The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all yesterday evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to bed we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the left, hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in since she walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe distress. Her eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
Enter a new Dr. The new Dr put her on Enrofloxacin for 21 days. She also has her on Pred' as did the other vet, but so far there has not been the positive response to Pred as the first time. The first time it acted like a miracle drug in only a few hours. She's in her carry case (by choice) almost all day today. After these 21 days on the new antibiotic, the vet said we'll discuss what can possibly be done next should she not respond. The last antibiotic apparently did nothing. The cat is still suffering. It's plain to see.
Other symptoms are her poor coat. It's worse now than when she wandered over here. She's been getting mostly wet food with Missing Link Omega3 added for a month. I also add some chicken fat or butter to her dinner. But her coat looks worse by the day. It looks like the coat of a very very old sick cat or one infested with parasites which she is not. Also, muscle wastage. Her muscles are wasting away. The few ounces she gained in the past 5 weeks are most likely fluid from the Pred. Tests for internal parasites, cat AIDS and Leukemia were again negative. Blood work shows no evidence of kidney failure.
> The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all yesterday > evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and > little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to bed > we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the left, > hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in since she > walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe distress. Her > eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
> Enter a new Dr. The new Dr put her on Enrofloxacin for 21 days. She also has > her on Pred' as did the other vet, but so far there has not been the > positive response to Pred as the first time. The first time it acted like a > miracle drug in only a few hours. She's in her carry case (by choice) > almost all day today. After these 21 days on the new antibiotic, the vet > said we'll discuss what can possibly be done next should she not respond. > The last antibiotic apparently did nothing. The cat is still suffering. It's > plain to see.
> Other symptoms are her poor coat. It's worse now than when she wandered over > here. She's been getting mostly wet food with Missing Link Omega3 added for > a month. I also add some chicken fat or butter to her dinner. But her coat > looks worse by the day. It looks like the coat of a very very old sick cat > or one infested with parasites which she is not. Also, muscle wastage. Her > muscles are wasting away. The few ounces she gained in the past 5 weeks are > most likely fluid from the Pred. Tests for internal parasites, cat AIDS and > Leukemia were again negative. Blood work shows no evidence of kidney > failure.
Did you have her T-4 checked for hyperthyroidism? Not all hyperthyroid cats have ravenous appetites- so don't be too quick to rule it out.
> "Kelly Greene" <kg1...@wildred.net> wrote in message > news:hd081e$kpq$1@solani.org... >> The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all >> yesterday >> evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and >> little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to > bed >> we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the left, >> hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in since she >> walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe distress. > Her >> eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
>> Enter a new Dr.
Thank you. I hope he can find out what is wrong with her. Poor baby.
> The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all yesterday > evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and > little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to bed > we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the left, > hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in since she > walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe distress. Her > eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
> Enter a new Dr. The new Dr put her on Enrofloxacin for 21 days. She also has > her on Pred' as did the other vet, but so far there has not been the > positive response to Pred as the first time. The first time it acted like a > miracle drug in only a few hours. She's in her carry case (by choice) > almost all day today. After these 21 days on the new antibiotic, the vet > said we'll discuss what can possibly be done next should she not respond. > The last antibiotic apparently did nothing. The cat is still suffering. It's > plain to see.
> Other symptoms are her poor coat. It's worse now than when she wandered over > here. She's been getting mostly wet food with Missing Link Omega3 added for > a month. I also add some chicken fat or butter to her dinner. But her coat > looks worse by the day. It looks like the coat of a very very old sick cat > or one infested with parasites which she is not. Also, muscle wastage. Her > muscles are wasting away. The few ounces she gained in the past 5 weeks are > most likely fluid from the Pred. Tests for internal parasites, cat AIDS and > Leukemia were again negative. Blood work shows no evidence of kidney > failure.
Very sad to hear of this relapse. I am worried for her.
Thanks for the update. I hope that the drugs do good and the vet can determine what exactly is going on.
>The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all yesterday >evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and >little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to bed >we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the left, >hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in since she >walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe distress. Her >eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
>Enter a new Dr. The new Dr put her on Enrofloxacin for 21 days. She also has >her on Pred' as did the other vet, but so far there has not been the >positive response to Pred as the first time. The first time it acted like a >miracle drug in only a few hours. She's in her carry case (by choice) >almost all day today. After these 21 days on the new antibiotic, the vet >said we'll discuss what can possibly be done next should she not respond. >The last antibiotic apparently did nothing. The cat is still suffering. It's >plain to see.
>Other symptoms are her poor coat. It's worse now than when she wandered over >here. She's been getting mostly wet food with Missing Link Omega3 added for >a month. I also add some chicken fat or butter to her dinner. But her coat >looks worse by the day. It looks like the coat of a very very old sick cat >or one infested with parasites which she is not. Also, muscle wastage. Her >muscles are wasting away. The few ounces she gained in the past 5 weeks are >most likely fluid from the Pred. Tests for internal parasites, cat AIDS and >Leukemia were again negative. Blood work shows no evidence of kidney >failure.
You're doing the best you can. Purrs for the kitty. Sorry it was such a tough five weeks and I'm pulling for her.
> "Kelly Greene" <kg1...@wildred.net> wrote in message > news:hd081e$kpq$1@solani.org... >> The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all >> yesterday >> evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and >> little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to > bed >> we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the left, >> hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in since she >> walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe distress. > Her >> eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
>> Enter a new Dr. The new Dr put her on Enrofloxacin for 21 days. She also > has >> her on Pred' as did the other vet, but so far there has not been the >> positive response to Pred as the first time. The first time it acted >> like > a >> miracle drug in only a few hours. She's in her carry case (by choice) >> almost all day today. After these 21 days on the new antibiotic, the vet >> said we'll discuss what can possibly be done next should she not respond. >> The last antibiotic apparently did nothing. The cat is still suffering. > It's >> plain to see.
>> Other symptoms are her poor coat. It's worse now than when she wandered > over >> here. She's been getting mostly wet food with Missing Link Omega3 added > for >> a month. I also add some chicken fat or butter to her dinner. But her > coat >> looks worse by the day. It looks like the coat of a very very old sick > cat >> or one infested with parasites which she is not. Also, muscle wastage. > Her >> muscles are wasting away. The few ounces she gained in the past 5 weeks > are >> most likely fluid from the Pred. Tests for internal parasites, cat AIDS > and >> Leukemia were again negative. Blood work shows no evidence of kidney >> failure.
> Did you have her T-4 checked for hyperthyroidism? Not all hyperthyroid > cats > have ravenous appetites- so don't be too quick to rule it out.
> Good luck.
I don't think she was checked for that since it doesn't cause tight curling to one side and loss of balance. The curling to one side is her main issue.
> The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all yesterday > evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and > little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to bed > we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the left, > hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in since she > walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe distress. > Her > eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
> Enter a new Dr. The new Dr put her on Enrofloxacin for 21 days. She also > has > her on Pred' as did the other vet, but so far there has not been the > positive response to Pred as the first time. The first time it acted like > a > miracle drug in only a few hours. She's in her carry case (by choice) > almost all day today. After these 21 days on the new antibiotic, the vet > said we'll discuss what can possibly be done next should she not respond. > The last antibiotic apparently did nothing. The cat is still suffering. > It's > plain to see.
> Other symptoms are her poor coat. It's worse now than when she wandered > over > here. She's been getting mostly wet food with Missing Link Omega3 added > for > a month. I also add some chicken fat or butter to her dinner. But her coat > looks worse by the day. It looks like the coat of a very very old sick cat > or one infested with parasites which she is not. Also, muscle wastage. Her > muscles are wasting away. The few ounces she gained in the past 5 weeks > are > most likely fluid from the Pred. Tests for internal parasites, cat AIDS > and > Leukemia were again negative. Blood work shows no evidence of kidney > failure.
Very sad to hear of this relapse. I am worried for her.
Thanks for the update. I hope that the drugs do good and the vet can determine what exactly is going on.
FirstHit ~ ~ ~ This is the second vet and the diagnosis was the same. :*(
> On Thu, 5 Nov 2009 22:17:42 -0600, "Kelly Greene" <kg1...@wildred.net> > wrote:
>>The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all yesterday >>evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and >>little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to >>bed >>we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the left, >>hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in since she >>walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe distress. >>Her >>eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
>>Enter a new Dr. The new Dr put her on Enrofloxacin for 21 days. She also >>has >>her on Pred' as did the other vet, but so far there has not been the >>positive response to Pred as the first time. The first time it acted like >>a >>miracle drug in only a few hours. She's in her carry case (by choice) >>almost all day today. After these 21 days on the new antibiotic, the vet >>said we'll discuss what can possibly be done next should she not respond. >>The last antibiotic apparently did nothing. The cat is still suffering. >>It's >>plain to see.
>>Other symptoms are her poor coat. It's worse now than when she wandered >>over >>here. She's been getting mostly wet food with Missing Link Omega3 added >>for >>a month. I also add some chicken fat or butter to her dinner. But her >>coat >>looks worse by the day. It looks like the coat of a very very old sick >>cat >>or one infested with parasites which she is not. Also, muscle wastage. >>Her >>muscles are wasting away. The few ounces she gained in the past 5 weeks >>are >>most likely fluid from the Pred. Tests for internal parasites, cat AIDS >>and >>Leukemia were again negative. Blood work shows no evidence of kidney >>failure.
> You're doing the best you can. Purrs for the kitty. Sorry it was such > a tough five weeks and I'm pulling for her.
We've resigned ourselves. :*( MRIs and CT scans are out of our reach.
> The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all yesterday > evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and > little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to > bed we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the > left, hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in > since she walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe > distress. Her eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
> Enter a new Dr. The new Dr put her on Enrofloxacin for 21 days. She also > has her on Pred' as did the other vet, but so far there has not been the > positive response to Pred as the first time. The first time it acted like > a miracle drug in only a few hours. She's in her carry case (by choice) > almost all day today. After these 21 days on the new antibiotic, the vet > said we'll discuss what can possibly be done next should she not respond. > The last antibiotic apparently did nothing. The cat is still suffering. > It's plain to see.
> Other symptoms are her poor coat. It's worse now than when she wandered > over here. She's been getting mostly wet food with Missing Link Omega3 > added for a month. I also add some chicken fat or butter to her dinner. > But her coat looks worse by the day. It looks like the coat of a very > very old sick cat or one infested with parasites which she is not. Also, > muscle wastage. Her muscles are wasting away. The few ounces she gained in > the past 5 weeks are most likely fluid from the Pred. Tests for internal > parasites, cat AIDS and Leukemia were again negative. Blood work shows no > evidence of kidney failure.
I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds far more serious than an inner ear infection to me (even with bone problems). This sounds like neurological problems. I have no medical training, so that's purely guesswork--I'm very glad that you sought a second opinion. Even if there is no way to save this little kitty (and it's sounding that way), you have at least given her a chance. Thank you!
> I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds far more serious than an inner ear > infection to me (even with bone problems). This sounds like neurological > problems. I have no medical training, so that's purely guesswork--I'm > very glad that you sought a second opinion. Even if there is no way to > save this little kitty (and it's sounding that way), you have at least > given her a chance. Thank you!
> MaryL
She's still very bad. There's been no improvement at all. I'll call the vet tomorrow and see what she recommends now. This whole thing is getting extremely depressing for us. This past month has been the worst we've had in years. Like us humans, not all cats born are destined to live long healthy lives. I think it's time we let her go....... :*(
> > I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds far more serious than an inner ear > > infection to me (even with bone problems). This sounds like neurological > > problems. I have no medical training, so that's purely guesswork--I'm > > very glad that you sought a second opinion. Even if there is no way to > > save this little kitty (and it's sounding that way), you have at least > > given her a chance. Thank you!
> > MaryL
> She's still very bad. There's been no improvement at all. I'll call the > vet tomorrow and see what she recommends now. This whole thing is getting > extremely depressing for us. This past month has been the worst we've had > in years. Like us humans, not all cats born are destined to live long > healthy lives. I think it's time we let her go....... :*(
Sorry to hear. I can imagine how depressing this is.
> She's still very bad. There's been no improvement at all. I'll call the > vet tomorrow and see what she recommends now. This whole thing is getting > extremely depressing for us. This past month has been the worst we've had > in years. Like us humans, not all cats born are destined to live long > healthy lives. I think it's time we let her go....... :*(
Sorry to hear. I can imagine how depressing this is.
FirstHit
We're waiting for the vet to call us back but that's really futile. We plan to take her to the shelter in a nearby town this afternoon that humanely puts them to sleep. She's losing control of her bladder now. She appeared to have a seizure last night and it's clear she's in utter misery and most likely pain. To prolong the inevitable would be cruel, both to her and us.
>> She's still very bad. There's been no improvement at all. I'll call the >> vet tomorrow and see what she recommends now. This whole thing is getting >> extremely depressing for us. This past month has been the worst we've had >> in years. Like us humans, not all cats born are destined to live long >> healthy lives. I think it's time we let her go....... :*(
>Sorry to hear. I can imagine how depressing this is.
>FirstHit
>We're waiting for the vet to call us back but that's really futile. We plan >to take her to the shelter in a nearby town this afternoon that humanely >puts them to sleep. She's losing control of her bladder now. She appeared to >have a seizure last night and it's clear she's in utter misery and most >likely pain. To prolong the inevitable would be cruel, both to her and us.
Oh, I just hate reading this but thanks for posting anyway. Sometimes you wonder if you waited too long to put them out of their misery but whatever is going on with this cat is just too much. At least you won't have that internal debate. Purrs however it goes.
>> She's still very bad. There's been no improvement at all. I'll call the >> vet tomorrow and see what she recommends now. This whole thing is getting >> extremely depressing for us. This past month has been the worst we've had >> in years. Like us humans, not all cats born are destined to live long >> healthy lives. I think it's time we let her go....... :*(
> Sorry to hear. I can imagine how depressing this is.
> FirstHit
> We're waiting for the vet to call us back but that's really futile. We > plan to take her to the shelter in a nearby town this afternoon that > humanely puts them to sleep. She's losing control of her bladder now. > She appeared to have a seizure last night and it's clear she's in utter > misery and most likely pain. To prolong the inevitable would be cruel, > both to her and us.
You have done everything possible to ease her suffering. Now let her rest in peace. ",,,,Rise up slowly, Angel...." It's hard to let you go. Condolences to those who mourn. MLB
>> She's still very bad. There's been no improvement at all. I'll call the >> vet tomorrow and see what she recommends now. This whole thing is getting >> extremely depressing for us. This past month has been the worst we've had >> in years. Like us humans, not all cats born are destined to live long >> healthy lives. I think it's time we let her go....... :*(
> Sorry to hear. I can imagine how depressing this is.
> FirstHit
> We're waiting for the vet to call us back but that's really futile. We > plan to take her to the shelter in a nearby town this afternoon that > humanely puts them to sleep. She's losing control of her bladder now. She > appeared to have a seizure last night and it's clear she's in utter misery > and most likely pain. To prolong the inevitable would be cruel, both to > her and us.
I'm so sorry to hear this, but I really do appreciate the efforts you took to help her (both emotional and financial). This is the most difficult of all decisions when taking care of our furbabies, but it eventually becomes the most humane thing to do--a true act of kindness and love.
> > "Kelly Greene" <kg1...@wildred.net> wrote in message > > news:hd081e$kpq$1@solani.org... > >> The cat had a severe relapse last night. She was acting odd all > >> yesterday > >> evening. Restless, with what looked like a weakness in her hind legs and > >> little appetite. She didn't eat or drink much all day. When we went to > > bed > >> we feared the worst. We woke up to find her in a tight curl to the left, > >> hardly able to move at all. This was the worst she has been in since she > >> walked in our door 5 weeks ago. We could see she was in severe distress. > > Her > >> eyes were glazed and her voice very weak.
> >> Enter a new Dr. The new Dr put her on Enrofloxacin for 21 days. She also > > has > >> her on Pred' as did the other vet, but so far there has not been the > >> positive response to Pred as the first time. The first time it acted > >> like > > a > >> miracle drug in only a few hours. She's in her carry case (by choice) > >> almost all day today. After these 21 days on the new antibiotic, the vet > >> said we'll discuss what can possibly be done next should she not respond. > >> The last antibiotic apparently did nothing. The cat is still suffering. > > It's > >> plain to see.
> >> Other symptoms are her poor coat. It's worse now than when she wandered > > over > >> here. She's been getting mostly wet food with Missing Link Omega3 added > > for > >> a month. I also add some chicken fat or butter to her dinner. But her > > coat > >> looks worse by the day. It looks like the coat of a very very old sick > > cat > >> or one infested with parasites which she is not. Also, muscle wastage. > > Her > >> muscles are wasting away. The few ounces she gained in the past 5 weeks > > are > >> most likely fluid from the Pred. Tests for internal parasites, cat AIDS > > and > >> Leukemia were again negative. Blood work shows no evidence of kidney > >> failure.
> > Did you have her T-4 checked for hyperthyroidism? Not all hyperthyroid > > cats > > have ravenous appetites- so don't be too quick to rule it out.
> > Good luck.
> I don't think she was checked for that since it doesn't cause tight curling > to one side and loss of balance. The curling to one side is her main issue.
Ventral flexion of the neck is one of the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. Your cat is displaying several clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. If I were you I'd order a T-4 test. Its only $40.
> Oh, I just hate reading this but thanks for posting anyway. Sometimes > you wonder if you waited too long to put them out of their misery but > whatever is going on with this cat is just too much. At least you > won't have that internal debate. Purrs however it goes.
I had a good cry and we took her. We knew it was the right thing. She seemed to be in a daze, unaware of what was going on. Her rear legs were stiffening, getting paralyzed. They treated her with total respect and I know tonight she's in a better place. Her suffering is over. I think my husband and I both knew there was no hope for her some time back, but wanted her to have a chance. But from the end of one's life came life for two more.
We went over to look at the cats and kittens in the adoption section. My heart broke for them. We adopted two little girl kitties. One is a 6 wk old brown tabby Main Coon fuzzy type, just weaned, and the other a gray mottled with white 4 month old American Shorthair kitty. The little one is Phaedra and the larger Zephyr. Zephyr is a total lap cat. Phaedra is too young yet to seek much attention and just wants to run around and play with her toys and "attack" Zephyr. Zephyr uses the poor little thing like a toy but little Phaedra loves it. What a pair. :-)
Phaedra finally fell asleep in the laundry I was about to wash, so I left her there. I can do the laundry tomorrow. Zephyr, her little "play toy" sleeping, was going back and forth from my husband to myself... from one lap to another. She finally settled down on one of the chairs near my desk and is grooming her beautiful coat. :-)
> Kelly Greene wrote: >> We're waiting for the vet to call us back but that's really futile. We >> plan to take her to the shelter in a nearby town this afternoon that >> humanely puts them to sleep. She's losing control of her bladder now. She >> appeared to have a seizure last night and it's clear she's in utter >> misery and most likely pain. To prolong the inevitable would be cruel, >> both to her and us.
> You have done everything possible to ease her suffering. Now let her rest > in peace. > ",,,,Rise up slowly, Angel...." It's hard to let you go. > Condolences to those who mourn. MLB
It was so hard, so very hard to let her go. We had so hoped she would recover. :*(
> I'm so sorry to hear this, but I really do appreciate the efforts you took > to help her (both emotional and financial). This is the most difficult of > all decisions when taking care of our furbabies, but it eventually becomes > the most humane thing to do--a true act of kindness and love.
> MaryL
We gave her the care she needed at the end of her life. She didn't die alone under the outbuilding or in the woods. I know I'll see her again at the Rainbow Bridge. I have to believe that tonight........... :*(
> > Oh, I just hate reading this but thanks for posting anyway. Sometimes > > you wonder if you waited too long to put them out of their misery but > > whatever is going on with this cat is just too much. At least you > > won't have that internal debate. Purrs however it goes.
> I had a good cry and we took her. We knew it was the right thing. She seemed > to be in a daze, unaware of what was going on. Her rear legs were > stiffening, getting paralyzed. They treated her with total respect and I > know tonight she's in a better place. Her suffering is over. I think my > husband and I both knew there was no hope for her some time back, but wanted > her to have a chance. But from the end of one's life came life for two > more.
> We went over to look at the cats and kittens in the adoption section. My > heart broke for them. We adopted two little girl kitties. One is a 6 wk old > brown tabby Main Coon fuzzy type, just weaned, and the other a gray mottled > with white 4 month old American Shorthair kitty. The little one is Phaedra > and the larger Zephyr. Zephyr is a total lap cat. Phaedra is too young yet > to seek much attention and just wants to run around and play with her toys > and "attack" Zephyr. Zephyr uses the poor little thing like a toy but little > Phaedra loves it. What a pair. :-)
> Phaedra finally fell asleep in the laundry I was about to wash, so I left > her there. I can do the laundry tomorrow. Zephyr, her little "play toy" > sleeping, was going back and forth from my husband to myself... from one lap > to another. She finally settled down on one of the chairs near my desk and > is grooming her beautiful coat. :-)
Sorry things didn't turn out better, but you did your best and went all out for the poor kitty, and you can be happy about what you did for her. It will all be worth it when you meet again.
Adopting the two kitties was a wonderful thing. I wish the kitties many years of health. You and the kitties deserve that!
> > She's still very bad. There's been no improvement at all. I'll call the > > vet tomorrow and see what she recommends now. This whole thing is getting > > extremely depressing for us. This past month has been the worst we've had > > in years. Like us humans, not all cats born are destined to live long > > healthy lives. I think it's time we let her go....... :*(
> Sorry to hear. I can imagine how depressing this is.
> FirstHit
> We're waiting for the vet to call us back but that's really futile. We plan > to take her to the shelter in a nearby town this afternoon that humanely > puts them to sleep. She's losing control of her bladder now. She appeared to > have a seizure last night and it's clear she's in utter misery and most > likely pain. To prolong the inevitable would be cruel, both to her and
us.
I'm sorry I didn't read your post before I replied.
In light of the latest developments, I think you're giving her the greatest gift of all.
>> I don't think she was checked for that since it doesn't cause tight > curling >> to one side and loss of balance. The curling to one side is her main > issue.
> Ventral flexion of the neck is one of the clinical signs of > hyperthyroidism. > Your cat is displaying several clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. If I > were > you I'd order a T-4 test. Its only $40.
She was twisted to the left in a tight curl and could only move in a curled direction. After she suffered a seizure (she may have had several that night) and lost control of her bladder and bowels, went into a daze and could no longer swallow, we had her mercifully euthanized. Enough was enough already. She's not suffering anymore.
Had it been a thyroid problem, the Pred' would not have made the difference it did the fist two times.
Adopting the two kitties was a wonderful thing. I wish the kitties many years of health. You and the kitties deserve that!
FirstHit
We're leaving for the vet in a few minutes for a complete exam, have fecals run ... whatever. These little girls, one nearing the end of her "time" at the shelter, will be much loved and get the best care we can afford for them.
>>> I don't think she was checked for that since it doesn't cause tight >> curling >>> to one side and loss of balance. The curling to one side is her main >> issue.
>> Ventral flexion of the neck is one of the clinical signs of >> hyperthyroidism. >> Your cat is displaying several clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. If I >> were >> you I'd order a T-4 test. Its only $40.
> She was twisted to the left in a tight curl and could only move in a > curled direction. After she suffered a seizure (she may have had several > that night) and lost control of her bladder and bowels, went into a daze > and could no longer swallow, we had her mercifully euthanized. Enough was > enough already. She's not suffering anymore.
> Had it been a thyroid problem, the Pred' would not have made the > difference it did the fist two times.
>> Oh, I just hate reading this but thanks for posting anyway. Sometimes >> you wonder if you waited too long to put them out of their misery but >> whatever is going on with this cat is just too much. At least you >> won't have that internal debate. Purrs however it goes.
> I had a good cry and we took her. We knew it was the right thing. She > seemed to be in a daze, unaware of what was going on. Her rear legs > were stiffening, getting paralyzed. They treated her with total respect > and I know tonight she's in a better place. Her suffering is over. I > think my husband and I both knew there was no hope for her some time > back, but wanted her to have a chance. But from the end of one's life > came life for two more.
> We went over to look at the cats and kittens in the adoption section. My > heart broke for them. We adopted two little girl kitties. One is a 6 wk > old brown tabby Main Coon fuzzy type, just weaned, and the other a gray > mottled with white 4 month old American Shorthair kitty. The little one > is Phaedra and the larger Zephyr. Zephyr is a total lap cat. Phaedra is > too young yet to seek much attention and just wants to run around and > play with her toys and "attack" Zephyr. Zephyr uses the poor little > thing like a toy but little Phaedra loves it. What a pair. :-)
> Phaedra finally fell asleep in the laundry I was about to wash, so I > left her there. I can do the laundry tomorrow. Zephyr, her little "play > toy" sleeping, was going back and forth from my husband to myself... > from one lap to another. She finally settled down on one of the chairs > near my desk and is grooming her beautiful coat. :-)
When humans die, they make a will To leave their homes, and all they Have to those they love.
I too would make a will, if I could write. To some poor, wistful, lonely stray I'd leave my happy home, My dish, my cozy bed, my cushioned chair, my toy, The well-loved lap, The gently stroking hand, The loving voice, The place I made in someone's heart, The love, that at the last Could help me to a peaceful, painless end Held in loving arms.
If I should die, Oh! Do not say: "No more a pet I'll have To grieve me by its loss." Seek out some lonely, unloved cat And give my place to him. This is my legacy, The love I leave behind, 'Tis all I have to give.
--Margaret Trowton
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Is Heaven all you asked of it, O little cat? Did Peter fit A halo for your graceless head? Is there a quilt for your special bed, And a bowl of cream just out of reach Of your thieving paw? Or do They teach You not to steal in paradise? Does the flapping of Their wings entice? Do you scamper and swing on a golden fence, Or are They teaching you reverence? And are there really golden thrones Up there? Or do the Mighty Ones Have nice fat chairs that you can claw And tear and snag with an impious paw? And do the angels understand That a little cat in a lonely land Still longs for a kiss and a friendly cuff?
Celestial joys are not enough. Please, some small saint in shining white, Hold her close in your arms tonight.
--Bianca Bradbury
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Dancing ribbons pushed by time Float through an old kitten's dreams. She chases them into eternity, And catches them, As they change into angels' wings.
--Daryl Douglas Foyer
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CHOICES by Anne Kolaczyk
The little orange boy stopped. Behind him, kitties were playing, chasing each other and wrestling in the warm sunshine. It looked like so much fun, but in front of him, through the clear stillness of the pond's water, he could see his mommy. And she was crying.
He pawed at the water, trying to get at her, and when that didn't work, he jumped into the shallow water. All that got him was wet and Mommy's image danced away in the ripples. "Mommy!" he cried.
"Is something wrong?"
The little orange boy turned around. A lady was standing at the edge of the pond, her eyes sad but filled with love. The little orange boy sighed and walked out of the water. "There's been a mistake," he said. "I'm not supposed to be here." He looked back at the water. It was starting to still again and his mommy's image was coming back. "I'm just a baby. Mommy said it had to be a mistake. She said I wasn't supposed to come here yet."
The kind lady sighed and sat down on the grass. The little orange boy climbed into her lap. It wasn't Mommy's lap, but it was almost as good. When she started to pet him and scratch under his chin like he liked, he started to purr. He hadn't wanted to, but he couldn't help it. "I'm afraid there is no mistake. You are supposed to be here and your mommy knows it deep down in her heart," the lady said.
The little orange boy sighed and laid his head on the lady's leg. "But she's so sad. It hurts me to see her cry. And Daddy too."
"But they knew right from the beginning this would happen."
"That I was sick?" That surprised the little orange boy. No one had ever said anything and he had listened when they thought he was sleeping. All he had heard them talk about was how cute he was or how fast he was or how big he was getting.
"No, not that you were sick," the lady said. "But you see, they chose tears."
"No, they didn't," the little orange boy argued. Who would choose to cry?
The lady gently brushed the top of his head with a kiss. It made him feel safe and loved and warm--but he still worried about his mommy. "Let me tell you a story," the lady said.
The little orange boy looked up and saw other animals gathering around.
Cats--Big Boy and Snowball and Shamus and Abby and little Cleo and Robin. Merlin and Toby and Iggy and Zachary. Sweetie and Kamatte and Obie.
Dogs too--Sally and Baby and Morgan and Rocky and Belle. Even a lizard named Clyde and some rats named Saffron and Becky and a hamster named Odo. They all lay down near the kind lady and looked up at her, waiting.
She smiled at them and began:
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A long long time ago, the Loving Ones went to the Angel in Charge. They were lonesome and asked the angel to help them.
The angel took them to a wall of windows and let them look out the first window at all sorts of things--dolls and stuffed animals and cars and toys and sporting events.
"Here are things you can love," the angel said. "They will keep you from being lonesome."
"Oh, thank you," the Loving Ones said. "These are just what we need."
"You have chosen Pleasure," the angel told them.
But after a time the Loving Ones came back to the Angel in Charge. "Things are okay to love," they said. "But they don't care that we love them."
The Angel in Charge led them over to the second window. It looked out at all sorts of wild animals. "Here are animals to love," he said. "They will know you love them."
So the Loving Ones hurried out to care for the wild animals. "You have chosen Satisfaction," the angel said.
Some of the Loving Ones worked at zoos and wild animal preserves, some just had bird feeders in their yards, but after a time they all came back to the Angel in Charge.
"They know we love them," they told the angel. "But they don't love us back. We want to be loved in return."
So the angel took them to the third window and showed them lots of people walking around, hurrying places. "Here are people for you to love," the angel told them. So the Loving Ones hurried off to find other people to love. "You have chosen Commitment," the angel said.
But after a time a lot of Loving Ones came back to the Angel in Charge. "People were okay to love," they said. "But sometimes they stopped loving us and left. They broke our hearts."
The angel just shook his head. "I cannot help you," he said. "You will have to be satisfied with the choices I gave you."
As the Loving Ones were leaving, someone saw a window off to one side and hurried to look out. Through it, they could see puppies and kittens and dogs and cats and lizards and hamsters and ferrets. The other Loving Ones hurried over. "What about these?" they asked.
But the angel just tried to shoo them away. "Those are Personal Empathy Trainers," he said. "But there's a problem with their system operations."
"Would they know that we love them?" someone asked.
"Yes," the angel said.
"Would they love us back?" another asked.
"Yes," the angel said.
"Will they stop loving us?" someone else asked.
"No," the angel admitted. "They will love you forever."
"Then these are what we want," the Loving Ones said.
But the angel was very upset. "You don't understand," he told them. "You will have to feed these animals."
"That's all right," the Loving Ones said.
"You will have to clean up after them and take care of them forever."
"We don't care."
The Loving Ones did not listen. They went down to where the Pets were and picked them up, seeing the love in their own hearts reflected in the animals' eyes.
"They were not programmed right," the angel said. "We can't offer a warranty. We don't know how durable they are. Some of their systems malfunction very quickly, others last a long time."
But the Loving Ones did not care. They were holding the warm little bodies and finding their hearts so filled with love that they thought they would burst. "We will take our chances," they said.
"You do not understand." The angel tried one more time. "They are so dependent on you that even the most well-made of them is not designed to outlive you. You are destined to suffer their loss."
The Loving Ones looked at the sweetness in their arms and nodded. "That is how it should be. It is a fair trade for the love they offer."
The angel just watched them all go, shaking his head. "You have chosen Tears," he whispered.
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