10/06/2025
🥚🐔 The age-old question: what came first, the chicken or the egg?
In Orange Boy’s case, what came first — the constipation or the impacted a**l glands? One of life’s great mysteries. Ponder away. 🙃
🪥 The really good news: his dental was 100% a routine cleaning! No extractions, no “keep an eye on this..." Hooray for OB! 🎉
I wasn’t the only one stressed about OB’s dental today — the vet staff was feeling it too. Dibley’s death was traumatic for everyone involved, and that includes the team at Town 'N' Country Animal Hospital in Burlington. They remember. They care.
It’s something worth keeping in mind: working in a veterinary clinic is an incredibly high-stress job. The emotional, physical, and administrative demands take a toll. Burnout and compassion fatigue are very real.
As often as possible, I make a point to say to the staff at Town n’ Country Animal Hospital: Thank you. I appreciate you. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and everything you’ve done for Orange Boy. 🧡
Since he was going to be unconscious, I asked the vet to check his butt (because I’m glamorous like that). His a**l glands were impacted, the contents “the consistency of old toothpaste.” They were expressed, and now… sigh… we’re switching up his food.
And let me tell you — when it comes to food, this little man is a colossal pain in the ass. 😂
The goal is to fix things with diet first. He needs more fiber.
💩 Miralax? Can sometimes be hidden in Churu.
💩 Psyllium husk? No chance — has to be mixed with water and syringed.
💩 Pumpkin? Nope.
💩 Yogurt? Nope.
💩 Kibble with probiotics? Also nope.
All the easy-peasy options for gut and bowel health are off the table for Mr. Picky Face PITA.
I’m looking at high-fiber diets. This takes him off urinary food, which brings the question: will he end up with urinary issues again? No idea. Fingers crossed those were just temporary.
When OB had urinary sludge before, it was after multiple surgeries and under a ton of stress. I found this online and it tracks:
“Yes, the stress from multiple surgeries can absolutely contribute to urinary sludge in a male cat. The condition is often caused by Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), an inflammatory bladder disorder strongly linked to stress.”
I swear, I would love one easy cat. Just one. Why do I end up with all the high-maintenance ones? Don’t they know I’m already a stress-puppy?? 😭
🧾 Balance for today’s dental + butt maintenance: $873.46
($923 total: thank you to whoever called Town n’ Country this morning and put $50 toward his invoice ❤️)
If you’re able, please call Town n' Country Animal Hospital in Burlington 336-227-9979 and put any amount toward OB’s bill. Every little bit helps.
Sparkle Cat Rescue also had two other kitties there today — forever fosters Maxwell (9) and Jade (7) — Maxwell for an ear infection and Jade for thyroid/glucose checks.
💸 Not sure what their total invoices are, but I do know Sparkle Cat Rescue needs your financial support today.
As always, dear readers — sincerely — thank you. I appreciate you. 💖
