please give sketch some mojo

I feel like I’m on a roller coaster right now . . .
My cat Sketch will be eleven years old in April. I’ve had him since he was five weeks old.
Friday night, I came home from ACME, and he was acting strangely: he was in the hallway (not on my bed where he usually is) breathing very heavily and rapidly. There was something clearly wrong with him.
Saturday morning, I took him to the vet, and she took some Xrays. They showed that his lungs were about 1/2 full of fluid, and none of the vets could figure out why. They think it may be something with his heart.
He spent the weekend at this 24 hour emergency vet, where they gave him some oxygen and some other medication, to help clear out his lungs. They took more Xrays yesterday evening, and there wasn’t any significant change.
This afternoon, the vet told me that he hasn’t responded to any of the medication, so tomorrow morning I’m taking him to get a cardiac ultrasound. The vet told me and Anne that he should be okay to stay with us overnight, so Anne brought him home, where he can sleep on our bed with us, and be close to his brother, Biko.
I just got back from ACME (the running joke is that I secretly live under the stage there now) and Sketch is in my bedroom with Anne.He’s really struggling. He hasn’t gotten worse (if he does, I will take him right back to the emergency vet), but he’s not getting better, either. If the ultrasound shows that he’s got some heart thing that I can’t remember the name of right now, he’ll get on medication right away, and it should clear out his lungs and put him back together.
But if it’s inconclusive, or shows something worse, I’m not going to let him suffer because I can’t say goodbye. I hope I don’t have to make that decision, and I’ve been appealing to The Universe all day to give Sketch a natural 20 on his saving throw. Please?
He’s such a tough little guy, I never thought that he would get sick like this, and so suddenly. Biko is the runt of their litter, and Felix has been in and out of the vet so many times, they’re naming a boat after him . . . but I love Sketch so much, I don’t want him to go. It would mean a lot to me if anyone who reads this would take a moment and send Sketch some kitty mojo, especially to his heart and lungs.
You can call him “Tubby,” or “Fatty,” or “Fat Boy,” or “Chunk,” too, because he responds to all those names. He’s my tubby little guy.
Thanks.

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135 thoughts on “please give sketch some mojo”

  2. Sorry to hear about your cat, i really hope he gets better. I can relate to your pain since my dog of less than 2 years died suddenly this month of a collapsed lung, it all happened in a matter of hours so they couldn’t do anything. These things are rough, but i’m sure your cat will be fine since the vets have had an opportunity to care for the cat. I know they are doing their best.
    Cheers
    Danno

  3. Your kitty is in my prayers. I have a bunch myself, and two of them (both 10 and brothers) are experiencing liver failure/pancreatic failure. Like you, I’m not ready to give them up yet, but I do not want them to suffer either. So far, with the help of many prayers and good thoughts from friends, they’re surviving okay.
    I hope your Tubby gets better.
    kbj

  5. I sincerely hope you don’t have to make THE choice. I can’t imagine the emotion involved in making that choice…
    Just a few weeks ago my dog got what amounted to a stomach flu- and before we knew what it was i could barely hold it together.
    Here’s to Sketch pulling through!!!

  6. Sorry to hear about Sketch. My cat, Kitty, (yes I know not very original), is about the same age. I sure hope that he is not in pain and will be OK.
    —M and Kitty

  7. Consider healthy-kitty mojo sent in droves.
    I’m not sure what a drove really is, but I’m assuming it’s alot. If it’s NOT alot, then assume the mojo was sent in giga-droves.
    Aww, hell, make it giga-droves anyway. 🙂

  8. Mucho mojo to Sketch. I have an 11 year old Russian Blue. The vet hasn’t decided yet if the attacks he has had (3) are asthma or seizures. He had pneumonia and severe bronchitis. But thankfully the meds he takes control the attacks. It is very scary, so I know how you feel. We love our pets like they are our children. Keep us posted on his progress.

  9. I know how tough this can be, Wil. I sent some positive thoughts Sketch’s way, thoughts about strong hearts and clear lungs. I sincerely hope it does some good and that your kitty will be with you for many more years.

  11. That sounds amazingly like FIP. Have they run that test?
    Best wishes to the little guy, and thoughts of climbers and sunbeams for him.

  12. I’ve never commented here (in fact, I just signed up for TypeKey to post this), but I just finished reading Just A Geek, which I really enjoyed. And then I saw this post, and I thought that this would be a fine time to unlurk and offer my best wishes to your cat. I have a half-dozen of my own (literally), and I know how hard it is when one of them isn’t well. I hope the universe cuts you a break this time.

  14. Our cat Sparky had congestive heart disease. In his case it was caused by a birth defect, though he was probably 5 years old before we found out about it. He had a hole in his heart causing blood to swish back and forth in the chambers along with getting pumped through his body. This caused a “murmur” in his heartbeat and his heart grew very large in his chest.
    After being diagnosed, he was put on Lasix which I believe is a diuretic (reduces extra fluid and makes him pee).
    He went on to live 3.5 more years. I think he had a good life, and he was certainly not in any pain. We kept him on a strict diet (and actually made his food for him out of chicken livers and rice.) and because of the strict diet we also kept him indoors, to keep him from eating the food other folks around us left outside.
    His illness really wasn’t a quality-of-life issue for him. It took extra effort on our part, but other than the initial trip to the emergency vet, there were no huge vet bills either.
    In the end it was the heart disease that killed him… his lungs just filled up with fluid once during the night and he couldn’t breathe. We still do not know if he ate something he shouldn’t (anything with extra salt) or if he managed to ditch his pill that day, or what. It was sad and a shock for us, but I am still thankful for the extra time that he did hang around.
    I wish you all the best with Sketch.

  15. Hi Wil,
    I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of months (since I moved to LA, incidentally); my boyfriend has been a reader for much longer. We were at Acme on Friday and loved the show. I’d been thinking about signing up for TypeKey just so I could tell you this, but hadn’t gotten around to it, and now this. I’m sorry to hear Friday evening ended less happily for you than it did for us.
    I send to Sketch all the happiness and laughter (kitty-laughter!) you and the other Acme folks brought us over the weekend. And the brightest rays of kitty power I can summon. I hope he’ll be okay.
    My best to you all.
    lisa

  17. Reading this made me cry, thinking of my two fuzzies who are slowly but surely getting on in years. Sending all the mojo I have to send your way, along with some slightly damp and salty well wishes and kitty scritches.

  18. Supportive Mojo to you, your family and Sketch.
    I lost 2 kitties with in the same year, so I know how tough this is for you and your’s.

  19. Hi Wil~
    My kitty, Billie, and I said a prayer together tonight for your little tubby guy. We send our love to you two, and to your family.
    Oh and Billie says she really, really wants him to be ok, because she’s lookin’ for a hot Valentine’s date and she’s into the older cats!

  20. Sending lots of mojo for Sketch. I had to make that tough decision for my little black cat just this past november. She was only ten, but a tumor had started growing around her throat and she got to the point where she couldn’t swallow, and started having trouble breathing. I still miss her so much.
    I hope that the medications can help Sketch and that he still has many long years to spend with you and your family. Get well, Sketch!

  21. I’ll put in a word with The Boss, and see if my Jedi abilities work long-distance to make that 20-sided die land just right. Major mojo to the ailing feline.
    Three cats own me, and I know what it feels like when one of the “kids” isn’t quite their usual psycho self. If only they could talk. (Oh, wait. That’s probably a Really Bad Idea(tm). I’d be coughing up hush money like they cough up hairballs.)
    At least the dog (whom my three bully mercilessly though he outweights them by 45 pounds; pussy. (That was bad, I know, but I’m trying hard to get you to laugh here. You could use it.)) has the decency to ask to be let out before he barfs on the carpet. Cats just let you find it with your bare feet in the morning.
    Sketch, it’s not nice to worry Daddy. Hang in there, both of you. We’re all pulling for you here!
    Hoping she still has a few charges left on the Ol’ Scepter of Justice for the Fat Boy,
    Aylaleia, Goddess of Justice and Vengeance
    (I’ve been using the Ol’ Scepter a lot lately. Where’s my charger??)

  22. Much love and happy thoughts to Sketch from Hawaii… My boss’ cat had the same problem – suddenly got fluid in his lungs. Turned out to be a heart problem, and he would have his lungs drained at the Vet twice a week. He didn’t seem to be in pain, but it looked uncomfortable. With every draining, he looked better but the cat was FIV so there was only so much we could do before it got too complicated. I’m hoping Sketch’s results will be free and clear!! Lots of hugs and Aloha to kitty =(^_^)=

  23. If I had a +20 ring of wishing, you could borrow it for a day. Hope your little friend gets better soon, and you can enjoy him for a good while longer.
    Hey, where is my kitty? Scrappy, c’mere so I can give you a pet.

  24. Sketch:
    Hope you feel better soon. Don’t worry, the ultrasound won’t hurt a bit, the doctors just put this thing over your chest and see your heart in 2 dimensions so they can figure out what’s the matter with it. I’m glad you have such a caring family who obviously loves you so much.
    I’m sending you lots of mojo all the way from Puerto Rico, so feel better soon, ok?
    Ana Marylee =)

  25. Mucho kittymojo for Sketch.
    Our “baby girl” kitty Star is approaching her 13th birthday, and we had a scare with her earlier this month…she was throwing up and wouldn’t keep food down. She might have an ulcer, but, fortunately, we can give her Pepcid to keep it under control.
    I know my wife would just be devastated if we were to lose Star. (Yes, even though we also have Maui, our little 3-year-old boy that still thinks he’s a kitten. He’s sweet, but he’s not the same as Star.) So we’ll be happy to send kittymojo…and I’m sure the cats will send Starmojo and Mauimojo as well.
    You hear that, Sketch? Get better, OK? I don’t want to have to post my prayer for a departed cat if I don’t have to…

  27. oh wil, so hard! lost my kitty only two weeks ago due to kidney stones complicated by some other kidney issues. such tiny things, those kidney stones, but they killed her nonetheless. it’s such agony when our friends are sick. i’m sending you and sketch good mojo with all my heart.

  28. It sounds like congestive heart failure. If the echo reveals that, a diuretic like Lasix will probably help. My great aunt lived 40 years with congestive heart failure and it rarely gave her any problems once she was on medication. She didn’t ultimately die from it, she had a stroke. In other words if that’s what it is, it’s manageable and if he responds to treatment he’s live to be old and cranky like my girls.

  29. To Tubby,
    Your Daddy Wil and Mommy Anne really love you and want you to get well so be strong OK? You may be aging but you still have alot to do and they want you around a bit longer.
    Be well Tubby, stay comfortable, and here is some major mojo for you! 🙂
    -Q

  30. I’ve got to add to the love and mojo. I just recently lost a cat that was so much a part of me that I’ll never not get teary eyed when someone else loses, or is close to losing a pet. My boy was only three years old, but that little fella and I went through so much in such a short amount of time.
    *sends more mojo* *offers Chunk some obligatory Rocky Road and/or Babe Ruth*

  31. Got the mojo working for the Sketch-cat, Wil.
    Hope you and the hep feline will be fine.
    Lost my Butterscotch just after Thanksgiving, 1998… I know how tough it can be.
    -Fyre

  33. As a “mom” to 5 cats and 4 dogs (who, by the way, live in harmony together!) I understand how you feel. Sending positive energy to your baby Sketch! and strength to you and Ann the “human” parents.
    [mojobeam] Sketch [/mojobeam]

  34. I feel for you, Wil. I lost my childhood companion to congestive heart failure. She was such a good dog.
    Sending the mojo along for Sketch, and for you and Anne, too.

  35. an outpouring of mojo for sketch, from strangers and from you guys, it’s bound to help. if you do end up having to make the dreaded decision then you will have no doubt it is done with lots of love.
    when we had to put down jingles (i was 11 when we named her, gimme a break) we had the vet come to our place so that we could bawl in private, and so that the other cats could see what was going on and she didn’t just ‘disappear’.

  37. my cat is 11 and a half and I constantly fear of her getting sick, so I’m on her case every time she sneezes. I’m sure that your love and care will help Sketch, and for what it’s worth I’ll be thinking and praying for both of you, and your family. all my mojo I’m sending to Sketch.

  38. Kitty mojo from Charlie_the_cat and his mommy! My cat Charlie is gonna be 15 years old on March 2nd. I got him when he was a year old. Charlie is the best thing that has happened to me. I don’t know what I’d do without him. We are sending sketch tons of mojo!!!
    This is my cat after he had catnip.

  40. Oh, here’s best wishes for Sketch.
    My terrier, Shannon, who isn’t yet 8 years old, has to go in for an ultrasound today, as well. In her case, she mostly feels fine, but her tests show that her urine isn’t concentrating and she’s getting dehydrated – the vet can’t figure out what it might be since all other tests are normal – so she wants to take a look inside.
    I’m going to be a mess all day.

  42. Not only am I sending Sketch mojo, but I’ll track down my weighted dice for him. Natural 20. Natural 20!
    -kittymojo!-

  45. Good luck Sketch. Hey, natural 20 happens more often than you think – ask the Universe to get that guy from your group who’s always rolling them to make this one. Surely you have that guy? If not, I’ll lend you mine.

  47. Aw, its so hard when a pet is sick. Mine are like my children, so I really identify.
    Kitty mojo coming your way Sketch…
    And the regular kind for you, Wil and your family, because its hard on everyone.

  48. Hi Wil,
    Sorry to hear about Sketch.
    There’s a great big heap of mojo from myself, and my cats Rambo & Dusty, winging its way to you and Sketch.
    all the best

  49. Cats are like babies. For 12 years my cat Samantha has been my baby and still is, even though I now have a non-furry (human) one as well. I’ve been where you are, to some extent–Sam was diagnosed with a lifelong condition at age 10 (much traumatic and expensive testing, specialists, etc) and it was very difficult to function while my thoughts were running around screaming “Is it cancer? Will I have to put her to sleep??” She is now able to live a relatively normal life with daily meds, thankfully. But I still worry about her and I understand that horrible feeling in your gut one gets when you are helpless to do more. You are doing everything you can to give your kitty the best life and care possible, and that’s what counts! Best mojo wishes to Sketch and to you. You’re doing your best, and that’s all any cat can ask.

  50. Hi Wil,
    Sorry to hear about Sketch.
    There’s a great big heap of mojo from myself, and my cats Rambo & Dusty, winging its way to you and Sketch.
    all the best

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