Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: lisa77 on August 12, 2018, 08:08:14 AM
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Hi everyone
I haven't been on her for ages but I find myself now in the worst position I have ever been in.
My beautiful boy has become very poorly with
Cholangiohepatitis. He was admitted to vets for 3 days & put on a drip. Vet did some bloods and an ultrasound and he has
Cholangiohepatitis. We (alongside the vets approval) brought him home 2 wks ago. He was so very stressed in there and would only eat when I visited him. He pulled 2 separate drips out whilst he was there and it was all too stressful for him.
I have been feeding him and giving him water very regularly. He has had good and bad days and it feels a bit like we are in a rollercoaster at the mo. The past 2 days he hasn't ventured downstairs and flirts between 2 of his fave beds upstairs. Apart from when I feed him, bring him water or he uses the litter tray, he is sleeping. He doesn't appear to be in any pain but obviously I don't know for sure. It's breaking my heart to see him like this. I long to wake up and he be bugging me for food at 5am like he used to.
He is 11 now. Has been pretty good health wise apart from a few water infections.
I'm in turmoil as if he is still eating & drinking and using litter tray, is it not the right time? I don't want him to suffer going back to the vet and being hooked up to more drips.
If I call the vet out here today, what will they do to determine if it's his time or not?
This is like losing a child to me. I cannot imagine my life without him here but at the same time I don't know if it's cruel to leave him like this.
I'm sure may of you can empathise. I'm so unsure.
I can't really speak to anyone else about this as everyone is on holiday and I need to just speak to people .who may understand.
Thank you
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I'm sorry to hear this, I have had a cat with cholangiohepatitis, I cant remember what medication she was put on, or if they would even use the same, it was a long time ago. I do remember reading they can recover from it though, but not sure how long it takes. I think I'd have a chat with the vet and ask them about his prognosis
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He is due to go back to vet on Thursday.
He can't really tell me that unless he does a biopsy and I'm not keen on putting him through that to be honest. He is on Destolit
150mg, 1/2 a day and prednisolone 1 a day.
He has now ventured out of his bed and is on the landing. Really trying not to fuss around him too much but find myself checking on him every 10 mins. He definitely looks brighter today (If that's the right word)
Thank you for responding & taking the time to read
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Things must have changed a lot then, mine was just picked up by a blood test, I opted not for any more tests, my cat was 13 but seemed an old cat, if that makes sense, plus she'd had liver issues for about 12 months when it developed. Glad he seems a bit brighter today.
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He has had the bloods and an ultrasound & been on 2 drips but not sure how successful they were considering he ripped them out. They know he has an enlarged liver and a blockage of bile but to investigate further, a biopsy is needed.
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You may find it helpful to look at this website: https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-care-euthanasia-decision-quality-of-life-scale (https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-care-euthanasia-decision-quality-of-life-scale). :hug:
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Thanks ever so. Expected nore responses as I'm sure a lot of you have been in my position. Thanks to those that responded
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I don't think the fact he is spending his days and nights only eating, drinking and sleeping is that significant in itself, as most cats pass the majority of their time doing the same
I have no experience of this condition, so cannot judge at all on what it means, short or long term
I do know that when my Trigger had inoperable cancer, I only realised he was suffering when I took some photos of him when he wasn't looking at me - the cat that seemed happy and painfree when interacting with me was a different creature when he thought he was alone - sad, withdrawn and clearly in pain - that's when I made that phone call we all dread making
making that final decision is always agony for us, but we do it to spare agony for them - we have this power and must not be afraid to use it, because we love them so much :hug:
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Lisa, am so sorry you're in this position. It's not a condition I'm familiar with, but I think your dilemma is one so many of us have faced, and it's one of the most difficult in the world. It's particularly hard when you feel alone with your need to decide. What is your absolute gut instinct? When I'm conflicted, I tend to go with my gut instinct. It can be gut-wrenching, but I feel you will instinctively know in your heart whether you think your gorgeous boy is comfortable in himself, or if his condition is affecting him more and more. Don't be put off that more haven't posted. For some of us, it's too emotive too contemplate or to advise someone what to do, and it stirs up a good deal of memories.
Whatever you decide, know that we're thinking of you and sending you both gentle and soothing thoughts. It won't change what's ahead of you but it might help to know we're with you, whatever. :hug: :hug:
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Thanks so much. I have spoken to the vet today and she didn't seem that worried. She said he is eating and drinking ok and going to litter box. I mentioned he hasn't done a pooh in 3 days and she suggested to get some lactulose to soften his stools. I thought cats with this condition had the opposite.
I am back to work tomorrow after having the last 2 wks off with him. I'm worried sick but luckily I'm only down the road so will race back here at lunch.
Play it by ear I suppose. I've looked up signs that cat is in pain and it's really not how he is.
My gut feeling depends on what day it is. Even hour!
My partner has said once he stops eating, he has had enough. Whether or not I can even let it go that far is countable. I feel better having spoken to the vet and will just continue to monitor him closely as I am.
Thanks again
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Went through something similar with my Bass a few months ago. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour and was given a month to live. We kept her comfortable and she spent most of the time next to us on the sofa, and she survived for another two months.
But I spent a lot of that two months worrying whether I would know when to let her go. In the end, she took a turn for the worse that was far worse than any of her "bad" days. They do say you will know when the time is right, and it's true. I looked at her and realised she had already gone.
The difference is that with Bass we knew it was just a matter of time, whereas it sounds like your cat might have a chance of recovering, so you really need to be guided by your vet.
Whatever decision you make, you need to be 100% sure it's right.
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I'm so sorry you lost Bass.. It's so heart breaking.
Many that is for responding
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:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
It's an awful decision to have to make and one that only you will know the answer to, being guided by your vet.
Is his behaviour out of character or does he usually sleep a lot? If he is on medication it may be that that is making him lethargic and sleepy. Like with humans, medicine will affect cats differently.
He sounds like hates the vets - my Robbie was like that. I knew that if he ever needed any ongoing treatment I would have to seriously consider the options available as he was always so petrified (to the extent that he would poo/pee/hyperventilate). He had some teeth out last year and the vet said he was hard to control under anaesthetic and was diagnosed with a heart problem - they couldn't do any tests on him as he was so stressed she didn't know what was the problem with his heart and what was stress related and keeping him in would likely have killed him. He passed away a few weeks ago - most likely to do with his heart but knowing he had a shortened life span, I couldn't have put him through the vets visits.
As Sue said, I would go with your gut. This sounds silly, but I had to make a decision for a stray that adopted us - long story short I let him make the decision ( I told you it sounded silly!). He had stopped eating and was miserable so i told him that if he wanted to stay longer I would get him some treatment or I would let him go but he would have to give me a sign.......literally within 5 minutes of that he had eaten the tiniest of pieces of ham, having ignored it all for days. He lived for another few months but I kept telling him to let me know when he was ready - he did by stopping eating and vanishing for longer periods. I knew when I saw him that he was ready to leave so I booked a vets appt fully expecting not to need it as I didn't see him much but they day before I asked him to be in the garden at a certain time and he was there, ready to go. Nothing will convince me otherwise that he knew what was happening.
If you are struggling to see the changes in him - take pictures or keep a record of what he does. When you are so involved with them it's hard to see the changes.
Karen
x
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I agree with Karen, keep a diary, otherwise it's hard to keep track of how much is eaten, any loose/hard stools etc.
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Thanks ladies. I have been writing everything down since he came home from vet 2 wks ago. He is usually a very feisty cat who only really tolerates me and my 5yr old daughter. He isn't overly friendly to anyone else & has a bad reputation for his attitude but we love him and wouldn't have him any other way... I long for that fiesty boy back :'(
Its horrible when anywhere other than their own environment stresses them out to the point where you have to bring them home isn't it. He needed to stay on those drips but it's too much for him.
He just rolled over and showed me his lovely belly which is more like him. It's just a rollercoaster of emotions. He was my baby when I couldn't conceive naturally and never thought we would afford ivf. I feel so stressed having to go back to work tomorrow and leaving him as I've been out about 3 times in last 2 wks. I will dash straight home at lunch.
I work in a contact centre and it's stress stress, abuse, swearing, and more stress.. about 90 calls like that on a Monday :shocked:
Pray my day goes quickly :thanks:
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My thoughts are with you, I also work in a contact centre and share your pain. :hug: :hug: :hug: Leo is a beautiful cat. :Luv:
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Thank you
I dread Mondays!
Some people are so horrible arnt they!
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They most certainly are and ungrateful. >:(
BTW, several of us have eyesight probs hence why I and several others use a larger font size. Getting on a bit, some more than others. :naughty:
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I certainly do pray your Monday goes quickly. Love to Leo xxx. :hug:
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Thanks everyone :hug:
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SORRY ONLY JUST SEEN THIS AND CAN ONLY ECHO ALL THE GOOD ADVICE
MY LATE NAPOLEON HATED BEING IN THE VETS BUT WAS VERY ILL BUT PULLED OUT ALL LEADS AND STUFF BUT IB A PREVOIUS VET HE TRADHED HIS CAGE COMPLETLEY.
THEY LEFT IT SO I COULD SEE WHST HE HAD DONE AND COULD HEAR HIM SHOUTING AS I ENTERED THE VETS.
HE LIVED FOR A LONG TIME AFTER THAT BUT ALWAYS REGRETTED TAKING HIM BACK TO STAY AT VETS
GO WITH YOUR HEAD AND TRY AND STAY CALM, LISTEN TO YOUR VETS ADVICE AND WHILE HE SEEMS HAPPY AT HOME AND OK THEN I AM SURE HE IS
GOOD LUCK, SUCH A HARD PLACE TO BE
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Just been on the phone to the vet again as Leo woke us up being sick and I'm pretty sure that there were little blood clots in it. He said he thinks it's probably the steroids that have given him internal ulcers. He looked awful after he'd been sick and I thought he was going to die there and then He got up 5 mins later and sat by patio door so I have let him in the garden an he is sitting in our beach tent we have. Vet was talking about changing his meds. I am not sure I want to do this. I hate to see him like this but the vet (after all that's hapened) seemed to sound surprised when I said I wasn't keen on this idea. I have no clue as to how work are going to react now. I am due back tomorrow. I've had the last 2 week's off with him and 1 of those days was unpaid as I have no holiday left. I'm dreading letting them know I won't be in tomorrow.
I think as soon as 9am comes I am going to call the vet out and end his misery. I seriously cannot see him ever getting through this :'(
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Lisa, maybe take a steps back from any decision making just this instant. You're clearly upset, and very worried, and it's understandable when Leo has been sick. Have they said which type of this illness he has? I've been reading up on it, and it appears to take one of two forms, one of which will often respond to treatment very well. I ask because I wonder if this is what your vet is contemplating? It's so hard for us when we're faced with a very sick cat, to know what to do for the best. We love our cats, and because of that we don't want to see them suffer. But it can also lead us to panic and pre-judge a situation.
I would perhaps caution "wait and see" for today, and have another chat with your vet. Worrying about work isn't helping this situation, and it's difficult tot hink straight when you have so much on your mind. :hug: :hug:
Me, Moray, Malt & Barley are all sending uber-strengff snoozles and soothing vibes for Leo. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
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I understand what you are saying. He is still sat outside in his fave spot. He is very shaky and he feels cold I attempted to pick him up and bring him into the house but he howled at me so he is still there. I definitely think it's time. His eyes are so dilated even in the daylight. He looks wired. :'(
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They just said cholangiohepatitis. Vet said he had a blockage in his gallbladder. he is still very jaundice, even after 2 weeks of drinking good amounts and eating. X
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Lisa, he's feeling pretty low, but with a disease which affects the liver and gall ducts, that's to be expected. If he wasn't eating or drinking, I'd be more inclined to agree it may be time to let him go, but I think it's worth letting the vet take a look, and see what they think. It was just yesterday when he was more relaxed and rolled over to show you his moggnifikatt tummy. With an illness like this, it would seem likely he'll have good days and bad days, and it isn't going to heal overnight.
It's easy for me to say, but believe me, I'm not trying to judge. Any decision you take will have Leo's welfare at its very heart. Just I can see that this is tearing you apart, and when you're right in the thick of a situation like this, it's easy to lose yourself in the anxiety of seeing your lovely little lad in pain. A change of meds may be worth the attempt.
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Just a quick post to echo Sues thoughts, it is so hard watching them struggle but it your vet thinks a change in meds could help, I'd do it,especially as he is still eating and drinking - I was told mine wouldn't be in pain, just feel like they had a hangover
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Just to say I think Sue is probably right, I hope you don't get into too much trouble at work. :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Thinking of you Lisa, and hope your day isn't going as badly as you initially felt. :hug: Topping up the positive vibes for Leo.
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Thank you ladies. My big beautiful lion is now at peace. I called the vet back and glad I did as when he arrived he said how much more jaundice he was. He was pts at home and was given a sedative before hand.
I will miss my best mate of 11 yrs. The house is already so strange without him and I feel like my heart has been ripped out. We have just had to tell my 5yr old daughter and she hasn't taken it very well.
Thank you for everyone that responded. I really appreciate it x
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I'm so sorry to hear this, I'm sure I remember him as a baby. I think we know our own cats best :hug:
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So sorry to hear he's gone, but you made the hardest and bravest decision.
Play hard at the Bridge, Leo, you'll be missed.
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Honey, I am so sorry you had to let Leo go, it was for the best for him if he was in distress. :hug: :hug: :hug: You know your own babe best. I am so sorry for you and your Daughter. :care: :care: :care: Please look after yourselves as you grieve.
Play hard on Rainbow Bridge Leo. :blow kiss:
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Thanks so much ladies.
I just knew by his eyes this morning. Just fixated and pupils huge in the day light. The vet said the sedative could take 10 mins but he was 0ut in a flash which makes me feel like he was past fighting.
I feel so sick and keep thinking I am actually going to be sick. We went through so much together and he absolutely hated anyone else until my daughter was born and for such a fiesty cat, he accepted her and they had a strong bond.
Our while family dynamic changes now :'(
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Oh Lisa. I'm gutted for you all.
It's devastating when you lose a loved one like this. It doesn't matter how young or old they are, it's always too soon.
Such companionship is a real gift.
The thing to hang on to is that Leo was loved and treasured, and he loved and treasured his special family a hundredfold in return. It won't ease the pain you're feeling, we know that. If only there was something we could take for it, but there never is. My heart goes out to you. :hug: :hug:
Another bright strand to the Rainbow. Fare well, Leo.
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I AM SO SORRY LISA, RIP LEO PLAY HARD O HE BRIDGE
I FIND IT VERY HARD TO CRY BUT THIS HAS REDUCED ME TO TEARS SUCH A VERY HARD TIME YOU HAVE HAD BUT LEO KNEW HE WAS LOVED VERY SPECIALLY
THINKING OF OU AND YOUR FAMILY
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Thanks so much ladies.
I just knew by his eyes this morning. Just fixated and pupils huge in the day light. The vet said the sedative could take 10 mins but he was 0ut in a flash which makes me feel like he was past fighting.
I feel so sick and keep thinking I am actually going to be sick. We went through so much together and he absolutely hated anyone else until my daughter was born and for such a fiesty cat, he accepted her and they had a strong bond.
Our while family dynamic changes now :'(
So sorry Lisa. :hug: :hug: I know words won't help but you gave him the greatest, most selfless gift you could - you let him go before he suffered. Take the time to grieve.
RIP Leo.
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Thanks so much everyone.
A zillion things are going round in my head.
All the if's & buts & what if's.
For the past 2 weeks his water fountain, syringes, litter tray, bowls of water all over the house, his meds, were our life line. Now they mean absolutely nothing because he's not here anymore.
I am trying to hold it together for my daughter Robyn but we always called Leo her brother as Robyn was our IVF miracle & we couldn't have anymore.
I'm sorry, I'm rambling..
Just in total shock still I think. I can still smell him. I keep finding his hair on my clothes. I miss him so much 😭😭😭😭
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Does anyone know if I can buy my own urn or do I have to choose one from the vets?
X
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there's lots to choose out there Lisa - this is just one site https://www.legendurn.co.uk/pet-cremation-funeral-urns.html
you and Robyn will I think find some relief from your grief in spending time together planning a final send off for Leo - perhaps choosing a special plant too - it's only a brief distraction but as time goes by you will find comfort in doing it properly, and will have photos too to look at
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My lovely Trouble, who I had had from birth due to a miscalculation on my part, was PTS just before Christmas coming up 4 years ago is buried in the garden with a lovely white Rosa Rugosa Alba on top of him. I still miss him like crazy, but it DOES get better with time. It is a comfort seeing his rose. He was 18.
I would suggest not throwing his things away, sooner or later, possibly sooner given the age of Robyn, you may consider another cat. It will never replace Leo, but although some cats are very special to us, your heart expands to love another.
Thinking of you both.
Paula xxx
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Lisa, you can get some beautiful urns online. :hug:
I know it's very early days, but I agree with Paula. Don't make any hasty decisions about his things. I must admit to one of Mac's favourite little toys being passed on to Ross, who loved it to bits, and in his turn, left it behind for Moray (who completely ignored it!) :innocent:
You can never ever replace a precious friend. But what you can do, is open your life to another who needs love and a great home. And when you do that, you open yourself up to all manner of possibilities you never considered.
We never thought we'd end up with two semi feral girls. And yet, we now have our little family of three, and I wouldn't be without any of them. If anything, the addition of the gurlies has opened my mind to new things and new approaches.
As I say. Early days yet, and Leo I'm sure will keep an eye on his family. We also placed Mac and Ross's ashes in pots, one planted with a Rose - Remember Me - a fiery mix of golds like our ginger babies, and one with a native broadleaf oak which I grew from an acorn.
Thinking of you. :hug: :hug:
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Thanks so much everyone.
A zillion things are going round in my head.
All the if's & buts & what if's.
For the past 2 weeks his water fountain, syringes, litter tray, bowls of water all over the house, his meds, were our life line. Now they mean absolutely nothing because he's not here anymore.
I am trying to hold it together for my daughter Robyn but we always called Leo her brother as Robyn was our IVF miracle & we couldn't have anymore.
I'm sorry, I'm rambling..
Just in total shock still I think. I can still smell him. I keep finding his hair on my clothes. I miss him so much 😭😭😭😭
The Ifs and Buts are so common - I still have them 3 weeks after Robbie passed and I probably always will have. But it will drag you down. Focus on the life you had with him, albeit shorter than it should have been - I know, Robbie was only 11 as well and should have so many more years left.
I didn't have a choice of urn - just the one from the crematorium. His ashes are in a bag inside which can be moved. At some point I will have some of them made into a piece of jewelry, just not quite yet.
All cats are special but some do wiggle their way into your heart a bit more than others! :hug: :hug:
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Saw this on Facebook and thought I’d share. I personally would remove most of his things, if you do decide to get another cat, your daughter can help choose new things then x
There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings or walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.
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RIGHT NOW I WOULD NOT THROW ANYTHING AWAY, ITS THE LINK YOU STILL HAVE.
I STILL HAVE SOME MEDS OF NAPOLIAN IN FRIDGE :-[ BUT HAVE A BAG OF TOYS AND OTHER BELONGINGS OF EACH CAT, SAVED FOR WHEN I CAN EVEN FACE LOOKING AT THEM
A VERY LONG WAY YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL YET, TAKE CARE AND GO SLOW
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Hope you are okay Lisa :hug: :hug:
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Thinking of you Lisa and sending you :hug:
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Thinking of you Lisa, we had our beautiful Bella pts in April and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but it was the right thing to do xxx
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How are you all Lisa? :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Thanks everyone for all your supportive words.
It's been 2 weeks Monday. I'm driving myself nutty as I still keep thinking I hear him clawing at his huge scratch post (one thing I can't bare to move at the mo)
His beds are still dotted in every room of the house.He was like my shadow! I couldn't even go to the toilet without him howling & scratching at the door. I still cannot get over the fact i won't ever see him again. Our home feels so different without him. Our hearts are truly broken 💔
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Oh Lisa. :hug: :hug: :hug:
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:hug: :hug:
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Thanks everyone for all your supportive words.
It's been 2 weeks Monday. I'm driving myself nutty as I still keep thinking I hear him clawing at his huge scratch post (one thing I can't bare to move at the mo)
His beds are still dotted in every room of the house.He was like my shadow! I couldn't even go to the toilet without him howling & scratching at the door. I still cannot get over the fact i won't ever see him again. Our home feels so different without him. Our hearts are truly broken 💔
Five weeks on from Robbie leaving me and I'm still struggling. It will take as long as it needs to. We had years to love them......you can't move on from that kind of love in a short space of time.
:hug: :hug: