Thank you
Tuesday, he saw Dr P – she’s a first year doctor – but the diagnosis of spinal pain and bad constipation seemed logical for his symptoms (lethargic, little appetite, trouble walking, limp tail, pee’d in his cat bed). She sent him home with pain relievers and oral lube to help him “squeeze one out” which worked, but his condition declined so rapidly that by midnight he lost 50% of his motor coordination. His hind leg function deteriorated to the point that he couldn’t stand or sit upright and he completely lost control of his bladder, then his bowels.
Wednesday morning he saw Dr M, and re-examined Icons vertebrae and its connections and determined that it is a neurological problem in his spinal cord. He has paraparesis and incontinence probably resulting from a tumor
or calcification that damaged the lumbar spine. Icon stayed at the Vet for a few nights over the holiday until he could see a vet that specializes in neurology.
On Friday, I spoke to Dr M over the phone and he said that the medication wasn’t working – we had hoped Icon would improve with steroid shots for the paralysis – but his condition was getting worse by the hour. I wont describe his final moments, but on the recommendation of the Vet, Icon was helped to the Rainbow Bridge.
Katie and Mia will probably take over his blog, but I feel like mourning for now. Thank you all for the nice comments – knowing that I’m not alone in my grief means so much.
Thank you
We are so saddened to hear about Icon. Our hearts and purrs are with you. We are sending you big hugs!!!
You’ll never be alone, I promise. There’s a world full o’ love out here for you. *headbumps*
You are not alone. Take whatever time you need. Thank you for explaining about the mis-diagnosis… it sounds like having the correct diagnosis sooner wouldn’t have made a difference. It was time. We know that Icon had the best family and all the love in the world.
Something I found strange when Bonnie died was dealing with two levels of grief – one for the actual cat and one for the virtual cat. You may feel this too. Hugs to you and Katie & Mia!
~ Tabbymom Jen
Thanks for telling us more about what happened to Icon. It was such a shock to learn of his passing. Take your time to grieve for sweet Icon, and come back when you are ready. I am glad to learn that Katie and Mia will still be blogging because it would be worse if we never heard from you again.
That is still so sad to know. Icon was very much..well an Icon around the blogosphere. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you right now.
Purrs and we will look forward to having you back when you are ready.
I just saw the note on Max’s blog about Icon. Many purrrrss and hugs to all his family and friends. My sisfur, Abby, went over the Rainbow Bridge two years ago this month, so I expect she was one of the many who were waiting on the other side to show him all the wonderful places to explore.
PS I like to rub my face on and bite the brush, just like Icon. I thought that was I was the only one who had discovered this wonderful fun!
You are not alone at all. We send you big purrs.
We are so sorry to hear that Icon went to the Bridge. It is so terribly sad. We are sending many purrs and prayers your way.
Paws, Halloween
We are so sorry. We will miss Icon too. Our Ninja was lost in October, 2008 from a condition that she could not recover from. All the medicine and love in the world could not save her. Her Vet sent me a card after she was gone that said to remember that my decision released her from her illness and suffering. It was a comfort to me.
Icon if free from pain and suffering now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda & Boots
Thank you for telling us more about what happened to Icon. Take all the time you need to mourn. We will still be here when you feel like blogging again.
You certainly are not alone. We send you our love and our healing purrs. Icon was one of my very favorite blogging buddies and one of the reasons I blog today.
Take the time. We understand.
If you would not mind, please send me your snail mail address.
There is something I would like to do in honor of IBB.
hmiller013ATwohDOTrrDOTcom
I lost a kitty to a neurological condition about 17 years ago. I still mourn that kitty. My condolences to you on your loss. The vet tried so hard……
So furry sorry to hear you passed away… Many purrs of comfort for your family.
{{{{hugs}}}} you know you are never alone iwth the CB group around! Take time off and come back to blogging when you feel like it.
Our hearts just go out to you. Thanks for letting us know a little more.
Love,
Lux
Purrrs fer da new year.
We’re sorry that there was some confusion about Icon’s illness, but it seems that there wasn’t a lot the v-e-t’s could do to help him get better. Thanks for posting this info, ‘cos it might help some other kitty and their humans who read it. At the end, you and Icon’s V-e-t had his best interests at heart. Please take whatever time you need to grieve, and we’ll say g’day to Katie and Mia whenever they choose to blog here.
Purrs
Gypsy & Tasha
I am so sorry. Rest in peace, Icon.
I think we know just how you are feeling right now. Take a lot of time to grieve, you need to. Do not rush or listen to others that tell you to “get over it”
Icon is happy now with Pixie and Caesar, but he leaves such great memories with you.
It is hard to go on and I am sure his absence will be noticed for a long time.
((((hugs)))) and love and purrs always
Thank you for letting us know a little more about Icon’s condition. There are no rules to mourning, take as long as you need. We will welcome you Katie and Mia back when it is the right time for you.
Sending purrs and love
Whicky Wuudler
Sending purrs and gentle hugs.
Charlemagne and Tamar
We just heard the news about Icon, and it makes us very sad. There have been so many kitties getting ill lately. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Purrs,
JB, Misty, PooPoo and Bear too
I am so sad about Icon as well.
He is everybody’s great friend,
he will always be remembered, and I am sure there are many cat friends at bridge already having a party for him. He will never be alone. So is you.
We are all here with you!
Just wanted to drop by and let you know we’re thinking of you… it took close to a month before Kelly’s human dad felt like he could function semi-normally, so take one step at a time and let time begin to heal your pain.
We just found out that our good furriend Icon Baxter went to the Bridge…and we are very sad, we miss him lots.
Our daddy’s old kitty, Scrappy, had many similar symptoms where she suddenly lost a lot of motor function one day. It took daddy a lot time to get over her passing.
We want you to know that we are thinking of you, and that you should take the time you need. We will always be here for you, we are his furriends.