Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Kay and Penny on August 29, 2014, 17:04:31 PM
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Vibes please for Trigger - his back elbow joint was swollen yesterday, and today an xray has revealed a large mass in his pelvic area - best case scenario is it is benign and his leg can be amputated - worse case is cancer and he will not have very long
not a happy choice, but at least he can have pain medication while we wait to see the result of a biopsy - I am not optimistic though
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Oh Kay I am so sorry and sending loads of vibes for Trigger :hug: :hug: :hug:
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I do hope it's not cancer and have everything crossed. Of course amputation is a major op and he's not young is he, but if it's benign and the vet thinks he's up to the op then the likelihood is he'll adapt quickly to the loss of a limb as most cats do.
Sending lots of positive vibes and gentle snoozles for Trigger, and of course lots of :hug: :hug: :hug: for you Kay.
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Sorry to hear this :hug:
I hope whatever happens he can have a good quality of life and hope you get the support you need.
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My girls are sending good vibes and headbutts to Trigger.
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Sorry to hear this Kay, I know it's easy to fear the worst :hug: Have everything crossed that this is 'best case' scenario for him :hug: Did the vet say how long you will have to wait for the biopsy results?
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the result should be in by the middle of next week - meanwhile I have Metacam and Temgesic to keep him comfortable - reality is, I'm afraid, that she would not have prescribed these if she thought he had long
but I think he has been in some pain for a long time, and at least he will be painfree for as long as he has
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I know its hard but try not to out guess the vet and if he can be comfortable and pain free this is good,
I so hope that the results come back good, so long to wait :hug: :hug:
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Sending lots of good vibes for Trigger and thinking of you :hug:
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I have 2 cats in injectable Metacam one for Arthritus the other for Calichi, one is 17 and diabetic the other is 8 and both are doing well
Try not to second guess the vet and the outcome - I have 2 of the 3 legged variety as well one missing a back leg and the other missing a front leg so they do adapt :hug:
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Sending positive vibes for Trigger and :hug: :hug: for you Kay.
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Sorry to read this Kay. Poor guy. :(
Hoping he pulls through, a very worrying time for you. :hug: sending some furry vibes for Trigger xx
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Sending good wishes to you and Trigger and will keep you both in my thoughts :hug: :hug: :hug:
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I am having problems giving him the Temgesic (generic name is Buprenorphine) - it's a tiny pill, and I have to give a half three times a day - the problem is it is supposed to dissolve in the mouth and not be swallowed whole, as it is rendered ineffective in the stomach - but there is no way he will let me put it under his tongue, or against his gums
I am considering crushing it and mixing it with Logic gel, which he likes, and let him lick it off - Logic is supposed to coat the mouth so I thought the Temgesic might be at least partially effective this way
it's important he has it, as it can be used, more effectively and for longer, for pain relief in cats
has anyone used it, and have any ways of getting it down a reluctant cat - bearing in mind too it is very expensive and impossible to buy on line
I shall discuss it with the vet on Monday, but meanwhile have 6 further doses to administer
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No experience Kay and wishing you all the best :hug: :hug: :hug:
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So sorry to hear this Kay. Sending lots of positive vibes for Trigger and :hug: :hug: :hug: for you.
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How long does it take to dissolve? As Riley's medication has changed and can no longer be hidden in treats I now have to force them down, the tablets/capsule tends to stay within his mouth unless I squirt it down with water so if Trigger's medication dissolves relatively quickly then maybe you could try wrapping him in a dressing gown (nice and soft around his neck), pulling his head all the way back which makes it easier to open the mouth then just popping the tablet in and holding his jaw shut while it dissolves.
Best of luck, I know how stressful it all must be for you :hug:
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half a tablet is such a tiny piece that I think it would just disappear down his throat - I'll try the logic gel as it won't make anything worse - and according to the net this drug can be got in individual ampoules, which can be squirted inside the mouth - I'll see if the vet can get some
shetold me his swollen leg is probably due to some tendon damage, and it did come on very suddenly, but I find it difficult to believe it is unconnected with that mass, as he isn't active enough to have hurt himself unless his leg or hip wasn't moving properly - but time will tell, I suppose - if it is tendon damage it should get better eventually
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Oh Kay :( :( :( I'm just so very sorry and can imagine how worried you must be. Just wish I had some helpful advice to offer but can only send you a thousand :hug:
I have everything crossed for your wonderful Trigger :care: :care: :care:
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I am so sorry to hear this :( I do hope the results don't take long - and are better than you fear :hug:
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Can you disolve the tab in a bit of water and syringe it into his mouth? Or if no syringe and if only a little bit of liquid just put on a very nsmall egg spoon and pour it in.
Who dreams up these meds, even people would not be happy with this
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I've dosed him twice via the Logic gel - half a tablet makes only a tiny bit of powder, and I've mixed in a bit of the gel and smeared it on his paw, and he licks it off - it can work if absorbed through the tongue
funnily enough, Gill, this is a drug given to humans, and in the US is not licensed for veterinary purposes, as it is an opiate, and liable to misuse
I'm not sure anyway if he is in any pain when not moving, though the swollen leg is bothersome - he is spending most of his time dozing on a folded Goose down duvet on the floor in the sitting room, and getting off only to eat, drink or use the tray - I don't know if that is because moving is painful or difficult or because he's drugged up, but either way he seems comfortable enough for now
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Glad the logic gel seems to be doing the trick for now, if it's a human drug you can ask your vet for a prescription and get the ampoule version from a regular pharmacy. My local chemist orders in one of Riley's meds for me, I ring to order it and it's ready to collect the next day.
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I wondered about that - but as it is an opiate, given to registered drug users, I suspect that won't be an option
he's taking his Metacam in pureed liver without a problem, so we can go on like this until the results are in
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One of Riley's meds is a schedule III controlled drug, this one I do get from the vets but only because it's more convenient as due to it being a controlled drug you can't get it on a repeat prescription so you'd need a new prescription each time you got some from the chemist - the vets don't charge much more than the regular pharmacy for it (they're both hideously expensive!) so there's no point in me faffing around to get it on a prescription. The other med he takes (prescribed by the specialist) is barely used in animals so my vets don't stock it at all.
From this link it seems Trigger's medication is the same class as Riley's one, so if the vet couldn't supply it you can defo get it from a human pharmacy with a prescription.
http://www.bsava.com/Resources/BSAVAMedicinesGuide/ControlledDrugs.aspx
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thanks for the info - if his leg gets better I may well try that route - if it doesn't get better I don't think he'll have long enough for it to make a difference :'(
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I'm glad that the little lad seems to be comfortable. :hug: for you both.
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Have everything crossed for you both :hug:
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:hug: :hug: :hug:
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Thinking of you both :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Sending more good vibes for Trigger and :hug: :hug: for you Kay.
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Kay, thinking about you both, and sending you every positive thought. :hug: :hug:
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Loads more good vibes :hug: :hug: :hug:
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oh Kay I'm so sorry to hear this, hope the results come back quickly and something can be done :hug: good luck with the meds I know what a pain that can be
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I don't think anything can be done about the mass in his pelvic area, but I shan't give him anymore of the opiate, which was making him practically comotose - I want to see if the Metacam reduces the swelling in his leg - I've read it can also reduce a tumour a bit, by reducing associated inflammation - and he did manage to get up and down off the bed after missing his morning dose of the Temgesic
I just want to see him moving freely and without pain for a short while - if that can't be achieved then I will let him go - I have promised him no more pills shoved into his mouth, and no more being forced into his carrier
having to chase a cat who can hardly move in order to make him open his mouth to get a pill into it isn't worth it if there is no hope for a cure
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Oh Kay. I agree with your outlook, and so sympathise. :hug:
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Me too :hug: :hug: :hug:
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.... and me :hug: :hug: :hug:
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I agree Kay they must have quality of life
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had a chat with the vet today - she's young enough to be my grandaughter, but she is very pleasant to deal with, and I know she consulted senior colleagues over the diagnosis
the good news is there are two vets on duty 24/7, so I would be able to summon help in an emergency - that makes it much easier to relax over when to book that final Bridge journey
and he hasn't shown any bad reaction to the Metacam, so we may have a little more time together than I first thought
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Kay, I hope that you and Trigger are able to enjoy this precious time together :hug:
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Glad you have some more precious time together :hug: :hug: :hug:
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I hope you have as much precious time together as possible :hug: :hug:
Sending loads of good vibes :hug: :hug: :hug:
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I just want to see him moving freely and without pain for a short while - if that can't be achieved then I will let him go - I have promised him no more pills shoved into his mouth, and no more being forced into his carrier ...having to chase a cat who can hardly move in order to make him open his mouth to get a pill into it isn't worth it if there is no hope for a cure
If I were Trigger Kay, I'd want always you as my mum :hug: :hug: :hug: :(
Sending much love to you both :hug:
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thanks for the support, all of you - it means a lot
and I just wanted to say, for the sake of anyone worrying about giving Metacam, the effect of Trigger has been most encouraging - he is moving better, eating more and has abandoned the nest I had made him on the floor for the top tier of the cat tree
I know it's early days, and may backfire, but for the moment it would seem I have got my wish to give him a painfree respite
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Ducha was like a new cat on Metacam and although long term use can cause kidney damage, in my opinion to have a pain free cat with a slightly shorter quality life far outweighs having a cat in pain.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
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I've always been a greater believer in "one day at a time" and to see a turnaround and improvement in Trigegr when you've seen him in so much discomfort is just brilliant. It also gives you some very precious time together, which I know means a great deal to you.
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Pleased to hear the metacam is helping Trigger and allowing you more precious time together :hug:
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for the sake of anyone doing a search in the future, I just want to add that the Temgesic (Buprenorphine) was a big big mistake, turning him into a spaced out zombie and making me think he only had a few days
it's too easy to think it's the disease making them so poorly, when in fact it's the side effects of the medication - something which often applies to humans too
anyway, I've told the vet I don't need to know the results of the biopsy unless it changes anything, which is very unlikely, as I am not going to put him through any surgery either way - I shall treat him as a cat with a limp, and go on with the daily Metacam until he persuades me he's had enough
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That sounds like a good plan Kay :hug: :hug:
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This sounds good Kay :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Very pleased to hear Trigger is feeling a bit more chipper now he's off the heavy stuff, Kay. Enjoy your time, none of us know how long we have, just that today, we are here. :hug:
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Pleased Trigger is moving and eating better, sending him more good vibes and :hug: :hug: for you.
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I think I am going to have to let Trigger go to the Bridge very soon - he is still eating, pooing and peeing normally, and enjoying his fusses from his bed at the top of the cat tree, but I can see the mass has got worse, and he is struggling really badly to manage the leg it is affecting
I know now it is a fibrous sarcoma, and there is nothing which can be done about it - looking back on his movements over a couple of years I suspect he has had it for some considerable time
it's so tempting to let him struggle on whilst he is, as far as I can tell, in no real pain, but I can see that sad look in his eyes when he is not being fussed or fed dollops of crabmeat, so perhaps he is hiding it
I know in my heart it is time for me to do the suffering instead of him
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I am so very sorry Kay :hug: :hug:
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Cats are very good at sad looks when they're not getting attention but you know him better than anybody Kay so trust your instinct. :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Cats are very good at sad looks when they're not getting attention but you know him better than anybody Kay so trust your instinct. :hug: :hug: :hug:
I agree Kay. Let your instinct be your guide. if you're not sure, ask your vet's opinion and then have another think about it. :hug:
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Kay I'm so sorry to read this :hug:
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For Kay and Trigger.
Julie.
May I Go?
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
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Kay and Trigger :hug:
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So sorry Kay, such a difficult decision, I know you will do what is best for Trigger :hug: :hug: :hug:
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:hug:
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It's always so incredibly difficult to be sure about such a painful decision when you are so upset for your loved one but your instincts will be your best guide Kay.
You and Trigger are very much in my thoughts :'( Am so sad that you are having to go through this :hug: :hug:
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Kay, my only advice is to take it one day at a time. Beau was teetering on the edge of suffering, he still loved his cuddles too, but eventually I asked myself what was I waiting for? What clearer message did I need to see?
I knew he was a stoic wee man so would naturally hide real pain from me and his furry pals. It dawned on me that the saying "better a week too soon, than a moment too late" applied to our situation. :(
I'm very sorry to see you going through this too. My heart goes out to you both, enjoy your time together now, this is very special and will mean as much to Trigger as to you. :hug: :hug:
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that's it exactly, Shelia - he isn't feeling ill, of that I'm sure, but the contortions he is having to put his whole body through to move at all must be causing pain, even if he doesn't show it - and the swelling is more noticeable every day, so it is growing rapidly
so I've made the call, and the vet will come out Friday afternoon
he had his month in the sun in September, and I have been able to keep my promise of no more trips in the hated carrier, or having nasty stuff forced into his mouth, so the final chapter of his life has been good, and there is just the last page to write for him, before he goes on his way
but oh, I will miss him
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It sounds like you have made the correct decision for Trigger and of course you will miss him, they always leave a gaping hole in our lives that is far larger than their physical presence. I hope you are both able to enjoy your remaining time together, you will be in my thoughts :hug: :hug: :hug:
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We never stop missing them, long after they're gone. Each one is precious. Sending strong thoughts for you and loving thoughts for Trigger's last days with you, Kay. :hug: :hug:
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Kay you will be in my thoughts x
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In my thoughts too and please give Trigger a gentle stroke from me :hug: :hug:
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Kay :hug: it is such an awful decision to have to make, but it is the last loving we can do for our darling companions.
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My love and thoughts are with ya hun
Xxxxx
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Kay thinking of you and Trigger :hug: :hug:
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Kay, sending my love and my thoughts to you both. :hug:
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All my thoughts to you and Trigger :hug: :hug:
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Thoughts are with you and Trigger :hug:
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thank you all for your good wishes
he isn't making it easy for me - this morning he went into the bedroom - the first time he has deviated from his necessary journeys from bed to feeding area to earth pit (which I have been carrying him to and from when he approaches the back door)
I know I could postpone the final journey for a short while, and I know as it stands at the moment he probably wouldn't suffer if I did, but is there any point in doing so? that growing mass isn't going to disappear
fortunately as the vet isn't coming till 3.30pm tomorrow I shall have plenty of time to assess his condition in the morning
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oh Kay :hug:
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This is my opinion only.
If he were my cat I would wait as he seems to be very happy in himself and that for me is the most important thing.
I know when I took Ducha on his final trip as he had totally stopped eating and the weight dropped off in 24 hrs, I knew if he sang in the car all the way there, I would have brought him home again.
He didnt sadly.
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Kay, you can postpone the decision if you think it's premature.
I remember only too well how it feels to be where you are now. I left it too late sadly, and it's one of the most difficult things to have to act upon that I think we all feel for you so deeply. Let your instinct guide you. :hug:
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in honesty Kay with oscar we probably will go down the too soon route, the last days we had with Amber haunt us, we let her carry on because we believed it was cat flu but inside we both felt she was suffering had I known what was really wrong with her and that there was no hope I would never have let her go on as she did - you know your boy best so let your instinct take the choice, I wish I had :hug:
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I always try to do what is best for my pet, not myself. Whatever your decision, my heart goes out to you. Mine has been broken many times. Big cyber cuddle.
Julie.
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wobble over - I have watched him very closely for 15 minutes, and I think he probably is in some pain - and an attempt to engage him with Da Mouse was met with total indifference, as indeed has been the case for the past year or more
my gut instinct is that he has been in pain or at least discomfort for some time - I remember mentioning to a vet months ago that he always walked very slowly
I am just so grateful he chose the top bed of the cat tree to take up residence, where I can stroke him and talk to him very easily - it must be much worse if they hide themselves away when the end is coming
I know what I must do
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Bless you Kay. It's such an emotional wrench - it's understandable that you'll waiver :hug:
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There will be a lot of people crying for you. We have all been there.
Julie.
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I think that deep down you know. You know when the reason you are keeping them going it's for your own needs and not theirs. With Jaffa I reached that stage where I had to ask myself exactly why I wanted him to keep going for longer. And I knew the answer was because I couldn't bear to be without him and not because it was for his benefit. I don't think any of us want to let them go too soon but I think letting them linger on for too long is what haunts us in the end. I'd much rather let them go a week too soon than a day too late.
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a final post on this thread - I took a photo of Trigger on his last morning, and it revealed a cat who looked suddenly old, and sad, and ready to go - things I had not seen with my own eyes because I didn't want to
I have no doubt at all I made the right decision