Help!

phantom · Post by **phantom** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 7:41 pm

My family took my cat to the vet since she wasn't feeling well and the diagnosis came back as Chronic Renal Failure. (CRF) Our cat is staying at the vet's office overnight receiving IV treatment and we'll find out more about her condition tomorrow. I was wondering if anyone has gone through this before with a pet and what can/should we do? We've had other cats but none of them have gone through this. Our cat is 15 years old and we are questioning quality of life vs. quantity. Any words of advice/comfort are much appreciated. Thanks.

Post by **fern** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:03 pm

That sounds similar to what my last cat had. There were pills she was able to take for a while but once they stopped working she started attacking her sides. So at that point we had her put to sleep, as it was obvious she was in pain. I am sorry I doubt there is a cure. At best you may be able to prolong her life a bit. If you do that love her to bits for the time you have left with her. It's really hard loosing something you care about and it will take time to get over it. All I can say is cherish the good memorys you have of her and the richness she bought to your lives.

phantom · Post by **phantom** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:42 pm

Thanks Fern. There is no cure and the disease is progressive. At best, she would only have to take pills but more likely she will need weekly sub-Q injections which would stress her out. Losing a pet is hard, I've been through it with two other cats already, and I fear we may have to put her to sleep. She is 15 so prolonging her life might not be the best option for her. We'll wait and see.

Post by **Quicksilver** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:34 am

Aw....I'm really sorry to hear what's been happening to your kitty!

I know this must be a very difficult time for you, especially since you've had her for so long.

I know you and your family will end up making the right decision. It really is a heart wrenching choice to make. I've gone through it. It really is a peaceful and serene way for them to be released of the pain and suffering....but I know it is making that decision that is the toughest part. I begged and prayed for my dog to just go naturally, but it didn't happen. Sometimes life puts us to these kinds of tests, unfortunately. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope for the best for you. And remember - even if you do come to the decision to end it for her - she still lives on in your heart and memory - and that's FOREVER!

At least that's what I believe.

Keep us posted. {{{HUGS}}}

micandra · Post by **micandra** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:49 am

Find one thing, above all else, that your cat loves to do, like playing with a favorite toy. When that no long happens its time to think about letting her go. Its no use, and kinda creul, to prolong her life if she's not enjoying it or in pain.

ather · Post by **ather** » Sun May 01, 2005 6:11 pm

I'm so sorry, I am a cat lover, and it's unbearable for me to even think about making that kind of a decision. It is especially hard when you have had them for so long. They make a special place in your heart just for them, and that is there forever. I am sure you will make the right decision, and your cat loves you as much as you love it. Cherish the time you have left, and all of the memories, keep us updated.
(sends hugs and support)

phantom · Post by **phantom** » Mon May 02, 2005 6:10 pm

That

emergency vet! Update on my cat. Our regular vet has confirmed our cat is suffering from either a kidney or intestinal infection and she is being given antibiotics to clear it up. She is in good spirits but still refuses to eat and wnats to constantly go to the bathroom. The initial diagnosis of the emergency vet of Renal Failure may be incorrect after all. We won't know for sure until her infection clears up. Our vet told us not to get our hopes up but it is looking a little better than it was initially. We are given her 24 hours for the meds to kick in and hopefully they will clear up the infection and she will start eating again. there is a small chance she doesn't have CRF and this is just a nasty infection. At this point all we can do is wait and pray and take it one day at a time. Thanks for all your support. We don't know what will happen next but she is still here so that's good. I will continue to update as new developments occur. Lets hope for the best.

Post by **fern** » Mon May 02, 2005 7:28 pm

I hope the antibiotics do the trick. It sounds hopeful anyway. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and her.

phantom · Post by **phantom** » Sun May 08, 2005 11:40 am

Good news! Our cat is perfectly healthy again

. After giving her the meds she began to eat on her own again and shows no signs of any further infection or anything. turns out is was just a really bad urinary infection but the meds cleared it right up so she is back to normal. (Eating,sleeping,tearing up furniture, shedding everywhere, and the occassional hairball or two...)

Post by **Quicksilver** » Sun May 08, 2005 12:54 pm

Oh phantom I'm so happy for you! That is wonderful news.

I'm so glad to hear that it wasn't such a dire prognosis after all. I'm sure that is a weight off your shoulders.

Post by **fern** » Sun May 08, 2005 5:29 pm

I'm so glad the meds worked and you have a healthy cat again. Enjoy her company.

firelupe · Post by **firelupe** » Mon May 09, 2005 6:53 pm

Thats so great! I'm glad your kitty is fine!

Capt.Rutlinger · Post by **Capt.Rutlinger** » Tue May 10, 2005 12:04 pm

yeah I'm glad she's allright

Meltos · Post by **Meltos** » Fri May 13, 2005 12:24 pm

Im so releived for you. I don't want the day to come to leave my cosmo. Ever. Im glad for you. Im attached to my cat and other cats some much. He's a brother/best friend to me.

Meltos

ather · Post by **ather** » Wed May 18, 2005 8:45 pm

I'm so happy for you and your kitty. You probably never thought that you would miss that meow that means "FEED ME!" Glad everything is okay.