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Merl seems to have developed a problem with his hind right leg. He's having trouble jumping (which is when you know he's not himself) and walking. It doesn't look neurological. I think it's either something in the muscle or bone. We're off to the vet this morning. I suppose it's to be expected; he'll be 18 this year. But it's troubling to see him having difficulty doing the thing that's so characteristically him. He's a jumper and an athlete, my Merlin, and I hate to see this very obvious sign of his physical degeneration. We've been together almost half my life at this point. I'm concerned.
Thu, Jan. 10th, 2008
Merlin post-vet report
Thu, Jan. 10th, 2008 09:57 amSo it looks like his problem may in fact be neurological after all; so much for my diagnostic abilities. The vet is running some tests—the least expensive ones today to see if the more expensive ones will be necessary later. In the meanwhile, we're changing his diet and adding some stuff to it. I'm staying with him another hour before I head to work just to keep an eye on him. He's not in an eating mood today; I really wish he were.
Merlin end-of-the-day report
Thu, Jan. 10th, 2008 09:19 pmCame home from a Thai dinner with ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ironymaiden to find Merlin in the exact spot I left him in this morning. I don't know if that means that's where he's been all day (on my bed) or if he got up, trolled about, and then came back. I do know that when I brought him some food he ate (though only a little bit). He didn't drink. He crawled into my lap, curled up and purred a bit. He's still there.
He's still walking funny. The vet described him as looking like a drunken sailor, which is pretty accurate.
I don't know where this is going. I won't have any idea until tomorrow sometime when the blood test results come in. I may have a glass of wine before I go to bed to help me sleep. On the other hand, sleeping lightly tonight might not be a bad idea in case my boy needs me.
I hate this stuff. Flatbush's last days were so distressing, so difficult, both for him and for me. If I'm facing Merlin's end or even a long illness where treatment is about maintaining quality of life, I'm going to do everything I can to make it as easy for him as possible. I've had him since he was 8 weeks old. He's given me such joy. I can do no less.
ironymaiden to find Merlin in the exact spot I left him in this morning. I don't know if that means that's where he's been all day (on my bed) or if he got up, trolled about, and then came back. I do know that when I brought him some food he ate (though only a little bit). He didn't drink. He crawled into my lap, curled up and purred a bit. He's still there.He's still walking funny. The vet described him as looking like a drunken sailor, which is pretty accurate.
I don't know where this is going. I won't have any idea until tomorrow sometime when the blood test results come in. I may have a glass of wine before I go to bed to help me sleep. On the other hand, sleeping lightly tonight might not be a bad idea in case my boy needs me.
I hate this stuff. Flatbush's last days were so distressing, so difficult, both for him and for me. If I'm facing Merlin's end or even a long illness where treatment is about maintaining quality of life, I'm going to do everything I can to make it as easy for him as possible. I've had him since he was 8 weeks old. He's given me such joy. I can do no less.