9/23, Susie, 254 AMPS, 266 @+2, 215 @+3

Summer and Susie (GA)

Summer and Susie (GA)

Member Since 2020
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/9-22-susie-290-amps.253307/#post-2856997

I know Susie's numbers have been too high lately but I am grateful for that now that she is not eating well. I don't want to be faced with a low green and she not wanting to eat to raise the number. I also wonder if her numbers might be higher because she doesn't feel well.

I hope my vet can determine what is wrong. I'm going to ask for an anti-nausea injection since I don't want to pill her. I hope there is one. I might also ask for a convenia (anitbiotic) shot in case she has an infection going on. I don't want to have to take her back if I don't have to.

So Happy to hear JoJo is okay @Pamela & Amethyst. I did not even know he was having problems.
 
FrostD said:
A thought - how quickly do the lab results come back? My vet runs then in house so I don't have to wait too long. Perhaps you could wait to see the results, then decide if you also want to do a BP check?

I hear the fun money comments, our bank account has been appreciative of the reprieve we've gotten, however temporary it may or may not be. I redo our budget every New Year based on prior year and what we think is coming...this year I think I just won't put a number on the "Mr Kitty" bucket :rolleyes:
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I have my lab test sent out to Antech. Yes, they are a little more expensive but I find them more comprehensive and detailed. The results usually come back the next day but if my vet is not in the next day I have to wait for him to be back in the office. I will ask that someone call me as soon as the results are returned. I don't want to have to wait this time.
 
I would not ask for an antibiotic injection unless I was certain that she had an infection. Antibiotics should not be used unless there is an indication that she actually has an infection. And Convenia (while convenient for the owner) is for skin infections, anscesses and wounds.)

Cerenia can be given by injection at the vet, but it will only last for 24 hours. You can see if you think it makes a difference for a 24 hour period. I believe a Cerenia injection is not cheap (but nothing at the vet is!). I’d have to go back through my vet records to see how much I paid for one last time.

Good luck at the vet today. I certainly hope that the vet will have wisdom in assessing and treating Susie and that she will start eating normally for you again.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
I would not ask for an antibiotic injection unless I was certain that she had an infection. Antibiotics should not be used unless there is an indication that she actually has an infection. And Convenia (while convenient for the owner) is for skin infections, anscesses and wounds.)

Cerenia can be given by injection at the vet, but it will only last for 24 hours. You can see if you think it makes a difference for a 24 hour period. I believe a Cerenia injection is not cheap (but nothing at the vet is!). I’d have to go back through my vet records to see how much I paid for one last time.

Good luck at the vet today. I certainly hope that the vet will have wisdom in assessing and treating Susie and that she will start eating normally for you again.
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Thanks for the advice about the antibiotic shot. I wasn't feeling too comfortable with doing that but thought if she was there I would go ahead and do it. I won't unless he thinks she has an infection somewhere. I know they say it is for skin problems but it has helped Susie in the past when her white blood cell count was up. It is not cheap either. I think about $60. Thanks for keeping an eye on us, Susanne. I will up date when I get home but won't have any lab results earlier than tomorrow.
 
I agree with Suzanne. Convenia is risky to give. I'm glad to hear you send out for your tests. In-house tests are not always reliable. Does your vet email you the actual form Antech sends the vet? I always ask for the actual paperwork from the lab, not the "summary" from the vet.

Good luck figuring out what's going on with Susie. :bighug:
 
Mandy & Rex said:
I agree with Suzanne. Convenia is risky to give. I'm glad to hear you send out for your tests. In-house tests are not always reliable. Does your vet email you the actual form Antech sends the vet? I always ask for the actual paperwork from the lab, not the "summary" from the vet.

Good luck figuring out what's going on with Susie. :bighug:
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I always ask for the full copy of the labs. My vet will email them to me after he calls to discuss the results. I enter the results in my spreadsheet. I did have one in-house lab done a few months ago and was very disappointed in it. You will also see that in my spreadsheet.
 
Hi Summer. I use Antech as well and have the vet send me a copy of all labs. Hope Susie is okay. I will check on you later on. I have been out of commission lately from exhaustion. Decreased Dolly today, she’s been going too low. Hope you have a good day. Hope your mom is doing alright. :bighug::):bighug::cat:
 
iu
 
First of all, let me say that Susie was feeling better this morning even before her vet visit. She ate all her breakfast but did not eat her +3 meal. She was purry and interactive and it was really nice to see.

There is not much I can say about the vet visit because we won't know much until I get the lab results. The following was determined/done:
  • Vet doesn't know why she hasn't been eating. He could not positively say it was nausea, and if so, what was the nausea from. We will wait to see what the lab reports say tomorrow.
  • Temperature was normal
  • Ears looked good
  • He did say she should have her teeth cleaned but didn't see anything that might be causing pain or discomfort.
  • She has lost weight. She was 13.50 lbs. on 7/21 and is now down to 12.2. He is not concerned. In fact, he was happy because he was the one that said he wanted her down to 10 lbs. I don't think I am happy though.
  • He checked for parasites in her fecal sample: negative
  • He gave her a Cerenia injection
  • She had three blood pressure checks. All were very similar. The average of the test was 141/106. He said this was a good result. Susie was very good for these tests. Just laid there.
  • She had the full senior panel done along with the urinalysis. Results expected back tomorrow
  • He was pleased with her recent glucose spreadsheet. Said not to worry about the yellows and try to stay in the lower blues.
I asked about the Protein/Creatinine Ratio Panel test. This conversation was very confusing. Seems there can be lot of factors causing the protein in the urine and it can sometimes be hard to determine. Something about if UPC is high the kidneys are loosing protein and that would be a problem. Something about blood in the urine could be from the needle used to draw the urine. Something about needing an ultrasound of the kidneys. Anyway, I did not know this test is done on-site and requires me getting fresh urine three days in a row and having them do some sort of test on them. Anyway, everything went over my head so we agreed just to see what the results look like tomorrow and take it from there.

Susie was a good girl. Was happy being able to get out of her crate and walk around. She did not fight the technicians and when I brought her home, and let her out of her carrier, she immediately went for the mid morning snack I left her at +3 that she didn't eat. I also gave her her lunch at +7 and she started to eat it right away. I don't know if she finished it but I was happy to see it. When she is better I will concentrate on trying to get her numbers down a little but she must get her appetite back first.

Thanks to all for you for your concern and advice. I am glad to have this behind me and it didn't break the bank. That is unless I follow thru with the ratio panel.
 
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Summer and Susie said:
First of all, let me say that Susie was feeling better this morning even before her vet visit. She ate all her breakfast but did not eat her +3 meal. She was purry and interactive and it was really nice to see.

There is much I can say about the vet visit because we won't know much until I get the lab results. The following was determined/done:
  • Vet doesn't know why she hasn't been eating. He could not positively say it was nausea, and if so, what was the nausea from. We will wait to see what the lab reports say tomorrow.
  • Temperature was normal
  • Ears looked good
  • He did say she should have her teeth cleaned but didn't see anything that might be causing pain or discomfort.
  • She has lost weight. She was 13.50 lbs. on 7/21 and is now down to 12.2. He is not concerned. In fact, he was happy because he was the one that said he wanted her down to 10 lbs. I don't think I am happy though.
  • He checked for parasites in her fecal sample: negative
  • He gave her a Cerenia injection
  • She had three blood pressure checks. All were very similar. The average of the test was 141/106. He said this was a good result. Susie was very good for these tests. Just laid there.
  • She had the full senior panel done along with the urinalysis. Results expected back tomorrow
  • He was pleased with her recent glucose spreadsheet. Said not to worry about the yellows and try to stay in the lower blues.
I asked about the Protein/Creatinine Ratio Panel test. This conversation was very confusing. Seems there can be lot of factors causing the protein in the urine and it can sometimes be hard to determine. Something about if UPC is high the kidneys are loosing protein and that would be a problem. Something about blood in the urine could be from the needle used to draw the urine. Something about needing an ultrasound of the kidneys. Anyway, I did not know this test is done on-site and requires me getting fresh urine three days in a row and having them do some sort of test on them. Anyway, everything went over my head so we agreed just to see what the results look like tomorrow and take it from there.

Susie was a good girl. Was happy being able to get out of her crate and walk around. She did not fight the technicians and when I brought her home, and let her out of her carrier, she immediately went for the mid morning snack I left her at +3 that she didn't eat. I also gave her her lunch at +7 and she started to eat it right away. I don't know if she finished it but I was happy to see it. When she is better I will concentrate on try to get her numbers down a little but she must get her appetite back first.

Thanks to all for you concern and advice. I am glad to have this behind me and it didn't break the bank. That is unless I follow thru with the ratio panel.
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Thanks for the report on Susie. The ratio test is very expensive and to do three days, at least with my vet, $477. Between X-rays and diagnostics for Dolly the last year and a half :arghh::arghh::arghh:. Many thousands of dollars. I hope her labs are good. Will check back tomorrow. Have a good day Summer and sweet Susie. :bighug:
 
Our Dolly Girl said:
Thanks for the report on Susie. The ratio test is very expensive and to do three days, at least with my vet, $477. Between X-rays and diagnostics for Dolly the last year and a half :arghh::arghh::arghh:. Many thousands of dollars. I hope her labs are good. Will check back tomorrow. Have a good day Summer and sweet Susie. :bighug:
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Thanks for that info, Adrienne. I thought my vet had told me a couple months ago that the ratio test was $160. I am probably wrong. Maybe that is one of the reasons he seems to not be encouraging it. I don't know. I do know one thing. I do not have thousands of dollars to spend on Susie. Her care will have to be within my means. I will pray her labs are good and rethink the ratio test even if she still has protein in her urine.

I'm so sorry you are so exhausted. I believe it is not necessary to push our kitties into mid level greens when we sacrifice our own health. I hope you can safely keep Dolly in low blues and high greens and that you will be able to relax, rest and enjoy your life.

Are you getting any cooler temperatures where you live. There is a hint of fall in the air here today. Take care, friend, and blessings to you, Rob and your Dolly Girl.
 
If Susie hasn't had a dental in a long time or at all, I would definitely recommend doing it. Sometimes even a little tartar can irritate the gums enough for them to not want to eat much. Plus, gum disease can cause high bg's, kidney disease, heart disease...
 
Heather82372 said:
If Susie hasn't had a dental in a long time or at all, I would definitely recommend doing it. Sometimes even a little tartar can irritate the gums enough for them to not want to eat much. Plus, gum disease can cause high bg's, kidney disease, heart disease...
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I know about the problems with gum disease. I have never had a cats teeth cleaned. Honestly, that is one procedure I cannot afford.
 
Bama Kitty Mom said:
At least the visit is behind you now and the labs available tomorrow. Hope you don’t have to wait all day to hear from them.
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Thank you, Gina. Your poor boy is really bouncing. I hope he breaks that bounce really soon. Thanks for all your support. I really appreciate you checking on me and Sus! Hopefully, I won't have to wait all day either. Will keep everyone posted. Get some sleep tonight. Take advantage of the bounce while you can.
 
Summer and Susie said:
Thanks for the advice about the antibiotic shot. I wasn't feeling too comfortable with doing that but thought if she was there I would go ahead and do it. I won't unless he thinks she has an infection somewhere. I know they say it is for skin problems but it has helped Susie in the past when her white blood cell count was up. It is not cheap either. I think about $60. Thanks for keeping an eye on us, Susanne. I will up date when I get home but won't have any lab results earlier than tomorrow.
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Yes. I remember that Susie had two consecutive Convenia shots -- spaced out by some weeks.
 
Summer and Susie said:
First of all, let me say that Susie was feeling better this morning even before her vet visit. She ate all her breakfast but did not eat her +3 meal. She was purry and interactive and it was really nice to see.

There is not much I can say about the vet visit because we won't know much until I get the lab results. The following was determined/done:
  • Vet doesn't know why she hasn't been eating. He could not positively say it was nausea, and if so, what was the nausea from. We will wait to see what the lab reports say tomorrow.
  • Temperature was normal
  • Ears looked good
  • He did say she should have her teeth cleaned but didn't see anything that might be causing pain or discomfort.
  • She has lost weight. She was 13.50 lbs. on 7/21 and is now down to 12.2. He is not concerned. In fact, he was happy because he was the one that said he wanted her down to 10 lbs. I don't think I am happy though.
  • He checked for parasites in her fecal sample: negative
  • He gave her a Cerenia injection
  • She had three blood pressure checks. All were very similar. The average of the test was 141/106. He said this was a good result. Susie was very good for these tests. Just laid there.
  • She had the full senior panel done along with the urinalysis. Results expected back tomorrow
  • He was pleased with her recent glucose spreadsheet. Said not to worry about the yellows and try to stay in the lower blues.
I asked about the Protein/Creatinine Ratio Panel test. This conversation was very confusing. Seems there can be lot of factors causing the protein in the urine and it can sometimes be hard to determine. Something about if UPC is high the kidneys are loosing protein and that would be a problem. Something about blood in the urine could be from the needle used to draw the urine. Something about needing an ultrasound of the kidneys. Anyway, I did not know this test is done on-site and requires me getting fresh urine three days in a row and having them do some sort of test on them. Anyway, everything went over my head so we agreed just to see what the results look like tomorrow and take it from there.

Susie was a good girl. Was happy being able to get out of her crate and walk around. She did not fight the technicians and when I brought her home, and let her out of her carrier, she immediately went for the mid morning snack I left her at +3 that she didn't eat. I also gave her her lunch at +7 and she started to eat it right away. I don't know if she finished it but I was happy to see it. When she is better I will concentrate on trying to get her numbers down a little but she must get her appetite back first.

Thanks to all for you for your concern and advice. I am glad to have this behind me and it didn't break the bank. That is unless I follow thru with the ratio panel.
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This is a pretty good report. That test sounds really involved. I would not do it unless I had a compelling reason to do it. And I've had several kidney cats before and we never needed it -- we knew what was going on from the regular bloodwork. The only thing about a kidney cat with proteinuria is that you may want to consider Benazepril because it extends their life (lots of studies I have read on this). BUT.... I don't think Susie has kidney disease.... so I don't think you need to worry about it. Look forward to seeing the labs tomorrow.
 
Saw Carla's list of things to do if you kitty won't eat. It was from Jill whom I am not familiar with but was obviously a very respected member (maybe moderator) on the site years ago. She mentioned the importance of getting your cat to eat if he/she is struggling. She also mentioned, as a last resort, we might try Evo or Wellness Core grain-free dry. Can someone recommend one of these to me if I am ever faced with Susie not wanting to eat and possibly being in low numbers? Of course, it will be the exception. Thanks.
 
Did they give you a cost estimate on a dental? I know you said you cannot afford it, but if it's only a cleaning to get tartar off you may want to consider starting a "clean Susie's teeth" fund and putting a little bit into that fund over time -- and getting it done later. This could actually save you money in the longer term ... because dental problems usually only get worse and tend to cause other health problems. The thing about dentals is that they usually need to check some basic bloodwork (not the whole senior panel necessarily) before they do the anesthesia.... so I you have current bloodwork (my vet will accept it within 30 days of the anesthesia) then you don't have the extra expense of paying for that on the same day that you do the dental cleaning. Anyway, it's just food for thought for the future. You don't need to think about it right now.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Did they give you a cost estimate on a dental? I know you said you cannot afford it, but if it's only a cleaning to get tartar off you may want to consider starting a "clean Susie's teeth" fund and putting a little bit into that fund over time -- and getting it done later. This could actually save you money in the longer term ... because dental problems usually only get worse and tend to cause other health problems. The thing about dentals is that they usually need to check some basic bloodwork (not the whole senior panel necessarily) before they do the anesthesia.... so I you have current bloodwork (my vet will accept it within 30 days of the anesthesia) then you don't have the extra expense of paying for that on the same day that you do the dental cleaning. Anyway, it's just food for thought for the future. You don't need to think about it right now.
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No, I did not get an estimate. In fact, when I asked him to check her teeth/gums he made no comment at the time. I had to ask him before I left. He just said there was a lot of tarter but he did not see some kind of pockets that cause problems. He did not push a cleaning and I think he would have had her teeth been bad. Right now I have to start a "Get Summer her Cataract Surgery" fund. I have been living with a cataract for a year now and I am going to make the surgery a priority for me. Hopefully, vet pet cost are done for the year. I need to take care of myself and I will have a few hundred dollars out-of-pocket for this surgery but there is nothing more important to me than my eyesight.
 
Summer and Susie said:
No, I did not get an estimate. In fact, when I asked him to check her teeth/gums he made no comment at the time. I had to ask him before I left. He just said there was a lot of tarter but he did not see some kind of pockets that cause problems. He did not push a cleaning and I think he would have had her teeth been bad. Right now I have to start a "Get Summer her Cataract Surgery" fund. I have been living with a cataract for a year now and I am going to make the surgery a priority for me. Hopefully, vet pet cost are done for the year. I need to take care of myself and I will have a few hundred dollars out-of-pocket for this surgery but there is nothing more important to me than my eyesight.
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I agree. I hope you can get it done soon. I have several friends who recently had the surgery and they are very happy now! They can see much better (no reading glasses).
 
Summer and Susie said:
Saw Carla's list of things to do if you kitty won't eat. It was from Jill whom I am not familiar with but was obviously a very respected member (maybe moderator) on the site years ago. She mentioned the importance of getting your cat to eat if he/she is struggling. She also mentioned, as a last resort, we might try Evo or Wellness Core grain-free dry. Can someone recommend one of these to me if I am ever faced with Susie not wanting to eat and possibly being in low numbers? Of course, it will be the exception. Thanks.
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They're higher carb dry foods... but if your cat won't eat and it's the only thing you can get them to eat... you gotta do what you gotta do...
 
Summer and Susie said:
Thank you, Gina. Your poor boy is really bouncing. I hope he breaks that bounce really soon. Thanks for all your support. I really appreciate you checking on me and Sus! Hopefully, I won't have to wait all day either. Will keep everyone posted. Get some sleep tonight. Take advantage of the bounce while you can.
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He is already dropping but maybe it won’t be like last night. I really need my sleep. You get some rest, too.
 
Summer and Susie said:
Thanks, Pamela. I'll say "Yay" when I get some good lab results. :) How is JoJo doing? Did you make an appt. for Am? And, how about you? Are you feeling better?
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Thank you Summer:bighug::bighug::bighug: My little man is feeling soo much better THANK GOD!! I think he may be afraid a little to poo tho because of how traumatic Sunday Monday and part of Tuesday were before he was rushed to the ER And YES Thanks to all of you Amethyst is going to the Animal Eye Specialist on Tuesday at 10AM:cat: I will fell better when my two beautiful furbabies are completely healed:):bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I put Advanced Plaque and Tartar DENTAL FRESH Water Additive in Amethyst and JoJos water every day DR. Pickering recommended it for both of them. Amethyst woukd not be a safe candidate for a Dental neither would JoJo Nor could I afford it Dr. Pickering checks their teeth everytime she is here and so far this has worked great It is colorless and tasteless:cat::cat::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Bama Kitty Mom said:
He is already dropping but maybe it won’t be like last night. I really need my sleep. You get some rest, too.
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Gina, I doubt that you will have to worry about Bama tonight. Your PMPS is almost 100 points higher than last night and your blues were totally safe last night. Get a +2 to see if it drops from the PMPS. If your +2 drops then get a +5 unless your +2 is a huge drop from PMPS. I do not think you are going to have to stay up all night to test. He is very high right now. I think it may take a full cycle for this bounce to clear. Please, if you are concerned, tag someone to help you.
 
Pamela & Amethyst said:
Thank you Summer:bighug::bighug::bighug: My little man is feeling soo much better THANK GOD!! I think he may be afraid a little to poo tho because of how traumatic Sunday Monday and part of Tuesday were before he was rushed to the ER And YES Thanks to all of you Amethyst is going to the Animal Eye Specialist on Tuesday at 10AM:cat: I will fell better when my two beautiful furbabies are completely healed:):bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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I'm so sorry that JoJo went though that trauma but am relieved that he seems better now. I'm also glad that your girl has her eye appt. on Tuesday. I know what you mean about not feeling totally comfortable until you get good reports on your babies. That is how I feel tonight with Susie. This past week was disturbing to me. She has lost her appetite before but not for 8 days. I have never worried so much about her not eating as I have this past week. I'll go to bed tonight with the hopes that everything will be okay and, if it is not, I will deal with it the best I can going forward. I'm very happy for you that things look good right now but I do understand the need for confirmation of that. You have my prayers. :bighug:
 
Pamela & Amethyst said:
I put Advanced Plaque and Tartar DENTAL FRESH Water Additive in Amethyst and JoJos water every day DR. Pickering recommended it for both of them. Amethyst woukd not be a safe candidate for a Dental neither would JoJo Nor could I afford it Dr. Pickering checks their teeth everytime she is here and so far this has worked great It is colorless and tasteless:cat::cat::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Problem is that Susie rarely drinks out of the water bowls. My dogs do. I might look into it though because Susie does have her own little water cup in my bathroom that the dogs can't get to. I just don't know if she ever drinks from it. Thank you for the tip.
 
Summer and Susie said:
I'm so sorry that JoJo went though that trauma but am relieved that he seems better now. I'm also glad that your girl has her eye appt. on Tuesday. I know what you mean about not feeling totally comfortable until you get good reports on your babies. That is how I feel tonight with Susie. This past week was disturbing to me. She has lost her appetite before but not for 8 days. I have never worried so much about her not eating as I have this past week. I'll go to bed tonight with the hopes that everything will be okay and, if it is not, I will deal with it the best I can going forward. I'm very happy for you that things look good right now but I do understand the need for confirmation of that. You have my prayers. :bighug:
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Healing hugs,prayers and strength:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Summer and Susie said:
Gina, I doubt that you will have to worry about Bama tonight. Your PMPS is almost 100 points higher than last night and your blues were totally safe last night. Get a +2 to see if it drops from the PMPS. If your +2 drops then get a +5 unless your +2 is a huge drop from PMPS. I do not think you are going to have to stay up all night to test. He is very high right now. I think it may take a full cycle for this bounce to clear. Please, if you are concerned, tag someone to help you.
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Thanks Summer, he’s apparently staying pretty flat right now in the mid 300s. I am going to get a +5 and give him a snack then. Meanwhile going to get some rest.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
They're higher carb dry foods... but if your cat won't eat and it's the only thing you can get them to eat... you gotta do what you gotta do...
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That might be an older post too. The lowest carb dry kibble I know currently is Wysong Epigen 90. Young Again Zero Mature is the next closest I believe followed by Dr. Elsey's. Don't completely quote me. I have the info here somewhere if you want me to look for you.
 
Thanks for updating everyone. I am glad that you made it through the vet visit and that everything so far seems to be okay. It is nice that Susie ate her breakfast and seems to be feeling a little better. Fingers crossed that everything is okay.

I hope you manage to get that cataract surgery. You are absolutely right that you have to take care of yourself.
 
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