The vet says that Marold has severe gout, and that it will just get progressively worse. She believes that it is too late to treat it and that his leg is beyond repair because of the calcification that has already taken place in his joint.  It may have been treatable if he was attended to many months ago, but unfortunately no one at the Mill Pond could have known. She also believes that he no longer attempts to stand or walk because of the pain, so he just stays down, where pain is minimal. He will just have to be given extra special attention for as long as we are blessed to have him. He will spend his time with Big Joe, Sophie and Strawberry, and we will continue to make him as comfortable as possible.