Moving On & Moving In

A couple of months ago our cat of 18 years, Denver, died of chronic kidney disease (yes, I know, it is ironic since I am a nephrologist).

My husband never wanted a cat. He tried to convince our almost 4 year old daughter that she wanted a puppy. Her highness was not amused, and we adopted The D from the local animal shelter on her birthday.

My husband, the dog guy, decided last week that we had been feline-free long enough. He missed a buddy with whom he could play, watch TV, curl up with a good book, or nap. So last weekend we found ourselves at a shelter outpost.

And now I am introducing Ozzie:

This 2 month old guy (who would fit in one hand) was found at an intersection in town. He had a cold when we got him, and he didn’t eat last Sunday. After a trip to the vet for fluids, and some higher calorie prescription food, he is the joy and the terror of our lives. He is inhaling canned and dry food. He likes to be chased. He would love to someday catch the laser pointer dot.

He thinks my laptop is a really big cat toy. Writing this post challenged me, both to get it done and to keep him from “writing” his own contribution.

It took several days to name the little beast. Ozzie was selected because it is the name of a Hall of Fame Cardinal shortstop, and short for Osiris of Eyptian lore (hey, they worshipped cats).

He has no pedigree or papers. His origination is “46th and Curtis.” Yet we know he is the greatest cat in the world. Next to Denver.

Healthcare for all?

Denver, our cat, died of chronic kidney disease a few months ago after 18 years of life with our family. He required extra care, medications, and a special diet for the last 2 years of his life, and it cost $1-2 per day to keep him going. He was happy and interactive until his last day, and the expense was worthwhile.

My daughter has been generally healthy, but she does have a couple of “pre-existing conditions” that might prevent her from getting health insurance. We hope she will find a job with good group coverage, or that reforms pass that will allow her to be covered.

While the healthcare debate mires in political mud, Representative Thadeus McCotter of Michigan has proposed the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) act. The bill would give pet owners a tax deduction of up to $3500 annually for the care of their animal companions. (For a detailed news story, click here)

Based on covereage of the proposal, its primary aim is economic stimulus. As McCotter told DoggyTV:

Anything that puts cash back in Americans' hands during the economic crisis is a good thing.

All well and good, but exploring the congressman’s web site reveals that this republican does not believe the current stimulus package is beneficial. So why would a pet owner tax deduction be more stimulating? I mean, I would love to deduct my pet expenses for the year, but, frankly, it was a luxury to keep a sick, geriatric pet alive.

I then explored his comments on the Obama healthcare proposal, and they confuse me. His statements suggest that our “system” is not in crisis, nor is reform required. I thought the Big 3 Auto Makers were behind reform! Don’t they still count in Michigan politics?

I hope congress lets this bill drift away. Don’t get me wrong; I love my pets, but my daughter’s health and insurability is far more important to me. I think we should guarantee coverage for every US citizen before we think about reducing taxes for pet owners.

HAPPY won’t make me that way.

Update on the D

Denver the Wondercat (AKA The D) celebrated his 18th birthday this summer. He was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease almost 2 years ago, and had done well until recently.

Since we returned from our vacation last week, his appetite has been off. He wants to lap the gravy from the food but not actually eat the meat. Grinding it up in a food processor gets a few more calories in him, as does sneaking in some cooking oil, but we all know things are not going well.

He still seems comfortable. He wants to lie in the sun and lick my husband’s aftershave. If my daughter comes to the house, he sleeps in her lap. He knows he is loved.

It’s just a matter of time now…

My Favorite Patient

As a pediatric nephrologist I see a lot of cute kids with kidney problems. My favorite and cutest patient is our family cat, Denver. Late in 2007 he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, a common cause of death in elderly cats (he just turned 17 years old). He was not overly fond of the kidney diet, and sneaking potassium supplements into his food was impossible.

This spring we began the "interesting" task of administering subcutaneous fluid every 2-3 days. Since starting this course, his weight has stabilized and he has periods of feisty playfullness again. While his days are numbered (I don't know what 17 is in cat-years), he is still enjoying life. Of course, he is crotchety enough that he has decided to only eat Fancy Feast in turkey flavors, but I hope someone will humor my preferences when I reach an advanced age!
For more information on chronic kidney disease in cats, go to http://www.felinecrf.com/