Okay, does somebody want to pour me a glass of wine, please?
Somebody? Anybody?
Alright, I guess my non-alcoholic champagne will have to do for now. Because yesterday was quite a day.
Seriously. Pets are a funny thing. And if you follow me on Instagram (<—are you?!), you probably already know this, but…
On Monday, I told you all about Cody’s ordeal with having to go to the vet and how we thought we were in the clear once he was home. But on Monday afternoon, after getting home from work with Lucas, I started hearing Cody make some really odd and uncomfortable sounds from the next room. I texted Jay and told him that I thought something was wrong.
He got home shortly after, called the vet, and they said we should bring him in ASAP. Turns out, he wound up with another blockage in his urethra in less than 72 hours from it happening the first time. They explained that, while we could continue down the route of just catheterizing him again, the fact that it happened again so quickly was a bit unsettling. And on top of that, x-rays showed that the poor guy had kidney stones, too.
So the next option was Perineal Urethrostomy surgery to help open/widen his urethra in an attempt to prevent any further blockages from happening.
My initial thought was, oh crap, this is really going to hurt the bank account. But it was quickly followed up with a, let’s hurry up and get this FIXED. I mean…he’s our Cody. Our spunky, up to no good, running a muck, cuddle bug. He’s perfectly healthy besides all of this, so there’s no way that we couldn’t opt for the surgery to get all of this taken care of.
Up until yesterday, Jay had been the one handling the phone calls with the vet and bringing him to/from his appointments and overnight stays (he had to stay over again Monday night into Tuesday). But then yesterday, Jay couldn’t leave work to get him and bring him to the doctor, so it was up to me.
And the minute I saw him, I totally lost it.
I felt like a complete fool standing in the vet, trying to sign discharge papers with tears falling down my face, despite everyone saying that the procedure was “very routine” and that he’d be fine. And then it happened all over again as I sat in the doctor’s office and listened to him go over the details of the procedure, also informing me that it would be considered an “emergency” surgery based on his condition and that he’d be moving some of his appointments in order to get him in ASAP. Ay yi yi!
I blamed it on my hormones and being pregnant (to which they said, “oh myyyyy, yes, you have enough going on, you poor thing!” and got me a box of tissues and cup of water), but I really don’t think the hormones could take all of the credit. We just love our little guy so much, and I hated seeing him and knowing that he was in pain.
These pets of ours, man. They find a place in your home and in your heart, and they’re part of the family.
…despite the fact that he is the #1 thing I am most allergic to in life, and I would likely be breathing infinitely better and not be dealing with extra asthma issues and post nasal drip daily
…despite the fact that he drives me crazy with wanting to sleep on top of me almost every night
…despite the fact that he’s certainly been neglected a bit more since Lucas has arrived
…and yes, despite the fact that he’s got us almost $5000 poorer (ohh, another few tears were shed over that, too)…
There’s no question that we’d do what we had to to make sure he’s well again. <3
The good news is that his surgery went well yesterday! The doctor was very pleased with how it went and said he was doing good. We’ll call and follow up again this morning and then he should be able to come home by Thursday (and will even be lucky enough to get to wear that lovely cone for another two weeks). And I’ve already vouched to not complain when he’s trying to push me out of the bed so he can get comfy.
In the meantime, I’ll be ready and waiting for him to come home so we can cuddle…aaaaand, will be shopping around for some good pet insurance.
Viloshni Govender says
So glad to hear Cody is doing well! I am also the human mama of a cat son and would move heaven and earth to make sure he is okay! Cody is very lucky to be part of a family like yours! Sending lots of love and hopes for a speedy recovery!
Suzanne says
Our male cat had blockage twice within a short period of time , too. (This was in 2007.) Ever since then, we’ve had him on Royal Canin S/O canned food, and he’s had no issues. It is expensive, but definitely worth it! Good luck!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Oh god the trauma of it all! So glad it all went well…hopefully that’s it now!
Brynn says
So sorry to hear about the Cody, but relieved his surgery went well. These pets certainly are part of the family – I can’t imagine life without my dog Henry.
Trisha says
Glad to hear Cody is on the mend! And I totally hear you. I’ve been known to cry at the vet clinic a time or two as well. I’m sure they’re used to it. :)
Lesley says
So glad to hear Cody’s doing better! Pets are a crazy thing. I pretty much cry at every vet appointment with my dog because I know he’s so nervous/sad. I’m sure I look like a lunatic. Hang in there, hope your guy is back to normal quickly!
Rachel says
I’m glad Cody’s surgery went well. My parents had pet insurance on their dogs and it saved them a bunch. With all the special food and allergy medicine that they ended up needing it was worth it.
Faith says
Awww no, I’m SO sorry to hear about this. Glad to hear it went well, though! Pets are totally part of the family – it’s normal to want to do everything you can when they’re having a rough go of it :/
Donna Boudreau says
Your poor baby! I know 100% how you feel. My dog had, what I thought, was a hot spot back in November. When I took him to the vet they looked at it and were like that’s a tumor and he had to be removed. First thing I thought of was cha-ching, how much is this going to cost, but of course scheduled it anyway. They wanted to do it the day before Thanksgiving but I said no way, we were having the holiday and I didn’t want to be distracted while trying to care for him. It was done the day after Thanksgiving and he was so sick for days after. He finally recovered from that but we found out it was cancer. I balled my eyes out! He’s 12 so we decided not to go for chemo. They told me he had maybe a year. It’s April now and he’s still alive and kicking, still acting like a puppy sometimes. He’s had some issues, sores and fur loss, but right now he seems to be getting better. For now I’m enjoying every day we have with him. So yes, I can understand how you’re feeling about Cody right now.
Jen says
I’m so sorry…Take a deep breathe….everything will be ok and work out how it should be..I know it is stressful-been there done that with my furry baby….sending you lots of hugs….take care…we are here for you dear..xoxo
Stacey says
Poor guy!! I now get insurance on all my pets as soon as I get them – it has saved me over the years. I use Healthy Paws. Not sure if the world treat his surgery as a present existing condition if he were to need it again though. Another great option is CareCredit. You can make monthly payments with no interest if it is paid off in a certain amount of time. I used that for ACL surgery on one of my dogs that wasn’t covered by the insurance. Hope he feels better soon!! I know it’s a pretty common condition in older male cats.
Gail says
Courtney….this post made me laugh and nearly cry. As a cat owner and animal lover I can totally relate…both to the love we have for our animal kids and at your list of despites. I can totally relate to those! I’ll keep Cody in our prayers for a speedy recovery. Funny aside…..they do that urethra stretching procecure on humans too. I’ve had it a few times when I was younger. That part isn’t so awful, but then again, I didn’t have a blockage. It’s fairly common in humans too. ;) Love your honesty and your big heart! Cody and the new baby are lucky to have such a loving mama!
Karenann says
I’m so happy Cody is recovering and getting better, and hopefully he will be up and running quickly!! It is amazing how these little cats are just so precious, you just can’t help falling in love with them!!
Allison says
Awww…so sorry to hear about Cody. Poor guy! We have three fur babies, and I totally get it. Sending good thoughts your way! <3
Emily says
So glad he’s doing better! I have been paying for pet insurance for my cat since she was a kitten and now 4 years in, I have been getting bitter about the $17 coming out of my account each month for something I (thankfully) haven’t had to use. Your post just put everything into perspective! I know I would do whatever was necessary if something did happen to her, and the insurance is a nice safety net! Here’s hoping your week gets better!
Lauren says
Teared up just READING this!! My husband and I adopted two strays that were dumped at my parents’ house back at Christmas and I am already so in love and attached to them! It is truly amazing how quickly they make their stamp on our lives…I cried both times I took them to the vet to get fixed (talk about routine surgery! lol) just because I felt so terrible for them and was afraid something crazy would happen. So your feelings are more than justified! Praying he is totally on the mend after this and also for your sanity :) Hang in there!!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
Thank you for sharing this story. I got tears in my eyes when I saw Cody in his carrier. So glad he is ok. We love our pets no matter what.
Silvia @ skinny jeans food says
oh my, I had a feeling about this when I read your original post, and wanted to tell you to check up on him again with your regular vet ASAP. I am sad that this happened, but glad he is doing better now.
Please, go and visit him at the vet today, over lunch or after work! He has been in pain for quite a while, several overnights at the vet, and will be uncomfortable after the surgery, with people he does not know, and he will need some loving and hope and familiar face to help him recover, especially now. Please visit him, they will allow it even if he is at the vet. Don’t wait until tomorrow.
Katrina says
My husband and I had to put our cat down in January after a 3 year battle he had with kidney disease. We gave him pills and fluids (which meant sticking him with a needle hooked to an IV bag) twice a day. It sure was a pain but we did it because we brought him into our home and pledged to take care of him the best we could until the day he died. Pets are precious and rely on their owners to live. I’m glad you and Jay made the decision to give Cody the surgery. Sometimes it’s not the money but it’s the joy of having that animal around in the future that you think of not wanting to live without. I hope Cody gets better after his surgery. I’m sure the vet has put him on a diet for bladder issues. My sister’s cat had a similar problem and they changed his diet. It’s very common with male cats to have blockages and if not caught, the cat will die really quickly. Hugs to all!
Sara says
So sorry to hear about Cody but so happy he seems to be on the mend! I’ve had a couple emergencies with my 11-year-old dog in the past couple years and I totally understand the fear and sadness over both the poor animal AND the bank account! But like you said, when they’re healthy otherwise, you can’t NOT do whatever you can to help them/save them. Hopefully this will be it for this problem and he’ll be a healthy and happy guy for many more years to come.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
Aw. Sending happy thoughts your way. Hope he recovers quickly and get back to normal… pets certainly do squirm and snuggle their way into your heart like you wouldn’t expect.
Mandi Crum says
Awww poor Cody and poor mommy too!!! I completely understand your feelings….I cry (even when I’m not preggo) when we have to bring our dogs to boarding if we’re going away. They truly are a part of your family. You’re not alone in your feelings, that’s for sure. Hoping he starts feeling better real soon. <3
Melissa says
Thank goodness Cody is ok! I’ve spent $700 on my dog’s vet bills in the last 2 months (which is nowhere near $5K), and I didn’t think twice about it. Pets are our first babies!
LB says
Oh, I feel your pain! Our little dog just had a three night stay at the emergency vet hospital for a mysterious stomach issue, which was insanely expensive, and we were SO beside ourselves with worry. I cried constantly. I have a new baby and my husband was out of town when it happened so it was extra stressful. He’s on the mend and I hope the same for Cody!!
Stacey says
Isn’t it true we work just to care for our pets? (kidding, but not really!) Our oldest dog has hip problems so we spend around $200/month on medication for him. He’s been on it for years and is only 11 so I’m guessing we have at least a few more… that’s almost $2500/year…. although it is a bit easier since it’s not all at once but some days after calling in a prescription refill I think, #$O(*$*&#! ha.
Love our animals though and can’t imagine making him suffer to save a few $$!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
I totally get it – pets become a part of the family! And it’s so stressful when they’re not feeling well.
Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! says
My cat had the same surgery a couple of years ago! I was so sad when it was happening, but he’s a much better cat for it now! Hugs for Cody!!!
Kerry @ Half Healthy, Half Nuts says
Aww, I am so sorry to hear about Cody. But I am happy he is better. Cherish the time with him, I recently had to put my 19 year old kitty to sleep and it was the absolute worst. To lose a furry member of your family that you’ve had in your life 19 years is the worst and just leaves a huge, huge void. Give him extra hugs and squeezes!
Danielle says
Cody is so lucky to have you and your family, Courtney! A lot of other people would not have put this time and effort (ohh yes, and money) into his recovery. I hope this is the last bit of medical care that he needs for a lonnng time and that less stressful times are ahead of ya’ll!
Julie says
Our pets are truly part of our family, aren’t they? I don’t think I could put a $$ value on my dog. I think I’d spend whatever it took to keep her w/ us. She brings us so much joy! (She’s the only girl in the house who’s always happy! :D) So glad Cody is going to be ok! Sorry you guys had to go through such a worrisome (& expensive!) wknd. :(
Sarah says
Thinking of you and Cody! My parents just went through the blockage episode with one of their cats a few months ago, and I remember how scary it was! Sending prayers your way that Cody is ok and recovers super quickly. They’re DEFINITELY worth it, regardless!!
Christi says
Courtney, so sorry to hear about Kody, I hope he heals quickly. My Murray cat is 14 now but four years ago he had this exact problem. Thankfully he didn’t have to have surgery because it caused an infection that alerted me to the issue when he stopped using his litter box. The vet told me to only give Murray distilled water and to feed him a prescription food specifically for this common issue in male cats. Now this food is expensive but he kept having issues until I consistently fed him the food. Now he is healthy and not in pain when he urinates. Just FYI if your doc suggests the special food too, I wasn’t sure it would make a difference but it really has.
Bethany says
Prayers for Cody!!!! I totally get it! I never thought I’d spend a bunch of money on a pet but I did without even thinking of it! My doggie was 13 years old when we arrive in Japan and she developed an infection and needed surgery asap. She said it was at the vet for a week and $1000 later she was home and back to herself! She is my first child and as long as she is comfortable in life I will do anything for my fur baby!
P.S. I was not pregnant and cried like a baby multiple times! Even after the surgery went well…..just seeing her there broke my heart!
I get it! It’s hard!
Julia says
Hoping he’ll be ok soon. This is so very hard!
Julie F says
Good luck to your fur baby. I know I was the same way with mine when she had to have surgery. And I couldn’t blame pregnancy hormones.
Jaime says
I had an issue with my fur baby this past fall that had me crying in the vet’s office… and I couldn’t blame pregnant hormones! You are not alone and they’ve totally seen it all before. Plus they know all too well our pets are our family. Glad to hear Cody’s on the mend! ❤️
Sherri says
Poor thing! Animals are just like children so it’s just as stressful when they aren’t feeling well. Glad he is getting better!
Julia says
Poor Cody! Glad to hear he’s doing better. We’ve been dealing with a sickly kitty & multiple vet appointments this week too, so I feel ya. There were tears in our house too. Gotta love those fur-babies!
cream point says
Your photos are mesmerising and I have to keep looking at them. The one of your dog on the front step is stunning, the colours are so beautiful and realistic.