We apparently have a cold type virus making the rounds.  You'll remember
that Barnabus had a watery eye and sneezing. I used eye drops that resolved
his issues.  Hobbes was next and I tried the eye drops on him and he got
better.

Well, now Sam is sneezing.  This isn't an easily solved issue with Sam who
is asthmatic. This morning he was very lethargic. He wouldn't get up when he
normally does to follow DH around as he prepares for work.  He wouldn't get
up to eat. So off to the vet we went.

On physical exam he looks fine, except that he's lost 10 ounces since May.
His temp is normal, his lungs sound clear and his heart sounds strong.  He
had bloodwork and urinalysis as well.  Most of the results look good...white
blood cells are normal but some of his liver enzymes are increased.  We have
to wait until tomorrow for thyroid results but the vet suspects
hyperthyroidism.  He had some crystals in his urine although she said they
were the type of crystals that you wouldn't expect to find in an older cat.
We're sending his urine off for a more complete analysis and watching him
right now for blockage.

The vet thinks that his current lethargy and lack of appetite is a result of
a viral infection and that we were simply lucky to have found the possible
thyroid and/or crystal problems before they became a serious problem.  I
know many of you have hyperthyroid cats and I'm encouraged that this I can
control. Sam is good about taking medications so I'm sure we can deal with
this problem. I just wish he would feel better.  He's spent the last six
hours asleep on the couch. He hasn't gotten up to eat, drink or use the box.
He's definitely not feeling well.  The vet said to keep a close watch on his
breathing and administer Albuterol whenever I feel it is necessary.  Since
that helps him breath I'm giving him two puffs every 8 hours and his Flovent
every 12 hours as prescribed.

I hope this passes quickly, I hate seeing him feel so bad and quite frankly,
after Selena passing, its a little frightening.

Julie and Sam

btw, the vet asked me "You realize he has pellets under his skin?"  I
thought she was talking about little bumps that I thought were mole type
growths.  I'd felt them previously and they don't appear to grow. Well she
was talking about those bumps but they aren't moles...they are buckshot
pellets or bb's that are just under his skin! She said she was able to see
one clearly on the inside of his leg when she was taking blood.Our poor
Sammy had a tough life during the years he spent on the streets.