[DancinBear63]

Okay, Toby's our cat. He is the most awesome cat that I've ever had, or met. Everyone who visits our house is greeted by him, and he is probably more popular than DH and I would like to admit.

Toby was taken to the emergency clinic yesterday afternoon, for evaluation of imbalance and disorientation. The vets there weren't entirely sure what to make of it, but kept him overnight. When we picked him up this morning, they said that he was 'okay'. In our opinion, he wasn't.

DH took the day off from work, and took Toby to his usual vet. She was extremely concerned by his exam findings and overall appearance. An echocardiogram showed some enlargement of his heart, but she wasn't convinced of this being the primary problem. She recommended sending him to North Carolina (we're in Virginia) to a neurologist.

So now, DH is driving our furry baby 115 miles to see the specialist. (Yes, I'm a doctor, and I know this is a little extreme for a cat, but he's mine, and I will move mountains for him.)

I know that a lot you guys are pet lovers/owners, and would appreciate if you could spare a second to send a prayer or kind thought Toby's way.

Thanks!

[arkansas parent]

Poor Toby, I hope it turns out to be nothing major.
I went through something similar with one of our cats.
Last year our 16 yo old cat, Snowball, started stumbing and falling down. Since I have had cats for a long time I knew what to check for. I seen his mouth would turn purple everytime it happened. So I knew it was his heart. Our vet said he has a major heart mumer and is sure his heart is enlarged. Our vet doesn't have any fancy equipment, just X- ray ,but he said snowball would not wake up if he was sudated. We tried heart meds, but it caused him to have a stroke, so now I give him valuim when he starts having seizures. The vet said not to expect him to make it much longer (weeks) that was over a year ago. He doesn't have much blood flow to his back legs so he walks a little stiff when he first gets up and we try to keep him calm, because if he gets excited he has a seizure. For the most part Snowball is doing fine. He was even running around playing a few nights ago. ( it brought me sooo much joy to see him play)

[DPline]

Hoping you get good news when your husband gets back today!

[DancinBear63]

Thanks for the well wishes. Our cat, Toby, is in the intensive care unit with encephalitis. We hope that he will respond to the treatment. We'll know more as time progresses.

[DPline]

I am so sorry! I will keep Toby and your family in my prayers. (((hugs)))

[maddie036]

DancinBear63 - lots of thoughts and prayers coming your way. Keep us updated....

[emtb79]

I will be keeping you and your family (human and furry) in my thoughts.

[DancinBear63]

Toby Cat is back! He's doing fairly well, and looks okay. Well, if you ignore all of the places that they had to shave to do the echocardiogram, spinal tap, and IV placement. (poor guy, he looks like a poodle with a crazed barber!).

[4everwaiting]

So glad to hear Toby is doing better!!!

Yes, our pets are very important members of our family too!

[DPline]

Yeah! What great news!

[EZ2Luv]

Thank God Toby is alright. I recently was talking to someone online who's 86yrold father's cat was sick and he was heartbroken. Thank God that situation turned out favorable too. Furbabies are no different than family members. I pray that your Toby continues to recover. Cat's are supossed to have 9 lives so by that account Toby has 8 more left.
EZ

[sadiegirl]

So glad Toby is on the mend.