Mancat Monday

Hi everyone, it's mes, Carmine!

The Mom put an update about mes on Facebook, but mes knows not everyone is on Facebook, so mes will tell you what is going on.  

Last week, my blood test results came back.  I will let the Mom explain those because mes doesn't understand them (and neither does hers, MOL).  The fill-in vet (our vet was on vacation again) told the Mom that it is time to get mes an ultrasound.  The Mom says that it won't hurt - hers has had thems before on hers kidneys and wrist - but mes still doesn't like the sound of this.  

Hopefully this ultrasound thingie will tell the humans whatever it is they wants to know because mes is tired of going to the Stabby Place.  

In other news, do you know what mes gotted to nom over the weekend?  WHIPPED CREAM!!!  Mes LOVES whipped cream!  Mes heard a rumor there is still some in the freezer, so maybe the Mom will give mes some more.

Mes will let the Mom explain the test results nows. 

The Mom here: Carmine is right - the fill-in vet said it is time for him to have an ultrasound.

She called me last week with the results of Carmine blood tests, and unfortunately, they weren't all so great.

Carmine's phosphorus level was a little low, but I'm not sure what that means.  His pancreatitis level came back at 3.6 (with the high end of normal being 3.5).  The fill-in vet said that when she sees cats with pancreatitis, their levels are usually 7-10, and his was barely elevated.

The one that is very concerning to everyone is Carmine's ALT level, which came back at 201 (with the high end of normal being 158).  She said vets worry about this level a lot when it is elevated, and that is why he needs the ultrasound.  She said Carmine has liver damage and that it could be caused by inflammation, hepatitis, or a liver tumor.

I will admit, it is very difficult not to let my mind go to the worst case scenario and worry about it.  I've been trying to stay positive and strong for my baby.

Appetite-wise, Carmine hasn't been eating a whole lot.  He did enjoy quite a bit of his Natural Balance Chicken and Green Pea for Thanksgiving, though (the silly mancat didn't want to eat turkey).  I've been keeping detailed notes about his socialization and eating behaviors for the vet to help her with her diagnosis and treatment process.

I want to thank everyone so very, very much again who donated to Carmine's blood tests and/or ultrasound!!!  Without your donations, we wouldn't have been able to get him either of these tests, and who knows how much more damage his liver would have suffered in the meantime.  I am beyond thankful to have so many wonderful friends who care about me and precious Carmine.  We will continue to keep you all updated on his diagnosis.

Please continue sending Carmine your purrs and prayers.  Please pray that whatever he has is manageable or easily treated.  I cannot even begin to imagine a life without my little soul kitty in it.

If you would like to donate to Carmine's care, please go HERE.  Thank you, Dad Terry, from Brian's Home for setting up this fundraiser for us!