Oh, Finnegan!

I just wrote a lengthy post about Cassidy needing a dental with extractions tomorrow. But, I forgot to mention that my 1.5 year old, Finn, will also be going to the vet. I have a couple of concerns about him and now is as good a time as any to ensure that everything is okay. In fact, it's necessary that he is seen tomorrow. My poor little guy...

Finnegan had a complete exam, including blood work and a UA, done less than 6 months ago. But, since then, he's been having some troubling issues. He's been the vet for a second UA and blood work since, but it looks like he needs to be seen yet again. It seems my little guy has a number of issues. He has allergies and is on a prescription diet and he suffered a severe trauma as a kitten. Now, the poor thing has issues due to inbreeding and who-knows-what-else along with possible urinary problems. I think I'll push for x-rays if his UA comes back clear -- something hasn't been right for a while. I just want to cover all of my bases. A urinary blockage is not something I was to deal with. And, it's certainly something I want Finn to avoid at all costs. His behavior has changed some with age. And, while it may just be due to age, I want to be certain I'm not missing anything. He is still my happy-go-lucky boy, but I'd far prefer to be over cautious than not cautious enough. You know?

It seems my little man has been missing his litter pan. It's not a new symptom and we've tried many, MANY things to resolve the issue including using high quality enzymatic cleaners, lesser quality enzyme cleaners (you never know what might work), more litter pans, covered pans, uncovered pans, different sized and shaped pans, different litters, clumping, non-clumping, pine, chicken feed, Kitten Attract and Cat Attract litter, retraining him, Feliway, Rescue Remedy, and a million other things. I've spoken to 4 vets about this issue, he's seen three vets, I've consulted my coworkers (vet techs), and spoken to many a person with similar issues. I've gone down the line working with anyone and everyone, but he still has issues using the litter pan. Well, that's not quite true...he uses the pan, but consistently misses. And, yes, we use a high-backed pan with a homemade back that heightens it even more. And, we've tried covered boxes, but he is afraid of them so that's a no go. There have been no new changes in the household and, overall, he is a content and happy kitty. But, I want to ensure that this is NOT health related and the only way to do that is to do further testing. That is what tomorrow will be about.

My honest-to-goodness thoughts on Finn is that he has some issues with his mental function. All of his tests come back clear, but he undeniably has issues all the way around. My only solace is that I love him regardless -- no matter what. I'll take care of him and deal with whatever issues he has for as long as necessary. I have resources available to me and am open to all ideas and suggestions. So, please, if you have any, feel free to share. And, in the meantime, if you could spare a thought, vibe, or prayer, I know that they'd be appreciated on this end...

You need more than a UA. X rays are good, an ultrasound too, but they need to do a urine culture

Finnegan

Otto brings up a very good point. And, I appreciate that she did bring urine cultures up as they often are not considered on a routine basis. Finnegan did have urine cultures done at the time of his last appointments. And, both times, they returned negative. Urine cultures on cats with his symptoms, but no recognizable infection or blockage are routine at the vet clinic where I work and where I take my pets. I should've mentioned that in my initial post. And, while we are certainly looking at the potential for x-rays tomorrow, I've not gotten as far as setting up an appointment for an ultrasound as of yet. But, you can be assured that that may be a possibility should all of his tests return normal.

To be honest, I don't feel he has a urinary issue. It's my gut instinct that is telling me that he doesn't have a UTI or blockage or anything of the sort. Rather, I think his behavior has everything to do with his lineage (ie. severe inbreeding) and the trauma he suffered as a kitten. I think he's just lost as to how to be a cat. There are many things which lead me to this conclusion and I think his improper elimination only drives my theory home. BUT, that being said, I am not willing to rest on that theory alone. I will do whatever is necessary to rule out anything medical. I won't risk his health on a thought or gut instinct. But, at the same time, I really do believe there is something more to all of this -- especially since his previous tests and labs have come out so normal.

And, while I am exploring all medical options, I am also going to consult with a behaviorist. It may be a long shot, but I want to know if there's anything more I can be doing to help him -- regarding this issue and the others we're dealing with. And, on the same end, I want to make sure that there's nothing I am doing that could be perpetuating these issues. I am very open to all possibilities and am thankful to have the resources available to me that I do. But, I feel very strongly that another appointment full of tests (including a UA, culture, labs, and, likely, x-rays) are the next step. It's certainly difficult not knowing what is going on, but knowing that something isn't quite right. I could write a novel on Finnegan and his idiosyncrasies. But, he does have known health issues (ie. the allergies) and so I'm not going to swing one way and ignore the other. A plan of some kind needs to be put in place and that's what I'm working on now along with my vets (and coworkers).

So, we'll start on one end are work our way around to the other. Much like Cassidy's issues, I feel like there's so much to do and not enough time to get it done. And, I'm often left feeling as though I've failed my babies. But, I love them and I am doing everything I can to ensure their health and happiness. I just can't help feeling guilty -- especially when I know they're uncomfortable. Be it physical or emotional, Finn has something going on. Hopefully, we'll get to the bottom of it. He's my baby boy. I don't know what I'd do without him. Thank God he's in my life and thank God I don't have to worry about the what if's. Not only do I have my dream job, but it has given me so much comfort and peace of mind. And, hopefully, it'll do the same for my babies...

Good wished to your Finny from mine - he is lucky to have you loving him