Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Gracie Update Wednesday Afternoon

 Gracie last night.
This morning Gracie did not seem to be feeling too well, acting very lethargic and just plain not feeling good, so a few hours after she ate and had her meds I called the Vet. They told me they had gotten her Cytological report back and that I needed to bring her in. I don't know about you, but each time the Doctor has wanted to talk to me about test results in his/her office it is not good news. So it really was with a very heavy heart that I packed Gracie up and took her in. I was worked in so it took awhile before they could get to me. The pressure and stress just rose with the movement of each moment that passed. Thankfully though, all the worry was for nothing, well not nothing, but it was worry over something that isn't going to happen any time soon (I SURE HOPE). The results of the analysis of the report are as follows:

Microscopic Findings:
Modified transudate with a chylous component.
Comment:
Although the fluid is not white in color, there are moderate numbers of of small lymphocytes present supporting a chylous component to the effusion.

No infectious agents or neoplastic cells observed. Differntials to consider for cause of the effusion include cardiovascular disease, compression of vasculature/lymphatic from neoplasia, pulmonary inflammation, diaphragmatic hernia and idiopathic.

Now if you're like me you are scratching you head and saying WHHHAATTT?

Transudate pleural effusion means that fluid is similiar in character the the fluid normally present in the pleural space. The Chylous component is the thing I am having the hardest time understanding. Chyle is a non inflammatory lymphocyte predominant in the fluids that may cause a pleural effusion as a consequence of thoracic duct leakage into the pleural space.

This is all too technical for me.

But it is NOT bad news. The question remains what is causing this and it may be idiopathic. Gracie has an ultrasound scheduled for next Tuesday at 1pm. That should rule out cardiovascular disease and/or mass lesions.

The upshot of all of this is it is probably something we can turn around and deal with. My sweet Gracie won't be greeting her Angel Abby as I was so fearful she would be. Things went from DEF CON 10 to DEF CON 5. Which is a major improvement.

We are still treating her with a steriod, anibiotics and lasix. She still has some fluid in her lung area but it is stable. Her breathing is reflective of that. She is eating and drinking and doing all the other things she should be. She also has lost 1.2 pounds since Sunday. She weighted 8.3lbs on Sunday and today she weighs 7.1lbs. For a small cat, well for any cat that is a lot of weight. So she needs to eat and often, and I'm  going to try and get her to eat as much as I can.

I do know I feel a great weight lifting. There has just been so much happening in a very short period of time, and I'm optimistic now to think there is a light at the end of this tunnel.

34 comments:

  1. I hoped it would be something like this. Even we humans have health crises of unknown cause and origin that often never return. I hope Gracie clears up in time and all is well. So good for all of you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. We're so glad the news wasn't as bad as you feared. We'll keep purring for good results for something that is treatable.

    ReplyDelete
  3. the medical speak was greek to us also - and sitting there waiting must have been terrible. but... it sounds like it is manageable and hopefully the ultrasound will confirm that. in the meantime, take a moment and breathe

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is so encouraging!! We are continuing to purr and pray for Gracie to recover very quickly. what a relief for you xox

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am so relieved that the news you got from the vet sounds treatable. I am continuing to purr lots for Gracie!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Whew! I’m glad you got relatively good news on my Gotcha Day. Sending more healing purrz.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is good news! Sending more purrs that Gracie is soon on the road to recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That is such great news. I am so happy for you and Gracie. I just knew a miracle would happen. Big hugs to you and Gracie too. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  9. That is good news indeed, although we know she is not yet out of the woods. We are purring hard that it is something fixable so she stays here with you and Annabelle and Jinx and Boo and Ping for sometime.

    ReplyDelete
  10. we due knot understand thiz stuff either but good mews oh any kind iz...good mews....N purrhaps her weight loss wuz frum all de fluids taken out ??.... ~~~~if her does knead ta boost up her weight, pleez think bout mega calorie boost frum GNC, it bee sold at petsmart...same as nutri cal onlee...burd flavored....mor blessings oh St Francis headed yur way gracie....

    ReplyDelete
  11. That's good news. Any improvement is. I do hope each day is better for her.

    XO,
    JC and The Purr and Fur Gang

    ReplyDelete
  12. When we saw the pics and that you had news, we feared the worst.
    Thank goodness the news is better and we will purr like crazy for Gracie to keep feeling better!!!!
    Purrs little Gracie and feel better :)

    Purrs Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure,JJ
    and Angels Tiger and Tillie

    ReplyDelete
  13. I see this as great news, based on the information to date. So.... YAY!

    ReplyDelete
  14. So this is all very good news. We would think some of the weight loss was due to draining off all the fluid. But Mom says she thinks some extra noms wouldn't hurt to build Gracie's strength up. Hope the ultrasound shows nothing out of the ordinary. We will continue to purr and pray for her. Purrs and paw-pats, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo.

    ReplyDelete
  15. We're really glad to read this update, it's far, far more hopeful than we were anticipating.

    BTW, it may not be appropriate or applicable in this instance, but apparently there now is a blood test to detect heart disease, or at least some form of it--the new-to-us vet has mentioned it a couple of times.

    ReplyDelete
  16. ALL I can say is thank HEAVENS!!! THANK HEAVENS. I am so relieved and so grateful. Hallelujah!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ramblingon is Katie Isabella..sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  18. That news makes us happier than we could ever tell you. Hugs sweet Gracie.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sounds like good news. We lived with a dog with a weird disease in what feels like another life ago and I totally understand the roller coaster you are going through. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh sweet friends, Spitty and his Human are BOTH so pleased to hear this good news. XOXOXOXO Sending you tons of good thoughts and purrs!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Nice to get some good news about a sick kittie. Hope Gracie makes a full recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  22. We are really relieved too to hear this update and news. Continuing to send Gracie our biggest purrs and prayers regarding her ultrasound and her health. And huge prayers to Mom and Dad too.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is so very hopeful and I am very happy to hear it. I can only imagine how you're feeling! I hope she's feeling better. Well, I hope you're able to get some rest. Hugs and pats to sweet Gracie. This is such great news!

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is such great, welcome news! We just wish you didn't have to go hauling her around so much. Go Gracie!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. We're glad that Gracie is feeling a little better and that the news is encouraging. We are purring for Gracie to feel better soon!

    ReplyDelete
  26. This news is so encouraging! We can only guess how much of a weight has lifted. We'll keep purring and praying for Gracie, for you, and for the vets. Hugs! :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great news! We know how scary waiting for reports can be and are glad this one turned out okay!

    The Florida Furkids

    ReplyDelete
  28. Purrs and hugs to you... This is wonderful that you are feeling the weight lifting. Please give some extra scratches to Gracie.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a relief for you - we are just so happy for you.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. Purrs to Gracie. We hope she can regain that weight.

    ReplyDelete

We always love hearing from you please leave some pawprints!
Happy purrs
>^,,^<
♥AngelAbby♥Annabelle♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥AngelGrace♥