Interesting...

I just took a look through Bronte's file (photocopied from the vet's office) and saw that the pathology report recommended a bone marrow aspirate, biopsy, and separate ELISA test (which is a special FeLV test for the sample).  All of which have been done.  (Might even hear back today.)

No mention of the fifty zillion other tests and scans the ER clinic mentioned wanting to run.

*grumbles in the general direction of the ER clinic*

This is the medi-speak from the pathology report, dated 10/5/06:

A reticulocyte count is recommended to characterize this anemia's regeneration, but it is likely nonregenerative.  The mild agglutination can result from dehydration or increased globulins. An in-clinic saline test should be done to confirm true agglutination if globulins are not elevated.  The anemia appears cytologically non-regenerative, and is twice measured to be macrocytic (note: must look up "macrocytic").  Macrocytosis of erythrocytes can be seen with regeneration, but without regeneration is associated with FeLV infection in cats.  Also consider developing pure red cell aplasia, myelophthisis, myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myeloproliferative disorders, neoplasia, certain kinds of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, early erythroid leukemia (also known as erythremic myelosis), and disseminated intravascular coagulation.  MDS and erythroid leukemias in cats are usually secondary to FeLV infection. If the anemia continues to be non-regenerative, a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy are recommended.  A FeLV/FIV by ELISA of a marrow aspirate would also be encouraged at the same time.

So.  From what I'm able to pick out of that mass of medicalese is that it is most likely FeLV (though Dr. Godwin notes in the file he suspects hemolytic anemia).

The interesting thing is that the date of the report is 10/6, which was about a week before I had to take Darwin in for his neutering, and then Dr. Young went on vacation after that.  I'm wondering if he suspected it was going to be hella expensive, so he didn't try scheduling the aspirate right away (besides, she was responding to the meds pretty well, and at one point had a PCV count of 24%, so at the time, a transfusion wouldn't have been necessary -- but she went downhill fast).

Anyway.  She seems to be doing well this morning -- she's stll sleepy-looking and not moving around unnecessarily (she is purring quite happily in my lap), but I'm still a little worried about the litterbox situation (after Kisa pretty much boycotted the litter box LAST time, argh).  Might pick up a new thing of litter on my way home from working out and set up a separate box for one of them to use.  *glares at Kisa for being a little brat*

Someday there will be a post not related to the health of my cat.  I promise. :)

Wheeeee!

I signed up for Yuletide!  I'm afraid my fic requests were pretty predictable, for anyone who knows me, but I tried to branch out a bit with what I'm offering to write, so we'll see what happens.  This is my third go-round doing this particular challenge, and even though I haven't been doing a lot of writing lately (streeeeeeeess!!!), I don't think I could NOT do Yuletide.  It's just that awesome.  And the two previous stories I've produced for Yuletide have been things I'm very proud of, so I'm starting to think maybe this challenge is a good thing for me to do. :)

EDIT: Can someone please explain to me why it just hit me NOW that the Jennifer Crusie books would have been an AWESOME fandom suggestion to include in Yuletide? *headdesks, repeatedly*

Spamage

Dear Little Child Who Just Rang My Doorbell and Got The Bejesus Scared Out Of You By My Patchwork Cujo,

Uh, did I miss something, or did they change the whole "Only Trick or Treat at the Houses Where Porch Lights Are ON" rule?  I'm sorry, but there have been too many Halloweens where I have spent a small mint on candy, only to have it gone un-trick-or-treated.  Or whatever.  Please do not look at me like I am the Grinch that stole your Fun-Sized Snickers when I tell you as politely as I can, while my dog is barking like a moron in the background, that we aren't doing candy this year.  THINGS HAVE BEEN A LITTLE BUSY.

Also, what was that costume?  A demonic pirate cheerleader?  Bzuh? 

Grouchily yours,
Bunneh

I *do* enjoy Halloween, just in my own special way...

I am logging off for the rest of the night to curl up with my HP Lovecraft anthology, Neil Gaiman's Smoke and Mirrors, and possibly a cuppa.  (Or possibly hot chocolate. I kinda wish we had apple cider, actually, but I will make do with what we've got.)  Lovecraft was an effing genius.  He can give me the heebies AND the jeebies on a Sunday morning, never mind on Halloween night.  :D

...


Ooooh, why am I only now considering re-reading Hogg's Confessions of a Justified Sinner?  Oh, that was a GOOD one.  Oh, oh!  And... crap, what was it?  Wieland?  Oh, man, that was an awesome book.  (I am totally convinced that it inspired the movie Frailty, which is a top favorite of mine.)