Update Thursday, September 24 at 7:43 AM
As I briefly mentioned last night our vet now thinks that Watson quite probably has FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). They are running a new test to confirm this. If this is the case Watson will only have a few weeks or possibly months to live. This possibility was mentioned to us on Sunday when we met with the vet but had not been addressed again at any other time during our weekly visits or updates. So last night when we came to pick him up I was completely blindsided. It seems that Watson’s cultures did not grow any bacteria so through process of elimination this is the most likely diagnosis.
I’m still holding out a little hope that this isn’t the case, but unfortunately he seems to fit the profile for this horrifying disease. Obviously Chris and I are extremely upset. I can’t even begin to describe the array of vivid nightmares I had last evening. Watson is definitely not himself. Dexter wants nothing more then to play with Watson but when he gets close to him Watson cries so we’ve had to keep Dexter in the spare bedroom. We also had the equally unpleasant experience of having to give Watson his oral antibiotics this morning, on the off chance that this is still treatable. Needless to say it didn’t go well.
So for now we wait and see and try to keep Watson eating and drinking and as happy as possible. I could really use a miracle now though so if you believe in prayer please say a little one for my kitten.
Update: Wednesday, September 23 at 3:09 PM
Chris just spoke with Watson’s doctor and while he still has a low grade fever that continues to fluctuate they are convinced that his affliction over the past few days is simply a virus. They have taken him off the IV and he’s now taking oral antibiotics. The best news is that we’ll be able to bring him home tonight! We’ll be picking Watson up at the animal hospital around 7:00 PM.
Last night during visiting hours he was super active and practically jumped over Chris’s shoulders to get to me at one point. Before we left he was calmly dozing in his cage but as soon as we walked away he started meowing … well really yowling pitifully. So I’m extremely relieved that we’ll be able to have him home with us in a few short hours.
He’ll probably still have a fever for up to two weeks but as long as he continues eating, drinking, and taking his medicine he should be just fine. This has been quite an emotional roller coaster and I wanted to thank you all again for wishing Watson well and sending your hopes for his speedy recovery. I’m sure he’ll be back in “picture perfect” form in no time at all and at the very least Dexter can go back to grooming Watson instead of trying to groom Chris and I in the middle of the night.
Update: Tuesday, September 22 at 11:56 AM
I wasn’t able to speak directly with Watson’s doctor this morning but I did have an assistant read her notes to me over the phone. According to the veterinarian Watson is looking well today. He’s eating soft food and his temperature is down to 102.5. This is still high so they will continue to perform supportive care today. Chris and I will be visiting him this evening from 6:00-7:00 PM and hopefully we’ll learn a little more at that time. It’s so reassuring to hear that his fever is beginning to drop, and I’m finally starting to feel cautiously optimistic instead of scared to death.
Update: Monday, September 21 at 10:55 PM
When the surgeon attempted to biopsy Watson’s Lymph node this evening she decided it would be in his best interest if they simply removed it as the tissue was very deteriorated. We were able to see our kitten during visiting hours. His fever is still hovering around 105 degrees but he ate today and drank water. He was absolutely ecstatic to see us and tried his best to jump around and rub us with his head. I was worried that he would pull his stitches out. He has quite the Frankenstein monster look going on with his neck wound right now so I guess Watson wont have any trouble picking out his Halloween costume this year.
It will still be at least two days before the culture is back on the lymph node test and in the meantime the doctor is concentrating on continuing to give Watson antibiotics and keeping him hydrated. Either way it was definitely a personal relief for both of us to see Watson eat and drink today. Hopefully now that he’s had a little food his tiny body can fight off this nasty bug.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kind comments, texts, and emails. Chris and I both appreciate your warm wishes for Watson’s speedy recovery very much! I’ll update you more via this post as we learn new details. xoxo, Erin
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On Saturday morning Chris woke me up with the ominous sounding choice of, “Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first?” The good news was that he was making pancakes for breakfast and the bad news was that Watson had taken one look at his plate of cat food, left the kitchen, and climbed back into his kitten bed. Obviously something was very wrong. As the day progressed he became more and more lethargic and continued to refuse all offers of food and water. We tried everything from tuna, to fresh chicken, to sardines all without any results. To make matters worse he had an enormously inflamed lymph node on his neck that felt approximately the size of a gumball. Our primary Vet was completely booked and unable to see us so Chris and I decided we’d see how Watson felt on Sunday and take it from there.
When we arrived home from dinner with friends that night Watson was still completely out of it. We attempted to give him water which only made him hysterical and earned me a scratch on the face. At that point we decided he needed to be seen by a doctor immediately. So we coaxed Watson into the cat carrier and whisked him off to Angell Animal Medical Center, which is unfortunately practically in Jamaica Plain. We’ve since realized that there are several closer hospitals but at the time this was the only one that came to mind.
When Watson was finally examined he had an extremely high fever of 106.5 degrees. Needless to say they admitted him. Chris and I left him with his favorite snowman towels from his kitten bed. All the way home I just felt horrible. By taking the “wait and see” attitude he had obviously suffered all day long and I wish I had just taken him in as soon as started refusing nourishment.
On Sunday we went to see him during visiting hours in the morning. They still didn’t have any idea what was wrong with him and Watson would again have to spend the night. The pathologist and radiologist, who were needed to read and confirm his tests, wouldn’t be in until Monday. All they could really tell us was that it was either a viral or bacterial infection. It could also be another disease that is quite fatal but I refuse to think about that right now.
We stayed with Watson for an hour. It was so incredibly heartbreaking to see him hooked to his little IV with his front paw all taped up. I tried not to cry but when Chris took Dean Bearchester from his pocket Watson started rubbing his head all over him and I pretty much lost it.
This morning the vet at Angell called. The tests were inconclusive so they are now going to do a biopsy of Watson’s inflamed lymph node. He’ll be placed under anesthesia and then they’ll attempt to grow some of the cells in a culture. It’s all very confusing. They’re also going to retest him for feline leukemia. He tested negative back in April but apparently the tests can sometimes be wrong in young kittens. His fever keeps fluctuating but even with the antibiotics it’s still rather high and hovering between 103.5 and 105 degrees. Apparently though he’s been purring for various people so I have one small ray of hope.
Essentially we don’t know anything concrete yet. I’m hoping that we’ll be able to visit him this evening. I’m holding onto the probably ridiculous notion that he just has some sort of infection and that it will work itself out with a different type of antibiotic and he’ll be home cuddling with me soon, but in reality that is probably not the case. In the meantime please do yourself a favor and get pet insurance for your animals. It’s only around $20 a month per pet. Watson’s vet bill is already approximately $3000 right now and it appears that we aren’t even remotely done yet. Obviously we seriously dropped the ball in that respect and I’d hate for you to face the same thing.
I’ll keep you posted should any developments arise. Please keep the little guy in your thoughts. He’s such a precious kitten.
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Oh, I’m just sick at heart for you – even if it is just an infection, it kills to have your baby be sick and you can’t do anything else about it. Much love, and I hope we hear good news about Watson soon.
Oh Erin! I’m so sorry! I’ll keep thinking happy kitty thoughts. I know how I am when one of my pets is sick – so I totally understand how you are feeling!!
I’m so so sorry, Erin. Sending good vibes your way and hoping for good news.
erin and chris, i’m thinking of you guys and have been all weekend since you came over and told me about watson. my kittens once tested positive for feline luekemia and i was sick for weeks over it (finally after a bunch of tests they said they were negative…) anyways…I know what you are going through and will keep Watson and you guys in my thoughts. much love. kb
Sending good thoughts, vibes and head scratches to Watson.
I’m kinda shocked by the bill. When Tal was super sick and in the hospital on IV for a week the bill, meds, etc. came to about $950 – and that’s in NYC where everything is crazy expensive. Guessing that the biopsy must be super expensive. Still, worth it. Mr. Watson loves you so much.
Oh, I’ll be thinking of him. He looks just like my roommate’s kitten. The people at that hospital can work miracles – they did for my Neo, so keep hoping. Thanks for the note about pet insurance. That’s a great idea.
Poor baby watson. I hope it’s just a little kitty flu and i’ll be back to normal in a few days.
oh, erin, i’m so sorry. i have been thinking of you guys and watson since saturday–so sorry that it’s turning out to be like this. love, emma
Erin, I’m so encouraged he is purring. What you wrote about Dean Bearchester made me cry too. I’m on pins and needles to find out what’s wrong with Watson. As his mama, I can only imagine the pain you must feel. Thank you for keeping us updated. I am sending well wishes Watson’s way. xoxo
Aww…Erin this made me want to cry. I hope that your little guy will be okay. Hopefully, you’ll get some solid answers from the vet soon. He is in my thoughts <3
I am so sorry. I hope that he will be ok.
Oh Erin, I’m so sorry you have to go through this! I’m going to keep the little guy in my prayers. And you, too. It’s so hard to have a sick pet–they’re part of the family.
Please keep us posted. Hugs!
Erin,
I can only imagine how worried you are for Watson. I am saying a prayer for him and you and CK both. I really pray he is alright, please keep us updated!
Poor Watson! I’m so sorry to hear that you’re all going through this. I’m hoping everything works out!
Erin,
I’m so sorry you guys have to go through this, I can’t even imagine how you must feel right now, but you all are in my thoughts.
I hope you know that he’s at the best animal hospital in the area, I know plenty of people who have had to take their pets there for various un-average issues, and that they have great specialists that work there.
NOOOO! Oh Erin, I know your heart is just breaking for your little baby. Watson is such a precious little fella and he has so many people pulling for his swift recovery. I’m sending you, CK, Watson AND Dexter loads of hugs and cuddles. The not knowing can be so scary. Love to all of you.
Erin, I am so sad to hear this about Watson. My heart goes out to you all. I’ve been in similar places with my beloveds, and I’m in tears for you. I hope so much that whatever it is that it’s treatable and Watson will be okay.
Sending my love to you and him.
Poor little poppet, I hope he gets well soon. Our cat gets her fair share of sniffles and is always getting sore eyes, but its really traumatic trying to take her to the vet since she wont go in the basket without an enormous struggle, so we’re definitely in the ‘wait and see’ brigade. Please dont beat yourself up.
thinking about you guys, Erin & Chris. it is SO sad to see them hurting and know there is not much you can do to make it better. please keep us updated! xoxo
I will have Watson in my thought and so hope he gets better soon! I know from experience how hard it is to have a pet seriously ill. On the bright side; cats are incredibly strong animals so fingers crossed that Watson will pull through!
I have so much experience with this it’s not funny. I am sending Watson many, many good thoughts.
Thank you for the Watson update. It’s good to see his spirits and appetite are improved. Here’s hoping the next update brings similar good things … xoxo
So sorry to hear about your sweet little kitty. Hope he feels better soon!
*hug*
I’m really sorry about Watson! I hope that he’ll recover soon!
I know it’s not the main issue right now, but I’m also sorry about all that money. I’ll definetly think about insurance for Jack and Lily now.
I’ll send good wishes your way!
That sounds hopeful, Erin! He’s getting his little appetite back. I keep thinking about him, and you & CK, so thank you for the updates. xo
That sounds like promising news! I’m keeping you guys in my thoughts. Lots of love! xoxoxox
Erin, I hope he only gets better and better. Hang in there.
The latest update sounds very promising! I hope he gets 100% better real soon. Thinking of you and Watson!
Ahh I hope he gets better fast. I know it is horrible when a pet is sick.
I hope you continure to get good updates.
xxoo!!!
I’m so glad that he’s feeling better and that you get to bring him home!
Oh Yay! I’m so glad Watson’s going to be ok! When he’s bounced back I hope to see him in all his Watsony glory!
I am SO GLAD to hear your good news!!!!!!!!!! I have had your sweet boy in my thoughts all week. You must be so very relieved. Can’t wait to see pictures of his little Franken-neck for Halloween. (And I know about those midnight grooming sessions… I used to wake up with raw patches on my cheeks!)
Amazing news! It’s so exciting he’s coming home tonight. Dexter will be over the moon with all the grooming he gets to do!
i am so sorry! i am sending watson prayers and hope for the best!
Erin, I am just so so very sorry.
Hi there. I’m here because of Hänni.
Watson’s story breaks my heart. He sounds like a wonderful cat, and it must be awful watching him, knowing what you (and surely he) know. Count me among those hoping for the best.
I am so so sorry! Big hugs to you guys. What a tough ordeal and a sweet kitty.
Erin! I’m so sorry! I’m really hoping in the chance it’s not FIP. Have you tried wrapping him in a towel while you give him medicine? My cat was violently opposed to oral meds, so we wrapped him in a towel, and inserted the med stick thing on the side of his mouth, between his back teeth, to get the medicine down. My thoughts are with you all!
oh erin – i am so, so sorry. maybe Watson will beat the odds.
I’m so sorry that your cat is still sick. I really hope he does not have FIP! That’s just so awful.
At least he is home now with you guys.
Oh my god, Erin, I am so, so sorry. You know I understand the love of pets, and my heart seriously goes out to you. Please send love to Watson from Me, Jim, Champ, Lily (our other cat) and of course from his brotha from anotha motha, Muntz.
Has the other kitty been tested?
This is so sad to hear! Steinway and I are sending wishes your way!
Oh Erin. I am sending you love and hoping and praying that the diagnosis for sweet Watson is wrong. But I know that you are glad to have our little guy home with you and back in your arms 24-7.