Right, Balie's been leading us all a-dance
Apart from slightly raised protein levels in his urine (they catheterised him and managed to get a splash out) there is absolutely nothing wrong and all his bloods are within normal range. Vet thought he might be aneamic but even that turns out OK!
So I have some cystaid and some sinolux to give him for 5 days to see if he perks up. If the soiling continues and he's still a bit under the weather she's going to try him on some medication that aleviates the symptoms of senility
He's home and looking very sorry for himself. He's eaten like a horse and he's now asleep on the table. We're joking that we need to put a scarf on him because he's had a load of fur shaved off his neck
Thank you all for your good wishes . . .