Topic: Neko- 1 year (Read 18613 times)

Tigerlily (Allison) · « **Reply #33 on:** February 18, 2016, 19:47:25 PM »

snarf, Neko is a gorgeous boy

Sending lots of

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #32 on:** February 18, 2016, 13:57:18 PM »

Sorry I missed yesterday and am so sorry that Neko has gone downhill....I didnt know about this sudden almost normal period , must have happened to Ducha.................but hoping you have a lovely day with him today and hope everything goes peacefully and well tomorrow.

Thinking of you both

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #31 on:** February 18, 2016, 10:58:44 AM »

It couldn't be a nicer and more fitting day for his last full day with you.

snarf · « **Reply #30 on:** February 18, 2016, 10:15:44 AM »

Quote from: Dawn F on February 18, 2016, 09:50:37 AM

oh snarf reading his story it is wonderful that he found you

i'm very much the lucky one. Hes been a fantastic friend and a great example of positivity and always seeing the fun in life.

Quote from: Sue P (Paddysmum) on February 18, 2016, 06:55:38 AM

but also the greatest gift we can give them in return, to make sure they don't endure pain and suffering if its in our power to prevent it.

There's no easy way to go on without them. You can only try and honour their time with us, by thinking of every single happy memory you have of them, and letting them dominate your thoughts, rather than the sorrow of losing them.

Don't waste time in regret. Carry on loving Neko, and letting him know he can depend on you when he most has need of it.

you are so right Sue. i was very worried in the night that i was keeping him too long, i slept (or attempted to) next to him and he didnt want to get up much. this morning though ive been wandering round and hes been wandering with me. hopefully we will have a good day together today, the sunshine is glorious, the sky is blue and the garden is calling. Hes having a snooze now, spread out on the sofa seat cushion and thick blanket ive put infront of the radiator

He is still purring and paddling and wanting attention from me, hopefully he will feel alright until tomorrow- our vet is coming over at 1-1.30

Dawn F · « **Reply #29 on:** February 18, 2016, 09:50:37 AM »

oh snarf reading his story it is wonderful that he found you

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #28 on:** February 18, 2016, 06:55:38 AM »

Well. Those pictures tell it all, don't they? I can see how very special he is, and how much love you share. Bonds like yours are the most amazing of gifts.

That's why it's so very hard for us to let go, but also the greatest gift we can give them in return, to make sure they don't endure pain and suffering if its in our power to prevent it.

There's no easy way to go on without them. You can only try and honour their time with us, by thinking of every single happy memory you have of them, and letting them dominate your thoughts, rather than the sorrow of losing them.

Don't waste time in regret. Carry on loving Neko, and letting him know he can depend on you when he most has need of it.

snarf · « **Reply #27 on:** February 18, 2016, 04:11:32 AM »

This is Neko

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,39169.msg689194.html#msg689194

my heart and soul

snarf · « **Reply #26 on:** February 18, 2016, 03:53:45 AM »

Im not sure neko has until friday. ive promised him he never has to go to the vet again and no more carrier. hes still walking about but only a few feet from the bed weve made up for him by the radiator

drinking lots still but still wants me, even after everything ive done and not done

thank you for listening to me

cathycat · « **Reply #25 on:** February 17, 2016, 20:29:53 PM »

Just sending more (((hugs))) and thinking of you.

I had some long chats with my vet towards the end of Eddies life and I found that comforting because I trusted his judgement.He let me make the important decisions but guided me and was very supportive and kind.

You will know when the time is right.You know him best and will just know.x

Tigerlily (Allison) · « **Reply #24 on:** February 17, 2016, 20:07:05 PM »

I don't have anything to add as I've not been through this with any of my cats but I just wanted to send you a few of these

snarf · « **Reply #23 on:** February 17, 2016, 19:36:46 PM »

Imnkicking myself for putting him into the vets on a drip.he's gone downhill and we've missed so many hours with him. The hope was that giving him some fluids would flush the toxins and help him feel better which it might have, but he has still deteriorated.

He's home, purring, interested in windows and very happy for a quick jaunt in the garden even in the drizzle. He's refused to sleep until just now, picked up at 1.he's drinking lots and using his litter tray normally which he hasn't for weeks unaided. We were given some fluids to give via his catheter but told not to if there's resistance- which there is. I think he's had enough though- Of being interfered with. I think its best to keep up his seizure meds for now? Sorry to ramble, I miss him so much already and then as soon as he bumps his head against mine I'm OK. How will I be OK after

Lyn (Slugsta) · « **Reply #22 on:** February 17, 2016, 16:47:29 PM »

Oh Snarf

my heart is breaking for you

I'm so sorry that you re going through this with such a young cat. It's (slightly) easier with an old cat who can be said to have reached his 'threescore and ten'.

When we had to let Chivvy go, I was tormented by the thought that it might have been too early.Then I heard the phrase 'better a week too early than a day too late' - which can be used with various time intervals - and I realised this was the truth. It was my job to let him go and ease the passing as much as I could. It's not as if there was ever going to be any other outcome

Please know that our thoughts will be with you over the next few days.

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #21 on:** February 17, 2016, 14:46:08 PM »

Oh what a shame. Sending lots and lots of these

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #20 on:** February 17, 2016, 12:38:36 PM »

Bless you treasure.

We all know only too well how much of an emotional see-saw this sort of thing is. I'm glad your vet was able to be frank about the current situation, as it really does help when reaching a decision. Make the most of every minute you have left together.

snarf · « **Reply #19 on:** February 17, 2016, 12:28:55 PM »

Sorry guys, desperation talking I think. The vet has said his kidney levels have worsened, even though he's been on the drip. His phosphate is high and even if anemia was the problem, his kidneys are too far gone. She has also said its more likely he's anaemic because his kidneys are failing. I'm glad I asked though and thank you for all sharing your experiences, it helps with the doubt. I'm picking him up soon to cuddle him for every second I can

Dawn F · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2016, 12:20:30 PM »

I must say that our bluto who did die of kidney cancer was eating odd things near his end

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2016, 12:15:22 PM »

Unfortunately I've heard of cats with kidney problems eating litter, especially if it's clay based.

It's natural that you'll want to try and second guess his chances, because Neko's such a young cat.

As Nic has pointed out, it's not uncommon for cats in end stage kidney failure to pick up and have one "last hurrah."

All we can ever do is follow our gut instinct and hope it's the right one. Talk to your vet, and express your worries in either direction. Ask them to be honest with you about Neko's prospects and take it from there

Sending a gentle head rub for Neko.

snarf · « **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2016, 11:55:13 AM »

On the other hand his kidneys might be too far gone irregardlesd of the anemia. And if not we might be back here in a fee months. The litter eating bothers me as it doesn't add up

snarf · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2016, 11:46:55 AM »

I've been reading Tanya's CKD site and I read about the last minute improvement. Something else I've read though has me in a panic. Neko has been obsessively eating litter and licking concrete at every opportunity which is a clear indicator of anaemia as far as I can see. His bloods say he isn't anaemic but Tanya's site says they will be high if he's dehydrated, which he is,severely. The anemia has been dismissed weeks ago but if it is anemia he could bounce back, for a while. His kidneys will have had alot if work making blood cells after the toe amputation and maybe they couldn't keep up? I don't know whether I'm grasping at straws or letting him down not looking into this. I'll ask the vet in any case but I think I would have to push to get them to look into it. They have repeatedly said eating litter isn't a usual symptom of renal failure.

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2016, 11:15:39 AM »

I agree that sounds like a good plan, I’m so sorry you’re going through this horrible illness with your boy

Like Sue says, I think it always feels too soon and it’s the hardest decision to ever make. In the end, all we can do is spare them as much pain as possible. I yo-yoed back and forth constantly when Jake got ill at the end.

When I picked him up from the vets after him being on a drip, I asked my vet if I was doing the right thing or if I should be letting him go. His answer was that we were on a path that only went in one direction, but that there was a chance he could get a bit longer feeling normal. Unfortunately we only got a few days.

I so hope you get longer with your boy

One thing to bear in mind is that it’s apparently quite common for them to seem much better all of a sudden close to the end. It’s almost like their body puts up one last battle. I hope you don’t mind me sharing that but I wasn’t prepared for it and wish I had been because it made it so much harder

The night before Jake died, he suddenly became really lively, played with his laser pen, ate a whole bowl of prawns and curled up beside me for belly rubs. I’ll never forget texting my OH to tell him that Jake was like his old self and we’d turned a corner. But he deteriorated rapidly overnight that night and I just knew it was time.

You’ll know too when his time comes, because you love him so much. And we’ll all be here for you

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2016, 08:01:06 AM »

This, on top of moving home, will be a very stressful time for you.

I suspect we always feel it's "too soon" - Paddy was an elderly cat, who'd lived a full life, yet I still felt like that. It's the hardest decision to make. No-one can make it for you, and whatever you decide, you know we'll be here for you.

snarf · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2016, 07:52:52 AM »

Thank you sue, our vet had said that as he's had so much recently, his veins are so scared he's been very hard to cannulise. They want to try to keep it in for the few days at home to try to avoid the heart injection scenario.
One minute I think I'm prolonging his suffering, the next I think its too soon and then other tines I hear something that makes me think its right. we've had the last 2 weeks off work moving house. I wish I'd known sooner and I would have used that time differently

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2016, 07:06:07 AM »

I think that's something we all understand, but with kidney problems, it's never going to end well. My biggest regret with Paddy was not recognizing earlier that it was time to let him go. He was extremely stoic about things, and battled on, but when it came to letting him go, I inadvertently made his passing so much more difficult.

I don't want to go into specifics, but it became very difficult for our vet to euthanize him due to severe dehydration, and ultimately, the injection had to be administered direct to the heart. It's difficult for me to think about even now, as I wished to Gods I'd known how quickly things had deteriorated since the previous vet visit, but I would hope that by sharing this experience, you could avoid anything so distressing.

snarf · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2016, 06:51:54 AM »

I worry that I'm giving up on him. He's fought through so much

it doesn't seem like enough time. But I always promised him I keep him from suffering

I'm so sorry that so many of you have been through this

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2016, 05:42:19 AM »

I agree with Cathy. That sounds like a good plan.

cathycat · « **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2016, 23:04:46 PM »

Just wanted to send hugs as I went through the same thing with my lovely Eddie last month and I know its so hard.x

Your plan sounds very sensible to me.Especially lots of cuddles.

snarf · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2016, 21:48:08 PM »

Thank you guys,

We talked to the vet last night and agreed that as he is relatively comfortable at the vets ( he's in so often everyone knows him and he gets lots of fuss) we would try the drip to ensure we have done everything possible but most importantly to make him more comfortable for his last few days- he's severlly dehydrated which they think is the current source of discomfort. They will blood test tomorrow am and if no change in his levels (expected to be no change) then he will come home. I've agreed with my work to work from home for the rest of the week and we have talked to the vet about pts on Friday. We would rather he go slightly too early than suffer. If the only thing we can do for him is spare himnpain then that is what we will do.
Frustratingly we moved house 1st feb to somewhere we could catproof the garden for the kitties. We will spend the next few days cuddling him and taking him into our new garden to enjoy the sun.

Does that sound sane? We have been to visit him tonight and he does seem quicker to purr and was very affectionate although he didn't want to be picked up. He's licking the newspaper they are using for litter

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2016, 18:24:14 PM »

I am so sorry to hear about Neko and know your heart must be breaking

I have been thro this with 3 cats and Napoleon was at vets because he got blocked up and couldnt use the tray, he had only one working kidney. It was discovered that crystals that had formed round his pea size dead kidney had broken up and got into his bladder.

They operated to remove them and my one mistake was I think that I didnt bring him home when t he vet offered cos only a day after the op, I ws terrified he may break the stitches holding his bladder together.

He also had been having seizures for 2 years or so before but he was not eplieptic.

At the vets he also would not eat and when I brought him home he would not either.

They should have told me he wasnt eating and I would have brought him home earlier because this caused renal failure and sadly I lost him in 2011.

So I agree witth your vet and that Neko is best at home and also with the others that you will know when its time.

Enjoy those special days you have left with him because it happens very quickly as it did with Ducha , Napoleons brother. On his 19th birthday he had a dish of chicken but 2 days later he had stopped eating and I had to let him travel to the Bridge. He told me he wanted to join his brother and in 24hrs the little weight he had just dropped off.

Neko has had such a hard short life but your love and care have allowed him to be a happy and adored boy and he shows you his love with every paddle.

He will always have a place in yout heart

Lyn (Slugsta) · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2016, 17:22:38 PM »

I am sorry to hear that Neko is so poorly. He has really been through a lot for such a young cat, so unfair

I think you are right to let him go gently rather than him suffering more. From my experience, he will tell you when it is time. Sending lots of love to you both

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2016, 10:45:45 AM »

Oh Snarf, I’m so sad for you

Like others have said, I think it may be best to not do further treatment with Neko.

Renal failure is so horrible, I went through it with Jake and he did well until his kidneys crashed very suddenly. We got him on a drip at the vets for 2 days but he was so miserable. It broke my heart leaving him there knowing he was frightened and confused.

He got a bit better when he came home and we had a couple of OK days with him afterwards, but a week later I had to let him go. I knew it was time and you will too.
If I had to do it again, I don’t think I would put him, or me, through that.

I’m so sorry

Sootyca · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2016, 07:58:12 AM »

Make the most of your time with him

Renal failure is horrible to watch a cat go through and he could deteriorate quickly. I think you will know when it's time.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2016, 06:48:13 AM »

Snarf, I'm so sorry to hear the latest news on Neko, and know how heartbreaking this is for you, especially in such a young cat.

Taking account of all that you've told us, and remembering my own experiences with Paddy (who was a 20 year old cat) my instinct in your shoes would be to fix a date with your vet, fully immerse yourself in squeezing the best out of every minute in between, and then let Neko go, with love, respect and kindness.

My thoughts are with you.

snarf · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2016, 21:25:23 PM »

im sorry i havent posted here in a long time...some of you might remember me or Neko?

Hes had an eventful year, he was diagnosed with inflamatory kidney disease a few years ago - hes only 6 now- and had a nasty TTF infestation when he arrived as a stray and has luxating patella. In october last year he began to have seizures and spent 11 days in a specialist vets being stabilised- MRI scan showed no abnormalities so hes on epilepsy meds. While seizing, he broke his jaw and tore out 4 claws. his jaw was wired and that was taken off in dec. in jan we noticed one claw wasnt growing back properly. after an abcess and unsuccessful antibiotics he had that part of the toe amputated. At the end of Jan i noticed him eating litter, the vet found a full colon so he was admittted for a week of drips and micro enemas, he stopped eating so he was sent home. we have continued the micro enemas at home and got him eating but not as much as he used to. hes now abit flat. not his usual characterful self. today the vet reran his bloods ( last done 2 weeks ago before drip and a week ago after drip) and told us that there has been a marked deterioration and that hes in renal failure. if we want we can admit him onto a drip again but in the vets opinion at best it will delay the inevitable, at worst he will spend his last days in a strange place.

Any advice please? anyone thats been through this and can tell me what to expect? I dont want him to suffer and i dont want him frightened or unhappy for his last few days. the vet thinks he isnt in pain, but probably feels abit crap. How do i know when its time?
symptoms are

bad breath- ketones
weight loss (5.3kg- 4.6kg in a few weeks, he was 6 before the seizures, 5kg after)
wobbly and unstable on back legs
sleeping lots
drinking lots
not eating much
constipation
broken whiskers
dry pads

hes asleep on my lap now, after purring and paddling for about half an hour

my heart is breaking

Author Topic: Neko- 1 year (Read 18613 times)