Grendel spent most of yesterday at the vet again. They did an ultrasound and determined that both masses are organ stones. The one in his bladder is small and not currently problematic. In fact, it could be passed successfully if it moved (although with much discomfort). The one in his kidney, on the other hand, is extremely problematic. It’s sitting in the renal pelvis section of the kidney which is blocking urine processing. At present it’s causing his kidney to poison him, so that is likely the cause of his illness. Due to its size and location, it may have permanently damaged the kidney. If that’s the case, he’ll lose the entire kidney.
He has no interest in eating or drinking and hasn’t since Sunday. The vet has hydrated him while he’s been there. We’re still concerned about his not eating and I will try to get him to eat some baby food later today (thus far he’s shown no interest in tuna, salmon, chicken or canned cat food).
He has an appointment to see a specialist tomorrow morning if the vet isn’t able to find one who can take him today. They see this as an emergency given how sick he is, his disinterest in eating and drinking, and the fact that the stone is causing urine poisoning. There is also the important consideration of whether the stone is damaging the kidney in that area since any such damage would be permanent.
In the meantime, Grendel gets to stay at home since everyone agrees he’ll rest more comfortably and will experience less stress while in his own element. For my part, that means very little sleep. I spend every night talking to him, monitoring his condition, making sure he’s as comfortable as possible, and being very awake and aware of how often he gets out of bed to be sick. Since he sleeps best when he’s curled up with me, I spend my time trying to move as little as possible so as not to disturb him.
I apologize that site updates have been scarce over the last few days. I know you understand my priority is to tend to Grendel’s health and welfare during this very difficult time.
Update [1:45 PM CST]: Grendel is back at the vet. As we can find no specialist able to take him today and he’s still not eating or drinking, one of his doctors wants to make sure he’s not dehydrating. They’re going to do subcutaneous fluids, give him an appetite stimulant to see if that will help him eat something, and also give him something to help with the nausea. I believe he’ll be able to come back home this evening to get a good night’s rest before going in for surgery tomorrow morning. I feel terrible that he’s suffered through this back and forth business; I know he’d be more comfortable and stress-free if he could simply stay home. Sadly, under the circumstances, that would not be the best thing for him.