After writing the post about helping my little Ladybug accept the impeding death of our cat (here), I made an appointment for Shyan to be looked at by the vet...just in case.
I was able to breathe a huge sign of relief during the visit. The Dr. said that the sore on his tummy didn't appear to be a super huge deal, it is healing and looking much better. She tested his urine, no signs of diabetes, so that's good. She gave me a couple of other reasons for his issues, it could be kidney failure (which I had suspected as Shyan is showing some of the same signs that one of our dogs had), thyroid issues or arthritis.
I was personally surprised that arthritis could cause his litterbox issues, but she said that sore joints could make it hard for him to climb in and out of the box and that maybe they are too far apart from each other for him to access in time. The Dr. recommended that we start by addressing the arthritis issue first as its the easiest to eliminate and doesn't involve any drugs. They used a laser on him. I had never heard of that...but then again, I have never had a pet that could legally drive if he had been human before either.
Apparently, the laser works as a deep heat treatment for his bones and muscles. I did some research online and found a very helpful article that helps to explain the procedure an when it can do for your pet.
Apparently, the laser works as a deep heat treatment for his bones and muscles. I did some research online and found a very helpful article that helps to explain the procedure an when it can do for your pet.
Shyan had his first treatment today and while I don't expect to see a change in him today, I am hopeful for future treatments to be a help for him.
I am happy to be able to breathe a little easier...for now anyway.
