In Memory of Henry

In memory of Henry, a tale of courage, companionship, and the quiet strength of an American Longhair cat whose spirit touched everyone he encountered.

Henry’s journey began when he was adopted at six months old in 2013. His arrival marked the beginning of a cherished bond with his new family and a special friendship with Frosty, his American Shorthair sister. Together, they explored every nook and cranny of their domain, their days filled with playful skirmishes and peaceful moments basking in the sun.

However, life presented Henry with a formidable challenge when he was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at just 1 1/2 years old. This condition necessitated a regimen of medication, a prospect that initially unsettled Henry. Yet, in the comforting lap of his owner, a ritual unfolded – one of patience, treats, and the clipping of nails. Over time, what began as a necessary intrusion blossomed into cherished moments of bonding, with Henry sitting like a little person, eagerly anticipating the rewards of his cooperation. Sadly, in 2017 Henry’s sister, Frosty, crossed the rainbow bridge at 10-years-old. It was a devastating loss, but having Henry and his owner had each other to help with the grieving process.

Henry’s path took a turn in 2020 when he encountered some new challenges – pancreatitis and irritable bowel disease (IBD). His condition was stable, yet the shadow of a pancreatitis relapse loomed, prompting his regular veterinarian to recommend a consultation with an internal medicine specialist. Pancreatitis in cats is a complex and often challenging condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed, disrupting its normal functions. This small organ plays a crucial role in digestion and regulating blood sugar, but when inflamed, it can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy in felines.

On February of 2021 Henry’s medical journey introduced him to the dedicated team at the Animal Medical Center of Seattle’s internal medicine department, where he was met with compassion and expertise. A regimen of medications including Budesonide, Buprenex, Atenolol, Clopidogrel, Miralax, and Mirataz were already a part of his routine, then the introduction of pentoxifylline to combat his pancreatitis by our internist, Dr. Donovan. However, Henry’s resilience was tested once more when he showed intolerance to the new medication, leading to the innovative approach of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This therapy showed promise and would allow us to put him on a lower dose of the pentoxifylline, offering Henry relief and a glimpse of hope in his battle.

Henry did well on twice weekly Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments, but had good days and bad days. He was seen in our ER department in June of 2022 for multiple vomiting episodes and inappetence. He had an abdominal ultrasound and the findings were concerning for a liver mass being part of the cause to the vomiting and not just an IBD flare up. He was scheduled in July of 2022 for surgery to evaluate the mass further. During his surgery it was discovered that the mass on his liver was not safe to remove without great risk, so a biopsy was done instead to be sent to a pathologist for further evaluation. The pathology results came back as a Biliary adenoma, which is benign.

At the end of October, Henry was hospitalized with our emergency department for lethargy and inappetence, suspected to be secondary to his chronic pancreatitis and IBD. An abdominal ultrasound was performed which showed mild pancreatitis and he was treated in hospital with IV fluid therapy, gastroprotectants, pain control, and steroids. While being hospitalized, Henry became progressively anemic. His PCV (percentage of red blood cells) dropped to 16%, so he received a partial transfusion of whole blood. Unfortunately, Henry developed congestive heart failure and the transfusion and IV fluid support had to be discontinued. Henry was started on diuretic medication and supplemental oxygen. The congestive heart failure diagnosis was devastating, but he did improve enough to go home to spend quality time with his owner.

Despite all these efforts, Henry’s congestive heart failure wavered, leading to moments of concern that brought him back into the emergency care of those who had become his extended family. The dedicated team at the Animal Medical Center worked tirelessly, adapting his treatment to manage the different ailments that affected him and alleviate his discomfort, but despite our best efforts, Henry crossed the rainbow bridge on February of 2023 with his loving owner and extended AMCS family, their dedication a testament to the bond between caregivers and those they seek to heal.

Throughout his challenges, Henry’s love for life never faltered. His favorite toys, a string with feathers and a laser light, ignited his playful nature. He pursued the elusive dot with a relentless enthusiasm that defied the limitations of his condition. Henry’s owner will miss him sleeping on her knees every night, but his time here was a reminder of the preciousness of life, the importance of cherishing every moment, and the indelible mark a small creature can leave on our hearts. In memory of Henry, let us celebrate the joy, the challenges, and the unconditional love that pets bring into our lives. Farewell, dear Henry – your spirit continues to inspire, a gentle reminder of the strength found in the heart of a beloved cat.