precious Jack. He looks so much like my Phoenix. So beautiful. Much luck and prayers coming your way. G

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  36. aw, hugs & blessings to both of you. Jackie is beautiful! i actually got here via the follow-up post and am happy to hear that she is already doing better. Eight is no age at all – may you enjoy many more years together!

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  38. Damn, sorry to hear Jack is having health issues. Very glad to hear she’s seeing improvements. Our animal kids means so much to us, I’m sending love and healing thoughts to both of you.

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