The Luck of the Draw

[bunchofgrapes]

Well today went a way I never planned. Tucker had an appointment this morning with the surgeon who did his Perineal Urethrostomy. His regular vet wanted me to take him to the surgeon because of all the issues he continues to have. He has such a narrow urethra that she was concerned he had some scar tissue that was causing more blockage. So we went. And he stayed. I had already kept food and water from him because they were going to have to put him under to insert a catheter but about 15 minutes later the surgeon came to tell me that he had a lot of difficulty getting the catheter in. He confirmed what Dr. W feared. He said the concern is that his urethra is so narrow that any amount of debris in his urine could cause a blockage, something he thinks is already happening and that's why Tuck is straining so much. He said that it's going to progressively get worse however, there is a new procedure they can do. He explained and all I heard was trimming the tip of a bone to give the urethra more room. He says cats who've had this surgery have very good results and given Tuck's age, it's something we should consider sooner rather than later.

I didn't hesitate. Tucker was already there. He was ready for surgery now and I'm home the next four days so I can keep an eye on him. It was a no-brainer. I asked if he could do the surgery today. He could so that's how Tucker spent his day. The surgeon called me around 3:30 to say that Tucker was out of surgery and in recovery. He said the surgery was a little more difficult than he expected but everything went very well and he didn't foresee any complications. I pick him up tomorrow around 1pm.

On the way home from the vet I started to think. When I first saw Tucker he was in a cage with his brother. His brother was very laid back. Tucker was squalling his head off. His brother was called Pauly Walnuts, after the Sopranos character. Tucker's name was Benjamin. I don't know why I picked "Benjamin" but I did. Another couple came in to adopt Pauly Walnuts but they really wanted to keep the brothers together. Thankfully, the women running the rescue really liked me (as a pet owner) so they didn't go back on their agreement with me. What made me wonder today is if Pauly has this same condition? And then I was thinking what if I hadn't adopted Tucker? How would someone else have handled this? The surgeries he's had have not been cheap and I know not everyone has the resources or the inclination to spend this kind of money on surgery for a pet. Would they have put Tucker down? If Pauly had this same condition, is he still alive or did they have to put him down?

So with Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, I'd like to say that I'm thankful for the day I walked into the Pet Store and for whatever reason, picked "Benjamin". And I'm thankful I have the means to give him what is hopefully a better quality of life.

Comments

[cincoflex.livejournal.com]

It's hard to think of the 'might have beens' and wonder about the fate of others, but I can't commend you enough for choosing Benjamin and giving him one hell of a good life.

I wish from the bottom of my heart that more pet lovers were like you, I do.

[bunchofgrapes]

It made me very sad today to think of all the "might have beens". I'd adopt all of them if I could but I've learned that my limit is definitely three.

[mingsmommy.livejournal.com]

When Benjamin landed with you, he won the cat lottery.

You are an amazing and wonderful mama. He's a fortunate boy.

[bunchofgrapes]

When I brought each of these guys home, I made them promise me I'd get at least 17 years from them. In return I'd love them and do everything I could to keep them happy and healthy. I'm just holding up my end of the bargain.

Yeah, I know that promise part is a little strange.

[(Anonymous)]

This is why you are a great pet owner. They give you unconditional love and you are giving it right back to them. Tucker is a lucky boy to have you.

N.

[bunchofgrapes]

Thanks but I know a couple of pups who are pretty dang lucky too!

[bunchofgrapes]

I love that there are pet owners out there like you who are willing to step up and give these guys all the love and care they deserve. And the return we get from them is pretty amazing.

Btw, if the blockage is frequent, get him on CD - if he's not already. It's really helped Tucker a lot.