This may not look much like Home, Sweet Home, but to this tired kitty it most surely is.
In what amounted to two sleepless nights and endless stress for mama, it was what looked like a near brush with death for Gypsy Rose. In the morning, she started staggering, falling over and had no focus whatsoever. She was not in control of any of her movements. But by the time I left for the vet, Gypsy was sitting, looking at me as if nothing had happened. Despite a thorough exam, there’s not much to diagnose if everything checks out normal. Perhaps a petit mal seizure, considering Gypsy had experienced similar neurological issues about 9 months ago.
Back home. About 5 hours later, imagine that episode times 5. Unable to stand, nystagmus (rapid back and forth eye movement), and head shaking, Gypsy no longer recognized me. Panicked, with my vet no longer available, I called a friend who suggested her own vet. My friend, bless her heart, came and got Gypsy and badly shaken me and took us there. Gypsy Rose was admitted with no sure diagnosis. A brain tumor or cancer could not be ruled out.
Unable to sleep, I ran the gamut of possibilities – from finding Gypsy passed over in the night at the vet’s to her showing improvement. I was/am totally unprepared to lose another cat after having lost two in the last 5 months. But I couldn’t know if it was her time to go or not. I prayed for Gypsy’s highest and best and that I would know what to do for her.
This morning, two days later, I was told Gypsy was wobbly, but walking, the nystagmus had stopped, and she had begun to eat and drink on her own. I brought her home with her medications. As to what is really going on with her only an $1800 MRI will definitively diagnose. The vets and I have opted for symptomatic treatment.
Gypsy can’t be left alone too long right now. She walks a bit like a drunken sailor, but made a beeline to the water bowl in the kitchen and drank a good long time. She wanted to go upstairs and be under the daybed. I brought my coffee and the book I’ve been wanting to read for days.
So now, with a soft westerly breeze coming in the window, sunshine and blue sky, I lie about 2′ away from her on the floor, reading. Gypsy Rose has closed her eyes and is purring in her sleep. It’s the music I’ve been needing to hear, and in this moment, all is blissfully well.
Losing a loved animal is to lose a part of one’s heart. She and I have been blessed with another chance.
Poor little Gypsy! They have checked her thyroid, yes? So many losses for you recently Jeanne. My heart goes out to you! My loss of Miss Kitty one year ago resides with me still. I know your pain and send healing. Diane
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Thank you so much, Diane. I truly appreciate it. She’s coming around more slowly than last time; this was more severe. But she’s starting to mark things with her cheeks, so that’s always a good sign. Sleeping a little less. Still very unsteady on her feet. I so want to believe in a full recovery for her. For now I live in the world of movable baby gates and am trying to balance my attention between Gypsy and Claude who is very stressed. Poor kid.
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My thoughts are with you and all your critters. OOXX
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I appreciate it … all good energy gratefully welcomed. 🙂
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p.s. I do believe we checked her thyroid, but acc. to both vets, they’re really looking at something, unfortunately, more serious. We’ve been doing bloodwork-ups, though.
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Miss Kitty has seizures when she had undiscovered thyroid issues. Similar symptoms to Gypsy Rose…
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In that case, I’ll ask that my vet run a thyroid panel. Thanks for the suggestion.
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