Basil Update 12/1: Not Too Well

[Lydia--(Rosie & Basil) GA]

Poor Basil. His diabetes remains under control, but we have discovered that not only is he having kidney problems, but he has a heart problem that is quite serious. We have him on several medications. He had an ultrasound last week and a consult with a veterinary cardiologist. He is already doing much better symptom-wise, but realistically, without major interventions (or even with them) which we do not want to do to a 17 year old kitty, he probably has 6 months or so. Eating has become an issue but we are working on it.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

BIG HUGE HUGS Lydia....it's so hard on our hearts when our babies are sick.

Headbutts sweet Basil....

 

[Lauren&Tommy (GA)]

What an awesome name for a Kitty! I'll be praying for your baby and that you can get him to eat..
:YMHUG:

 

[Anne & Zener GA]

Sending tons of vines for Basil to be comfortable and to eat. Hugs to you, Lydia.
Liz

 

[Amy&TrixieCat]

Sending tons of prayers your way....Basil is a lucky kitty who has beans that obviously love him very, very much.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Hugs and prayers to you and Basil. I know you will do all you can to make his last days with you as pleasant as possible. Just remember what a wonderful life you've had together. Hang in there.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

((((Lydia))))

I hope the med allow Basil to be comfortable and help with his quality of life. He may be an older guy but that doesn't mean he can't have some very good times ahead.

 

[Pam & Hoot]

(((((Lydia)))))
Sorry to hear about Basil. You never really know what the future will hold,
so make the best of this time with Basil ♥
Sending appy and feel better vines to him ♥

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

More hugs and prayers for Basil. Sending good day vines and appy vines too. cat_pet_icon

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Hey Lydia,
We hope that Basil will have lots more good days ahead and that he will enjoy his life with his family (and that he will enjoy his fuds).

Thinking of you and sending hugs and scritches,

Ella & Rusty

 

[Frosty]

Hi Lydia. So sorry to read of Basil's problems. We're sending lots of feel better vines his way. Hope the cardiologist can continue to make some improvements in his comfort.

We have you and Basil in our Prayers Lydia.

 

[Blue]

Poor Basil. His diabetes remains under control, but we have discovered that not only is he having kidney problems, but he has a heart problem that is quite serious. We have him on several medications. He had an ultrasound last week and a consult with a veterinary cardiologist. He is already doing much better symptom-wise, but realistically, without major interventions (or even with them) which we do not want to do to a 17 year old kitty, he probably has 6 months or so. Eating has become an issue but we are working on it.

Hi Lydia,
Does your vet have Basil on renal food, or are you adding phos binder to his food? Has the vet said what stage kidney disease Basil is at?

It's a lousy combo of health issues.... you need to give fluids for the kidneys but you can't give too much because it can cause sudden heart failure.

I hope you have some luck with find foods that Basil will eat; there's a great list on Tanya's site that list the foods in order of phos content. With heart and kidney issues, the diabetes becomes secondary.

Pats for Basil.

Gayle

 

[Lydia--(Rosie & Basil) GA]

Thank you, everyone. I am sorry I didn't come back sooner and reply, but it is hard.

I'll start by saying we have a dog with CRF and we have been dealing with that for the past 3 years so we are familiar with that treatment. Problem is, most of those things won't work for Basil.

We have seen the cardiologist twice now and had a medication adjustment. Eating continues to be a difficulty. I am using the life and sanity saving tables Dr Lisa and some others have made of foods and phosphorous levels. Even with a HUGE array of foods, it is a struggle to get him to eat enough. The whole family has been talking about what is the best to do, and we are going to do the best we can to keep him feeling reasonably good without making it a daily battle of him vs us. With kidneys and heart failing, and diabetes lurking in the background waiting to come back, treating one aggravates the other. We will continue with his 6 medications, cajoling him to eat and keeping him comfortable. When we know he is no longer comfortable enough, we will have to let him go. So, this is palliative care, a regimen that includes lots of petting and cuddle time. Incidentally, his BG remains good.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Hugs and prayers to you, Lydia. I strongly endorse the decisions you've made. I wish I had done the same when my Kisa was suffering. We went above and beyond to try to save him, and in the end all we did was prolong his suffering. I know how hard this is, and I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as you work through this difficult time.