How Do I Know When It's 'Time'??

[Jess Ryans]

Hi, Jess here. Lately, things have started to deteriorate in terms of jocelyn's (my 7 yr old kitty) health. She's recently (about 3-4 weeks ago) been diagnosed with pancreatitis, as well as ketoacidosis as a result of the diabetes. The financial aspect as far as treatment, has gone beyond our means, and so when we brought her into our vet, we had the discussion of knowing when it's time and realistically how long she has/quality of life. I'm really really struggling with this decision since right now we've just been monitoring and trying to make her comfortable at home, with pain medication, etc. I can tell she doesn't have much energy left, and hasnt had much of an appetite the last couple of days. Jocelyn is my baby, my therapy companion, and has been with me for 6 years (since i was 15) ....i just dont know when to let go

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

This is a tough one. Sometimes the cat has a way of telling you when they're "done", but not always.

The articles/Quality of Life Scales found in this link helped me a lot when I was faced with the decision (twice now):

Making "The Decision": Help to know when and how

Maybe they'll help you, too.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Are you giving her any anti nausea medication such as cerenia or ondansetron? If she is nauseated she won't want to eat.
If she is lethargic she may be a bit dehydrated? Are her gums slippery and moist or tacky? If you pull up the scruff of her neck does it slide back easily or is to slow to return to normal?. SubQ fluids would resolve any dehydration and are not expensive or time consuming to do...can be done with a regular visit to the vet.
Are you checking for ketones in the urine following the DKA?
DKA and pancreatitis can take a while to completely get over (does the vet think she has recovered from both?).. and for kitty to recover her appetite, but with support medications, it should be able to be achieved unless there is something else going on.
A 7 year old cat is still relatively young. Does the vet know why she hasn't picked up after the illnesses?
I know this must be very hard for you.

 

[JanetNJ]

Sub q's at home are not terribly expensive and would really help with the pancreatitis and help flush ketones. Ketone strips are $15 at the pharmacy. Testing the bg at home will help you keep the bg in check preventing ketones in the future. 7 is Young.

 

[Pandasmom]

*hugs*

The quality of life scales helped us when we had to make that most difficult decision. They help to step back and be a little objective when you're so deeply immersed in the situation and so emotionally exhausted.
Wondering is the most horrible feeling and weight on your shoulders.
At some point, you'll know when both you and Jocelyn are ready.