Day 25 Life with Zeke

Dear Diary:

No matter what I do I cannot seem to make this human understand the command "Put the cat food down NOW."  I am now trying my newly found hypnotic trance stare to make her follow my every command.

"Put the food down now.  Now.  Put the food down.  Get the can of food.  Open it.  Put it on the cat plate."

Alas, it is not working. . .

Zeke the Cat

Dear Ms. Calico

May 28, 2010

Dear Ms. Calico:

Thank you so much for sending me your address.  I have thought about "us" often and hoped you were doing well after your therapy at MU.  So how are you spending your days in Isolation?  Do you have anyone to care for you?  Are you allowed outside to check out the peonies and soon the daisies?

I have been sitting on the deck this afternoon, mellowing out after another night in my laundry room prison.  It is not as hot as it had been so I am enjoying the peace and solitude.  However Kiki awaits my return indoors so we can chase each other around the house.  Don't be jealous - Kiki cannot hold a candle to you, my sweet Princess!

Please write back and tell me how you are doing.  I will keep my laptop on so I can check for your email response!  Oh I hear the dinner bell calling my name.  Later sweets.

Yours,

Zeke the Cat

Meet Zeke the Cat Veterinary Team Members

Meet my MU Tiger Vet Care Team!

While I was not expecting to spend so much time with these people, much less get that weird treatment, I have to say that some days being there were better than being here.

Dear Zeke the Cat MU Vet Team:

I am sorry I haven't written earlier.  I spend most of my time trying to escape the laundry room prison I am being kept in when not begging for Fancy Feast or some other expensive cat food that is probably better than what is on my plate right now.

I need that hot Ms. Calico's phone number - or her email address.  Now that I have access to my cell phone and laptop back, I can resume where we left off, with her looking adoringly at my face and purring like a crazy feline!  I suspect she thought I forgot all about her.  No way, Ms. Calico!  I am just not sure I am ready for a serious long-distance relationship.

If you know her email address please forward to my attention.  I think email or a call will work.  I normally use POST IT notes to break up with my lady friends.
 
Here is my TEAM:

MU faculty Member Dr. Leah Cohn, DVM, was my internal medicine specialist, and Dr. Irka Redelsperger, vet student, was my main caregiver.

Dr. Redelsperger took pictures of me for my BLOG - THANK YOU SO MUCH Dr. Irka!  She always made sure to get my good side so I never looked fat and my Roman nose didn't show in profile.  She also bought me some better cat food since I refused (well, not entirely) to eat that rabbit food they palmed off as cat food.  LOVE YOU - XO XO XO

Left to Right:

1. Dr. Catherine Webb, professional year 3, DVM
2. Dr. Veronica Schwartz (Ms. Calico's vet student-hot, hot, hot); professional 4th year, DVM
3. Dr. Kevin Urday, professional 4th year, DVM
4. Dr. Robert Miller, professional 4th year, DVM
5. Dr. Irka Redelsperger, my personal vet student and personal shopper
6. Dr. Leah Conh, my Internal Medicine Specialist 

GO MIZZOU ZEKE THE CAT TEAM!!
WOO WOO WOO (-imagine my paw in the air going WOO WOO WOO please - do it with me - WOO WOO WOO!)

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Day 23 Redeaux

May 23, 2010

Dear Dr. Irka and MU Vet Team:

I have looked everywhere in my very very small laundry room for you and cannot find you.  Nothing compares to you coming in to see me daily with that special can of food in your hand.  No one is taking photos of me either which means my 15 minutes of fame is either up or Foster Mom  is too busy to take photos.

She should install a web cam so people can watch me 24.7.  It has to be more fun and enjoyable than watching the BP oil spill off the Coast of LA.

I am not sure when I will be let out of prison, my escape plans appear to go nowhere daily.  Foster Mom is not allowed in my room except to feed me and change the cat pan - she has to wear gloves and cannot spend too much time with me.  I am alone and lonely.  However I have a room that is cozy and warm.  t may not be much of a room but it is MY room.

Sunday I was allowed out to watch part of the last episode of LOST the TV Series.  I cannot believe that Kate woke up next to Bob Newhart.  The next thing I will hear is that Jack was in the shower with Victoria Principal.  I guess Hollywood has run out of interesting endings.

I wanted to watch DWTS last night as I had all my cat food bet on Evan.  I have no idea who won as Foster Mom watched NCIS, American Idol, the news, Law & Order, Married with Children, etc., over the span of 30 minutes.  If I didn't know better I would suspect ADD as she could not stop changing channels.

If you know who won DWTS please email me so I can get some sleep.  I am just grateful KATE was voted off and was not in the finals.  I guess tonight we will watch TOP CHEF Masters if Foster Mom can stay awake long enough.  She has a cold (like I care) and is not spending time with me right now.

When you get this please write.  I think you are the only person who loves me right now.

Love and kisses,

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Free at Last

May 8, 2010

Dear Diary:

Free at last, free at last.  I know you have seen this photo before but Foster Mom forgot to bring her camera today when she was picking me up from MU.  All went well and we got out of there in record time.

Dr. Irka and Dr. Cohn came to say good-bye and Dr. Irka even gave me a bath.  I guess I smelled after a week in that hotel.

Anyway it will be good to be home and hanging with my boys. . . .

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Dr, Irka

May 5, 2010

Dear Diary:

My only human friend is just outside the door.  She is putting on all sorts of extra clothing.  I guess she doesn't want any cat fur on her dark slacks.  Whatever.

Just get in here and feed me, Dr. Irka!  You are my only friend right now and you are the only one who can get me out of here!  You don't have to take Ms. Calico - that is just a brief spring romance.

It will just be you and me - two for the road - Thelma and Louise (OK that is not a great reference as I am a MALE CAT GOD) - Bonnie and Clyde - that is more like it!

We can grab a motorcycle outside the hotel and just head for the border.  Bring a small helmet and some food.  I can just grab my papers once we get past the guards.  I promise I will take care of you.  I can get a job in Hollywood or even in the Mexico cinema.  I hear they are looking for a new cat to play Puss-n-Boots in the next Shrek movie.  Apparently the one they have now wants to negotiate his contract terms.

Just let me know what you think.  And please don't mention this to Ms. Calico.  In case you don't leave with me I need options while I am here.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Girlfriend whatcha thinking?

May 4, 2010


Dear Diary:

I am a BABE magnet.  A CAT GOD.  I mean, look at that hot calico next to me.  She is the one who got treated April 30 when I freaked out.  She has just started to realize I told her it was no big deal.

Still, she cannot take her eyes off of me and she is always trying to touch me through the metal bars.  And she just talks and talks.

I am loving it but could use some sleep.  But all she wants to do is talk about where this relationship is going, do I have a job, what are my life goals, do I watch LOST the TV series, and last of all, how big is my retirement package!

Jeez you would think she would understand this is just a fling.  I didn't mean to lead her on or anything.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Why I Got No Visitors

May 3, 2010

Dear Diary:

I keep asking for my cell phone or a laptop so I can lodge a complaint about this hotel and its visitors policy. 

They do not seem to understand that posting signs like this one will scare people away who want to visit and bring me flowers or grilled chicken (that sounds yummy). 

Whatever the reason the sign appears to work - I have had no one come see since I got in this hotel.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - My Official ID

April 30, 2010

Dear Diary:

Even though I didn't get treated today I got an official MU ID.  I am so glad.  Now I think I am a TIGER and can start looking through the MU course catalog.  I have plenty of time to do that and get my admission paperwork organized.  I am not sure where my transcripts are however.  Hopefully Foster Mom has a file on me at her house.

I am thinking of going to law school so I can fight for cat rights in Columbia, MO.  That nasty cannot feed the feral cats ordinance comes to mind . . . .

I hope to get a TIGER Photo Badge today.  I want my photo to be taken with my good side showing.

Maybe while I am here I can get a nose consult from the great Plastic Surgeon Dr. Puckett.  He did wonders for Foster Mom on her eyes and he can probably make my nose less Roman and more perky.  I think I would like that and a tummy tuck.

I will ask Dr. Puckett if he will give me a better deal if I refer another cat to him.  Maybe he can do feline lipsuction on Sunshine.  That cat is FAT (see photo left - he has gained 10 lbs since this photo was taken in 2003 - honest, not lying).  I mean FAT.  Talk about  next season's biggest loser applicant.  If only they had one called BIGGEST FELINE LOSER show.

Sunshine might not see it for what it is and think, Zeke is the loser.  He doesn't have his own forever home.  LOL.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - My Hotel Stay

May 3, 2010

Dear Diary:

I have asked to speak to someone in the hospitality department.  This room is definitely not up to my standards and the wall art is really off-putting.  I could recommend some great wall art - Martha Wahlert comes to mind (Foster Mom has almost every poster Wahlert sold) if not some Andy Warhol Cat as Tomato Can Posters.

I intend to complain that this type of art will not entice people to come visit me.

How will I get my daily amount of hugs and kisses if visitors have to walk past all these signs?

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - See my Thryoids!

May 3, 2010

Dear Diary:

They took a photo of me.  Well actually of my thyroids.  THEY ARE HUGE!  I have told Ms. Calico mine are really BIG.

Here is your first look at my HUGE thyroids.  All the babes will want me more now. 

Here they are after getting my Iodine 131 treatment Monday AM.  I think I look good with a "glow".  I am not sure what the colored circles are however.

I suspect this photo will win one of the numerous Cutest Cat Photo contests for 2010!  Maybe even get into a scientific journal or featured on THE JOY BEHAR SHOW.  I'm up with JOY!

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - My turn

May 3, 2010

Dear Diary:

Apparently they refused to take no for an answer and brought me back to the same room.  I am trying to work with them again so I can get out of here.  They seem very nice though. 

The lady in front seems to be wanting to give me a treat through my leg.

Something is sticking my leg - OUCH.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Found Someone to Take my Place

April 30, 2010

Dear Diary:

Just when I had given up hope of being let out of this procedure, luck intervened!  Apparently if the cat gets too stressed they can make it hard for the vet tech to do her/his job.  That happened April 30 in my case and I got released (well released back to their MU Cat Hotel - see accompanying photo).

Luckily for them they had another cat just waiting to be treated (see pretty calico in photo right - Ms. Calico).

I assured her that it was no big deal.  After all I walked out of there on my own.  I suspect she will realize later I lied.  Once she realizes I lied to her I can claim to need rehab for whatever reason I can come up with.  Hello, male cat hoping to get out of medical procedure!  I think that is all the excuse I needed at the time.

I hope my STAR magazine is sent over here so I can see the latest celebrity rehab confession.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Starting to Panic

April 30, 2010

Dear Diary:

I am starting to hyperventilate.  I am panting.  How long will this torture go on?  Can't they find someone else to treat besides me?  Surely there is another cat just waiting around, doing nothing, had breakfast, ready to go, perfectly fine with being treated, etc.  You get the picture.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Getting Treatment

April 30, 2010

Dear Diary:

OK I am being held down by some lady I don't know and wearing a blue collar.  

What is this place and where is my breakfast?  

I have been very cooperative up to now.  I think they will let me go if I continue to work with them.  

I can't bite them with this collar on anyway.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - I'm starting to worry

April 30, 2010

Dear Diary:

OK I am starting to get worried.

Who is this woman and what is she typing into that computer thing?  Heh can you check out my gmail account?  Hello?  I'm in the beige carrier.  Hello?

And what is that big machine for?  I have already had my temperature taken today, honest!

No way is that thing coming near me.  On another note, breakfast should be here by now.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - I B CHILLIN

April 30, 2010

Dear Diary:

They have let me out of my carrier and are letting me CHILL OUT. 

I have them fooled so far into thinking there is nothing wrong with me and that I can be sent home once I get breakfast.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - To help locate me

April 30, 2010

I am including the address of this building and a photo of the room so you can find me quickly.  They appear to be readying equipment and staff for some reason.

My view - as you can tell - is limited.  I am just hoping they whatever they plan to do will be done on another cat.

My breakfast should be here any minute now.  And I firmly adhere to the rule of not getting treatment for at least 30 minutes after eating breakfast.

Where I can be found today April 30, 2010:

College of Veterinary Medicine
1600 East Rollins
(See Photo to help locate room)
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211


Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Heh it's lonely in here

April 30, 2010

Dear Diary:

I have been left in a cold strange room.  I cannot see all that is around me. 

To show my distaste for this, I am just showing "them" my butt.  That should let them know I am not to be toyed with.  PS I am still hungry and waiting for breakfast.  My order was taken hours ago and has still not shown up. 

I plan to write a lengthy letter to Administration about the lack of breakfast follow-through when this is all said and done.




Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Evaluation

April 30, 2010

Dear Diary:

I have been abandoned by my foster mom and left in the care of some people I don't know.  If he would turn around I could see his name tag.

I am just  hoping he works here.  On the other hand, maybe I should hope he doesn't work here and I can get him to take me to Steak-n-Shake for breakfast.   My treat.

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - Admission

April 30, 2010

Dear Diary:
My foster mom brought me to this place (see photo).  If you can read this please come rescue me.

The address is:

College of Veterinary Medicine- Small Animal Clinic
1600 East Rollins
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211

I will be here all day.  I would like to stop for breakfast once we are out of here.

Love,

Zeke the Cat

Zeke the Cat's Feline Hyper-T Treatment Photo Diary - My Admission

April 30, 2010

Zeke the Cat readying for his admission to MU College of Veterinary Medicine.  It is 7 AM on April 30, 2010.

Zeke's Diary Entry "OK, so I'm here.  Now what?  I so trusted you not to abandon me to these scientists!  And what about breakfast?  Did you forget to feed me or what?  I noticed YOU had your Starbucks coffee before we left.  Nice touch.  Forget to feed the poor sick kitty.  In spite of forgetting to feed me I am extending my paw in the hopes of catching a small snack or treat."

Zeke the Cat Status Update - Day 23

Zeke the Cat is doing very well following Iodine 131 treatment on May 3, 2010, at the University of MO College of Veterinary Medicine.  He was diagnosed about two weeks earlier with feline hyperthyroidism after his T4 test came back with a value of 15.  The College was able to get Zeke the Cat into their service very quickly and Columbia 2nd Chance, Zeke's nonprofit cat rescue sponsor, agreed to cover the cost of his treatment.

Day 23 for Zeke is great!  His appetite has gone down, his weight is going up, he is much  more laid back and calm, and his out of cat pan peeing is no longer an issue.  He also has firm stools which is a blessing as he developed explosive diarrhea just days before being treated.  He was a very unhappy kitty!

So what symptoms did Zeke the Cat have prior to his T4 blood test?

1. weight loss
2. excessive appetite while losing weight (he could eat about 1 can of cat food (5.5 oz) every half hour or so plus bowls of dry food in between wet food feedings)
3. frequent and urgent urination, much of it outside the cat pan
4. explosive diarrhea
5. excessive vocalization
6. high degree of hyper-activity (pacing, not sleeping)
7. aggression towards other cats in the house

Within days of his treatment and return home, Zeke has mellowed out considerably, loves sitting on laps, and is eating normal amounts of food.  He loves being around his Foster Mom, the other cats still not so much, but he is getting better with them as each day goes by.

He still needs to be adopted now that he is healthy.  He will have another T4 test on June 4, his 30 day anniversary, to see how his thyroid levels are holding.  Assuming the test comes back lower, he will be up for adoption again!

Zeke's Foster Mom
Columbia 2nd Chance

Zeke The Cat Introduction

Hello everyone!  My name is Zeke the Cat and I have created this blog to educate cat owners about feline hyperthyroidism, a too frequent condition affecting domestic cats around the world.  I am a 10 year old domestic short hair orange tabby who was just recently diagnosed with feline hyperthryoidism.  Just a week ago I was fortunate to have radiation therapy at the University of MO College of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Clinic courtesy of my "owners" Columbia 2nd Chance!  Woo Hoo!  While not my favorite experience to date, having Iodine 131 treatment means my treatment should be a one-time deal so my future owners will just be able to enjoy having me - all of me - on their tummies at night while we watch TV and catch some snacks.  BTW:  I like almost anything so don't be shy trying out your ham or turkey sandwich in bed or that BBQ chicken leg!

In the coming days and weeks I will be sharing all my medical experiences with you so you can become familiar with feline hyperthyroidism and aware of signs and symptoms of the disease.  If you are a cat owner (and who else would be reading this BLOG?) you may find that your precious furball is at risk of the disease or may already be showing signs of the disease!

So please join me as I discuss the days before my diagnosis, my treatment, and my recovery at the home of a Columbia 2nd Chance cat foster parent!

Zeke the Cat
May 11, 2010