So the plan was to get back to the boat with my visiting “mystery guest”, take on some diesel and go sailing for the next week or so. That was the plan.
As usual, things don’t go as planned, particularly for me. Turns out Aretha, who had been somewhat constipated before I left for the states had taken a serious turn for the worst. So much so, that we had to put off any trips until it was clear that she was going to get better. She did appear to be be back on track last weekend. But since then, she’s gotten worse. She’s severely distended, and hasn’t eaten in days. I’ve been giving her laxatives, enemas, anything to get her going again, to no avail.
On top of that, Andiamo had several issues arise simultaneously that have made the past week rather difficult. Although I’ve managed to resolve the major issues, I find the boat is still not quite where she should be.
But at this point, my main concern is Aretha. Today, she was in an incredible amount of pain, vomiting up what looked like bile, and just generally a mess. There is a visiting vet who comes out to Bocas a couple times a week, and has checked her out. He looked at her this afternoon, and said he had to take her with him to the hospital in Changuinola. So tonight, Aretha is at a hospital awaiting her fate. I’m not optimistic, but hopeful. For most of her 15+ years, she’s been in almost perfect health, save her car incident that cost her an eye. You’d have no idea how old she is by looking at her. It’s really upsetting to see her in this state.
The vet said he’d do his best to save her. I can only hope. This ol’ cat’s been around me for more than one-third of my life. 