The Kat House

Molly was scheduled for an ear flushing and teeth cleaning today, which would both be done under anesthesia. I got a call from the vet before the procedure, and she didn’t feel that it was a safe time for Molly to undergo anesthesia. Her test results from Saturday had come in, and there are some serious problems. The lymph node biopsy showed no sign of cancer; however, it did show a cell abnormality of some sort. The doctors have been unable to determine what the problem is and will continue to monitor the situation. The thyroid tests showed normal thyroid function; however, other bloodwork was abnormal. One of Molly’s liver enzymes is high, indicating a problem with the liver and/or gallbladder. There were several other abnormalities in the bloodwork as well. The most troubling news, however, is that Molly’s urine contained a high amount of protein. The doctors rate the level of protein from 0-4, 4 being the worst. The urinalysis showed a 3+. This indicates some sort of problem with the kidneys and/or bladder.

The doctor took x-rays to look at the abdomen but didn’t see anything that could be causing the problems. Another urinalysis was done, and this one showed a protein level of 4+. Other tests were ordered and sent out to the lab to get a better idea of what is going on with the kidneys. It appears that it is some sort of kidney failure. The vet mentioned that she will do as much as she can do to diagnose the problem, but that she may end up referring Molly to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital.

As for Molly’s ear infections, the doctor flushed her ears without anesthesia, which was very painful. They couldn’t do as much as they had hoped, and they will attempt to do the procedure again (with anesthesia) sometime next week. I was given pain medication to give to Molly for the ears. I had to give her one dose tonight, and I will give her a second dose tomorrow night. I was also given an antifungal ointment for both ears. I have to administer it every 12 hours for 5 days in the left ear and 14 days in the right ear.

At this point, the doctors will be ruling out certain conditions until they find what the problem is. They mentioned Cushing’s Disease, which would explain all of her symptoms. Cushing’s is very difficult to diagnose, however, and the docs want to rule out the other possibilities first. I did a little reading online about Cushing’s. It is a condition where the body produces too much of its own steroids. It is typically caused by a tumor, either in the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands. Most dogs diagnosed with this condition live about two years after the diagnosis. I’m hoping that the problem turns out to be something else - something easily corrected.

I’m upset by all the news I got today, and upset at the cost of the bill as well. I spent $192 on Saturday and another $471 today. And we still don’t have answers. The tests that were done today should be back from the lab in a few days, and hopefully we’ll be closer to a diagnosis at that time. I’ve had Molly since May of 2000. She was approximately 6-9 months old when I adopted her from the pound. She and Cruella (whom I adopted in 2002) are my babies. Those of you who are pet owners (and especially single pet owners) will completely understand. Your pets become your family, and that’s exactly what Molly and Cruella are to me.

Molly’s ears are in a lot of pain tonight. She has been lying here and whining all night. I feel so terrible for her, and I feel helpless. Hopefully her ears will be in much better shape within a few days, but then she’ll have to undergo the flushing yet again. I certainly hope the infections are a thing of the past very soon!

I’ll give updates as I get them. Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers!