9/16 - Frosty

Ana & Frosty (GA)

Ana & Frosty (GA)

Member Since 2018
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/9-15-frosty-update-pics.203243/

He’s been getting worse since 6 pm last night. He ate some treats for me around 4:30, and then wouldn’t eat dinner at 6:30. Just been laying on the floor and he’s so weak. I cut down his lasix to 1/2 thinking maybe he was getting too dehydrated ( Cr was 2 at the vet on Thursday). It looks like his belly which had fluid in it is now smaller, and when i tend the skin on his back it takes some time to go back to normal. Hard to tell, but he never bounced back for us from his hospitalization.

He’s just been laying on the floor on his side for hours. He does move and he drank
some water for me and even used the litter box, but it’s clear something is very wrong. He’s more lethargic than he’s been since he got home.

I think I need to take him back to the hospital in the morning (in a few hours) to see if there is anything that can be done. My only last thought is that maybe he’s dehydrated and his kidney function is getting worse, but in reality I know this might be it.

It hurts me so much to see him like this. This isn’t my lively food loving crazy frosty in a onesie. He’s clearly suffering, and I don’t know why. If the labs or whatever they do don’t show any clear reason that can be fixed, or if things are just getting bad and his organs are failing, this might be it.

I’m so scared because I’ve never had to deal with this before (a pet dying). My childhood cat died at 17 from cancer, but he was living at my sisters at that time. Sadly, it was difficult for her to let him go so she kept him at home on prednisone and gave him subq fluids, but the way he passed was a pretty traumatic experience. I don’t want to be selfish and wait too long and let him be in pain.

I just want to say thanks to everyone who helped and supported us on this journey over the last 8 months. I don’t know if I’ll be posting again, or what’s gonna happen, but I’m preparing for the worst. I just love him too much to let him suffer.
 
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I have honestly been hoping and praying for the best for you and Frosty, and I'm so sorry to hear he hasn't been getting better and that it might be his time. I wish I was better with words so I could write something beautiful like I've seen others do, but I'm not unfortunately, so I will just say that I'm sending the both of you vines of love and strength from the heart :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Ana, I don't have any wise words or insight. I just saw your post and wanted to reach out to let you know I read it and my eyes are leaking and my heart is absolutely breaking for what you're going through right now. It's so hard... that feeling of utter helplessness. Circumstances may not be the same, but too many of us are familiar with the feelings... and wouldn't wish them on anyone.
Sending all of you love, strength, and lots of hugs...

:bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug::bighug:
 
(((Ana))

I was checking in to see how Frosty was doing and saw all the problems you have been having. Just breaks my heart to see this. Have you had Frosty's cortisol levels checked recently? Just a thought because of the vetoryl,

Sending positive energy and strength for you and Frosty.

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
OH Ana...so very sorry to read this post.....I know that awful, awful feeling...there are no words to help you with what I know you're going thru. Just know that we're all with you and Frosty. Be strong. Be wise. Sending warm hugs and prayers to you both. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Just read your post and my eyes are full of tears, I have no advice other than you will know, Frosty will let u know, sending lots of :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: And prayers
 
Oh Ana, I am so sorry to hear Frosty is feeling worse. I hope you can get some answers at the vet/hospital. I am sending you vines of strength, love, and healing during this difficult time. And plenty of hugs. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
The only suggestion I can offer is there is a Snap BNP test. It will tell you if heart function is the problem. It is an "in office" test much like the Snap fPL.

You and Frosty are in my thoughts.
 
Dear Ana,
Only you, who knows Frosty better than anyone, will be able to feel what he is telling you. You will know and you will be there for him when it is his time. Frosty loves you and he knows that you will make the right decision for him.

Having just been through what you are experiencing, I know how difficult it is to know for sure that it is time to bid a wonderful kitty farewell (not goodbye).
Sending you lots of hugs and strength and many vines for Frosty.
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Hugs to you and Frosty. I hope he can pull thru this and regain some hunger. Frosty has been such a fighter for the 8 months that you were his Mom. Come on Frosty, we are all pulling for you.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Sorry I posted on yesterday's post first. Even sorrier to read today's update. I o hope the vet has a solution, or at least a way of making Frosty feel more comfortable. :bighug::bighug::bighug: Please do keep us updated.

As corny as it sounds, talk to Frosty, ask him what he wants. Often they can communicate enough to let you know. You have done so much for your boy. You are a great kitty momma.
 
Just got back from the vet. His labs actually looked better than he did. (i have a feeling it’s because i decreased and held the lasix.) But he’s very weak and losing weight, so things aren’t looking good. He’s SLIGHTLY more alert right now too probably bc of the vet visit and also due to better hydrated with stopping the lasix, but he still won’t eat. It just breaks my heart to see him like this. This boy lived for his meals, to go from that to this, it’s clear that something is terribly wrong. He was also always in our face, meowing, begging, even during past episodes of vomiting. To be so lethargic just isn’t him.

They agreed that I should decrease the lasix. I’ll give him 1/2 pill tonight depending on how he is and re evaluate. They prescribed him an appetite stimulant (liquid, one that’s for dogs ) so we are gonna try that, but I am not sure if it will work.

They said to hold off on the benazepril for tonight bc it can affect appetite , continue vetmedin, 1/2 lasix, increase K.

I will speak to our IM doctor tomorrow - I’ll call there on my way to work - but I doubt she would have more suggestions. I think we are at the end of our road here.

@JeffJ - feeding tube is not an option, he can’t have surgery with severe heart disease

@Wendy&Neko and many others who suggested syringe feeding - I am having a hard time getting him to take his meds, I cannot imagine force feeding him. I would never be able to get enough calories in him especially given how much weight and muscle he lost over the last week. It just wouldn’t be fair to put him through that. His one and only love was food. For him, qualify of life would be awful that way and I just don’t want to do that to him.

I discussed with the vet and they said it’s fair to give it a couple of days to see if his appetite improves, but not prolong then inevitable if he’s not eating. I really needed someone to give me advice on this so I am glad Dan asked that question because I kept forgetting.

I don’t want to have to put him in the carrier again so I am going to research at home euthanasia options. Obviously I’ll discuss this with our IM doctor as well. This really sucks.

Right now he’s just laying on the floor in the sun room with me next to his bowl and watching the dog trying desperately to break into the kitchen so he can eat his food (again). This sucks because these guys were best friends. I’m so heart broken I’ve been crying all day and my head really hurts. I haven’t been able to eat anything since Frosty stopped eating. My poor baby :(
 
Sorry you guys are going through this. It is so hard. Frosty is such a loved little man, by you and by all of us.:bighug::bighug:

Ana & Frosty said:
feeding tube is not an option, he can’t have surgery with severe heart disease
Click to expand...
I think a nasogastric tube is placed with just topical anesthetic, if that's an option.
 
Ana & Frosty said:
I am having a hard time getting him to take his meds,
Click to expand...

Dante is on benazepril, will be for the rest of his life, it has a bitter taste, so ALL of his meds are put inside gel caps; I dip the gel caps in his chicken broth to wet them so it will go down easier. They even make flavored gel caps, though I found out it doesn't make any difference. This is the company I use, I also bought the tamper kit. : https://www.herbaffair.com/collections/capsule-filling-supplies

This may be coming too late, if you go to an emergency vet hospital, ask if they can sell you a few gel caps until you can get an order in. The emergency vet hospital was the one who told me about the gel caps and gave me about 20 of them until I could place an order. It is so hard to read your updates, you have been the best, pets choose us, Frosty knew you were the one who could love and provide the care he needed, you are both beautiful souls.

Wendy&Neko said:
As corny as it sounds, talk to Frosty, ask him what he wants.
Click to expand...
Not corny at all, animals speak, both in English and pictures, Frosty will get the message across to you, in one way or another. ALL animals understand English, (in the US at least) cats, dogs, horses, chickens, pet skunks, even turtles - so tell Frosty You are ok with letting him go, that if he is in pain, his life with you will never be forgotten, and not to hang on for your sake. Many animals patiently wait for us to let them go. You have given him the best 8 months, he knows this, that is why he chose you, you must be an incredibly loving person(!) for him to have chosen you, consider it an honor when an animal loves you! You will be an incredible mother when you have your own children, wow! Your writings about Frosty clearly reflects this, both of you are in my prayers! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Scoobs is no longer with us. But one time around 2012 he stopped eating for a week. The vet could find nothing wrong. He was on an IV drip for a week, and he wouldn't eat at the vet. He improved a little. Finally we brought him home. He regained his hunger and lived for another 4 years. But I still miss him.
 
Ana & Frosty said:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/9-15-frosty-update-pics.203243/

He’s been getting worse since 6 pm last night. He ate some treats for me around 4:30, and then wouldn’t eat dinner at 6:30. Just been laying on the floor and he’s so weak. I cut down his lasix to 1/2 thinking maybe he was getting too dehydrated ( Cr was 2 at the vet on Thursday). It looks like his belly which had fluid in it is now smaller, and when i tend the skin on his back it takes some time to go back to normal. Hard to tell, but he never bounced back for us from his hospitalization.

He’s just been laying on the floor on his side for hours. He does move and he drank
some water for me and even used the litter box, but it’s clear something is very wrong. He’s more lethargic than he’s been since he got home.

I think I need to take him back to the hospital in the morning (in a few hours) to see if there is anything that can be done. My only last thought is that maybe he’s dehydrated and his kidney function is getting worse, but in reality I know this might be it.

It hurts me so much to see him like this. This isn’t my lively food loving crazy frosty in a onesie. He’s clearly suffering, and I don’t know why. If the labs or whatever they do don’t show any clear reason that can be fixed, or if things are just getting bad and his organs are failing, this might be it.

I’m so scared because I’ve never had to deal with this before (a pet dying). My childhood cat died at 17 from cancer, but he was living at my sisters at that time. Sadly, it was difficult for her to let him go so she kept him at home on prednisone and gave him subq fluids, but the way he passed was a pretty traumatic experience. I don’t want to be selfish and wait too long and let him be in pain.

I just want to say thanks to everyone who helped and supported us on this journey over the last 8 months. I don’t know if I’ll be posting again, or what’s gonna happen, but I’m preparing for the worst. I just love him too much to let him suffer.
Click to expand...

I’ve been filling in my husband on all things Frosty. We are incredibly sad reading this latest post as we had a vet come to our home less than two weeks ago; we both know what you are going through and how you are feeling. You are giving your all and your love for him will never end. We send so much love and comfort to you all. Holding Frosty, and you, close to our hearts.
 
Ana, I am so sorry to hear that Frosty is not responding in a good way. I can relate to the heart breaking decision as to when is it the time. Listen, he will tell you. Sending you lots of hugs , comfort, and strength. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Ana, so sorry Frosty is not doing better. My heart goes out to you. I hate having to make “ The Decision “, had to do it several times not that long ago. I hope Frost improves, but I know you will do what’s best for him as you have since he came to you. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
(((((Ana)))). My heart breaks for your heartbreak. It is often so hard to know if they are ready or if this is a bump and they want to hang on just a bit longer. But, I feel in my heart, if you listen closely, you’ll know what he wants. You’ve given him so much love that he’d have never had without you.

Many prayers for guidance and peace. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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I'm so sorry Frosty is not improving, my heart breaks for you. When george went off his food I had some success with spoon feeding him, just offering food up on a spoon, he would eat from that but not from his bowl.
Sending you both prayers and many vines.
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Hey guys, I updated his spreadsheet with how he has been doing. I kept thinking I’ll write an update but don’t have it in me. His body condition is deteriorating although his appetite and behavior is up and down, but nowhere near baseline. I don’t know the end point time wise, I can’t understsnd what he’s telling me - it seems he has given up a long time ago, and the most frustrating part is we don’t know why this is happening. I’m holding all his cardiac meds right now because he’s not having trouble breathing at this moment and he really hates getting the oral meds. I don’t want to keep torturing him and the internist agreed. She agreed that at this point, less is more. I’m worried about underlying cancer, and if that’s the case, I wish I knew because I would stop trying so hard and just let him be. This really sucks, I’m crying every day, it’s hard to just get out of bed. I have to get up a half hour earlier to encourage him to eat every morning, which often leaves me frustrated. So that’s where we are. I’ve been reading a lot on the grief support forum.
 
I am sorry to hear that Frosty is not improving. You have done so much for him. I don't have advice. Just give him love as you always do. And I hope he starts eating a little more every day. He is a sweet kitteh. It is good that he is at home with you.
 
Ana it saddens me to see that Frosty is not bouncing back. Cushing's takes a terrible toll on the whole body. I never did find out for sure whether Tuxie had cancer, since he went downhill so fast in such a short period of time that I never got to test for that and there was no reasonable explanation for his rapid decline. In the end QOL is the biggest concern and I know you are struggling with what to do. Let Frosty and your heart guide you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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