Thursday, April 8, 2010

Hubbard is sick!

Just a quick note to say our 15-year old, grumpy mancat Hubbard is at the emergency vet. ESM rushed him in this afternoon after she got home from work and found several poops and large piddle spots on our bedroom carpet, and there was no sign of Hubbard. She finally found him down the hall in my office, huddled between my server and my workstation on the floor. He was cold to the touch, but still conscious. When she pulled him out, his back legs wouldn't work and he couldn't stand.

She grabbed a carrier and rushed him to the emergency vet, while simultaneously calling me at work and letting me know the situation. After running a quick blood glucose on him (he is diabetic after all) they found the issue. His blood sugar has been running high (high 200s-low 300s) for the last several months, but when they tested him it was all the way down at 26. Anything below 70 is very dangerous.

He was resting in the warming chamber when we left, and they had him on an IV and were trying to bring his sugar level up.

We are hopeful this is an insulin reaction, and something can be done for him. However, we are preparing one another for the worst. He has had a good long life, and if it is his time...I refuse to let him linger and suffer. I would very much like to bring him home, and let him go amongst his family and familiar surroundings. However, his comfort and well-being is paramount to any of our wishes.

On my way to the vet, I had a long talk with the big man upstairs, and asked him if he had to take our Hubbard, to please make it quick and painless. I also spoke to Ziggy, our beloved gray boy who departed last August, and asked him to be on the lookout for Hubbard and meet him at the Rainbow Bridge if he makes that journey in the next little bit.

We'll keep you all posted on his condition, and update when we get any more news.

Please find someone you love, be they four-legged and furry or two-legged, hug them and tell them how much you love them. And, we'd appreciate any good thoughts you can spare sent along to our Hubbard.

19 comments:

  1. Oh this is such sad news - we are sending lots of purrs and prayers for Hubbard. We hope that he will be ok - we remember when Ziggy left for the bridge - it is too soon for you to have to go through that again. We are thinking of you and hopign for the best!

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  2. Thank you Amy! We all appreciate the positive thoughts.

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  3. I came here via SpacePaws, I work with Lisa. I've got my own geriatric diabetic cat (17, diabetic for the past 7) and have had a couple of scares like this, and I hope that's all this proves to be for you. Each time, a miraculous recovery via fluids and anti-infection drugs and never really been able to figure out the cause. High cost to my nerves and bank account, but I've still got my old man cat teetering about, cheerfully. May you get to say the same!

    My trio got extra snuggles tonight, much to a couple of their dismays.

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  4. Sundown, just left a message for KittyChair, too. Just hugs and love and positive thoughts coming your way. I know the waiting is the worst and we'll be there in spirit with you!

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  5. @Sara - Thank you so much! We hope also that this is just a scare, and not the end.

    @Hubble Space Paws - Thank you as well for posting to your dear readers about our situation. The outpouring of support from everyone is always so comforting to us.

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  6. You already know this, but we're waiting and worrying right along with you... lots of love to everyone on this longest of nights.

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  7. Came here via SpacePaws -- thinking of Hubbard! Lots of hope from our kitties to yours.

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  8. I saw this on SpacePaws and came over to let you know that we're sending purrs and universal healing Light from our corner of cyber space (southeastern Ontario, Canada). I hope all will be well, but *IF* the worst case scenario occurs, I do pray for an easy and quick crossing. Please know I'm wishing you all universal Blessings and Peace.

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  9. Lisa told us too and my sisters and I are sending loving purrs to you Hubbard.

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  10. Good thoughts coming your way!

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  11. Another new reader via Space Paws. Sending love and healing thoughts to all of you. I went through this exact scenario with my beloved 17-yr old, Niki. She did fine for a couple more years after the scare. I hope for the same outcome for you all. But whatever happens, wishing you all peace.

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  12. My Vito and Frankie and me send our love! So does Shadow, but he doesn't know how Hubbard feels about puppies, so he's giving him some space.

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  13. A big thank you to everyone who has posted! We all appreciate the support and caring you show!

    We should have an update later this morning from the vet. I will post as soon as I know.

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  14. @notanillusion - Hubbard is not fond of puppies...or kittens...or really anything other than wet food and sunbeams. Oh, and chin rubs. :-)

    Thank you for your kind words!

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  15. We came over from Space Paws blog to send LOTS and LOTS of purrayers to that handsome GingerManCat, Hubbard! GET WELL SOON!!!

    Sniffs & Scratches~
    The Kool~Kittie~Krew

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  16. Hear on Spacepaws and wanted to tell you we are allpurring and sending healing light your way!

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  17. My three furry boys are sending their loudest healing purrs to sweet Howard...and I will be sending prayers and hugs his way and hoping for a positive outcome.

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  18. Best wishes, prayers and all the other good juju and positive vibes we can think of. xoxo

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  19. Good luck. You have my thoughts and prayers. I gave my 15 year old foster an extra pet and my 2 year old kitty a hug.

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