Conference misery::feline

    Well I'm not real sure when the last update was...but
    on a good note Van Gogh has come back regularly and
    since it has snowed...he has not left the cellar.  He
    walks on the porch...sniffs...looks around...and walks
    back to the warmth of my cellar.   
    
    IF you remember...he was not using the litterbox.  Well...
    as of last night both my husband and I went down for one of
    our nightly visits only to find Van Gogh constantly going to
    the litterbox and squatting.  He even stopped eating which
    I knew something was immediatly wrong.  Thank god for this notesfile...
    because all I could remember was "GET HIM TO THE VETS ASAP"
    
    Well Van Gogh has been at the vets all day with a catheter in
    him...so far they have determined that he has a Bladder infection 
    (FUS)....and I will be calling the vet back later today to
    find out if anything else is wrong.  The vet truly believe he
    will be spending the night.  (sniff sniff)
    
    I feel so bad for this big guy.   Can you imagine going from
    total freedom, to a cellar, to a cage with a thing stuck in
    you!!  I sure hope he doesn't lose his trust in me...I worked
    to hard to gain it.
    
    God...the name fits more then I ever would have imagined.
    Kitty prayers for Van Gogh...
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Sandy, I'm sure Van Gogh will be fine and knows he's being helped.
    There's no void like a house with a cat away, though.  Crossed
    fingers and paws for you both.
    

    Sandy -
    
    Do let us know about Van Gogh.  He sounds like a stray I befriended a
    couple of winters ago, but "Kitty" stopped showing up this Spring.  I
    think he was terribly afraid of my daughter and didn't want to come
    back.  I still look for him.
    
    Anyway, one of my cats, Barney, has had numerous bouts with  FUS and I
    control it by diet.  I give him 9-Lives or Whiskas canned cat food and 
    Fromm dry food.  I did check with my vet on this and got the OK on the 
    diet. Fromm is cheaper than SD or Iams and the mineral levels are about the
    same (or better).  I get it at my local pet store.  In case we have a
    return of FUS, I keep a supply of medication on hand and check with the
    vet.  Usually, because I start the medication right away, I don't have
    to deal with a visit to the vet.  (The FUS will return upon a change of
    diet - doesn't matter if it's canned or dry food).
    
    One last note - I have not checked with my vet, but because my pet
    store has been out of the Fromm cat food, I tried that new dry food at
    the grocery store especially made for cats with urinary problems.  It
    seems to work ok.
    
    Mary

    One thing to avoid is Pounce treats.  They bring on FUS in my cats
    within a day or two, without fail, amazingly enough.
    

    Sandy - I'm confused.  Does Van Gogh have a bladder infection as a
    result of having FUS or is he suffering from FUS alone.  I'm asking
    because my Hoover has had three bouts with FUS but has never had an
    infection.
    
    FUS is not fun and I certainly sympathize with you.  Hoover is so
    sensitive that I have to feed him SD for 2 weeks, CD for 1, etc. and I
    had to switch him over to bottled distilled water.  I always have a
    supply of Prednisone on hand.  He's more than worth the effort, though.
    
    Good luck with Van Gogh - I'm sure he'll be fine.  Also, you might want
    to ask your vet to show you how to examine him to determine if he's
    blocked or not.  If he turns out to be extremely prone to flare-ups
    it's good to know how to do that.
    
    Regards,
    
    Terry + 4
    

    My my...I fed in a few Pounce a couple of days ago.  I also
    heard that stress can cause this to act up too....which I'm
    sure the change in environment has him totally stressed out!
    
    My poor baby...I just want him home...and will be very very
    careful with his diet in the future!!  God..can I get FUS
    from being stressed out...because this guy has got my nerves
    on end and my stomach in a knot!   
    
    Sandy

	One of the Animail Catalogs I received had an ad for a special
	kind of cat litter, designed for FUS-susceptible cats.  It will
	apparently change color if there's a change in the urine output.
	It's a bit pricy, as I recall, but you can use it by mixing it
	up with your regular litter as well.   Sorry that I don't have
	the specifics here with me, but I'm sure you could get the info
	through a call to Animail (anyone got the number?).

	Sandy

    I only talked to the vet for about a minute for an update..
    (I couldn't wait until after work)...but I plan on getting a heck
    of a lot more details when I get to speak to him in person.
    
    But..his words to me was he had a bladder infection and he was
    beginning to have a blockage!  I promise to post more details
    as soon as I know the exacts.  He is also being monitored
    because he has diahrea and also was throwing up...and at the
    time I called...the vet didn't want to say if this was related
    or not.
    
    Sandy
    
    

    re: .5
    
    FUS is a classification for a wide range of problems associated with
    the lower urinary tract.  These problems can included bladder
    infections, crystal formations, cystitis, blockage, etc.  So, if your
    cat had a bladder infection, it could also be said that he had FUS.
    For more information on FUS, see note 29.3.
    
    Also, Hill's C/D contains a urine acidifier, which is why it is sold by
    prescription (through vet offices) only.  There are other foods which
    are low in ash and magnesium, but most don't have a urine acidifier in
    them.  Pro Plan has a new prescription line out that includes a version
    of C/D.  I believe that it has the urine acidifier in it too.  My vet
    says that she has been prescribing it to those cats that have a weight
    problem since it is lower in calories than C/D.
    
    Jo

    Well we did get to take Van Gogh home over the weekend...but
    as of this morning he is back at the vets.    We couldn't pick
    him up until 4:00 on Saturday because his stool had gone from
    being like cement to a very loose stool.  The vet said this was
    due to the blockage which backed up his whole intestinal track
    and there was poison in his system.
    
    He came home with the following diet and meds with a warning from
    my vet that he probably wouldn't eat for two days.
    
      o Strict diet of boiled chicken and rice only (1 Tsp every few hours)
      o Water or evaporated milk mixed with half water
      o Pet Tinic (once every two hours if he was not eating)
      o Clavamox - twice a day
      o Uritrin - once a day.
    
    Well we were very happy to see Van Gogh eat his special diet and
    continue to drink...I was all smiles.   But on Saturday night he had 
    thrown up and we called the vet (thank god he gave me his home phone 
    number) who thought we might be feeding him too much. That's when
    he suggested the 1Tsp every few hours.
    
    On Sunday V.G. did great...he was eating his little portions and
    holding them down and he was still urinating on his own.  He was
    a happy purring cat all day.  But when we woke up this morning we noticed
    that he had thrown up (alot) so we decided it was best to go
    back to the vets because we wouldn't be around for 10 hours.
    At this point he had stopped eating again....and we did not
    notice any pee!
    
    I just talked to the vets...and VG is again blocked and has
    the cathater in him!  On top of this...he is constipated and
    trying to pass a very big stool.  They are trying laxatives...
    but he might need an enema.  My poor baby is going through hell..
    Please keep your fingers crossed that he'll be okay.  
                   
    Sandy
    

        My cat has just been diagnosed with this also.  She started peeing
    everywhere, but nothing was coming out but a trickle.  I called the Vet
    and he put her on Amoxi.  After 2 1/2 days she stopped thinking she had
    to pee on everything and went back to normal.  After 9 days she was
    doing it again.  Back to the vet who said she had FUS and that she
    would have to have C/D for 3 weeks.  (she also had blood in her urine)
    At the end of 3 weeks, I should bring in a urine sample.  After 5 days,
    on the C/D, she stopped peeing everywhere and has been normal.  
    
        What I don't really understand is I have feed her Old Mother
    Hubbard and Fromm since she was 4 months old.  I thought these were low
    in ash and magnesium.  (also Iams)  I'm afraid to take her off the C/D
    although the vet said I can put her on the Hills food that you can find
    in the feed and grain stores.  (a little cheaper)  
    
        Does the other Hills stuff have the acidifier in it too.  It hasn't
    been 3 weeks yet, so I haven't been back to the Vet with her urine
    sample.  
    

    I hope there is someone like you in my dear, lost Robbie's future.  I
    live in hopes that he connects with someone loving and caring.
    
    My hat off to you!

    Sandy, I am really sorry to hear this.  After our conversation this
    morning, I thought things were looking up.
    
    Hang in there and keep me posted!
    
    -Roberta
    

    Gosh, Sandy, poor Van Gogh.  I hope the vet soon gets things
    stabilized.  Please let us know what's going on.
    
    Has Van Gogh perhaps been hit by a car in the past?  That's what had
    happened to my Sweetie before I got him, and caused a narrowing of the
    pelvis that resulted in  a combination of oversolid blockages and
    diarrhea (sp?).  The vet only noticed it when we noticed that Sweetie
    looked slightly too small in the pelvis.  Before then the emergency vet
    had had him on meds to treat both teh constipation and diarreha,
    depending on which day it was, which just succeeded in making the cat
    more miserable.  The good news is that pelvis damage is surgically
    correctable.
    

    I have no idea what Van Gogh's life was prior to a year ago
    when I started feeding him...and even then I only saw him for
    maybe 1/2 hour a day...so who knows what could have happened to
    him.   I just feel so bad...because he was a relatively healthy
    cat...before he started staying with us!   I did ask the vet
    why he thought this happened...and he said it could be stress
    related (X-feral in the house) and also the change of diet.  I
    guess mice and garbage is very very low in Ash/Magnisium compared
    to Science Diet.
    
    I never knew a person/cat could be both constipated and also have
    diahrea!   He definitely had diahrea this AM at home...but yet
    his belly felt pretty hard.  I don't understand this!
    
    All I want is to have him healthy...and I will follow the vets
    orders and feed him whatever will keep him healthy.  I do not
    want to go through this again....ever!!
    
    Hopefully I'll have better news tomorrow.
    
    Sandy

    I was confused about the constipation and simultaneous diahrea
    also, with Sweetie.  i guess things just get totally out of whack.
    The emergency vet made things worse by first prescribing something to
    cure the diarrlea, when Sweetie was having diarrhea because there was a
    blockage.
    
    It took an xray to determine what was wrong.
    
    Here's hoping Van Gogh's problems are just due to the diet change.
    

    Re .11:
    
    The Hill's Science Diet does not have a urinary acidifier in it.  The
    only Hill's product that does is the C/D and that is why it is sold
    through the vet's.  
    
    Lots of things can contribute to FUS, not just diet.  So, even though
    you were feeding a good diet to your cat, something else probably
    caused a bout of FUS.
    
    Jo

    Old Mother Hubbard does produce an acidic urine even tho it does
    not contain a urine acidifier.  I know this for a fact since Bob
    had one of several urinalysis's (what's the plural of  urinalysis?)
    done while eating it.  In fact, the vet told me that if I noticed
    him not using the box at this point it might be because his urine
    was so acidic it was irritating him and I should add baking soda 
    to his food!
    
    The good news is that OMH has just come out with dry.  I bought
    two 3.5 lb bags at the last show and my gang likes it very much.
    Not quite as much as Max cat but close.
      Nancy
    

    After the vet told me that Van Gogh was blocked again...I was
    in shock.  I cried all the way home...and was a bundle of nerves.
    I couldn't go the whole night without talking to the vet again...
    so I called him back...he said Van Gogh was resting very comfortably
    with his catheter and they were giving him laxatives which seems
    to be working...so they doubted he would have to give him an enema.
    I asked if VG was tranquilized or had one of those collars on so
    he wouldn't bite at the catheter...but he said no.. VG was being
    a very good boy. (even purred once in awhile).  He said VG made
    a 50% improvement since he was brought in at 8:00 A.M.
    
    I also asked how could he be constipated and have diahrea at
    the same time...and his comment was that the mass of hard stool
    was blocking most of the passage way...but where VG was drinking
    alot of the evaporate milk...the loose stool was passing but
    was not breaking down the hard stool.
    
    I'll be calling in early afternoon...so I'll provide another
    update.  Please keep all fingers/paws crossed for the big guy!!   
    I truly fear other problems are heading our way....and the blockage
    is only a symptom of something else.    
    
    Sandy

    
    Oh Sandy,
    
    Van Gogh has become very special to all of us who have been reading up
    on him daily through this file....we all will be pulling for him, I'm
    sure.  
    
    Nancy (and the troups)

    I would like to share some suggestions that we did while
    monitoring Van Gogh over the weekend.   Both my vet and I
    decided that VG needed to be monitored on a regular basis
    and since the office was closed on Sunday...we thought it
    best he come home with us.
    
       o Confined the cat to one room...without any other cats.
       o We continued to monitor about every hour.  We would check
         the litterbox for urine, stool, or just paw prints which
         would have told us if he was trying to go.
       o I kept an hourly log that showed:  (the vet loved this...we
         called it Van Gogh Diary.)
             . what he ate/drank (1 tsb food, 1CC liquid)
             . when he urinted or passed stool
             . what medicine/vitamins were given
             . what he looked liked and acted like
               (did he purr, was he weak, did he great us)
                                  
     This information helped the vet...but also made me more comfortable
     that the vet could review and ensure I was doing the right things.
     
     Sandy
      
    

    Poor Van Gogh! Poor you, Sandy! I hope he will be ok, and soon! We will 
    be rooting for him.

    The log is a great idea, I think. When one of my cats developed diabetes
    some years ago, the vet told me to keep a record of amount of food, time 
    of insulin shots, urine readings, etc. so that I would know (and could 
    tell him) how Junie was doing.  Since then, when any of my cats is sick
    I note how much they eat, how they act, if there is diarrhea, and any 
    other relevant details. It's really useful information to give the vet 
    and can help reveal a pattern. 

    Linda

    Sandy:
    
    Keeping all fingers and paws crossed for you and your guy.  Please
    keep us all posted.
    
    Gentle hugs,
    
    Giudi + Pippin, Gino & StITch

    See Sandy!  They KNOW when you're trying to help them.  Jesse, Bob,
    Jasmine, Christie Kay and Dusty were all like that.  So was Lucky -
    the 6 million dollar kitten.
    
    The love comes through.  ANd you must have a great vet there.
      
    Hang in there.
      Nancy DC
    

    Sandy,
    
    Are you in today?! How's Van Gogh doing?
    
    Bonnie

    Sandy:
    
    Anxious to hear about VG.  Please let us know.
    
    Hugs,
    
    Giudi

    Well...I'm a bit nervous writing anything...because as of this
    morning Van Gogh was doing GREAT!  My fear is getting my hopes
    up high...only to be splattered to the ground again.  I can't take
    to much more of that.....I now have Diahrea!!  (My vet prescibed
    Pepto Bismol...for me)
    
    But...I did pick him up from the vets last night and he looked and
    acted great.  He ran up to me, put his paws on my shoulder and gave
    me the biggest hug ever!  The vet laughed and said "gee are you sure
    this was the X-Feral"   the little pooper ended up pulling out the
    catheter himself!   I had never seen an animal catheter...I visioned a 
    needle hooked up to a tube which drained in a bag!! Wrong...it is
    just this long skinny tube!!
    
    He is still on the same strict diet..and still needs to take all
    his medicine...but on top of that he also is taking Mythigel (sp??)
    which looks like hairball stuff...but also has the stuff to control
    the acid in his urine.
    
    As of this morning...he was eating (wanted more),drinking, urinating, 
    and also passed stool.  I have to call the vet back when I get home
    and report on his progress...the vet says we will take a day at
    a time and change his diet/medicine accordingly. 
    
    All I know was he was up all night....banging at the door to go
    out!  He kept waking me up...but I just smiled and said "welcome home
    big guy".  He hasn't been interested in going out for one week...so
    I feel he must be feeling better.   He was kind of a pain in the 
    butt...but it was a good pain!!!
    
    Hopefully when I get home...he will still be urinating on his own!!
    Have you ever seen two adults actually flip out with joy...because
    their cat peed!!
    
    Sandy

    YAHOOO!!!!!  Things are looking up!
    
    Nancy

    Wya to go!
    

    
    Sandy,
    
             I'm so happy for you and Van Gogh, i'm so glad he's doing
     much better and even though he wants to go out, i'm sure he feels
    much better and it's due to having a mom who loves him so much and
    cares so much for him....
    
    His big hug was his way of saying, Thanks mom for caring....and boy am
    I glad to see you.....
    
    
    Diana, Tykey & Domino

    Sandy:
    
    I'm so happy to hear the news.  Lots of hugs and kisses from me and
    my three.
    
    Giudi

    Hi Sandy,
    
         I'm so happy to hear how Van Gogh is doing too.  He'll come
    through this fine, I know he will!
    
         And yes, I *have* seen two adults overjoyed when their cat peed. 
    My hubby and me.  A few times when Loki had FUS.  And now when Loki
    pees in the morning for me so I can test his urine sugar (yep, he's on
    insulin again :-( ).  8*)
    
    					- Andrea

    Oh, that's wonderful Sandy!! I hope you have more of the same news to
    report this morning! Van Gogh sure is a lucky guy!!
    
    Bonnie

    Still good....I spoke to the vet again last night and he advised
    to double his amount of food intake.  The big guy is starving
    constantly.   So as of this morning again...he has ate,drank
    urinated and passed stool. 
    
    But...did I get the scare of my life last night.  I did not know
    my heart could beat that fast...and then just stop.  First I
    want to share that Van Gogh is confined to my spare bedroom.  Since 
    I wasn't home all day yesterday I had asked both by niece and my 
    nephew (21 and 18 years old) who live upstairs to check on Van Gogh 
    and give him a tsb of food around 1:00.  
    
    Well I stood in the kitchen when I got home...truly expecting to see
    this big black paw sticking out from under the doorway.  Van Gogh
    constantly does this...and picks at the wood.  No paw..my heart
    starting beating fast and I was afraid to open the door.  I finally
    got the courage and opened the door...now hoping to see Van Gogh
    comfortabley snuggled in his bed...No Van Gogh!  As my heart began
    racing and I was in total panic...I started looking all over the
    room...I held my breath and peered under the bed...ran to the closet...
    No Van Gogh.  I said "oh my god...the window"...it was shut tight!
    I gasped and walked to the kitchen...and here is Van Gogh running
    to me from down cellar...yelping "Meow Meow Meow" with 5 other cats
    close behind just staring.  
    
    That was not how I was planning the introductions....but everyone
    did seem pretty content...a few hisses here and there but that
    was about it!   I did find out that my little 7lb Abby truly
    loves the big guy and gives him kisses.  Of course why he was
    out...he did munch on a some SD hard food...which he was not
    suppose to have.   
    
    Hopefully the news will continue to be good...and we won't have
    anymore scares...my nerves are shot!!
    
    Sandy
    

    :*)

    Yes, Sandy, I too am an adult who jumps for joy when her cat pees -
    specifically when it's Hoover.  I never thought the day would come when
    that pssssstt sound became music to my ears.
    
    I'm very happy for you and Van Gogh.
    
    T
    

    When our Tiki II (finally) came home from having kidney stones removed,
    not only were there 2 adults jumping for joy at each pee, but our other
    cat, Rico, would ANNOUNCE the event...calling us to the box each time
    Tiki went to it, following, and checking the box after Tiki "went".  It
    was a regular parade, and poor Tiki was rather embarassed.
    
    Go-go, Van Gogh!!!  :^)
    
    K.C.

    I'm so happy knowing there are other crazy animal lovers out
    there that are thrilled at the sound of PSSSSSSS!  That's great
    the Rico was in on it too!!! 
    
    I do have a question...I'm having a real hard time giving Van gogh
    the Mithigel which is a gel similar to hairball stuff. Of course
    the box says all cats will love the taste...but not Van Gogh.  I
    put the stuff on my finger, pry his mouth open, push it in, and by 
    the time I try to get my hand out of the way...the big guy rolls 
    his tongue and spits it out on my hand.  He's quick!!!!  
    Any suggestions!!
    
    Sandy
    

    Can you put in his favorite flavored food? 
    
    Bon

    Sandy:
    
    Funny how the sound of psssssst can be music to your ears.  Since this
    thing with Pippin, the first thing I do when I get home is to check the
    "wet" in the boxes.  The cats think I'm nutz going through their boxes
    like a bag lady.  "Hey what's mom looking for?"  "Pee, you Fools".
    
    I've got two cats who will take hairball stuff right out of the tube. 
    I just squirt it into their mouth - then there's Gino - it ususally
    takes two of us - wrap him up in a towel - front legs safely secured -
    and then open the mouth and get it as far down the back as you can. 
    Problem is the damm stuff starts to melt before you can do a clean job.
    
    So glad VG is doing so much better.
    
    Giudi +3

    Bonnie...I would love to put it in his favorite food...but right
    now he is on a very strict diet..so those options aren't there.
    His favorite is "tuna" but I think those days are long gone.
    
    We have tried it with the towel with two of us...and he really
    doesn't struggle or fight..he just has very quick tongue movement
    and loves to spit it out!  Your right...the stuff starts to
    melt instantly which doesn't make the job any easier.  Maybe...I'm 
    just not shoving back far enough.   You should have saw his face
    and whiskers when we were done...and on top of that...my hubby
    had it dripping down his pants...and my hands were full of the
    gook.  What a mess!!!
    
    Thanks for all the support and well wishes.  Last year VG didn't
    have anyone to care or love him...but this year he has the
    whole feline file giving him support.  If he only knew what
    a lucky guy he really is!!
    
    Sandy
    

    Rub it into the fur on his foreleg.  Don't put a glop there, just small
    amounts and rub it in so that he has to groom it off.  If you put a big
    glop on his leg, he will just fling it off -- all over your furniture,
    you, the walls, the carpet (the voice of experience here).
    
    Jo

Try smearing the stuff on a front leg (or any other part of their anatomy that
they have easy access to for cleaning).  Cats hate to be 'dirty' and 
will proceed to take whatever matters are appropriate to try to correct 
the situation. Hannah is not particularly fond of petromalt, so I squeeze the 
desired inch onto my finger, and then transfer it to her front leg, whichever 
one I can grab.  Make sure the stuff is firmly affixed to the leg, or else 
the first shake will decorate the room with gooey gunk!!!  Hannah then proceeds
to the furthest corner and sulks while stripping the hideous gunk from her 
dainty self.

Simon, on the other hand, inhales the stuff.  I don't squeeze it out of the tube
fast enough for him!!

    I use the front leg method also.
    

    I am so glad someone addressed the hairball medication issue, as I have
    all four of my kittens at home coughing and hacking because of the
    hairballs.  Yet two of them would take the medication like it was
    candy, and the other two....well, you'd swear I was performing upon
    them the worst sort of torture!  The leg method sounds perfect.  I'm
    going to go straight home tonite and lather them up!  Thanks for the
    great advice.
    
    Nancy and her crew
    
    Crew:  YA, SURE, THANKS GUYS!!!! (said facetiously)

Sandy,

How did the weekend go??  How's "Vinnie" doing???

As for him not hating you after all you've done to him, imagine how much
little Beth must hate me for having her eyes removed...she hates me so
much she spent the night sleeping on my face under a down comforter.
Things could be worse.......

Mary

    V.G. went for another check-up on Saturday and he is doing
    fine....urinating regurlarly...but is now having a small problem
    with being constipated.     
    
    But...he is on my SH**list you can tell he is feeling better!!!  
    He is really bored, dying to go out...and is acting like I'm starving 
    him to death!  So on Sunday we thought we would let him have a stroll 
    through the whole house..well he sprayed in my living room twice...nice 
    of him to mark his territory!  Then he attacked my little girl  (7 lbs)
    Abby really bad and scared the heck out of her.  She hid down the
    cellar for the rest of the day.  I felt so bad for her because last
    week they were kissing and he caught her totally by surprised.
    So...VG is confined to the bedroom again and we are holding off
    on introductions.   The big poophead...if he only knew how good
    he could have it...if he would just get along with the rest of 
    the crew!!!
    
    Sandy
    
    ps...Mary, I would love to see you start a note about "Handicapped 
    Kitties" and provide us with a little history on Beth...and some
    updates.   I feel I know her personally and have been waiting
    for updates.
                                                                       

    Well...I just got back from a two week vacation and thought I
    would give you an update on Van Gogh.   Boy was it great spending
    two weeks with all the kids!!!
    
    VG was doing fine until Christmas day...and then we noticed his
    many trips to the box to try and pass stool.  He was urinating fine...
    so it was due to his constipation.   Well off he went again to the
    vets for an enema and further tests.   Ater spending another three days
    at the vets...they have found out that Van Gogh has a hook at the end 
    of his intestines; therefore making it very hard to pass hard stool.
    The vet explained it like "look under you sink and you will see
    a trap pipe shaped like a "U"....this is what VG end of his intestines 
    look like.  He also said this could be caused my an injury such as
    someone kicking VG in the butt!  Gee...I'd like to find this person!!
    
    We now are feeding him wet mushy food with laxatives a couple times 
    a day.   He has been home for over a week...and even through he
    has a hard time passing the stool...it eventually does come out
    within a day or two.  Exercise does help him...so we try to play fetch
    with and get him to run around.
                                                          
    We talked about long term care and possible operations...but the
    vet wants to try and regulate his stools with mushy food, laxatives
    and take a day at a time.  He said other problems could develop if
    they were to operate on his intestines.
    
    Even though all this has happened to him since I took him in....
    he still loves me dearly and is my big Teddy Bear!!!  We still
    need to keep him confined...because he literally attacks my
    other cats and has continued to "spray to mark his territory".
    (atleast he is peeing!!!)
    
    I think this is going to be a long road.  Has anyone had any
    experience with Hooked intestines!!!!   Poor VG...but he no
    longer looks dirty and ragged....he has a beautiful clean shiny
    black coat...he is gorgeous!!!
    
    Sandy
    

    Argus went thru the FUS/constipation loop a number of times. It is
    fairly common in cats that get overweight as a result of being put on
    C/D. Anyhow, we eliminated the constipation problem by mixing in a
    spoon full of bran with his wet food (he actually seemed to like the
    texture with the bran better than without the bran). I've stopped
    giving him wet food and have switched him onto Science Diet Light.
    Since the light food contains a lot of fiber, his stool stays soft.
    However, I still occasionally give him a spoon of bran on top of his
    crunchies (since he licks the plate, he gets some bran, too).
    
    Deb

    My Rusty has a natural constriction of the bowel, causing
    the same thing....surgery would cause other problems, so
    it's physcillium muciloid (Metamucil-unflavored) for the
    rest of his life added to his moist food.
    

    Sweetie is on Metamucil permanently also, and has been for years. 
    It goes into all the cats' food since they eat out of each other's
    dishes, and it does no harm if it's not needed.
    

    Well after talking to Lynne off line...both my husband and I
    sat down one night and discussed the fact that we did not
    feel the laxative was doing the trick for Van Gogh.  It seemed the
    laxative would work for a day or two...but he would get bound
    up again.  We were going back and forth to the vets about every
    fourth day!
    
    Well I decided to talk to my vet about Metamucil...and his comment
    was that it works on some cats...but not on others.  So he said
    he had no problem if I took VG off of the laxative and tried
    the Metamucil.   Well...it seems to be working.  You can ask
    Lynne...the day I sent her a note so happy stating that Ernie
    and I were running around the house singing....VG Pooped...poopdedoo!
    The funny part is she understood how thrilled we were!!!  (I just
    love animal lovers...nobody else would understand)
    
    The vets said his ultimate goal will be to wean VG so he only
    needs the Metamucil two/three times a week....but we still have
    a way to go.   BUT..my vet also warmed me that VG is now about
    eight...and he has had a hell of a life (so many battle scars)
    and as he grows older we could run into many problems caused by
    his rough life he led.  
    
    The big guy still has an attitude problem with the rest of my
    cats.  When he first "moved in" he got along with them....but
    now he literally attacks any cat in sight and then comes running
    over to me and rubs up against me."   I swear he is jealous...
    So....he is still confined to his bedroom...and I feel really
    bad that I have to do that.  (guilt,,,,guilt....guilt)
    
    Sandy

    Well more kitty prayers are needed this way....Van Gogh is
    back at the vets and they have taken a blood sample and have sent
    it away for a full test. (including FIV, FIP and another FELUK test)  
    The vet requested this be done because he felt that if we were only 
    dealing with the "hook" intestine...the Metamucil or Laxative should 
    have controlled it.  He also had another case of urinal blockage too!
    
    Once we get the tests results back...we will meet with the vet to
    discuss the results and determine the next step.  If the blood test
    come back okay...it might even mean exploratory surgery.
    
    My poor baby....  My heart is breaking thinking this could be something 
    fatal.   I just thank god that for the most part I have kept VG away
    from my other cats.  Keep fighting Van Gogh!!
    
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Chin up, Sandy.  Remember how lucky Van Gogh is to have you
    in his corner through this.  He's in all our thoughts.  Please let
    us know as soon as you know anything.
    
    Karen
    

    Sandy:
    
    Take it one step at a time and leave nothing uncovered.  My thoughts
    and prayers are with you - please let us know the results as soon as
    you are able.
    
    Giudi

    Sandy,
    
         We'll be keeping our human fingers and kitty paws crossed for Van
    Gogh.  He's quite a fighter!
    
    					- Andrea & Bigfoot, Loki & Midnight

    
    
    Sandy,
    
       We are praying everyday that Van Gogh gets healthy again real soon.
    I'm sure it's very heartbreaking for you and he is very lucky to have
    a mom who loves him and cares so much for him and from the sounds of it
    he is in good hands with your vet.
    
    We'll keep those prayers coming...
    
    Diana Tykey & Domino

    As of Friday....all the tests for FIV, FIP and FELUK came back
    negative....as well as the full blood test did not show anything
    real alarming.   VG came home on Friday afternoon and was happy, playing,
    eating, peeing, and we were all very happy.   More like off the wall
    with joy!!   That's the good news!!!
    
    Then Saturday PM rolled around and VG started to go down hill, wouldn't
    eat, became lethargic...so off he went back to the vets.   They found
    him bound up again and gave him an enema.   His stools were hard
    like cement.  I called back late Saturday and they said he was
    pretty peppy and felt much better after they relieved him.
    
    The two vets and the assistant are arguing over how old VG really is.
    One says 7, one says 9, and one says way over 12 and feels these
    are signs of old age due to him being such a warrior. 
    
    I call back today to find out the game plan...they are waiting to
    make the decision whether to do exploratory surgery.  
    
    God what a roller coaster of emotions!!
    
    Sandy
    
                                        

    How is Van Gogh doing?
    

    He's back!!!!  We brought Van Gogh home again last night...so
    let's hope he stays there for a long time.   Through process of
    elimination the vets beleive the problem is do to an enlarged 
    colon (something called Megacolon).   Van Gogh is now on a
    strict diet of Hill RD (no substitution) with Milk of Magniase
    two times a day.   We are all keeping our fingers crossed hoping
    this diet can control the problem...because our next step would
    be surgery.  According to the vet they will save surgery as the
    last option...because some times it does not work and causes
    further problems down the road.  All fingers, toes, and paws
    are crossed on this one.
    
    To ease my own mind to ensure there were no other options available
    to us...I spoke to another vet (Dr. Fallon who is the shelter vet)
    and asked him his opinion.  After discussing the symptoms and test
    result...Dr Fallon also believe it probably is an enlarged colon..
    and suggested the RD diet prior to trying surgery.  So atleast I
    have three vets in agreement...and I asked Dr. Fallon if he would
    provide a second opinion if we do need the surgery.  
    
    As far as Van Gogh is...boy was he happy to see us...he was a royal
    pain in the butt...but who cares!!!!  He was trying to jump on
    my counters (something he never did before) for food...and all he
    wanted was to give bear hugs.  We gave him a kitty condo since
    he is confined to one room...so he walked in, smelled it and 
    sprayed it! (argh...smile atleast he is peeing)  
    
    BTW..Van Gogh will now be an indoor only cat.  He deserves a life
    of luxury after all he has been through....  The vets now believe
    he is atleast 11 years old.  there is a slight sign of catercats
    in one eye.   Gee....my big old man is showing signs of aging...
    but so ain't I after what he has put us through!!
    
    Thanks for all of you who have asked about him and sent me notes
    offline.  I feel like there is a crowd of wonderful people on
    our side.   If anyone has dealt with enlarged colon problems...I
    would love to hear your experiences and treatments.
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Sandy
    
    Van Gough is soo lucky!!!!  He really sounds like Buster The Cat.
    I never realized how much I loved the little guy untill he got sick
    last week.  The vet said he had pnenomia, and was on deaths door step.
    She also said that we shouldn't move him because he was so used to the
    environment at the barn that sudden changes in temperature or the
    stress of moving him would put him over the edge.  He was also
    contageos and would transmit it to nippa.  He couldn't breath, he
    wouldn't eat, and he was barfing too....our hearts ached for him.  
    But we medicated him for a few days, and he started eating, his eyes 
    shone again, and he started protesting the medicine....so we knew he was 
    feeling better.  It's been about 10 days now and Busters just about back 
    to normal, with the exception of a sniffle or two.  This vet thinks he
    could be about 7 - 10 years old, just like VG.  Arn't we so lucky to 
    be bless with them, sandy.....
    
    Michele 

    Michele,
    
    That happened to TK almost three years ago.  He came down with
    pneumonia and all he did was sit in one spot with his mouth hanging
    open trying to breathe.  I tried to feed him via syringe but he could
    not keep anything down.  It was awful!  I was so afraid he would die. 
    The vet did not want me to bring him in or move him for the same
    reasons and instructed me on what to do at home to bring him out of it. 
    I was so happy when he finally recovered!!
    
    It was very critical to keep trying to syringe liquids into him (baby
    food gruel mostly) since he is overweight and the risk of fatty liver
    disease was high.
    
    I'm glad to hear Buster is doing well!!
    
    -Roberta
    

    Michele...so happy Buster is better and thank god he found you!!
    
    It's amazing how you can get totally attached to a cat that
    needs you.  My vet now considers Van Gogh the Mascot at his
    office.  He has commented that he wouldn't mind keeping him...
    and in reality it might be easier for me because he does
    not get along with my other cats and need to be confined...BUT
    there is NO WAY I could give him up now...he is in my heart 
    to stay!!
    
    Sandy

re .60 (Sandy)

> ...The vets now believe
> he is atleast 11 years old.  there is a slight sign of catercats
> in one eye...

What are catercats? :-)  Sorry, I couldn't resist the intrusion of the second
"cat" into that word...

Jill

    now Jill...don't pick on me I have had one hell of a month!!!!
    
    Catercats - little cats dressed in white blouses, black skirts with
    aprons...... serving food!!!
    
    Sandy                                                         

    Though I haven't seen them myself, I know catercats exist.  A couple of
    them drove a tiny front-end loader through the last remaining
    houseplant in the kitchen bay-window this morning.  I asked my four
    kittens about the new landscaping...they all said "Who me?  I didn't do
    it."
    
    Jo-Ann

Now, Sandy, you know I wouldn't pick on you even when you had a good month,
right? :-)

I've gotten real good at valuing differences and ignoring typos, spellos, and
grammos, but there are just some things you can't ignore. :-)

Jill

    Latest Update...sniff sniff!!   I just can't believe it...and thank
    god Roberta is in the same building with me....because she listened/
    comforted me all morning!
    
    As of this morning Van Gogh is back at the vets.   Last night he quit
    eating and hadn't had a bowel movement since he came home on Wednesday
    night.   He kept making his trips to the litterbox...but nothing
    came out.  On top of this problem...he is also sneezing..so now we
    fear he is coming down with a upper respitory problem.    This morning 
    he threw-up and was very lethargic.
    
    Well we spoke to our vet and we both agree that it is time to go
    to Tufts.   Van Gogh will stay at the vets over the weekend and
    we have an appoinment at Tufts for monday morning.  
    
    I spoke to a Dr Wall at Tufts...and she shared with me that based
    on all the tests that were already performed...they might need to
    do more.   Her first guess is that is it an enlarged colon...and they
    might try a few more medical treatments (maybe WD this time) before
    they would try surgery. (remove most of the large intestine..and
    the cost would be between $600-800).   The surgery has worked for
    many cats....and it may cause diahrea for a few weeks. 
    
    Hopefully they can pin-point the problem, we can discuss the treatment
    and the pros/cons and atleast I feel I will have enough knowledge
    to do the right thing for Van Gogh. 
    
    I know I'm not being positive...but I'm not sure this big lovey dovey
    guy can survive much more.   How he keeps fighting is beyond me!!
    I'll keep you posted....kitty prayers please!!
    
    Sandy
    

    Oh, you bet!  Fingers and paws WILL be crossed!
    
    K.C.

    Sandy,
    
    Best wishes from "over here"!
    
    Lisa.
    

    Sandy,
    
    Best wishes from us too...
    
    	linda, bim, girl & nikki

    Sandy:
    
    Many special thoughts and prayers going out VG and you.  Believe that
    he is going to be fine and send him all that love and healing light.
    
    Please keep us posted,
    
    Love and hugs
    Giudi + Pippin, Gino & StItCh

    I tried searching the old file for Megacolon too, and had no luck
    Sandy.  But, I just thought of something, maybe the discussion on
    megacolon was in a colitis note?  I will go do some more checking.
    
    Good luck to you and Van Gogh.
    
    Jo

    Rusty's sending good kitty vibes to Van Gogh!
    
    L-

    Sandy, 
    
    I only found one topic so far in the old Feline about colitis. 
    Ironically, it was created by you. :')  Your sister's cat had colitis
    and you were looking for more info.  No mention of megacolon there.
    
    I have been working on keywording some of the older notes in Feline_V1
    so if I come across something I will let you know.
    
    Jo

    Thanks Jo...I looked in the old file as well...and saw my own note.
    The funny part is the symptoms were diahrea...and Van Gogh sure doesn't
    have that problem.  At this point I would be thrilled to see diahrea.
    
    Well we brought him to Tufts this morning.   I was really impressed
    with this hospital...and how they spent 45 minutes just discussing
    Van Gogh's symptoms and history.  Van Gogh put on his lovey dovey act and
    everyone fell in love with him already.   The vet was trying to make
    out the paperwork and VG was sitting on it rubbing his head all
    over her chin.
    
    They are doing all the tests today (ultra sound, blood chemistry
    profile, urinalysis, radiographs, and potential ultrasound guided 
    biopsy if needed) they will call me tonight and let me know what they 
    have diagnosed. These tests with a two day hosptial stay is estimated 
    at $545...and if we need surgery that will be estimated at $600-800....
    but they will try to fix the problem medically and leave surgery as the
    last resort.     Even though this is going to cost me some big bucks...
    I am happy we brought him to Tufts and hopefully he can come home
    soon.  
    
    Sandy
    
    
    
    
    

    When Sweetie had this problem he had both blockage and diarrhea
    (leakage) at the same time.  In his case, a car accident had partly
    crushed in his pelvis, causing blockage which surgery and a lifetime
    of Metamucil every day has fixed, thank goodness.  Van Gogh doesn't
    look somewhat narrow when you look at him from the back, does he?
    That's how the vet and I first twigged to the fact that Sweetie had
    probably been in an accident (before I got him) and the bones had
    healed improperly. Xrays confirmed it.
    

    Karen,
    
    I haven't notice anything in particular about VG being narrower...but
    I'm sure Tufts will find out what it is with all the tests.
    
    I have noticed that within the last few weeks...he has lost some
    weight....but he was a bit on the heavy side to begin with!
    
    Sandy

Well...I am happy to say that Van Gogh came home from Tufts last
night with a very sore bum!!  the good news is that Tufts really
felt they were going to find an underlining problem with either
a tumor or problems with liver/kidney....but all the tests came
back okay!  They said he is very healthy...with the exception of
his intestines.  Karen...they did check out the hips to ensure
he was not hit by a car!!

The final diagnosis:

  1. Megacolon  (how this was explained to me is that the large
     intestine is inflammed and the muscles which are used to
     move the stool through are weak and cannot move hard stool.
     The problem is caused from unknown origin...but they do see
     it in older cats.
  2. Suspicious area in intestine near hips on X-ray -
     Beleive to be inflammation but can not rule out
     stricture or less likely start of tumor.

Tests performed:

  1. Radiographs
  2. Urinalyusis
  3. Blood chemistry profile
  4. CBC
  5. Laxtulose
  6. Barium Enema

What they found and had to do:

  they found a very hard solid piece of waste in VG's intestine. the
  comment was that every time he had an enema...the waste would break
  up a little....but they doubted it would every come out without
  some help.   This is why they believe the suspicious area is from
  the inflammation of this waste.

  1. Gave VG 5 or 6 enema's yesterday morning
  2. Put him under anesthesia for 2 1/2 hours
  3. Manually went through his bum/intestines and took the
     waste out. (now you know why he has a sour bum)
  

Medical Home Instructions:

  1. give medicine as directed (Lactulose - which is a strong
                                liquid stool softerner.  Diet=RD
  2. Will have diarrhea for a day or two.  If stool remains
     too loose decrease medication to twice a day.
  3. Call vet on Friday and give update
  4. If problem recurs or persists, VG will need surgery. (they
     told me that they have a vet that specializes in this surgery
     which will be to remove the part of the bad intestine...and
     this vet has a great success rate and is publishing her second
     thesis on the subject.)

Cost to date:  Tufts         = $379
               my vet        = $175

Well VG was pretty drugged last night...and had a very dirty/sore
bum.  We tried to help him and clean it up for him....but there
was noway he was going to let anyone else go near his backside.
We just let him rest all night.   And I am very HAPPY to say that
this morning he was running around, talking very happily, eating
like a pig, and wanting alot of love.  He had cleaned himself up
and even had a semi soft stool in his litter.  WOW...real poop!

God...I hope this is the end of this story!!!  I want to share
happy thoughts...and am so sick of riding this roller coaster but
I will not give up knowing he is healthy in every other way!
Thanks to all who have listen to me and cared over the last few 
months...all I can say is thank god for this notesfile.

Jo...can we change the name of the title that reads Van Gogh -FUS
because  that clearly is not the problem and I would not want
someone to read this thinking it is a FUS problem.  Also the
keyword might need changing.


Sandy
            

    Oh...and one more comment on Van Goghs' medical memo:
    
       Van Gogh is a great cat - he is very very popular boy at Tufts.
    
    
    He was known as the half-scottish fold...and the ear got him
    alot of attention!!

    This sounds like good news.  Our fingers are crossed.  You can
    modify stuff about a note you own yourself -- do a help on
    modify note.
    
    Karen
    

You are certainly doing all the right stuff....VG is a lucky old guy to
find you.  I have a friend with an old fellow who gets along with daily
doses of metamucil in his food - sounds like VG has something a lot worse.
Take care of him.

				D
    

    Way to go, Van Gogh!
    
    We're all pulling for you!
    
    K.C., Leigh, Rico and Alex

    I have changed the note title and the keywording on this note to
    reflect the diagnosis of Megacolon.
    
    Glad to hear the Van Gogh is doing so much better.
    
    Jo

    Praying that this does the trick.  Poor baby has been through so much
    but, really, what a lucky guy to have such a wonderful caring mom.
    
    Good thoughts coming your way.
    
    Giudi +3

    
    
    Sandy,
    
          I'm so happy to hear Van Gogh is doing better, talk about a
    mystery.  Sounds like you both could use a nice long relaxing week.
    Van Gogh is very lucky to have such a caring, loving mom...
    
    
    Keep the good news coming...
    
    Diana, Tykey, Domino

    Actually we are the ones that are lucky.  both Ernie and I were talking
    last night and we both agreed that Van Gogh came into our life
    during a very bad depressing time for both of us.  If you remember
    I had lost my beloved Tamba in October...and Van Gogh joined my
    house in November.   
    
    It's not the VG will ever replace Tamba because nobody could take
    his place he was my baby......but god VG sure has kept us busy on 
    a very long roller coaster ride!  And there is nothing like a cat 
    that needs you to keep your energy level going.  I know Tamba
    sent him our way!
    
    My gut says...he will need the operations...but all my fingers/toes
    and cats paws are all crossed on this one.  (Jill...my gut really
    didn't say it!!!  ha ha beat you to it!!)
    
    Sandy
                                             

    Hi Sandy,
    
         Here's sending people and kitty prayers to you and Van Gogh.  He's
    a little (big ;-) ?) trooper for putting up with so much.
    
         Maybe I'll see you at Tufts.  I have to take Loki in on Monday at
    4:00 for a consultation - his diabetes is out of control and it's
    possible he has a pancreatic cyst :-( .
    
         Please give Van Gogh a hug and a kiss for me.  He's being so
    patient (if only we could  ;-) !).
    
    					- Andrea

    Well he's still hanging in there...and he has been home for
    a full three days!!  (this is a record!!)  His diahrea has
    turned into semi-hard little balls....but they want it to
    be softer.  I have to call them today with an update.
    
    Andrea...even though I would love to meet you...I sure hope
    I'm not at Tufts Monday!!!!   Good luck to you and Loki!!
    
    He is one heck of a big trooper..who stole all our hearts!!
    He must know that there are so many wonderful folks rooting
    for him!!
    
    Sandy
    
    

         I hope you're not at Tufts Monday either ;-) !  But if you are,
    just look around - at least we could commisserate!
    
         3 days - way to go!
    
    					- Andrea

    Well Van Gogh had to go back to Tufts on Saturday and he will
    be operated on either Monday or Tuesday.(sniff)  As of Friday night he
    had quit eating and started his two minute trips back and forth
    to the litterbox.  
    
    Dr. Crystal at Tufts admitted him on Saturday because he was already
    starting to get bound up and they now realize they cannot treat this
    medically.  The laxative he was taking was one of the strongest ones
    and was the last step prior to surgery.
    
    Dr. Crystal said the surgeon will be taking out about approximately
    70-80% of his large intestines .  They have been doing a study and
    they now use staples on the intestines instead of stiches..so
    you barely have any scar tissue.  He said they have a wonderful
    success rate...and VG should be okay.  To make me feel go he even
    went over some recent cases that were very similar to VG's...and
    the kitties are doing great. 
    
     The side effects of the operation will be bad diahrea for a couple 
    of weeks due to his body changing over and making his small 
    intestine do most of the work...but after that VG will probably be
     on a normal diet and possibly some type of mild laxative for the 
    rest of his life.  I possibly can take him home on Wednesday or Thursday.
    
    My stomach is in quite a knot...and I pray VG will have the
    strength to make it through as well as the will to continue
    to fight.  He is a trooper....
    
    All fingers/toe/paws are crossed for you big guy!
    
    Sandy
    
                                           

    Sandy,
    
    I will pray for VG!  He will be fine, wait and see.  You know I'm only
    a few aisles away if you need to talk!!
    
    -Roberta
    

    Hang in there, V.G.!
    
    K.C., Leigh, Rico & Alex

         I'll be praying for Van Gogh too.  I'll send an extra prayer when
    I'm in today with Loki.
    
    					- Andrea

    
    
      Sandy,
    
    
         I'm so sorry to hear that Van Gogh had to go back on Saturday.
      I am really glad to hear that they have such a high success rate for
      this type of operation.
    
      We will keep VG very close in our daily prayers.
    
    Diana, Tykey & Domino

    Dear VG:
    
    You've got lots of prayers and special thoughts comming your way.  We
    know it's been tough for you, but just wait and see, everythig is gonna
    be just fine.  Hang in there big guy
    
    Lots of luv and purrs and good stuff
    
                   from
    
    Pippin, Gino & StiTch
    
    (p.s. & Giudi too)
    
    Sandy, special hugs to you.

Poor Vinnie!!  Poor Sandy!!  I can only think about what I went thru with Beth
when I read about VG.  But, I can just picture him with his little clostomy
pouch.....

Hang in Sandy...there's a special place in heaven for us looney-tunes that
take in this kitties (I think it's right next door to the giant litter box
in the sky...)

Mary

    
                 Approximately 218 toes are crossed for V.G!
                 That includes 11 cats (some are polydactyls)
                 and me!
                 Good luck........Denise

    Staples....isn't this what they do to very overweight people
    so that they lose weight (less area for the food to be absorbed)?
    Perhaps once everything settles down, VG will need to be fed
    more.  Please let us know how he is,
    
    fingers and paws crossed,
    
    Karen, S, H, and LB.
    

    Hi Sandy.....I hope VG is doing better....He's in good hands at Tufts.
    
    Michele & Nippa
    

    Hi Sandy,
    
         We're pulling for Van Gogh too.  Loki came home yesterday; I told
    him that if he was in the same ward ("A" ward) to tell VG that we sent
    our love.  Don't know if he did ;-) .
    
         Loki's ultrasound came out perfect so it looks like just "plain
    old" diabetes.  What a relief!  Tufts has done well by Bigfoot (going
    into his third year since surgery!) and Loki, I know they'll do well by
    VG too!
    
    					- Andrea

    Andrea, was it you that I promised I look for that article about
    diabetes?  I went thru all my cat magazines and couldn't find it;
    that's what I get for straightening up and throwing out stuff.
    

    Hi Karen,
    
         Yep, it was me, but that's okay.  I got more information from 30
    minutes talking with the vet at Tufts than I got from two months with
    the other vet.  The other vet was very good, and I would go to her
    again, but I'm afraid she's not experienced enough with diabetes.
    
    					- Andrea

    What a trooper Van Gogh is!!!  He had his surgery on Tuesday and
    I received a call Tuesday night from the surgeon (Dr. Gallagher)
    who said VG was still recovering.  They did take out about 80%
    of his colon...which was a pretty big operation.   The Dr shared 
    with me all the things that possibly could go wrong and it really put a 
    big scare in me.   I know they have to share that information...but
    I was a total basketcase.   He said best case VG could come home
    Friday or Saturday.
    
    Well I got a call from the surgeon again last night with great
    news!!  He said VG was doing super (he couldn't believe how
    good he was doing) and he was already eating and drinking which
    they did not expect. He had a slight tempature..but that was to be
    expected...and if the tempature goes down today...HE GETS TO COME 
    HOME TONIGHT.  He will still need to be monitored closely for
    any signs of infection or the inside sutures opening up which
    would mean another operation.  
    
    We have changed VG name to GVG..which means GRAND VAN GOGH..because
    that is what this will end up costing us!  But...how the heck could
    I give up on him...when he never gave up on us not even for a minute!
    Just to see him in his litterbox doing his thing will be payback for
    me...yup even if it is diahrea!
    
    I'll know more at 4:00 today...but either way...I'm going to visit
    him tonight even if he doesn't come home!  Thanks for all the well
    wishes..and keep praying that he completely recovers.  
    
    Sandy
    
    Ps..Andrea...so glad Loki tests were okay!!  I'm sure VG sent well
    wishes too!  
    
    
    

    TEFFIC NEWS, SANDY!  GVG must be reading this file on the sly and
    picking up good vibes.  :^)
    
    What a great update to read first thing in the morning!
    
    -Roberta
    

YIPPPPEEEEE!!!!  Way to go, GVG!!!  Great news!

And Sandy, welcome to what I call "The Four Digit Club"!  Beth's a charter
member....  My vet told me that God never gives us more than we can handle,
He just doesn't provide the funding!!

We ought to have a Feline Bake Sale!!

Mary

    
    
       Sandy,
    
        I am just so happy for you guys.  I'm sure it's a tremendous
    worry off your mind.  Talk about an experience...I'm really very happy
    for you and the big guy and I hope his progress is all uphill from here
    on in..
    
    Keep the great news coming.
    
    Diana, Tykey & Domino

    Sandy,
    
         HOORAY!!!!  I'm *so* glad for you and Van Gogh ... oh excuse me
    ... "Grand" Van Gogh (Bigfoot cost two!).  God may not provide the
    funding (I like that one ;-) ), but he does provide the means - either
    plastic or arrangement.  BTW if you want to make arrangements to pay
    the balance in installments, call the billing office *before* you pick
    up Van Gogh.  You can't make arrangements after 5:00, which of course
    is when discharges start.
    
    					- Andrea

    Its funny...just last night my hub was asking for a Van Gogh update. 
    I'm so glad that I have good news to bring back to him!
    
    Go-go Grand Van Gogh!
    
    K.C., Leigh, Rico and Alex

    Sandy:
    
    This is such wonderful news - I can imagine just how your feeling. 
    These little guys are tough and your GVG has a very great heart and
    strong will as well.  He knows exactly how much you love him and how
    hard you are trying to get him well - you didn't give up on him and
    he's not giving up on you.  Many prayers and lots of blessings coming
    your way from:
    
    The Fossat's
    
    P.S.  My first cat Ting, lost 2/3's of his skin (that's right folks)
    due to improper medication - spent 3 months at the vets and pulled
    through - it was truly a MIRACLE.  This vet asked me if I had perhaps
    been praying to St. Francis or St. Jude and I told him yes.  I guess
    they heard me.
    
    

    I am feeling great...but still a bit hesitant to get overjoyed!!
    
    I just talked to the surgeon and he said VG was doing good...but
    they would prefer he stays one more might!!! 
    
    Well atleast I get to go visit him tonight and have time to clean
    his room for his return home...and then we will be together for
    the weekend so I can monitor him closely.   
    
    Sandy

    Give him lots of hugs and pets and kisses for me.
    
    Giudi

    I visited VG last night for over an hour...and boy does he look
    GREAT!!!!!  He was bright eyed, walking around giving head butts
    to anything in his way, giving his famous bear hug, and just purring 
    up a storm.  He even rolled over and let me rub his funny looking
    belly...he has about 10 visible stiches! 
    
    He looks so funny though...he actually looks like a toy poodle who
    just got one of those famous hair cuts.   His belly is completely
    shaved, he has two shaved spots on his sides (that is where the heart
    monitors were), he has a small shaved spot on his neck (that is where
    they took blood) and he has one front leg and one back leg that is shave
    partially giving him the appearance of wearing furry boots. (that is
    where the IV's were).   I'm going to have to take a picture of this
    guy.....
    
    I had goose bumps and was so nervous on my way to Tufts...I just didn't
    know what to expect.   But once I saw him....and he hugged me...I got
    a sense that we were going to make it through this okay!  
    
    I find out today if he can come home tonight.  He will be totally
    confined to my spare room because I have seven other cats sneezing
    and I sure don't want VG to catch that!  Is there some type of
    non-toxic spray I can use to kill the germs in the air??  Should
    I wash the bedding in bleach???  How would get a wood floor germ
    free?  Any other precautions I can take?? 
    
    Hopefully he will be home for good!!
    
    Sandy

    Mix up some bleach and water solution in a spray bottle and use it
    liberally, especially on your hands and clothing before you handle VG.
    
    Wash the bedding with bleach if the other cats have been in there
    recently. Also wouldn't hurt to spray down the surfaces in the room.
    
    Mix the bleach water 1:32.
    
    Jo

    Thanks Jo.....
    
               HE IS COMING HOME TONIGHT....YABBA DABBA DO!!!
    
    I do want to make note that the vet told me that many cases
    of Megacolon can be treated medically and not all cases need
    to have the same operation as Van Gogh.  Under many conditions
    a cat can live a normal life by just adding mineral oil or
    metamucil to the diet.  If that doesn't work they try a 
    stonger liquid laxative...and the operation is actually the
    last step.
    
    He says he has seen many cases of Megacolon...some moderate
    some real bad....but they still have no actual proof of what
    causes this in some cats.  
    
    I can't wait until I get out of here tonight!!!!
    
    Sandy

    Hurray for Van Gogh!
    

    Welcome home big boy!!
    
    Giudi, Pippin, Gino & StItcH

    All smiles for VG!
    
    Karen

    Just wanted to share some good news with you....FINALLY!!!!
    
    Van Gogh is doing GREAT!   His incision still looks nice and clean
    and he will be having his stitches out either Saturday or Monday.
    He just loves his CD wet and dry and is eating like a little piggy.  
    He has had a few cases of diahrea...but that was the expectation for
    atleast another two weeks.  I swear he smiles when he goes in his
    litterbox now. 
    
    He was playing so hard the other night...I had to stop him because
    I was so afraid he was going to pop a stitch.  He is a very happy
    kitty...and we are very happy parents!
    
    It is truly amazing how fast cats get over a major operation...I'm sure
    we are not totally out of the woods yet...but things are looking
    GREAT!
    
    Sandy
                                 

    Sandy,
    
         That's *fantastic*!!!!  Congratulations to you and (Grand ;-) )
    Van Gogh!!!!!
    
    					- Andrea

    Terrific!   Great news!  Hugs to GVG.
    

    Sandy - Hugs and lots of them to Van Gogh.  Glad to hear that all
    systems are a go.!!!!  Hopefully things will just get better and
    better. He sure deserves it with all he's been through. (You and
    hubby are great.)
    
    Barbara

    Sandy,
    
    So glad to hear about Van Gogh....have been eagerly following this saga
    since his very first appearance at your place!  He's like a mascot to
    us all now, I'm sure!
    
    Nancy

	Great news about Van Gogh!  You must be thrilled! :^}

	Sandy

    :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

    And another :^)!
    
    K.C.

    
    
    
    	It's great to get such good news!!!!!!!!!!

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
                     XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    
                             OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
    
                     XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    
    and more hugs and kisses to the GVG.
    
    Great news,
    
    Giudi

    Van Gogh is still doing great....but last night I noticed
    a worm in his wet stools!!  (sigh!!)  It has been two weeks
    since his operation...and he has been confined in the room
    since then...how the heck could the worm live through what
    he has been through.   It defininetly was a worm...because
    it was moving.  Yuck!
    
    I have a call into the surgeon at Tufts who asked me to inform
    him of any type of bowel problems.  even though this is not a bowel
    problem he is expecting...I want his opinion as to whether VG should 
    be dewormed at this time.
    
    This guy is truly going to give me ulcers!!
    
    Sandy

    Very glad to here VG's operation seems to have fixed the major problem.
    I think you're doing the right thing calling the vet, just in case, to
    check about any treatment while he's still in a relatively
    new stage of adjustment.  But, it does sound like the  operation really
    permanently fixed things, doesn't it?  He never made it this long
    without a problem before, did he?  Yea!
    

    Karen your right VG hasn't gone this long without problems...
    so hopefully this operation has fixed things....I continue
    to knock on wood!!
    
    I have never seen the big guy look so good and he is acting
    like a playful kitten.  He snuck out of his room and beat the
    crap out of my poor little Angus...so I know he is feeling good.
    Poor Angus who is not a fighter and was totally shocked by VG.
    The funny part is VG doesn't spit, growl or hiss....just attacks!
    
    We decided the only way we can even attempt to start introductions
    to the rest of the family was to buy a cage, set it up in my
    living room, and let VG spend a few hours a night observing.  I
    sure hope this works because I hate to think of him confined to
    my spare room.
    
    The surgeon at Tufts ask me specifically if he could stay on VG's
    case because he is continuing to study problems with Megacolon.
    He also shared that he will be working part time at Tufts and
    part time at Angel Memorial in Boston for the next four months...
    so he asked me if I would mind hunting him down at either
    hospital.  My comment was "in my opinion you pulled a miracle 
    with VG...and I'll find you no matter where you go".
    
    Even though I have alot of experience with worms...and have the
    medication at home...I sure wouldn't give anything to VG unless
    the vet told me to do so.
    
    Sandy
    

    *sigh*  If it ain't one thing, its another.  But, things are sounding
    GOOD!  :^)
    
    K.C.

the cage idea is a good one....in my experience, once the cats smells get well
mingled, they will mostly ignore one another unless a face-to-face occurs...
which seems to be cleared up with hissing and "angry giant noises", and
puffing up real big..but little action.  It shouldn't take too long for the
old guy to settle in.  I am glad you are so patient with him, it has probably
been a long time since he felt this good...maybe never before.

    I spoke to the surgeon last night regarding the worm I found
    in VG's stool...and he said that it would be no problem deworming
    him.   So we collected a stool sample and brought it to the
    vets this morning to determine what type of worm we are dealing
    with and then we will medicate.   
    
    The surgeon was very happy to hear how well VG was doing....and
    still said I should expect diahrea for a couple of more weeks.  I
    also got the okay that in two weeks we can start weaning him from
    the CD and go back to normal food...but he also said it would be
    okay to keep him on CD.   Right now I feel like everything is 
    working with the CD...VG loves it...so I might continue to use
    it for awhile. 
    
    Hopefully VG's medical problems are over.....and he can live
    his life being spoiled rotten and pampered!
    
    Sandy
      
    
     

    Well this weekend we got a cage for VG to try and help
    us with the introductions...ha ha...this is going to be
    a long process.
    
    We set up the cage in my living room, brought VG in and
    let him settle down a bit before we allowed one of my other
    cats to come in the room.  Vg did fine....UNTIL...poor little
    Dewey stuck his head in the room...and VG actually plunged
    at the cage as if he was going through it.   Poor Dewey just
    backed off and sat in a corner..and VG would not take his
    eyes off of him.  No growling or spitting...just staring...that
    is until Dewey tried to walk away...and VG plunged at the
    cage again.   Same thing happened when Abby walked in....and
    VG never calmed down after that. 
    
    This is not going to be easy.....
    
    Sandy

What I tried with my last new kitten was 
	1) lock him in a separate room when I wasn't there
	2) when I got home from work, put him in another room and let Hannah 
	   check out the room he had been in all day for a half hour or so
	3) after the half hour, let Simon out 

This gave Hannah a change to check out the unfamiliar smells without being 
attacked by a playful kitten.  After being ignored/locked up all day, Simon 
come looking or me, since I made more noise than Hannah.  It wouldn't be until 
after Hannah had done all her snooping and she would come down for some 
attention of her own that Simon would want to play with her.  Other than that, 
they had all day to play footsie under the door....

    We tried the separate room with allowing VG in the kitchen
    for a few hours a night where he could get the scent of
    my other cats....but this hasn't worked at all.  that is 
    why I got the cage figuring he could "watch" them for awhile.
    They do play "footsie" under the door!!
    
    As soon as VG even sees a cat...it is an all out attack with
    no spitting/growling but he does draw blood.  I truly don't
    feel my other cats would have a problem being introduced...
    (they have been through this numerous times) but it is Van
    Gogh who won't accept another four legged creature.
    
    Of course VG is about eight years old and had to fend for
    himself out in the wild for many years...so this isn't going
    to be easy.  
    
    Sandy
    
    BTW...I have some great pictures of Van gogh in his poodle
    hair cut after the operation....which I can't wait to show
    you at your next feline get-together.   the pictures are great...
    
    

    Even after my first cat Pussycat was altered, he reached a
    plateau where he still had some behavior problems.  I've actually
    forgotten the details, but the vet tried a temporary deal for
    giving him some female hormone (I think that's what it was)
    and it calmed him down considerable.  After a fairly short course
    of treatment (maybe it was even just one shot, or one sequence
    of pills) he maintained a much calmer frame of mind.
    
    I think Pussycat was 3 or 4 when he came to live with me.  Also,
    maybe a temp course of tranquilizers?  I'm suggesting this
    stuff in case it looks like the problem isn't getting any
    better, as opposed to the normal takes-awhile-to-adjust
    situation.
    

    I can vouch for those pictures!!  Way funny!
    
    I feel like I know VG personally having followed his dillema from
    unwanted stray to happy housepet!
    
    -Roberta
    

    Sandy,
    
     I think you're SSSOOOOO wonderful! I'm sure VG is just so used to
    having you to himself for so long, (or it seems so to him) and all he
    has been through, must have alot to do with his behavior. Now that he's
    feeling better, he figures he'd better make sure the others know you
    are HIS.
    
     You have been so patient with him for so long, and I know you will
    continue this, and one day, when you least expect it, someone will come
    up to you and say, "VG is palying with one of the other cats!!!" And
    all will be well in the Merritt household again.
    
     Thanks again for caring so much about our furry friend! So, when are
    we going to get together so we can see these pictures? ;-) What am I
    saying? Holly will have my head if I show up with no pictures of my two
    again! I'll work on it! ;-)
    
    Love,
     Y

    It may just be that VG's hormones haven't settled from his neutering
    yet.  It can take several months for those hormones to settle down
    sometimes.  In the meantime, keeping him in the cage is a good idea. 
    That way he can see them, but not hurt them.  It is safer for everyone
    this way.
    
    Jo

    Chester was neutered a few weeks ago, and he's still pretty aggressive
    towards Buster, the king.  Buster just hisses and baps him, and 
    Chester retreats.....I think it will take a few more weeks for him
    to settle down.
    
    Now that I think of it, there were reports from the kids that Buster
    was still trying to breed anything and everything for a few months
    after he was neutered.

once his hormones settle down...and familiarity breeds boredom (the smell
and view of the other cats will become "normal" for him after awhile...honest,
it just takes time), he should be okay.  He is just "protecting" his 
interests - and the cats are strangers to him.  Your advantage is that he
is obviously a very bright boy - he survived for a loooong time out there...
not many cats do.  He'll adapt because he can, and he needs to.

    I guess what I don't understand was when VG was a stray..he
    always ate on my porch with other cats.  They use to sit in
    the sun together...and touch noses.  And then when we first
    brought him in last November after he was fixed (but before
    he had all his intestine problems) he did get along okay with 
    most of my cats.  there were a few spits/growls...but that
    was it....never an attack.
    
    But now after all his operations and all the human attention
    he has been getting ...I truly feel his problem is jealousy 
    and he doesn't want to share us.   He has faith in all humans...
    even ones he does not know!!!  I guess I spoiled him rotten!
    
    He has taught me patience....so I'm sure over time we
    will work this out....but it will not be easy!   He has stopped
    his Spraying...so maybe that is a start.
    
    I did have another scare yesterday....he had spots of blood in
    his stool.  I called Dr. Gallagher (surgeon) right away...but 
    he said as long as he is eating, pooping, and acting good...there
    is no need to worry.  Sometimes when the intestines heal...bits of
    them die and drop off which can cause blood spots.  He said just
    keep an eye on him and check for worms.  He was just dewormed last
    Friday for Tapeworm.   I could write a book...The Ups and Downs
    of GVG!
    
    Sandy

He'll come around...I'm sure he is just aware of how lucky he is...and is
willing to fight to keep you guys.

    Well it has been 5 weeks since Van Gogh's operation...boy
    does time fly!!!    
    
    I just got off the phone with the surgeon because VG still
    seems to have quite a bit of diahrea and he has a sore bum!
    (he won't sit down on it)  Well the surgeon seems to think
    the bum is sore because of all the diahrea so he gave me
    a new product to add to his diet to hlep clear up the
    diahrea.    The new product is "Canned Pumpkin".   Do you
    believe it???  I have to add one Tbls of pumpkin to his
    CD food in the AM and PM.   Boy this will be a big treat
    for him after eating only CD for 5 weeks.
    
    I also spoke to the surgeon because I have noticed that
    VG has been drinking alot of water lately...and he said
    this was normal because his colon is no longer there.  I
    also told him that VG seems to think I'm starving him to
    death...so I got the okay to add a few more ounces of
    wet food each day.
    
    Other then this problem...VG seems so happy and playful.
    Let's hope the diahrea gets cleared up by next week...or
    we might have to go back for another visit.  (sigh!!)
    
    Sandy
    
    ps..We put a hold on the introductions to the household
        until we can get his stool semi normal!  He poops all
        the time!  I know it's better then no poop!!
                                            

    Hm, I wonder if Metamucil would help if the canned pumpkin doesn't
    work out;  might be worth asking the vet.  poor VG.
    

    Now that I have time to think....since canned pumpkin has alot
    of fiber...wouldn't fiber cause more diahrea!!  This doesn't
    make sense to me....
    
    But the surgeon says the canned pumpkin will stop the loose
    bowels...so I will try this first!!   CD and pumpkin for super...
    yummy!!!
    
    Sandy

You know what worked miracles for Beth??  Whiskas Conditioning Diet.  Stopped
it within 24 hours.  And I knew she was getting good nutrition.  All the cats
loved it and it's good for them (don't tell them!!).  When ever anyone gets
stink-bottom, we switch to Conditioning Diet.  Works every time....

Mary

    Canned pumpkin is one of the fillers that is sometimes used in feline
    reducing diets like R/D and such.  :')  It does have fiber, but fiber
    doesn't always equal diarrhea.  Sometimes it helps to "firm" things up
    too.
    
    Hope his bum is feeling better soon.
    
    Jo

>    Now that I have time to think....since canned pumpkin has alot
>    of fiber...wouldn't fiber cause more diahrea!!  This doesn't
>    make sense to me....
    
no, actually, more fiber will absorb the extra water in his stool and that
will equalize him out.  The metamucil will also help, but is usually not
as acceptable to cats for some reason...canned pumpkin (no seasoning, etc.)
is virtually tasteless and works very well.  It is also handy as a natural
laxative to human or animal..you see, it attracts water, and that "equalizes"
the stool, not too runny, not too hard.  

    Re: The metamucil will also help, but is usually not as acceptable to
    cats for some reason
    
    I'm careful to get them the unflavored kind;  it might be that
    some object to the citrus, etc.
    

    Thanks for the info....it makes more sense now!!  Well VG enjoyed
    his CD and Canned Pumpkin last night...so we'll see what the results
    are in a few days!
    
    I hate the thought of putting him back on Metamucil right now...only
    because prior to surgery he was taking so much stuff to help him
    poop (mineral oil, metamucil, cat laxatives, milk of magniese) and
    ...he got real sick of seeing me with my syringe. Right now he 
    is medication free...and I would like to try and keep it that way.
    
    But...if the canned pumpkin doesn't work...the surgeon will probably
    want to see him and then I'm sure we'll discuss alternatives!! I have
    to call back in one week to give him an update!
    
    Is there anything (not harmful) that I could possibly put on his
    bum to help the soreness go away!  My own vet suggested medicated 
    baby powder.....would washing it with warm water help???
    
    Sandy
         

    One of my kids (Meishka) had a bowel problem.  Her vet said either
    a teaspoon of pumpkin pie filling, or metamucil.  I thought it 
    odd too at the time.....
    
    deb

    I would put some vaseline on his bum.  The skin is probably pretty raw.
    Either that or something like lanolin.
    
    Jo

    Neutrogena makes an Unscented hand cream ("used by Norwegian
    fisherman") that's my resort when my hands get really chapped.  It
    looks like Vaseline but seems to work better.  It comes in a tube.
    There's also a scented version.
    
    As to the Metamucil, I
    mix a little in with my guys food (Sweetie has to always have it,
    and the vet says it won't hurt the others, and since they eat out of
    each others dishes this is the only way to be sure Sweetie gets it).
    So, no syringes involved;  none of the three has ever seemed to notice
    it.
    

    I have a lot of sample size Neutrogena hand cream tubes.  If you are in
    close enough proximity, send mail and we'll see about getting you one
    or two to try.  Poor guy.  Guess getting him one of those doughnut
    pillows wouldn't work.  Might embarrass him.  :^)

    Bag Balm is great for chapped >whatever<, and is available
    at any feed store....I use it on the horses, and on my
    hands...it's great stuff....
    
    Lynne

I think the canned pumpkin or other natural bulker should help control the
diarrhea...and once that is cured, the soreness will fade fast.  I would
hold off on medicating him until his condition improves vis a vis the
runs.  He will want to lick off anything you put on his skin...and, it
will be very unpleasant until things are more regular back there.  

    My vet had origonally reccommended Metamucil for Argus, but when Argus
    refused to eat it, the vet said I could use substitute bran. So,
    that might work, too.
    
    Deb

    
    Thanks for all the suggestion.....right now we have been washing the
    bum with warm water...and sprinkling a little bit of medicated powder
    on it...but I'm so afraid to try anything new on him without the 
    surgeons approval.  The surgeon really wasn't sure how he would treat
    a sore bum either!!!  If things don't look better by next Tuesday...
    I might bring him for a follow-up visit just to make sure all is well!
    
    Well the pumpkin seems to be helping somewhat...I actually saw a stool
    that looked like a small cigar...and that is something we haven't seen
    for months...but yet the next time he went...it was real loose.  The
    bad news is that VG is starting to hate the CD with the pumpkin in
    it...so we have to play games to make him eat it!  Don't ask...but for
    some reason if he stops eating it...all I need to do is put my finger
    in the food,  stir it around...and he will start eating it again! Weird!!
    (it won't work with a spoon...only my finger!)
    
    I'll keep you posted...
    
    Sandy
    
    
    
    

    
    This may sound a little weird and I would certainly ask the Vet about
    it first; but what about using some sort of ointment for diaper rash
    on the sore bum? It might work...certainly works for human babies!
    
    LaDonna

re:.163

not to be rude, snide or gross, but human babies don't lick their behinds 
to clean them, so with cats you need to be doubly sure whatever you put on
their little bodies might not cause other problems.  Ointment-y type things
especially are pronde to being removed as soon as they are applied.

    Sandy,
    
    I have some homemade, all natural ointment for wounds, cuts, etc. It's
    got a base of St. John's wort oil, calendula (marigold which is EXCELLENT
    for the skin), comfrey, chickweed, & echinacea. I made the ointment
    last summer and have used it on my horse, cats and me with great
    results. I think I have an extra tin or two. I originally made it for
    my *kids* first aid box. Let me know if you're interested.
    
    Oh btw, whenever I've spoken to the vet about using herbs to alleviate
    a condition, I haven't really gotten any support from them. But the
    results have always been good. And the ointment was made with fresh
    herbs not dried.
    
    Roslyn
                    

RE: .164

If there is a problem with licking ointment off you could
use an Elizabethan collar.

.....................beth

      I have used aloe (fresh leaf right off the plant) to treat such
    problems on both kitties and humans..........

    Well the pumpkin seems to be working GREAT...I find it totally
    amazing.  VG still uses the box alot...but atleast they are looking
    like stools now!!   Last night he sat on his butt for the first time 
    in a long time!!!!!
    
    Just one point I want to make...for anyone using the Pumpkin please
    make sure you by just Pumpkin and not the one with all the spices.
    There is a company called ONE PIE which makes a pie filler with
    ingrediants such as pumpkin, maple sugar, cory syrup, and many
    spices.  But yet they also make another one which the ingredients
    state "pumpkin only".   Both of these are found in the baking
    section of your local supermarket so make sure you read the
    ingrediants.
    
    Since VG is doing so well...the surgeon says I can start weaning him
    off of the CD now.   Then it's back to the slow introductions to the 
    family...which I'm not looking forward to!
    
    Sandy

    When the late AJP, Esq had his PU, he was "dripping" for a few months,
    and his hind end became real raw. The vet had me put a small amount of
    bacitracin on twice a day for about a week. The problem cleared up
    quickly, although once the diaper rash went away, I had to make a point
    of cleaning his backend with a warm cloth every time I daw him return
    fromt the box.
    
    Deb

    Latest update on VG....he is still doing GREAT!!!!!   I spoke
    to the surgeon from Tufts last night and he was thrilled to know
    how well the "old man" was doing and that the pumpkin helped the
    diahrea.    
    
    Dr Gallagher explained to me that it has only been in the last 2-3 
    years that they have started to operate on colons...so they do not
    have any long term effects on cats with this problem who had the
    operation.  He requested that I contact him very six months...so he 
    can keep tabs on VG's progress.   He does know many cats who he operated
    on 2 or 3 years ago and they are still doing fine.
    
    Heres to many many more years for VG!!! We still didn't re-start the
    introductions to the family yet because we are in the process of
    introducing J.C. and Bucko.  (fun fun fun!!) Everyone is getting along
    fine with the exception of Barkley who is top cat and Bogie who wants to
    be!!! 
    
    Sandy
    
    Sandy
      

    Well my poor old man (Van Gogh)  has to go back to the vets this Saturday.
    It has nothing to do with his megacolon operation....but we need
    to deal with this bad teeth.
    
    The other night he was eating soft food and spit out a piece of
    rotten tooth.   We brought him to the vets and was told it is time
    to deal with his teeth...he will need a good cleaning and possibly
    some extractions.  Since the old guy went through so much in the
    last six months...I was the one that was procrastinating over putting
    him under for his teeth.   But...it's time!!
    
    The good news is that the vet hadn't seen him for over 2 months...
    and he could not believe the difference in VG.  He said he looked
    about 5 years younger, his coat was beautiful, and he looked like
    such a happy cat!!                          
    
    Sandy (nervous Mom again!!) 
    
    

    Sandy,
    
     I think after what poor VG has gone through so far with the megacolon,
    this teeth thing should be a breeze for him! Please keep us posted as
    to how he is doing. You're a great mom, and he's such a fighter! I'll
    send along good thoughts to both of you!
    
    Love,
    
     Y

    Another note to bring home to the Van Gogh Fan Club!  We'll be cheering
    for him.
    
    K.C., Leigh, Alex, Rico

    Hey Sandy, maybe you could ask the vet to remove all his teeth on just
    one side.  Then he'd have mismatched ears as well as teeth.  Now that's
    a real Van Gogh.  :^) I'm just kidding - you know I want to steal your
    big boy away some one of these days.  Can't wait to meet the ole tub. :^)
    
    Cheryl 
    (who just sent Sandy a Larson cartoon of an elephant (missing one ear)
    with a paint brush in hand.  Sandy, what was that elephants name again?)

    Now now Cheryl...maybe if I removed all his teeth my other cats
    would have a chance with him.   I hate to say it...but he still
    HATES all other furfaces and wants to kill!!  The other night
    we tried the cage again...and he plunged after Poco and then spent
    the next 5 minutes trying to dig out.   He lost 7 of his nail cases!!
    He was so MAD at me...he wouldn't even look at me!!  The next morning
    he was his loving self!!
    
    The elephant name in the Larson cartoon was Vincent Van Tantor!!!
    I still have the cartoon hanging in my office..because it reminds
    me of the big old man!!!!
    
    Sandy    
         

    Well I am happy to say that VG had his teeth work done on
    Saturday and did fine!!  He had one tooth extracted....and the
    rest of them thoroughly cleaned and scraped.  He is eating like his 
    little piggy self, his breath smells better, and oh what a smile!!!! 
    
    He came home to a nice new day bed for his room which gives him
    more walking/playing room!! Of course...he ignored the bed and
    jumped on his cat tree!   What a spoiled BRAT!!
    
    Let's hope this is it for this big guy...he deserves a very long
    break from the vets!!
    
    Sandy

    I have to commend VG -- when you consider how far he's come, what he's
    put up with, and with what grace and style he's come thru all his
    trials and tribulations --- and (of course) credit goes to his adoptive
    "mum & dad" for all your patience and generosity.
    
    It goes to show that love shines through, even to a hard-bitten,
    rag-tag, torn-up, scrappy, scuzzy and miserable feral.
    
    Some days I feel like a feral, and hearing VG's progress gives me hope
    ... please give him a pawshake for me and my two furfriends Harry and
    Wumpkin!

    Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!  Van Gogh got in trouble...and daddy yelled
    at him and threatened a spanking!!!!   This might not be a big
    deal for most...but this guy is so spoiled rotten he doesn't even
    know what "yelling" is....until last week.
    
    VG decided to stroll in my living room and proceeded to tear down
    my beautiful living room wall paper!!!   Daddy flipped...and I sat
    there grinning because VG looked so shocked that someone was saying
    NO you can't do that!!!  The look on his face was precious!! 
    
    I guess he's really starting to feel better!!!!
                                                   
    Sandy

    Well...thougth I'd give you and update on Van Gogh.  Health wise...
    he is doing great...a little on the chunky side...but hey he deserves
    to pig out once in awhile!!!! 
    
    Well as you know..VG is still confined to his room because he
    just doesn't want to live with the other cats.   Of course...after
    a few very bad experiences during introductions...we have staled a bit 
    in the past 6 months...but we feel it is time to try it again!!
    
    We have bought Van Gogh a designer harness/leash which we plan
    on using during the introductions...so we can still have some control
    over him. (ha ha)  The first night we put the harness/leash on...I
    truly was expecting him to be Mr. Wimp and fall to the ground.  But...
    nope not VG...he pranced around the kitchen happy as can be!!
    (he looks so cute in his flowered harness..Ernie says it's not
    MACHO enough!!)
    
    Well since he did so well...we decided let's try it with a cat!!!
    The big decision...which cat should we try...we feel like we are
    sending one of them to the guillotine!!  Well after process of
    elimination...we choose Bogie.  Bogie doesn't look for fights...
    but he will not turn one down if he is attacked. (poor Bogie!!)
    
    Initially we started where Ernie was holding Bogie on the floor...
    and I held Van Gogh.  Believe it or not...they touched noses...
    Van Gogh lapped Bogies head...and then plunged after his neck!!
    I think he was only cleaning the bait before he went for the bite!!
    
    WE then put two bowls of food next to each other...well they
    would start to eat....VG would look...plunge...and Bogie would
    back away!!!   Bogie then started hissing...which really turned
    VG on!!!   WE would calm both cats...and try again.    This lasted
    for about 10 minutes...and then we were tired..by poor heart was
    pumping fast..and we let them go their separate ways for the night!!
    
    Last night we tried again....but Bogie wanted nothing to do with
    VG at all.   He just hid under the chair ...and was hissing/spitting!
    Thank god I had the leash...to hold VG back!!  Bogie was sitting
    bait for him!!   Poor Bogie got a big treat after that....we felt
    bad for making him the guinia pig!!
    
    I think the next time...we are going to try it with Barkley (TOP-CAT)
    who I know will not give up his top spot!! My only fear is I know
    Barkley will follow through with an all out attack...if VG pulls
    his crap with him!!   Barkley goes after dogs...so I'm sure he
    will show no fear from VG.   This could be very interesting!!!!!
    
    I'm hoping by fall we can have a full family...but I'm starting
    to lose faith.  I truly think VG is a very happy cat in his
    room....and I doubt he wants to be a part of the bigger family!!
    But...we will keep trying...because I want him to have his
    freedom of the whole house and I just dream of  him sleeping
    beside me at night. (with 8 other cats!!)
    
    He's so cute.....and cuddly to humans!!!  What is his problem???
    
    Sandy
    Sandy

    Hi Sandy,
    
    I feel kind of funny replying to your note, because you seem to be one
    of the experts in this file, but...
    
    When you calmed the cats after their minor frays, could they have seen
    that as a reward for their behavior?
    
    Also, I read in Cat Fancy that a good way to introduce cats is to let
    them discover each other via the crack under a closed door, so they can
    get used to each other's smell.  Then replace the door with something
    that they can see through but not get through like a screen door. 
    Until they are finally used to seeing and smelling each other.  Another
    way - which may not work because you have so many cats - is to start
    feeding the cats in cages at opposite ends of a room gradually moving
    them closer and closer.  When the cats eat without any displays of
    aggression, do the same thing without the cages.  That is, feed them in
    the same room gradually moving their dishes closer and closer together.
    
    Anyway.... Good Luck.
    
    Best,
    Michelle

	Our dear departed Spats was the same way about fitting into
	the family -- we had to keep him separated from everyone
	else or the blood would flow.  All our cats have little
	arguments from time to time and we expect some fighting
	whenever we introduce a new one, but this was all-out war!

	Spats sounds like VG, a super-love with us but hated other
	cats.  I still miss the sound of his footsteps running to
	greet me when I came home, he would come charging into the
	room and then stand there in front of me with his arms up
	in the air the way small children do -- "pick me up Mommy".
	Never grumpy, always willing to be held, cuddled, and
	played with.  Our favorite time was when we shared my
	pillow for naps and sleeping, with Spats wraped around
	my head with his two front legs stretched out along my
	cheek.

	Put the point of all this, is that after two and one-half
	years he suddenly decided that the rest of the cats weren't
	leaving and he might as well make peace!  Somehow they
	accepted his change of heart and all was well, although
	they never became close friends.  At least we could have
	them all together without any major fighting, and that
	was good enough for us.

	So hang in there, maybe VG just isn't ready yet?

	Jan  

    All I can claim to be is an semi-expert on Megacolon...and
    having a houseful of multi cats....but as far as introducing a
    very aggresive cat...I'm no expert!!!  I now realize how lucky
    I have been introducing all my cats together....yup there has
    always been hissing/spitting and little wars.  But I have never
    had to deal with a cat that is out to kill!
    
    Van Gogh has been playing "footsie" under the door for almost 9
    months. ....we have also tried introductions via a cage...but VG
    almost killed himself trying to get at the cats!!  He truly hated
    the cage because I believe he felt trapped.   The screen door might
    not be a bad idea....I just hope he can't get through it!!  
    
    Any time VG plunged...I also sprayed him with ice cold water...but
    all he did was blink!!!  After we put Bogie in the room....VG walked
    around the kitchen proud as a peacock...almost like he was saying
    "I WON!!"       Oh what a poophead...thank god I love him so!!
    
    The good news is that since he doesn't mind the harness/leash...I
    can take him outside for some fresh air!!  
    
    Jan...Hopefully someday he will have a change in attitude as well!!!
    
    Sandy  

    Hi Sandy.....
    
    I have a feeling I am going to experience the same thing in a few
    months with Nippa.  she'll be meeting her cat-in-laws over some period of
    time.  I don't have the advantage of any doors with cracks underneath.
    And the house is so huge (three family), I wouldn't know where to start 
    with the screen door trick.  I just hope she'll be lonely enough to
    want to be friendly with the other two.  If she becomes friendly,
    she'll have a screened porch, huge basement, and 2 apartments to play
    in, otherwise it's confined to the small apartment we'll live in.  Our
    other problem is she won't be allowed outside here.  Too many dogs and
    traffic......poor kitty.
    
    
    So, please keep trying w/ VG, I feel if he can do it, nippa will be
    able to as well.  Sorry I don't have any suggestions, but I'm rootin'
    for ya!
    
    Michele & Nippa
    

	I hope you have better luck with VG than we've had with Smudge :^}
	It's now two years since we've had to segregate her from the other
	cats, primarily Jenny.  She comes upstairs twice a day to eat
	canned food and get fresh air from the slider, but sooner or later
	she'll growl and/or hiss and/or bop someone - she's so good at this
	that she puts herself back downstairs now.  I certainly hope that
	she has a change of heart too, as she's a wonderful cat with us.

    Well who knows if this will ever work...but I will keep trying
    for awhile.  The funny part is VG doesn't even care which cat
    it is.....I don't even think he cares...as long as it looks 
    furry...he'll immediately attack.
    
    Once you open VG's door...he comes bolting out in his attack
    mode...runs around the kitchen looking...and if he doesn't see
    a cat he will settle down.  My hubby wants to buy a stuff cat...open 
    VG's door...and place bets whether he'll attack it or not!!   He
    thinks he would...but I know VG is smarter then that!!
    
    The real test will be with Barkley....because Barkley will not
    put up with VG's bull!!  VG has intimidated all my other cats...but
    maybe jusy maybe Barkley will intimitate him.  I can just vision
    this huge bloody war in my kitchen....I'm not looking forward
    to this.  
    
    I'll keep you posted.....
    
    Sandy 

    my cousin had an "attack" many years ago that did the same thing -
    attacking whomever moved in the house.  Well she got even with him
    one day and when he came flying around the corner of the bed to see
    who was there, she had a giant stuffed german shepard dog - welllll,
    we were on the floor laughing sooooo hard!  That cat stopped in midair
    when he realized it was a "dog", quadraupled in size, and spun around
    feet never touching the ground.  My cousin followed him making barking
    and growling sounds.  Poor cat didn't come out from under the cabinet
    for 2 hours!  You had to see it to believe it,  makes me laugh now to
    think of it.......good thing was the cat never forgot it, and wasn't
    nearly so ambitious at attacking everything that walked.  And whenever
    he did start doing it, she would get the "DOG" and make those sounds
    and he stopped being the attack cat......
    
       Denise

    My sweet, loveable Van Gogh beat the crap (literally) out of my
    little 7 lb Abby this weekend.   While I was at the cat show..
    Ernie decided to let VG out for a romp while he thought all other
    cats were outside.   Well.......he heard a noice down cellar...only
    to find little Abby running, peeing, and her little heart was beating
    a mile a minute.   Of course...VG was right on her tail!!
    
    It took Abby about 3 hours before she came out from behind the bed!!
    The poor little girl!!!
    
    Gee...I can't wait until we start introductions again...
    
    Sandy

    Medical Update to Van Gogh:
    
      It was one year ago today that Mr. Van Gogh had his
    operation for Megacolon at Tufts.   Since this operation
    is pretty new to the medical profession...I was asked
    by the surgeon to stay in contact with him every 6 months.
    
    The last time we spoke I asked Dr. Gallagher about all the
    other cats that had this same operation and what the
    progress was.   The good news is that 95% of the cats are
    still alive with no medical problems.  The other 5% have
    passed away due to other complications such as diabetes
    or cancer.        
    
    So the old man is doing great...and it is truly unbeleivable
    how he is so playful and still acts like a kitten.  Life is
    so much better then the days he use to hang around the 
    litterbox...grunting/groaning...trying to go to the bathroom.  
    
    It truly amazes me how cats can pull through!!!
    
    Sandy
    
    
    
    
    

    What a happy anniversary this is.  Congrats to both Van Gogh and Sandy. 
    Sandy, VG certainly was lucky to have found you and visa versa.
    
    Steffi

    Happy Anniversary from me to VG also! He's such a wonderful boy! He
    gives the best headbutts of any kitty I ever met! What a character! 
    He spoils me rotten when I see him, becasue my kitties don't give
    headbutts! :-( (Of course I've been known to bring him a special treat
    now and then also) 
    
    Sandy, you're the greatest! ;-)
    
     Love,
    
     Yonee

    Happy Happy Rescue day to my Mr mushface Van Gogh!!!  It will be
    2 years ago on November 21st that Van Gogh slept in my cellar for
    the very first time!!!  I just finished re-reading this entire string..
    and it's amazing what we went through.  It also amazes me the support
    I received in this file during that time....thank god I had you
    there with me!!!
    
    Many more happy healthy and hearty years for Van Gogh!!!   I still
    pray that someday he will get along with my other furfaces...but
    he still wants to eat them alive!!!
    
    Sandy

    Happy Rescue day, Van Gogh.  You are certainly a very lucky and a very
    smart cat to find Sandy.  I don't think anyone else would have gone
    through all that for you.  Give Sandy some head butts and kittie
    kisses.  And try to tolerate the other cats.
    
    Hugs from me.  I'm so happy that I got to meet you and pat you and see
    your cute little ear.
    
    Steffi

    My poor old man Van Gogh has a vet visit this afternoon because
    I believe his teeth are bothering him.   The poor baby hasn't eaten
    anything in two days...and he is just walking around moping and looking
    very depressed.  It breaks my heart because he is alway such a Happy
    kitty and he sure is a Momma's boy!!
    
    Two years ago when he went through his major operation to remove his
    intestines, Tufts told me he had very bad teeth.  My guess is...he will 
    have to have some (if not all) of his teeth removed.  My poor baby...
    and my poor wallet...it's been a rough spring for kitty vet bills!!
    
    Sandy 

    Sandy,
    
    I know what you have been going through. Eirene had that horrible neck
    leison on her tooth and couldn't eat. Baby food seemed to do the trick,
    though it did get expensive. Also, sprinkling the food with water then
    heating it in the microwave for 45 seconds to soften it helped.
    
    On the othe hand, 2 years ago Jimmy (who was about 13 at the time) had
    all four broken incisers removed; he came through it fine and it
    started him eating right away. It made a big difference.
    
    Good luck, and hug VG,
    THE FIRM and Deb

    Thanks Deb....
    
    We brought him to the vets last night and my poor baby has over
    a 103 tempature.  They believe it could be his teeth causing
    an infection but they don't want to touch his teeth until we can
    get rid of the infection.  His teeth need a good cleaning and he will
    most likely have to have a few pulled because they are bad.  He also 
    has a yeast infection in his ear!  So...he came home and he is on 
    Baytril and Panalog for his ears.  We are to call the vet back on 
    Friday or sooner if need be. 
    
    VG would not eat anything....he is use to having a jar of baby food
    every night (his favorite) but he wouldn't even touch that.  The
    only thing he was doing was drinking water and Alpo milk.
    
    The good news is..this morning he did lap a little bit of wet food
    and he appeared in better spirits, so hopefully by tonight he'll
    be eating better.   You should have saw him at the vets, even if
    he is sick he was ready to attack the 7 dogs in the waiting room...
    this guy has NO fear and HATES all 4 legged creatures!!  
    
    Sandy 
    

    Poor kitty!
    
    well, Jimmy was on antibiotics for about a week before he had his 4
    canine teeth pulled. I don't know if it was just a precaution or if he
    had an infection his mouth did small awful and he wasn't eating his
    usual amount). I do remember that the antibiotics seemed to perk up his
    appitite, so I it is possible that he was a bit under the weather. I
    remember that the vet said that considering how long he was feral it
    was amazign that he was in as good shape as he was.
    
    good luck,
    Deb
    
    

    
    We went through a time with Punkinhead (orange tabby we got through
    Pat Murphy) where we had trouble getting him to eat.  We tried this
    and that and made some vet visits.  They discovered that the
    problem was a lesion on one of his lower fangs, below the gum line,
    so it couldn't be seen.  Occasionally these can cause infections
    before you get a chance to figure out they're there.  Once the
    tooth was out, his appetite took off.
    
    Jennifurr (aka Jennifurr the Mad, or the Queen B***h) also had
    some problems with teeth -- several of hers actually broke off
    at or below the gum line.  Our vet's reaction was, "Oh wonderful.
    the killer cat with tooth problems!"  Once again, her appetite
    bounced right back when the teeth were removed.
    
    Good luck, Sandy!
    
    Ron

    hmmmm..I do remember Jennifur; as a matter of fact she reminds
    me of Van Gogh in many ways.   They are the same exact colors,
    they look similar..and they both had shitty attitudes towards 
    other cats!!!
    
    I know VG will need some work on his teeth because when the vet
    opened his mouth...she even chipped a piece of tooth off.  Poor
    VG...but maybe if he has his teeth removed I might be able to
    trust him around my other furfaces!!!  For some reason...I doubt
    that will happen...he still has razor sharp claws!!!
    
    He is now eating a little bit...but he's still not eating nor acting
    like himself!!
    
    Sandy

    Well the antibiotics have kicked in and Van Gogh is again 
    eating and seems to be fine, but the poor guy goes in for teeth 
    cleaning/removal tomorrow!!  Hopefully he will feel alot better
    once this is done!
    
    Sandy (who will be a worrywart tomorrow!!)
    

    Good luck.
    Deb and THE FIRM

    Sandy,
    Just think how happy he will be when he can give "gummy" smiles
    to everyone!!  He will be much more comfortable for sure.
    Kitty thoughts
    Karen

    Well my big boy, Van Gogh made it through the surgery fine and we
    can pick him up tonight between 5:00 - 7:00.   At this time I still
    don't know how many teeth they had to pull...but I'm sure he'll be
    happy to be back home even if he is toothless!!
    
    Sandy

    
    Good for Van Gogh.  It's amazing how well cats and dogs can get
    along with missing teeth.  Of course, the drool factor increases
    by about 10 times.  Jennifurr could produce drool equivalent to
    about 1.2 Saint Bernards...
    
    I'm glad Van Gogh came through it OK.
    
    Ron

    It's amazing how they bounce right back.  Van Gogh came home last
    night after a thorough cleaning/polishing and having 7 teeth removed.
    They said that his canine teeth probably will have to come out at
    a later time, but they were so sturdy that when they tried to pull
    them they were afraid they would break his jaw, so they opted to
    leave them in.   
    
    They told me to offer him soft food,,,but they doubted he would eat
    at all because his mouth would be so sore!!  Well it took about 2
    seconds for VG to come crying for food and he gobbled down a bit!
    I didn't want to give him to much last night...but this morning he
    ate like a pig!!
    
    Hopefully he will be back to normal again....
    
    Sandy
    
    
    

    Glad to hear that VG did so well!
    
    Deb and THE FIRM

    Believe it or not...as of February 11th it will be three years
    since Van Gogh's major intestine operation at Tufts for Megacolon.
    Amazing...how well he pulled through and how he has had no other
    problems related to his operation.  Of course he has had teeth
    problems...but you expect that from an old man!!
    
    Stay healthy VG and may you live happy and healthy for many more
    years to come!!!
    
    Sandy

         Hip hip hooray for Van Gogh and Sandy!!  My "kids" send your
    "kids" heartfelt congratulations!
    
    					- Andrea

    Sandy,
    I am amazed that you remember the date!  I am awful when it comes
    to things like that.  But I am glad that he is still doing well
    and the ending continues to be a happy one.
    Karen

    I have no memory....but with all my cats I do mark all the
    special events on a calendar!!  This calendar also has all
    their rescue days, estimated age, as well as the year we took
    them in!!!
    
    Sandy

    Van Gogh's rescue day is November 20th...so he has been with
    us for just about 4 years.   As of February it will be 4 years
    since his major operation for Megacolon and he has not had
    any problem with that and has lived a VERY happy and healthy
    life.
    
    As of last Saturday...my poor baby was diagnosed with diabetes!!
    His initial reading was 465...which I believe the normal is
    between 75 and 150.   He spent Monday and Tuesday at the vets
    being regulated....and the vets were truly amazed how fast
    they did regulate him.   He is now home with us and is
    receiving 2 units of insulin a day.  So far he is doing fine
    and he is acting very normal!!
    
    This poor guy....has been through alot in life and I just find
    it amazing that he continues to be one of the happiest kitties
    alive!!!!
    
    If it wasn't for this notesfile...I'm sure I would have been
    in total panic mode when I heard the diagnose...BUT I do
    know there are many kitties in this file who have been taking
    insulin for many years and are still very healthy!!!!  
    
    Sandy
                                        

    I need some thoughts.....
    
    As you might or might not be aware, Van Gogh had gone through
    major surgery about 5 years ago to have 80% of his intestines
    removed due to Megacolon.   He has had NO problems since
    the operation.
    
    Back in November...he was then diagnosed with Diabetes and since
    that time we have gone through many problems trying to get
    his diabetes regulated.   At the current time we feel his sugar
    is regulated and his reading was about 137 on Friday.
    
    Van Gogh spent alot of time at the vets last week...and had
    multiple test done to see if they could find out what was
    wrong.  He has my vets completely stumped on this one....
                            
    The symptoms he was displaying were he just nibbled at food...
    was dehydrated and getting lethargic.  The battery of test they
    did... showed he was completely dehydrated and also anemic.
    His sugar was okay....negative on thyroid problems...a 
    complete blood panel was pretty normal with
    an exception of a few readings that were a little high...a
    full body Xray showed no blockage....no fever...no infections.  
    
    At the current time...they feel it might be pancreatitis which
    is sometimes a problem for diabetic cats and is not easy to
    diagnose.   Has anyone with a diabetic cat ever show any 
    similar symptoms...but can't pin point the problem.
    
    Your thoughts and prayers are needed once again.
    
    Sandy 
                                     

         Hmmm ...
    
         Loki is no longer diabetic, but I did have to take him in a couple
    of months ago.  He had a temp, no appetite and looked like he had lost
    weight.  They never found out what it was, but he is now fighting
    anemia.  Apparently he has kidney damage, although light.  The kidneys
    produce a hormone which tells the bone marrow to produce blood, and
    they aren't doing their job so the bone marrow, although undamaged,
    isn't being told to produce enough blood cells.
    
         Could this be the cause of Van Gogh's anemia?  I don't know, but
    you might want to check with your vet.
    
         Good vibes are being sent to Van Gogh and you and your family ...
    here's hoping for a speedy recovery!
    
    					- Andrea
    					  Bigfoot, Loki & Midnight

    Poor Van Gogh!
    
    if it IS pancreatitis, make sure that the cat gets IV antibiotics, not
    oral, as the cat will get sick to it's stomach. Alex had pancreatitis,
    and I really wish I'd have pushed for IV antibiotics sooner; I'd
    probably still have her today. 
    
    What Andrea said about the kidney relationship to anemia is correct.
    You know about the tie in between anemia and appitite.  There is a
    synthetic hormone that can be given, but it is very expensive. 
    (Erythropotien). There is some discussion about it in the note about
    my late cat Eirene. 
    
    We will be sending good thots your way
    
    Deb
    

    Sandy, until they sort out what's what, perhaps an appetite
    stimulant would help?
    

    Van Gogh is very dehydrated...so we are giving him 100 cc
    twice a day.  It really seems that once he gets the fluid
    in him...his appetite picks up a little.   
    
    Thanks for the good thoughts and ideas...I'll keep you posted.
    
    Sandy M 

    Sandy,
    
    How is he doing?
    
    Deb
    

    Thanks for asking...   As of last Tuesday night his appetite
    started to come back and now he is eating alot better and
    acting normal.   He's starting to make a comeback!!!!!  To be
    on the safe side...I'm going to continue to give him fluids
    for awhile.
    
    BUT...because he wasn't eating we had to reduce his insulin...
    so now he's drinking alot of water and peeing alot which tells
    me is sugar is probably a bit high again.  I have a call into
    my vet asking her if I should put him back on his original
    insulin intake since he is eating good.
    
    Thank god I love this guy dearly...because he drives us crazy!!
    
    Sandy

    Amazing...it has been 5 years since Van Gogh's major operation
    for Megacolon.   The amazing part is Van Gogh has had many
    other major problems such as diabetic and most of his teeth 
    removed...but he has NEVER had any other problems related
    to his colon.
    
    I would strongly recommend that people consider this operation
    (removal of 80% of their intestines) for the treatment of
    Megacolon which cannot be treated by medication.  Considering
    Van Gogh was on his deathbed 5 years ago...and even though he
    is an old man...he has had a GREAT 5 years with us and hopefully
    he'll have many many many many more!!!   
    
    Sandy and Van Gogh