Guinness graduates

Guinness is going to the university on Wednesday. Unfortunately this is not because of his remarkable intellect, but instead due to his health issues.

As many of you know, Guinness has been having issues with his back legs for several months. The first vet said that he was just anxious and needed to go out into our garden. Um no. She also sold us an expensive bottle of feline calming spray; it didn’t work.

Throughout the fall, his leg episodes occurred more frequently and became more severe, often with confusion and stumbling. We found a fabulous vet in December and have taken Guinness to see her several times, though his illness remained a mystery.

In early January we took both of the cats for yearly vaccines and Guinness just happened to have another episode while at the clinic. Our vet asked another vet to look at Guinness and to give his opinion on the leg issue. We were given a possible diagnosis (a very rare illness), some medicine, and sent on our way.

Unfortunately the medicine has not helped, and if anything, Guinness’ condition has become worse, more frequent and more intense. This weekend was particularly bad. Saturday night started out with the usual leg problem, strange gait, confusion, then some vomiting. Within 30 minutes he had also lost control of his bowels and bladder (first time). Thirty minutes after that, he was fine, as usual. Sunday night my husband was upstairs on the phone, I was in the kitchen finishing the dishes. Guinness had been walking with a strange gait off and on for approximately 30 minutes. All of the sudden I heard a terrible noise, a noise that sounded like a cat falling down the stairs. Sure enough, my baby was lying at the bottom of the stairs, unable to move his back legs. Once again, he recovered within 15, 20 minutes.

This morning we took him to the vet as soon as they opened. Much to our surprise, Guinness had a leg episode while we were there. Before we even asked for the referral (which we had planned to do), our vet suggested taking him to the university. It is clear that she understands how serious this is. We are very grateful for the quality medical care and attention our cats have received from her; particularly that she recognizes that it’s time for diagnostics not available at her clinic. She gave Guinness a thorough exam, a hug, and promised to fax his records to the university ASAP.

We brought him home and discovered that in the just the short drive from the clinic to our house (about 5 minutes), he had lost control of his bladder and bowels again. Upon letting him out of the carrier, he laid down on his stomach, legs out to the sides (not typical cat posture). He has recovered now and is resting by the fireplace.

My baby boy is just too young for this; he’s only two. There is no reason that this should be happening. I don’t have any experience in veterinary medicine, but I honestly think that his symptoms are indicative of something neurological. It’s all so unfair. I look at him and just cry. He’s such a sweet, loving boy. I just want him to be happy and healthy.

Guinness’ appointment at the university veterinary hospital is on Wednesday morning. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

this morning after coming home from the vet


happy times:
Helping to make the bed, he loves playing on the white sheets.


Posing with a Guinness on St. Patrick's Day!