Hi folk, just a quick one to let you know Miss Jinx is still with us.

I'll come back with details of the vet's word later, just too damn tired right now; seems like free minutes are so scant.

Anyways, after the vets Miss Jinx stopped eating totally again, was down to skinny-bone paws and everything within 24 hours. She's much better now, at least has gained a bit of weight (paws are fleshed out again fine) since then and is more aware for past few days, not just the 'sick cat huddle and lay with head bowed' bit. Actually sits up most of the day with eyes open wide and clear and likes to be around where things are busy (with us, not just staying secluded in my artroom anymore.)

Bah, 1:30am so what the heck? Well, seems when the vet called us that day she said along with the lukemia (spelling) the bloodwork indicated a parasite so she was prescribing medication for that. That's why it made no sense to arrive and find a prescrip. for Bartinella.

Anyhows, the vet called us late afternoon the next day (sounding 'nice' ha,) and said that was her fault. She had relooked over the bloodwork (that must have been a first) and it wasn't a parasite, but Bartinella. Seems cats with lukemia 'do not get rid of it' with the medication, but it goes 'dormant'. (Thanks, would have liked to known that 2 years ago.) So she changed the prescript but didn't tell us that day, just went home.

How nice, her first reaction is to call us and tell us to put our cat to sleep, then she decided to actually LOOK at the blood tests she'd run.

Yeah, that's one Dr's call I hope others ask for a second opinion of!

To continue, from the bloodwork it looks like Jinx's cell count is down because she's trying to fight this thing off; the lukemia has her immunity system down and out of whack. This explains why she was having something wrong with that side of her head, since it effects mucas membranes like gums and sinuses. Also, a few days prior to brining her in again the eye on that side had started to 'run': another sign of bartinella. A rather clear sign actually. Too bad the vet refused to even look at Jinx's head.

So long story short, we are giving her the medication and she seems better in small stages. The eye has stopped running...only nuts, the stronger she gets the bitchier and harder to give her the medicine, which will take a few weeks. (Like I've mentioned, Jinx's prev people who abandoned her put a LOT of fear in her of being restrained. Took several weeks for us to be able to even pick up and hold her, which she likes now for brief moments.) Forget trying to sneek it into her food, she still only eats tiny bits at a time and at this point getting food in her is more important. After that other mis-prescribed round of antibiotic she wasn't trusting any food I was giving her at all. Smart cat, soon as she ate she got weaker and had diarrea. Didn't take her long to figure out why.

Still, she is clearly not suffering or in pain, actually wants to go outside--which again makes us the 'bad guys' since we aren't letting her. Even weak as she is she can still put on a real burt of speed. I did bring her out a few times to keep her interested in life, only she took to it too well. Ha, had to chase and gab her before she slipped under the fence and man, did she give some pissed off growl!

Of course after that she went on hunger strike again, just spent the rest of the day glaring at me, and ha, the next morning when she did her usual come in to wake us up say hello she did not climb in behind our pillows, but made damn sure to jump on both of my and Emile's stomachs. Her point and feelings made very clear.

A bitch like I've said, but one you just have to love.

And on that note I've got to try grab some sleep myself. Just wanted to thank you all for stopping by, your words and Azodnem, that candle is wonderful, thank you so much! (BIG HUGS)

Further hugs to all and good night till next time,

Melissa

Oh man, Melissa - leukemia, huh? I'm really sorry to hear that, my friend. And the Bartinella's - well, I hope that vet smartens up. If our vet ever did anything like that, not only would I be finding a new vet, but I'd make a public example out of him. Poor Jinx...

I think it's very wise of you and Emile to keep Miss Jinx on a "short leash" for now, Melissa; she's very sick, and if she got away, there's no telling what might happen to her... Having said that, cats are usually fairly forgiving, once they understand that their humans really aren't trying to cramp their style. She'll get over being mad at you and Emile; she loves you guys.

Thanks for letting us into your life, Melissa; I'll be sure to light a candle for the three of you every day...

Thanks for the update hon. I hope she improves. I love miss jinx. I hope you are keeping strong too. Hope to see you around soemtime but be sure to get your rest. hugs, shine