kitty update

[cellio]

The vet called on Friday with the bloodwork results for Erik and Baldur. Baldur was getting a normal screen (sanity check) before getting anesthesia for dental work, and Erik was getting a calcium check. (His calcium levels have been high the last couple years and we don't actually know why.)

When I was in for the exam the vet had wondered out loud Baldur's calcium level is also high. I asked if there is a known genetic component and she said she doesn't know off-hand of any research in that area. (Knowing her, and in particular how curious she is, I'll bet she'll have an answer for me next time.) It turns out that Baldur's is a bit high (10.8; I think normal tops out at 10.0). This is not a cause for concern. His only other anomolous reading is for a liver enzyme called SALT (I don't know what that stands for) -- his was 116 and normal is 10-100. Again, the vet said it is not a cause for concern now. It might actually be due to a minor infection connected to his dental problems, and it's not that far off from normal.

Erik's calcium level dropped a point from last year -- yay! He's down to 11.9. (He peaked last year at 13.2; his most recent reading was 12.9.) I haven't changed his food in the last year, so this is a mystery -- but an acceptable one. :-)

Erik's only other anomolous reading was also that liver enzyme -- 470! After confirming that Erik's food and litter-box patterns are normal, the vet suggested a followup test (which I failed to write down, but she'll get me this on paper). Best case, it was just a weird spike and everything's ok. Moderate (and likely?) case, he's got a minor infection and needs a round of antibiotics. Worst case, he's got a tumor or something. (They would eventually do an ultrasound to look for it.) She doesn't sound worried yet so I'm trying not to be either.

The vet was very much on top of things when we were talking, often anticipating my questions. She was actually calling me from her home, not from the office, and she had had the foresight to bring all the old lab reports home with her and not just the current ones. I told her how much I appreciate the service she gives, and she seemed to be very happy about that. I guess people don't make a habit of acknowledging good service, so in fields that don't involve tipping there's no positive feedback.

Irony time: Erik just woke up from his nap and jumped onto the desk next to my keyboard. He's currently staring at the monitor. :-)