What a week. Seriously. 
Almost overnight our little Alex went from a happy, engaging kitty to one who was lethargic. I knew something was terribly wrong when he refused his midnight treat. It was highlighted when he didn’t fight me as I tried to get him into the carrier the following morning.
The vet determined his potassium level was so low it was undetectable, so his entire metabolic system had been thrown into chaos. His body temperature had dropped, and his kidneys were failing. That afternoon he was admitted to the Emergency Veterinary Hospital. All we could do was wait. And hope.
We got home that evening, and I stared at a bunch of bananas and thought about Alex. (The limited amount of Geek-girl in me remembered that bananas are a good source of potassium.) It seemed like so short a time had passed since I first brought him home. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I’d sacrificed an old college economics textbook by placing it in front of his litter box because he was too small to climb inside?
Time passes so quickly. Too quickly sometimes. It doesn’t seem right. At least, not to me. Yet I realized that experiencing the joy with Alex also meant experiencing the pain of letting him go when the time came. But until then, every moment of every day with him was important, no matter where he was. 
Two days in the emergency hospital, and we were able to bring him home. Potassium supplements, kidney-friendly food, and an antacid seem to have worked wonders on him. So far.
Alex was back at the vet this morning. . . for a back adjustment. That’s right. Chiropractic care. For a cat. Seriously.
And because he’s still with us, I’m so happy I can roll my eyes about it!
Here’s hoping for a saner week in the Alexander household. 🙂
-Melia
Melia, I’m so glad your kitty is better. It’s so hard to see them sick. I certainly hope next week is saner for you folks. Better watch out, Alex may be able to jump higher and leap farther now that he’s been adjusted! ~ Viola
Yes, it’s so hard to see the fur babies so ill, especially when the humans don’t understand them! So far, he’s holding his own.
Thanks for stopping by. So great to see you here!
Hugs,
Melia
Hugs to you, Melia. It is heart-rending to see a pet ill or to have to say goodbye. I’ve lost several cats to illness over the past 8 years. Every time I swear I won’t put myself through it again, but then what I gain from whatever short time we have together far surpasses the pain.
I’m glad the vet was able to diagnose the problem and provide a solution. Sending healing light your way for a full recovery.
Hi Melia,
Yes, it is difficult to let go of a kitty love, but how joyous it is to have a sick one survive. I’m happy that Alex is on the mend. What a cute picture of him!
Knowing how much you love your fur babies, it had to have been a scary time! Glad to hear he’s better (and hoping he continues to be!!). Crossing my fingers that this week is drama-free. Hugs!
Here’s hoping for a saner week for all of us. Helloooo Monday!
“. . . but then what I gain from whatever short time we have together far surpasses the pain. . ..”
Does it ever, Maggie. I do know that my life is better for having had them in it.
-Melia
Thanks so much, Vonnie! We’re so thrilled to have him back with us. I can tell he’s feeling better because he’s beating up on Bennett again. You know, showing him he’s the boss and all that. Just like old times. . .. 🙂
-Melia
So far, so good, Darla. *fingers crossed* He goes back for blood work next week, so we’ll see how everything’s operating in there. 🙂 I’m optimistic – and grateful!
Thanks for the hugs,
Melia
Helloooo Monday, indeed! I’m toasting with a glass of wine. Might as well; it’s as good an excuse as any! 😉
-Melia
Poor kitty. It’s so terrifying to see our pets sick. So glad he’s better!
Me, too! And we’re enjoying every day we have with him. 🙂
Have a happy week!
Melia
Oh, poor kitty! Glad he’s feeling better!
So far, so good, Jessi. Keeping fingers crossed!
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
-Melia