My expectation of the 2017 Christmas Eve was a far cry from what actually took place.
Saturday I noticed that Elvis wasn’t behaving as he normally does. He sleeps at the foot of my bed and will almost always follow me when I get up in the morning. 
Assuming he was just having a sleepy day, I left him in bed and went about my routine.
Looking back, I wish I had taken him to the vet right then.
By Sunday morning I was convinced he needed medical attention. 
LB and I took him to the Clay-Duval Pet Emergency Clinic.
He was quickly assessed at the front desk and it was determined that he was not critical
so we waited
And waited
And waited
The Clinic was very busy on Christmas Eve Sunday morning and afternoon.
Boots the diabetic cat did not leave the premise with his person. Many people who were visibly distressed were observed leaving without their furry family members. And I found myself crying every time I saw another pet owner exit an examination room in tears. Although it was a sad place to be, LB was making friends and making good use of the Kuerig.
Five hours later we were provided with paperwork and everything was clear.
Sort of.
Assessment:
- Mild cardiomegaly
- No evidence of congestive heart failure.
- Mild diffuse bronchial lung pattern. Differentials include feline asthma (allergic bronchitis), chronic infectious bronchitis, antigenic stimulation due to parasitic infection.
- Bronchial thickening and mineralization, right cranial lung lobe.
He was in an oxygen container when we were reunited. At this point he had been medicated and there was no mistaking his displeasure. The recommendation was to hospitalize Elvis, however the staff felt that leaving him would cause such stress that it would be counterproductive to his recovery.
I am happy to report that Elvis is back home 
He did not go to any of his normal napping spots, but headed to the top of the stairs to keep watch from afar. 
And although he is still not behaving normally, he is doing much better.
That event put us behind schedule and working to catch up for the rest of the afternoon.
Given his remarkably improved condition, LB and I decided to attend Christmas Eve Service at Christ’s Church.
After the service, there was a kitty prescription to pick up. Elvis was still doing well perched high up in his new lookout.
He would not be “taken” again.
LB and I had previously accepted an invitation to my Mama’s Christmas Eve party. Since Elvis seemed to be stable, we decided to go. With $10 gifts and hot pizza rolls in hand, we showed up fashionably late to the party next door.
Let the Christmas festivities begin!
Elvis the Christmas Kitty Cat
wishes you a very
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.
Kim
