Koi,
our Pom-monster, turns fifteen this year. For several years, tracheal collapse
challenges him periodically when he wakes up in the mornings and settles down
for the nights. Our vet prescribed Hydrocodone to use as needed, but it really
knocks Koi out even with a half-dose. During another checkup, the vet suggested
using Benadryl instead since we noted that Koi had more flare-ups with
different pollen counts. The more risky Hydrocodone became reserved for bad
days, and we’ve gone a year without filling his prescription.
Last
August, Koi began wetting the floor and his bed while sleeping. After his physical,
our vet started him on Proin-ER that worked immediately. After a few months,
the medication became unavailable anywhere, and the regular Proin proved
useless. We began relying on soft disposable wraps for Koi’s new attire.
In
February, Koi’s wrap reddened with blood in his urine. As it happened late in
the day, it was the next morning before our vet saw him. By that time, his wrap
was almost clear, but even I could see that there was blood in the clear catch
urine sample when the vet showed me the test tube. Drawing blood samples for
more tests happened quickly. Koi didn’t stress when the vet flipped him onto
his back to thoroughly palpitate him to check his kidneys and bladder. She felt
nothing, and stated maybe the blood tests would show us something. Which they
did—NOTHING was wrong!
The
vet explained in a phone conference that Koi could’ve passed a bladder stone.
That could mean other stones and the possibility of blockages occurring. The
horrifying cancer diagnosis could only be ruled out with tests we couldn’t
afford. If he had bladder cancer, treatments extend the four-to-six month prognosis
by only a few months. We decided to simply wait and see. If Koi passed more
blood in his urine, he’d go back for additional checks. If we noticed changes
in his eating, energy, or water intake, we’d bring him back in. If we sensed
that he experienced any pain, we’d schedule an emergency visit.
Yesterday,
Koi’s regular annual appointment found us back at the vet for his shots. Over
the last four months, not a single drop of blood in his urine. Not a sign of any
tumors. Koi let the vet push and prod without complaint. Our February scare
must have been a single bladder stone passed into his past!
Copyright 2024 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman
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