Ketchie- NEW UPDATE 12-15-12 End of Thread Below

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Jean and Charcoal

Member Since 2009
See update below please:

Some of you have followed my posts about Ketchie. She has been through so much, and she is totally withering away.

Her body temp is low, and she is not eating anything. She is so congested she can barely breathe. I have an appointment this morning at the vet's, with a different vet, one who put my Proto down during an emergency on Aug. 8, 2009, when he was only 5 years old.

Ketchie is 17, and just had that dental last Friday, and now I regret that I had it done in some ways.

I think she either has been suffering with a recurrent virus or she has possible cancer inside somewhere. She has the large tumor on her back (about 2 inches across with nodules around it, most likely fibrosarcoma the vet believes).

Maybe it has spread to her lungs, but I am just guessing at this point.

I will post when I get home later. She may have a Calici virus acting up, which went through my cats back in 1999. They were all really sick back then. I believe that virus stays in the body forever. If Larry is here, give me your opinion, please.

I will not let her suffer any longer. The Baytril evidently is not working, and she has shown rapid decline in this past day.

My heart is in my throat, of course, as Ketchie has been my 'talker' and been so close to me all of these years. Now I have to decide whether to bury her or cremate her.

Love and hug your furbabies, and know how fragile life is, and how quickly it can turn sour.

Thank you all for thoughts and prayers for us, that my car makes it over there this time. If anyone remembers, I had to put down my May-Belle (11 years old) on November 5, 2012. I have still been torn apart from her death. The day of her death, my car sprung a gasoline leak, and I had a two edged sword going against me that evening. Long story.

Today is the 5th anniversary since my Woodee boy had a large fibrosarcoma removed from his side on December 13, 2007. Vet said he might last a year. He is still here, five years later. He was only four years old during the time of surgery, that is why I chose to take a chance and have it done, or he would have been gone anyhow.

Sorry to ramble, but I am going on little sleep, and very upset right now.

Bless you all and your little furbabes.
Hugs,
Jean and Charcoal (GA) cat_pet_icon

Hi Everyone,
I feel like I am on a roller coaster. I took Ketchie over to put her down, then got in to the vet's, and signed the paperwork, and the vet tech who knows me saw I was getting very teary eyed and she said " Are you sure you are ready for this today?" I told her that I was struggling with this decision, because Ketchie had been so stuffy all night, and not eating since Sunday. So, she said she would ask the vet to do an exam on her first. The vet said her nose was clear when she looked inside, and her lungs were clear when she listened to them. Her heart murmur was minimal. Her bladder was large and full, and she suspected, as I thought she would that she is in late stage renal failure. But, she said if I wanted to today, they would give her fluids, and I went to the back with them, and the doctor drew some urine from Ketchie and saw that it had protein in it, white cells, some blood, and sugar also. Then she tested her blood sugar on her ear. It was 209. Of course, that could be due to stress, but Ketchie had not eaten barely anything since Sunday. They gave her fluids, and she told me to come home, give her a full quarter of the Mirtazapine, and see if she would pick up on her eating. She said, "Mind you, she is old and has end stage renal disease, so her days are numbered, but let's try fluids, and the Baytril, and also see if she eats." Plus she has the cancerous tumor on her back, but she didn't seem too worried about that. She also was still slightly anemic.

The saddest thing is, Ketchie's nose was clear and her lungs were too, while out of my house, now back here again, she is all stuffed up in her nose. My oldest tabby, Jibber, has always had allergic reactions in my house, so I am figuring with Ketchie's weakened immune system, I have got to get stuff out of this house; books, that are mildewed, old tapes, and I live over a crawl space, so that makes it pretty bad. In my attic there is mold in the wood, and I would not doubt that the night I brought down a black dog crate to try to put together, that it had mold spores on it. I have a lousy vacuum cleaner, and so, everything combined, I think that is why Jibber gets sneezy in here, and now even this is why Ketchie with her run down immune system, has gotten so bad.

Sorry it took so long to post. I am really tired and wiped out. But, at least Ketchie got another reprieve at least until Saturday. She is still not eating much since we got home.
Thank you all for your very kind words, thoughts and prayers.
Thanks, Larry for all that information about the viruses and link too.


Dec112012Ketchie008.jpg

Dec112012Ketchie002.jpg
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

I'm so sorry Jean. Poor little Ketchie. I hope that the vet has better news than you are expecting, but if not I wish peace for both of you
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

I am so sorry Jean. You have always done what is best for your furbabies, and will do what is best for your dear Ketchie. I have always admired your strength when it comes to facing the inevitable with your babies. You are truly a great mom.
Prayers to you both,
Dana
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

Prayers coming for you both. Really hoping the new vet will be able to find something to help Ketchie hang in there a little bit longer.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

As hard as the decision is and how hurtful it is, you will do what is best for Ketchie and that is what you need to focus on, "I am doing what is best for Ketchie".

You had no way of knowing the outcome, you took care of her teeth, because they needed help and she was a candidate for anesthesia. Again, you did what was best for Ketchie.

If it is time, may this journey be pain free and peaceful.
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((JEAN))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Sending many many cyber hugs. I am so very sorry that Ketchie is failing. Do not beat yourself up. You are an awesome mommabean. I know you will do whats best for Ketchie.
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

(((((Jean)))))
My heart hurts for you. Ketchie has been your loyal talker. I know you are listening.
Keeping you close in thought and prayer,
jeanne
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

((((hugs))) for you and Ketchie sounds like a wonderful furbaby wit ha momma who would move the world for her :sad:
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

Sending purrs and prayers. Yu did make the right decision about the dental.

For your question about the calicivirus:

How long does a typical calicivirus infection last?
Once a cat is exposed to calicivirus, it will go through an incubation period of 2-6 days before developing symptoms. If the infection is uncomplicated, it will typically last for 14-21 days, depending on the particular disease agent. During this entire time, the cat will potentially be infectious to other cats.

At a minimum, infected cats will shed virus in their bodily secretions for 2-3 weeks. Following apparent recovery from the disease, as many as half of all infected cats may develop a carrier state, in which they will continue to shed viral particles intermittently or constantly. In some of these cats the carrier state may only last for a few months, but in a small percentage of cats the carrier state may persist for life. Carrier cats may or may not show any symptoms of infection when they are actively shedding virus particles, and they serve as an important source of infection to susceptible cats. Female cats that are carriers of this virus can pass the infection on to their newborn kittens.

Above from:
http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-he ... ction/4132

The herpes virus is the one you may be thinking of since that states forever.
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

Oh, Jean. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ketchie at this difficult (and oh so precious) time...
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

((Jean)) I know you struggle so with these decisions. I am so sorry. You do know what is best. Hugs to you during this difficult time.
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

I hope you have found the strength to give her that final gift. You know you are doing the right thing.

I'm sorry for your loss - let the good memories give you peace.
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

This is SO very hard, and my thoughts and prayers are wrapping you around right now.

You have been here too many times, and Ketchie is your special talking girl (which is so endearing).

You have always done your best for her, and you were right to try the dental.

If no more can be done, may you have the strength to do this awful deed, and be at peace that you have only wanted the best for her at all times.

Ketchie knows this, and I know you are listening to her - you know her so well.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Jean}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Ketchie}}}}}}}}}}}}}
 
Re: Ketchie-I Am So Sad For Her 12-13-12

I am so sorry your Ketchie is sick. I know how hard it is and could tell your a wonderful Fur-mommy. Our ties with them are so strong that its just heart breaking when they are not well.
Sending you and Ketchie positive healing vibes and hugs!
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Up at the top is my Ketchie update. She and I are both so tired. Up a lot during last night. Sorry I took so long posting.

Take care everyone.

Jean and Charcoal (GA)
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Jean

If it is allergies what about benadryl? Mom use to have a cat that got "hay fever" and they would always give her benadryl..don't remember the dose but I bet someone here does. :-D

Just trying to think of anything that might give her stuffy nose a break, because you know they won't eat what they can't smell...so if we can figure out a way to get her unstuffed maybe she would start eating well again.

Kind grasping at straws but she is so special to you, I would love to see her with you as long as possible.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Thanks, Mel. I will look up about the Benadryl and see if that might help. I think the vet forgot about giving her something or recommending something for the stuffy nose today, since she was not stuffy at the vet's. Makes me so upset that my house is not helping in the case of allergies, in my cats, or in me.
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Good to hear that Ketchie made it home. Can you try some steam or a humidifier to try and clear up the nasal passages.
Prayers,
Dana
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Dana & Thomas said:
Good to hear that Ketchie made it home. Can you try some steam or a humidifier to try and clear up the nasal passages.
Prayers,
Dana
Hi Jean,
I tried to post earlier but I guess my post ended up in another dimension. I suggested the humidifier idea also, as well as maybe trying an air purifier. You and beautiful Ketchie are in my prayers. Sending lots of love and hugs your way.
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Thanks Dana, and Heather,

I have been using my vaporizer, which is helping some. Many years ago, I did have several air purifiers, but they are rather expensive and right now, my funds are on the downslope.

Thanks to everyone for all of your suggestions. I posted something I feel that is important for others to know about here, even for possible use. It is about the Mirtazapine.

I realized when I was using the older Mirtazapine I had here from Ketchie's mother Gracie when she had been sick, I was using that up and found that just a sliver of it was sufficient to get Ketchie on a roll of eating again. The other kind (generic) from the vet's, does absolutely nothing for her. So, I called my pharmacist and he was going to order some of the Mylan brand Mirtazapine, and just in case I don't put Ketchie down tomorrow, I may be able to try it on Monday, Dec. 17th.

I had asked this in my response on the post to Dr. Lisa:

What do you think of the use of Mirtazapine as an appetite stimulant? We tried the Cyproheptadine, but it knocked Ketchie for a loop. She fell off my bathroom counter, and she lost her balance really badly.

http://www.drugs.com/imprints/m-515-8997.html
These were the Mirtazapine that worked the best for Ketchie to stimulate her appetite.

http://www.1800petmeds.com/Mirtazapine-prod11320.html
These are what the vets are using now, and do NOT work at all! I gave her a quarter this afternoon, and she has only eaten a few little pieces of Hardee's chicken breast. I am going to try to offer her some more now.
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Thanks, Sandy.

Ketchie and I are both finished. Done. I can no longer watch her suffer. She is totally withering away and I called to make an appointment to pts tomorrow. First they said they did not have any openings, but my vet had said last Tuesday, when I thought I was going to put her down, that she did not seem ready. She said let's give her till Saturday, so I was upset when the vet tech said they would not have any openings. I told her to talk to the vet, because she promised she would. So, she said bring her in at 10:40 am. So, this has to be it. I cannot take the anxiety any longer, and I am tired of listening to my son telling me he thinks I care more about the cats than my grandchildren. UGH.... my dil does not want to talk to me at all, especially if it pertains to anything to do with the cats, so I feel very sad over the whole thing.

Now the thing is, am I going to bury her or cremate her. I have never cremated a cat before. If I did, I would want her ashes back belonging only to her. That is 120 dollars. If I bury her, I dig the hole myself like I did for May-Belle 5 weeks ago.

But after what happened in Connecticut at that school today, I have no room to feel sad about my own situation. What a horrible, horrible evil thing that was that took place. All those little children and people gone.

Thanks for all your help, everyone. At least I did not feel so alone these last days.

Jean and Charcoal (GA) :cry:
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Dear Jean - I am so very sorry with what you are facing, but I think you know the time has come. You have tried everything you could do for Ketchie, given her every chance to overcome her health problems, but it seems she wants to go and cannot rally any more.
My heart just bleeds for you, and I'm sorry you can't get much sympathy from your son and DIL - really, that is just adding a wound to to your burden of grief. They don't see, or forget, that when your fur-children are suffering and in need of your care, and you are so torn emotionally and mentally as to what to do for the best for them, that it bears no relation to your love for your grandchildren who are NOT at this moment needing similar life or death decisons to be made about their well-being!! grr_red
And as for you saying you shouldn't care so much about what you have to do for Ketchie in the light of that terrible school massacre in Connecticut, well.... maybe, but you are entitled to your total preoccupation with Ketchie at this terrible, heart-rending moment in your life with her, IMO.
There is nothing worse for a cat-mama that to have to PTS a beloved fur-kid, and Ketchie is so special to you. That massacre was an enormous tragedy and your whole country, and others in the world at large, grieve for those who have lost their little children - and right on Christmas, too :sad: :sad:. But you don't need to hold back your grief and worry over Ketchie.
I may have the wrong end of the stick here, and maybe in fact it helps you to do what you have to do when you consider that tragic event.
It's all bad, and so sad.
As for cremation... I chose it because I have so little garden, and with Myrtle, I knew I was moving house. But I'd like to have buried them. Perhaps you cannot bear to dig yet another grave, or want to have her ashes near you?
I'm sure you can find out if the pet crematorium will do the ashes individually.
What some do is this (I discovered): They have a separate, named compartment for each animal, in whatever device they put into the furnace, and thus cremate several at the one time. So they don't mix the ashes, and you get back your own pet's ashes.
You are very much in my prayers, Jean, as the time approaches to say goodbye to Ketchie. It doesn't get any easier. :YMSIGH: :YMSIGH:
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Jean,
I am sorry for your loss today, I wish I had more words and thoughts to offer you at this time. I do have to believe that a (mostly correct I hope) quote from my favorite movie Its a WOnderful life is true; "Everytime a bell rings and Angel gets his wings"
I will be thinking of you and your family at 10:40 am as your sweet angel flies free. I hope her and my angel will meetup and learn how to be angels together. I will be listening for Ketchies bell to ring this am.
Dani and Sandy GA 12/14/2012
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Thank you BJ, Allie, and Sandy.

If I can, I will post later today. I was up a good part of the night spending last moments watching Ketchie sleeping or when awake, struggling with her stuffy nose.

I ran the vacuum yesterday, changed the filter in the living room, and I suppose that may have helped a tiny bit, but as much as I hate to admit it, Ketchie has lived longer than I ever thought she would, living with problems that could have done her in long ago. I believe God kept her with me, as a last remembrance of her mother, Gracie, and her brothers, Rudder (diabetic), and Schooner, and her twin sister, Sloopy, whom I though would outlive them all. And it comes down to my dear, sweet Ketchie who is the last to say goodbye to.

Right now I am playing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland. I love that song.

Take care everyone, hug your furbabies, and all of your family members, as if it could be your last day with them. None of us ever know in this volatile world we live in.

God bless us all.
Hugs,
Jean and Charcoal (GA) cat_pet_icon
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

Hugs and prayers to you Jean. I guess you knew in your heart last week that dear Ketchie's time has come. I am sorry. Fly free sweet Ketchie, you will have a big crowd waiting to greet you at the bridge. It is a shame that those who we love, and I mean beans, cannot always understand the grief we go through at losing our furbabies.
Prayers Dana
 
Re: Ketchie- UPDATE 12-13-12

((((((Jean & Ketchie)))))))

My heart is breaking for you my dear friend, but as always you are doing what is absolutely the best you can by your most precious talkitive girl. And I just know all her friends here that have gone on ahead will be waiting for her to keep her company until you two meet again.

Fly Free Beautiful Ketchie, use your glorious wings well to fly right back into your momma bean's heart.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
All right everyone, here is the update for today, 12-15-12, Saturday.

I opened the door to Ketchie's room, to take her to the vet's and she was EATING!!! UGH... good, but I am thinking I am cracking up! Maybe I better stop posting on here, back and forth, that she is ready for the grave, and then she shocks me and is eating and drinking okay.

Well, I took her over to the vet's anyway and had them give her fluids, and the Baytril pill I had brought with me. The vet really wanted to do the Convenia shot, but I said I just did not feel comfortable with that.

She said Ketchie's gums were healing fine, she was less anemic looking and her heart did not sound so bad as last week. My Ketchie is a real trooper, and fighter. Dr. L. gave here the Baytril and she spit it out. So, she had to get her pill shooter. Then she got some water and got it down her. Ketchie was pushing with her front legs, and really very feisty. She and I both could not get over how strong she still is.

Boy, I am feeling like such a dumbo telling you all that this was it today, and last week, etc..... etc...

My daughter who is a Physician's Assistant, said "Mom, stop running her over there and thinking she is on death's door, until she really is." When my daughter's cat, Tappy, who was 17 was losing a lot of weight a few years ago, she let him go, until one day, she came home from work, and he was lying like a limp noodle on the floor, and not eating, not barely moving. She rushed him to the emergency room and they pts since he was on his last leg. But, my daughter told me to stop letting my son and dil guilt trip me into knocking poor Ketchie off. Heck, the vet just did the dental 8 days ago, so, I know that Ketchie needed time to heal, and she has been probably one of the closest cats I have ever had. I loved her mother, Gracie, and her two brothers, and all my other cats, but there has been such an unwavering bond of love between Ketchie and me.

Thank you all for your prayers, and support. Please don't think less of me, because I did not let her go yet. I know her days are short, but gee, if I were lying at 86 years old, and still had a little life left in me, I think I would not want to be knocked off just for the heck of it. Do you agree with me?

God bless!
Hugs to you all! KETCHIE IS STILL WITH US!!!! What a fighter she is.... :)

Jean and Charcoal (GA) flip_cat cat_pet_icon :YMHUG:
 
WOOHOO!!!! I so TOTALLY agree Jean!

Don't worry about asking for those prayers and thinking the end is near. I did the same thing with my lymphoma HarleyDrooler - we had him for another 3 months after we thought he would leave overnight. When we walked out the next morning expecting to find him gone, we were greeted with a standing, smiling dog wanting to eat! OUR miracle! We never truly know when but we know we need others to help us get thru it.

BIG HUG!!! YARD DANCE TOO!!!! (a yard dance is one that's too BIG to do inside without wrecking everything!)
 
That warms my heart! A little more time with such a sweet kitty can't be a bad thing. As long as she's strong, go with it! :YMHUG:
 
Jean,

Bless your heart, I am so glad Ketchie is still here and feisty at that. I am so glad you got some words of wisdom from your daughter she sounds like a smart lady. Keep eating Ketchie.

Yaa Ketchie. :RAHCAT

Terri
 
Now Jean...Why would you apologize for prayers that worked? I'm SO glad you listened to Ketchie who OBVIOUSLY wasnt ready to leave just yet. ;)

j.
 
:RAHCAT Yeah!!!! Ketchie is still with us!!!! dancing_cat dancing_cat

Prayers still on their way for you both have lots of quality time ahead. Leave it to tortitude to keep on kicking.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
Jean that is wonderful. I've been there many times with Vandow and he's still with me. For how long he'll be here I don't know. We've been having a difficult week. The anxiety of it all can be overwhelming. If I feel the need to run to the vet I do. My husband gets a little annoyed with me but that is his problem. I know I'm a little over the top with going to the vet but that is just me. Never minimize what you are going through. I know it is a tragedy what happened at Sandy Hook. I feel so bad for everyone. What you and Ketchie are going through is difficult too. I hope Ketchie continues to improve. Her name sounds familiar. Did you ever post on a CRF group at yahoo?

Hugs to you both
Sandy
 
Jean, I am so sorry you have been going through the wringer with poor Ketchie - it really and truly is a roller coaster and from what I have read about torties on this site - it seems quite typical of what Ketchie should be doing (his attitude about making you think he's ready and then showing the vet he's not!!! Is he looking for extra attention or is he just trying to make you feel guilty about him not feeling well???). Again - it took Trouble a couple of months to recover from his dental. So Ketchie will let you know when it really is time but in the meantime he is sending you on the ride (Trouble sent me on that ride and it isn't fun!! Luckily Trouble doesn't have the " tortitude" that Ketchie does).

I am sorry that your son and dil are saying something as ridiculous as you not loving your grandchildren as much - IMO that is just a cruel and unkind statement that was meant to hurt - and it succeeded (with everyone on this board I think)

You live with your kitty and you are responsible for his well being - of course you are going to worry about him and he is supposed to preoccupy you!!

We all feel horrible about what has happened in Newtown but that is a different heart ache then what we all feel for our kitties. But it is time to celebrate Ketchie's reprieve and to pray for hope health and happiness for everyone in the future.


Yeaaaaaaa Ketchie!!!!
 
Tortitude!!! Bug had plenty of that! Congrats on the reprieve, and Ketchie... please dont make your mamabean go through this week again for a good long time :-D Jean I am so happy for you and and Ketchie that you didn thave to hear her bell ringing today.
Dani
 
Can't add to what the others have said.. just to say I'm SO relieved she's fighting on!! :RAHCAT :RAHCAT

See - you were right to get that dental done, because now she's had a chance to heal a bit from that, she is getting better, and we're all praying she keeps on doing just that!!

Go, Ketchie.. and no more frights for your momma bean!

You are right to worry and ask for prayers and come here to let it all out, no matter how many times. It is far too lonely a business, otherwise, for us when faced with the possible PTS dilemma, because how many of us have family and friends who truly and deeply understand??

Wishing you some deep peace, Jean, and a nice chat with Ketchie about all this! :smile:
 
Dear Jen,

During your very sad time of loss, I appreciate that you are asking about Ketchie. She is hanging on by a few threads, ate a little today. I gave her some fluids which seemed to help. With her having a bad heart, though, it is very tricky knowing how much fluids I should give, or maybe none at all.

My heart is so sad for you in your loss of Tuffy, but at least you know she is now out of pain. When I lost so many cats in 2009, most were due to cancer, which was 'iffy' on the diagnostic point, because when cats get up in age, my vet had said they can develop 'microscopic intestinal cancer' which is almost impossible to really diagnose (except possibly by biopsy, but we do not want to do that to an older, very ill cat), but will cause terrible pain and symptoms like pancreatitis, etc.

Thanks again for asking about Ketchie. You are so very kind.

(((((((HUGS))))))),
Jean and Charcoal (GA)
 
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