We didn't get good news at the vet

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Heather and Raja (GA)

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Raja has lost some weight since Saturday and her temp is lower than 100....I didn't ask what her temp was

Basically we treat the symptoms she has now and that's it. She told me continue on the sub q fluids and force feeding her and the antibiotic but at this point all we are doing is making her comfortable and hope she gets better.

She said she could run blood tests but that because of Raja's failing health there really isn't a need because if it shows something wrong then I'd have to decide if I wanted to run more tests and her age I don't think that's fair to her.

She said she hopes she makes it at least the first of the year but she's not sure, she's really worried about her temp and told me to put her on a heating pad covered up. I turned one on in her favorite spot and covered it with her blanket and put her on it but she got right off and went under the bed.

I asked her when I would know it's time and she said if she starts acting differently than normal or if she protests the sub q fluids and force feeding too much then I'd need to look into letting her go. She is acting differently now, she's not active at all she just goes and hides under the bed. She does fight me but not too terribly bad giving her food and fluids and meds.

I know Raja is 17 but I've had her since I was 12. She's been there through everything and I'm just not ready to let her go, I know it's selfish of me but she's been a part of my life for so long and I know nothing will ever fill her place.
 
This is a really hard time for you...and I'm so sorry you're having to go through this with your beloved pet.

I've never had to make this decision before. I have a kitty with congestive heart failure that I go back and forth on....but he is still enjoying interaction with me, in addition to enjoying mealtime very much. So I just keep on giving him his meds and hoping I will know time to let him go. I can really relate to your pain.

Many people on the forum have had to make this decision recently, but no one will be able to let you know when it is time, but everyone here will be supportive of you, whatever you decide to do.

I ran across this article: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/ask-the-e ... anize.aspx

It has some sensitive insights, I think.
 
Heather, I'm so sorry to read about Raja. Cats sometimes will hide when they are in pain. I know how hard it is to let them go, to make that decision, but too many times when you have a pet we have to. We have to put them first, and what we want and feel second. We have to learn to let them go for their sake, not ours. Raja has known only love for 17 years.....she lives in the present, today only, she doesn't know there might not be a tomorrow, only you know that. They all have "patterns" and when you can see the decline and the change in patterns then you will know. I'm worried about the body temp because when they start to shut down the body temp also can go down and no amount of heating is going to stop that.

No matter the years given, we always want more but we have to realize that sometimes it is not meant to be. My heart goes out to you.
 
I am so sorry, its the worst moment in our lives to know we have to make that decision. Love her every minute you have left. ((Hugs))
 
Did the vet suggest any pain meds? Buprenex may be in order now to help offset the pain.

I am sorry you didn't get good news and you are in now in a situation where you may need to make a decision. I have no doubt that you will make the best decision for Raja and you will know when and if you need to do that. It won't be easy, but you will do it and you will get through the pain and suffering.

It's the one final act of love we can give our beloved companions.
 
Oh Heather

I am so saddened and sorry to hear this news. This is one of the hardest decisions I know. Please do keep an eye on her and the hiding does mean they are probably in pain as Hope said.
Also as Hillary said I would probably be calling the vet back and asking for Buprenex for pain just to make her comfortable. Do not let them give you Metacam it is not supposed to be given to cats. Insist on the Bup. It is the most powerful and if she does have pancreatitis which is painful will relieve the pain.

Terri
 
Heather, I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts, and I really hope Raja improves and you get some more time with her. I know the thought of losing her is heartbreaking, and I hate that you have to endure that fear and sadness. :YMHUG:
 
I'm sorry to hear this .. I also had a kitty I got when I was 8 .. she was with me until just months after I married at 23 .. so I know all to well the feelings you are having .. Bandit got sicker and sicker and I honestly thought I could make her better, just needed one more day .. we did the syringe feedings as well .. and now looking back, I wish I hadn't of held on as long as I did .. It was so hard letting her go, I really had myself convinced we were just going to the vet for a check up .. not to say goodbye ..

I hope that you come to a decision that is peaceful for both you and raja ..
 
i'm so sorry to see this Heather. ((Heather))

i haven't been on board much so may have missed it, did they diagnose a definitive problem?
 
No definite problem.

I had hoped when i got home from work she would be more active but she's not really. She did drink some tuna juice though. I tried to give her fluids twice but both times she moved around and the needle came out. Im not sure if I should continue to force feed her or not. I do think our time is near but sadly do to my work it would probably have to wait until Saturday. I work till 6 tomorrow and I work half a day Wednesday and I think they are closed till Friday and I don't want to go to work and then get her and take her. I want to be able to spend time with her
 
Dearest Heather,
I'm sorry you are going through this for Raja. Having recently had to make the final helpful decision myself for Gandalf, I know how hard this is.

I second the suggestion to get some pain meds for her. That may allow her to not feel like hiding.

You can warm the fluids, which might help her temperature. Don't make them hot, just lay the bag in a big bowl and run hot water in to the bowl to cover the bag (be careful not to get the tube entrance wet) and let it warm up for a few minutes, depending on how much is left in the bag it may take 5 minutes or longer to get warm and you may have to re-run the hot water on it.

Everyone says that "you will know" when it's time to help her from her pain. I struggled with how I would know that. I chose some items from the quality of life scale, such as if he could not walk, that would be a deciding factor. As it was, he gave me the best sign he possibly could - he stopped purring. But he could still walk. I'm sure it's different with every pet. Gandalf was a communicator, the fact that he stopped communicating with me told me I had to help him.

I also worked up to the day before. I try not to think about it now, but that's how it was in our house, I was gone a lot. One of my friends said to me, "He waited for you."

Not that we are ever ready. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Please know we are here for you.
 
Heather, I am so sorry you got this news. I know, and so many here know, what you are going through.

You have a few suggestions of things to try to see if she can have more days to enjoy life, but if that is not to be, please lean on the support here and set her free.

I have had a couple of cats who's body temps dropped in the end. For some reason they didn't want the warmth I tried to provide either and almost acted like they were too warm going off to lay on hardwood floors instead of blankets. I guess that must be pretty common.
 
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