Good news about Jack Cat

James took Jack up to the vet first thing this morning for his ultrasound. This was because the vet felt a small lump in his tummy during a routine check up last week. We have been quite worried because last year Jill had a lump in her tummy which turned out to be a malignant tumour, and after an unsuccessful operation she died. I felt responsible because it was me who gave the go ahead to remove the tumour when she was on the operating table; she seemed such a strong and healthy wee cat and I was over optimistic and thought she could be cured. With hindsight I regret this and wish that we had opted for palliative care. I miss her very much.
We were told not to give Jack any food since yesterday evening so he was very hungry and was dismayed to be put in his cage ready for the journey to the vet. According to the vet, Jack was very well behaved all day, until it was time for his ultrasound in the afternoon. First he had to get his tummy shaved and he certainly didn't like that; the sound of the shaver scared him. Then the final insult was when they put lube on his tummy - at this point it all got too much for him and he attacked the vet's nurse, which is not like our good-natured furry boy! The vet phoned me to get permission to sedate him, but because of his dodgy kidneys he would need to be put on a drip to wash out the sedative in case it damaged them, which means an overnight stay. She phoned James with the results while I was driving Ally over to the Craigholme Dance (yes, more socialising for party boy, which will have to be scaled down because I got a phone call from Hutchie today to complain about his lack of attendance and effort at some classes!) To our delight it was very good news! No tumour was found so the lump must have been a poo; James commented fondly, "Yes, Jack the cat is full of shit!" And good news on his kidneys too; there is not much change and although they will not improve, things are stable for now. Unfortunately we could not celebrate with Jack because he is still at the vet, I can't wait to see him tomorrow!