Bert is very sick

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Kathy

Kathy

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And I hope we are making the right decision
Bert has been diabetic for about 2 years.
He has done ok, but never really been in the controlled category.

He is just about 11 years old and I took him to the vet today becasue I knew he was feeling bad.
She tested his urine and said he was Ketoacidosis.
To treat him it would be about $2000.00
He would still be an 11 year old diabetic cat after.
She said if we do not treat him than we should have him put to sleep....

I know in my heart what we should do, but I need the courage to do it.
Is there any way Bert can come out of this without the vet's intervention?
What if I just increased his insulin??

I am just sobbing typing this out....I do not know what to do!
I feel so guilty and sad and like I have failed by best friend.....
 
Oh Kathy, there are no easy way to answer this question. We have had kitties that have survived DKA and gone on to live happy long lives. But it is expensive and is certainly best treated at the vet. (They may have to intervene with short acting insulin, put in a feeding tube - things that would be difficult for you to do at home if you have no experience.)

You have to make the decision based on your finances and how you will feel after your decision. We will support you either way. If you can get him past this hurdle, we could hopefully help with dosing advice and get him on a good track.

((Hugs))
 
My heart goes out for the hard decision you have to make. Whatever it it, it is the right decision for you. Sending purrs and prayers.
 
Kathy - to be fair to you, he is definitely going to need to be treated at the Vet - it would be nearly impossible for his body to auto-correct this state. At the very least, he's going to need IV fluids, IV potassium, IV insulin, and IV glucose as the potassium shifts.

There are no guarantees, but DKA is treatable with the right regimen. With all of that being said, $2000 seems very high. I'm going to be very straightforward here. If this is about money (which is a very real thing and very understandable), call around to some other vets. We went through DKA, 4 days at vet for around $700.00.

If your decision is based on your experience with the disease thus far, that's very real too and will continue to exist. You are in such a tough spot my dear and my heart aches for you. Dig deep and decide what your true motivation is and whether there are solutions that you can find peace in. You have a tremendous amount of support here either way - my thoughts and strength are with you today~~
 
Kathy
my heart goes out to you... i faced the same choices in May with Bob. My vet said $3000. We figured out a compromise. Instead of an er, bob spent three days at the vet clinic. It cost about $450.00. Then I took him home and did the remaining treatments at home which were mostly IVfluids and shots. It was a lot of work but it was what i felt i had to try. Two months later, bob went into remission. You have to do what is right for you, your family, and your kitty. It is a difficult decision no natter what you choose. My thoughts are with you.
carl
 
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