Ivy Update Update Update

There was a Change of Plan.  You might remember that we'd been planning to take Ivy to the vet for a tooth-cleaning, eye-bump removal and a lion cut, and to talk about the blood work that'd been done for her annual check-up.  We got some news that changed most of the plan.  Turns out that Ivy has developed Feline Hyperthyroidism, and is starting to deal with kidney disease.  These are common enough issues for older cats, and Ivys are not yet too advanced.  With care, and the special kidney-coddling food, and some thyroid meds, we can probably get another happy year or two with her.  I found it interesting that hyperthyroid can actually keep kidney disease at bay.  Dr G wants to find the balancing line between keeping Ivy at weight and heart-healthy by treating the thyroid problems, and still keep the kidneys from deteriorating.  Right now, the biggest problem we've got is trying to figure out how to keep Ivy out of Maddie's non-kidney-coddling food.  Anyway, Ivy hasn't lost any weight recently, weighing in at 10 pounds and she's not restless.  She's bright-eyed and interested in her surroundings and as playful as a geriatric cat can be, so we're optimistic. 

Now for the important news:  yes, she got the lion cut:

  Brrrrrrr...I'm cold

The doc decided that, given the hyperthyroid, it would be a bad idea to sedate her, so the tooth cleaning and eye-bump removal have been put on hold.  The buzz went on as scheduled, and Ivy took it quite well.  As you can see, there is a lot less of this cat than I had thought. 

  Not nearly as much tummy on her as I had imagined.  Of course, she's still got more on her than when we found her.

Ivy is moving around much better since all the mats got shaved off, and she is the most marvelously velvety little creature I've ever petted.  I've started calling her "our little Velvet Elvis".  LadyRanger rolls her eyes at me.  A lot.  At least I've managed to keep the "Kojak" remarks to a minimum... Our girl has adapted well, and is back to serious napping:

We'll do our best to take care of her.  If anyone has any suggestions or advice for us, we'd be happy to hear it.  Keep the foundling in your thoughts.

Comments

[Fiona]

I'm sorry, Ivy.
I'm sure the haircut was a bit of a shocker.

But I laughed. lol.