Ship of Fools: When pets get sick

Thread: When pets get sick Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :

I couldn't find an old thread so here goes:

our dearest cat Stan Lee, who is nearly 14, has suddenly become sick. He won't eat, and has started wandering around aimlessly (this wandering happened also to another of our cats, who died a few years ago from dementia).

Stan has had bouts of sneezing recently and a blocked up nostril, so he's had various tests at the vets, but nothing could be found up his nose (which they flushed out) or throat. But we all fear that he has a tumour further up, which has now possibly gone to his brain. He has various medication for the weekend, and is going back to the vets on Tuesday. CT scans and the like may reveal the problem, but they cost ££££, and he has already been under anaesthetic etc and I don't want him even more stressed out. I don't know what else to do, and feel very sad...

Posted by Schroedinger's cat (# 64) on :

Pine Marten - that sucks. Pets are difficult, and emotionally painful especially as they get old. It does, unfortunately, sound like Stan Lee does have a tumour that is impacting his brain (in some way or other).

In the end, you only have two choices - pay for the scans and possibly the treatment, which would all cost a lot of money, or accept that he is at the end. Neither of these are easy decisions - even with the scans, diagnosis and treatment, he may only live a short time longer.

And yes, this all sucks like a black hole. If it helps, our dog went through something of this nature. She had problems that sapped her energy, and eventually, just a couple of weeks ago, she couldn't move any more. We had to take the decision to have her put down. it is not an easy choice, but sometimes it is the best.

For Stan Lee, his life with a tumour may be quite difficult, and the kindest thing might be to not let him go through that. Kindness to the animal should be uppermost in your mind, however heart-wrenching that is. They trust you, and it is unfair to betray that at the end.

Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :

I am so sorry to hear about Stan Lee. It's very hard seeing our beloved animals suffer and to know what to do. I think all you can do is keep him comfortable and give him whatever he likes in the way of food, company, cuddles, etc, and then take the vet's advice on Tuesday. I tend to take the view that if they still have a reasonable quality of pain-free life it is worth going with that, but I also know in the past I did keep one of our pets going longer than was fair on him because I couldn't bring myself to say goodbye. [Frown]

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :

Thank you both for your kind words. I've just tried to tempt him again with some food but he doesn't want it. He's a skinny cat at the best of times, and losing weight rapidly now is not helping.

Sometimes he responds when I call his name, sometimes he doesn't. He'll sit for a cuddle but he has stopped talking (normally he's very vocal!).

I've always lived with furry friends and it's always awful to let them go. I think this may be Stan's time [Frown]

Posted by Spike (# 36) on :

I know just how tough this can be [Frown]

You need to strike a balance here. Do you really want to spend a fortune on drugs that may extend his life by only a week or two?

Is he obviously in any pain or distress? If not, the kindest thing to do (IMO) is to simply let nature take its course.

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :

I'm so sorry. It's a hard time for both of you.

We just went through this with our older dog about a month ago. The vet told us we could leave him at the hospital for all-out desperation treatment (alone, without us, likely in pain and certainly frightened)--or we could put him down. We took the third unmentioned choice--we took him back home and loved him while letting him die in the place and among the people he loves. (They told us what to do for discomfort, and he wasn't in great pain.) He had a good death, and though it was difficult, I'm glad we did it. It's what I hope someone will do for me some day.

You will want to ask yourself (and the vet, who knows what the likely outcomes are)--if they find a tumor, will you be willing to put him through the pain and fear of surgery? Is it likely to give him a good chance at a longer, happy life--or is it just drawing things out when the ending is going to be the same anyway? If it were you, what would you want for yourself? (you as a dog, I mean, not getting into the euthanasia debate)

Choose the most loving thing to do under the circumstances you know better than any of us, and love him as much as you can in whatever time you have left. It helps so much when you're grieving afterward--whenever that day comes-- to be able to look back and say, "At least we were able to do x for him."

[Votive]

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :

Woo-hoo, Stan has eaten his first meal since Thursday morning! He walked round and round one of the other cats' dishes, and then suddenly started eating what she had left, which was quite a lot. I left him to it and he's finished most of it, even pulling the dish towards him with his paw, which is his usual old behaviour.

Even if he is definitely going gaga and doesn't have long left (months?) I am so pleased that he's done this. Thank you, kind shipmates, for listening to me [Smile]

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

Bless him and you [Votive]

May I use this thread to talk about losing a dog in a different way?

Gypsy (Guide Dog Puppy) is nearly 12 months old and will leave me to go to Big School in June or July. I have brought her up and trained her since she was 10 weeks old. She goes everywhere with me. Our bond is very close (see my blog).

She is going to be absolutely fine - they adore being at school, I see the big dogs there every week and its tail wagging all the way! But I am going to miss her very much when she goes. I kiss her nose every day and tell her "You are not mine, but I love you dearly and will never forget you. You will very soon have very special work to do and a lovely new owner to look after. Please remember me now and again in your dreams"

I'm going to be heartbroken [Tear]

and could do with some prayers for strength, common sense and fortitude.

Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :

It's horrible to lose an animal in any circumstances - we have genuinely lost some, had others killed and had to have some put to sleep. All you can do is realise that it is part of our duty as stewards to treat them with love, kindness and respect, and, if it comes to it, ensuring they don't suffer pain.
Hope Stan Lee makes a dramatic recovery. [Votive]

Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :

Stan Lee's symptoms sound very similar to our cat Manda's when she was about 15 years old. She was diagnosed as diabetic - with meds she lived another 4 /5 years of good life. Whatever it is, I pray that you will be able to make an appropriate decision.

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

I can't offer advice; I've never been a pet-owner, so I'll just offer my prayers.

[Votive]

for all here, and their furry friends.

Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :

I have had cats for most of my adult life. There was the lovely Harriet, who produced several litters and was a delight.

At the age of about 17 she was diagnosed with a tumour in her abdomen,which was duly removed. A few months later, I could feel more tumours on the other side of the operation scar. They were removed, as were a third set which appeared after that.

I asked the vet at which point she should be put down, and he replied "You will know." The moment came when it appeared that she had lost a dramatic amount of weight almost overnight, and was having difficulty jumping to and from chairs and tables. It was sad, but clearly the time to say goodbye.

We were always given post operative advice, to keep the cat quiet in a darkened room etc. Harriet obviously never read the advice, as she would leap energetically from the cat carrier - this is 24 hours after the op - dash up the stairs and continue life as normal. This is why we continued with the operations. They bought her an extra year of life, and cost me c.£1,000 in total.

It was her quality of life which determined this process. I don't think I could face watching an animal suffer.

It seems that Stan Lee is having an upswing, which must be a great relief to you, Pine Martin. I do hope it continues. [Votive]

[ 10. May 2015, 04:52: Message edited by: jacobsen ]

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :

Thank you, one and all. I think Stan Lee actually hadn't eaten from Wednesday morning, not Thursday, so that was almost four days. He has certainly improved a lot, and although he hates taking his pills they do seem to be doing him good.

He is still wandering, but not so much, and he is more responsive to his name being called, and has vocalised a bit.

I think he probably is in his twilight days (but not yet, not yet!) and we'll see what the vet says on Tuesday. We are still waiting for his test results, so maybe they will be in on Tuesday.

And he really can't go yet, he's still got some more Marvel superhero films to produce [Biased]

Posted by Arethosemyfeet (# 17047) on :

Judging from our 15 year old staffie, dementia can go on for a long time before it becomes seriously problematic. It's been noticeable in her for 3-4 years now - she stops and stares for a while and needs to be reminded where she is and what she's doing. It's happening more and more often, but it's going to be a race to see whether that or the arthritis catches up with her first.

Posted by Schroedinger's cat (# 64) on :

As with people, there can be all sorts of problems - life-limiting illnesses - that they can get and suffer with for while before something finally becomes too much. And they can be periodic. And it can be hard to watch (with both animals and humans).

It is the time that you have to be caring for them even more that usual. And, when the time comes, to know that being kind can also be very hard.

Posted by Twilight (# 2832) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:
Gypsy (Guide Dog Puppy) is nearly 12 months old and will leave me to go to Big School in June or July. I have brought her up and trained her since she was 10 weeks old. She goes everywhere with me. Our bond is very close (see my blog).

I'm going to be heartbroken and could do with some prayers for strength, common sense and fortitude.

Holy cow, Boogie, what a sad thing. I've sometimes wondered how people do what you've just done with the guide dogs and I have so much respect for your willingness to put yourself through this wrench for the sake of some person you don't know.
[Overused]

As to the OP, our cat lost weight, seemed disoriented and lethargic about a year ago and it turned out to be diabetes. He's been fat and happy ever since he started on insulin.

That's to give you a glimmer of hope, but your doc probably already tested for that. I agree with everything SC has said.

My personal decision on this sort of thing is to weigh, not only quality of life against the cost and pain of procedures,but also quantity of expected life. My ex-husband, extreme cat lover of seven cats, is getting ready to spend thousands of dollars on a life saving operation for one of his cats who is 17 years old. I just wouldn't, I don't think.

Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :

Glad to hear Stan Lee has rallied. Let us know how you get on at the vet's tomorrow.

Boogie - I'm someone else who hadn't until now given much thought to the emotional cost on someone who trains those wonderful dogs for the blind. Praying for you and all the family (I'm sure Tatze will miss Gypsy too) that you'll be as prepared as you can be. It will be right to grieve, though - she'll leave a big gap in your home and heart. [Votive]

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :

I'm glad to say that Stan continues to improve and put on weight. It still looks like a small tumour causing the problem (it's not diabetes) but his medication has shrunk inflammation and is obviously doing him good. At least we are prepared now for whatever happens in the future, be it sooner or much later.

He's going back for another check up next week.

[Votive]

for Stan Lee, and all our lovely companions and those who care for, foster, or are owned by them [Smile]

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :

Glad to hear about Stan Lee, Pine Martin.

Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :

So pleased to hear about Stan Lee. [Smile]

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

I suspect that we cherish dogs because their unblemished souls make us wish - consciously or unconsciously - that we were as innocent as they are, and make us yearn for a place where innocence is universal and where the meanness, the betrayals, and the cruelties of this world are unknown.”

― Dean Koontz

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :

I'm afraid that my lovely Stan Lee is gone. He had a weird turn last night, and started wandering again this morning. At one point his eyes went very strange, and I thought then that his time had come.

He was booked to have his ears examined under sedation this morning, so while he was sedated, we talked his future over with the vet as the steroids and antibiotics etc were not working any more, and he was continuing to lose weight. We agreed to let him drift off, so the vet very gently gave him more anaesthetic, and he was gone, very peacefully and without pain.

The vet was very sympathetic, the nurse hugged us, and gave us a red rose to bury with him. Goodnight, Stan, my sweet moggy [Votive]

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

Sorry to hear that, PM.

RIP, Stan Lee. [Votive]

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :

[Tear]

I'm sorry.

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

[Tear]

sorry to hear this [Tear]

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :

Very sad [Tear]

Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :

[Waterworks]

So sorry PM.

Posted by Pomona (# 17175) on :

[Votive]

So sorry, PM. I hope it can be some comfort that he had such a gentle and pain-free passing.

We've talked about cats and dogs, but small and/or exotic animals can be very difficult and expensive to treat, and hard to get insurance for. My best friend has guinea pigs and one was extremely ill last year with a respitory infection. Fortunately she pulled through, but she had to be in an oxygen tent and is now on medication, probably for the rest of her life. Bear in mind that she is about 3 years old, and guinea pigs can actually live for up to 12 years - much more long-lived than most pet rodents (bunnies aren't rodents). She and the other piggies are just as loved as a cat or a dog.

Posted by Schroedinger's cat (# 64) on :

Pine Marten - nice way for Stan Lee to go, but it is still hard for you. Hugs and sympathy. It sucks.

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :

Thank you, kind shipmates.

We buried Stan earlier under the cherry tree, with the red rose the nurse gave us, and a yellow rose and a sprig of jasmine from our garden. I imagine him now playing with all his mates, and making the angels laugh. Our furry friends are so much a part of us, and I am thankful for all the years of love, affection and fun that Stan Lee (and all the others we have had) gave us.

Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :

I'm so sorry about Stan Lee. The way you've marked his passing is lovely.

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :

My sympathies for you all. So sorry to hear this.

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :

So sorry for your loss.

Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :

So sorry, Pine Marten. I'm sure my dear Pumpkin will be playing Mousie with Stan Lee about now! And probably mithering St Roch and his dog!
Scroll down to September 16th 2009 - 3rd post to find out more!

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :

Thank you, Dormouse, that was a lovely reading [Frown]

...your heart can be full with the love and fun that you’ve shared. Oh, yes indeed.

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :

I have a 14 year old cat who was throwing up and losing weight. Vet visit ended with not sure what is going on. Tests all neg. She has been on steroids for over a year now and did improve. I also on my own put her on grain free cat food diet. In the last six months she has started chewing out her hair. Back to vet. No answer as to what is wrong. Took her to another vet for second opinion. His suggestion was drive her 120 miles round trip to cat skin specialist. Who knew there was such a thing? She hates the car, she hates the vet, I no longer drive on freeways and would need to find someone to drive me. Vet 2 said they may indeed not find anything wrong and may need a number of tests and visits. They may put her on anti anxiety drugs. ( What does she have to be worried about?) No changes in her home or routine. She seems to be sleeping a lot more then usual, but she does not seem to be in discomfort, and I am thinking this seems like more then I want to deal with. Feeling like just keeping her home and as long as she does not seem in pain to just let her be. The other part of me of course says, " I need to do all I can to try and get to the bottom of this. " Being a pet owner is never easy. Any one have experience with a barbering cat?

Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :

I have a cat who has always (periodically) ripped out chunks of his hair. The vets have always told me not to worry - it's just something he does.

Pine Marten - so sorry about Stan Lee.

I have one cat AWOL at the moment. Hoping that someone, and not something, has happened to him, but not confident. [Frown]

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Kittyville:

I have one cat AWOL at the moment. Hoping that someone, and not something, has happened to him, but not confident.

Oh no

Years ago we had a cat which went missing from time to time - it turned out she had two homes and when they were away they put her in kennels! (I hope she didn't get two lots of vaccinations etc as well!)

Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :

When my cat began chewing the base of his tail it turned out he had blocked anal glands so was experiencing discomfort - the vet likened it to hemaroids. He's been fine since being put on steroids.

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :

Thanks Kittyville that is hopeful. May all pets who have lost their way come to find their home and bed.

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

I hope any lost cats come home too. One of my sister's cats, Meeka, who is around 11 went missing on Friday. They had been on holidays for two weeks and usually I housesit for them, but couldn't this time, so a friend of theirs looked after the cats while my mum dog-sat their dog Rosie at her place.

The sitter had seen Meeka around midday on Friday, but when the family got back Friday night he did not come in. They thought perhaps it was because the dog was back - they have had her for about 10 months and she chases the cats so they don't like her. So they weren't too worried at first, thinking he would come back when he was hungry.

He has come home tonight, but the news is not all good. My sister had to drag him out from under her car and found he has quite bad injuries, perhaps from being attacked by a large dog (not hers thankfully as she is a small dog and never actually hurts the cats). He is in the vet overnight on an IV drip and antibiotics and we will find out the prognosis in the morning.

Please pray he is okay. My sister lost a puppy to a brain haemorrhage early last year and her other cat is around 12 and has a lot of health issues so may not have much longer either (although that cat, Ebony, seems to have nine lives and has lived through many a bad prognosis from the vet after illnesses, allergies, possum attacks and medications with serious side effects).

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

Just reading an update from my sister and Meeka is 13 so even more risky to have injuries at that age. I guess that means Ebony is 14, which is pretty good considering the lives she's used up.

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

Sorry to triple post but I have an update. The vet expects Meeka to be ok, but he may never fully recover. So he should live, but may have some disabilities/health issues for life.

Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :

Poor Meeka. What an ordeal for all of them.

Posted by churchgeek (# 5557) on :

My sister's dog needs a total mastectomy, which my sister can't afford. They're not sure all the lumps are cancerous, but I guess for some reason they can't biopsy them all. The dog is a German Shepherd - I think she's 8 or thereabouts - and her name is Bri, if anyone wants to keep her in their prayers. Her prognosis is good if she has the surgery.

Any advice?

Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :

All sick pets are in my thoughts.
[Votive]

Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :

Are there any animal charities near your sister that might be able to help, churchgeek? The local Humane Society might offer free or reduced-cost surgery, maybe?

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

Thanks for kind thoughts and prayers for Meeka. The vet says he can go home once he has eaten - they think he hasn't eaten or drunk any water while he was gone and has been out in the cold winter weather. On top of that they think that as well as being bitten on the head by a large dog he was also bitten by a venomous spider or snake! I think he has now topped his friend Ebony for using up his nine lives.

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :

I'm going in to the vet shortly to send my kitty, Squeaky Bear, over the rainbow bridge. He has been getting more and more fragile, and now he can hardly walk. The vet thinks it's kidney failure, but I couldn't afford the tests let alone the treatments which would likely skyrocket. So I took him home. I've been giving him as good a time as possible. He was a rescue from when a neighbor got evicted. When she started hurriedly packing up, he freaked and wouldn't let her take him. She asked me to feed him on my patio. I did, and she made several attempts to pick him up, but no dice. My roommate and I eventually lured him inside and he's been my baby for nine years. My guess is that he is somewhere around sixteen.

He is called Squeaky Bear because he is a constant talker and he has always carried himself like a bear. I'm going to miss him so much.

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :

Sorry to hear this. It is very hard, sometimes, having pets.

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

Sorry to hear that Lyda Rose. You gave him as wonderful nine years as he gave you and it's hard to make that decision to say goodbye.

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :

I'm sorry, Lyda Rose.

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :

Thank you so much.

Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :

So sorry, Lyda*Rose. What Mili said.

Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :

[Votive]

for you & Squeaky Bear.

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :

So sorry Lyda Rose.

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

Sorry to hear that, Lyda Rose. [Frown]

RIP Squeaky Bear. [Votive]

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :

I've just caught up with this - I'm so sorry, Lyda*Rose, and [Votive]

for Squeaky Bear.

My son asked the other day if we were going to get any more cats, but I said no, it's too emotionally draining. We still have the two girls, our rescue cat Mandy who's only 5, and our old girl Molly, who's 17.

[ 28. June 2015, 15:23: Message edited by: Pine Marten ]

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

Georgie-Porgy fat'n'fluffy is sneezing a lot. I sneezed over her now it's her turn to sneeze over me. She has had her cat flu vaccinations, so I think it's just a cold. However if it continues a visit to the vet may be in order, despite her complaining about it.

Huia

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :

Huia, don't let her see your post or she may go off in a huff. We had one cat who was able to read my mind and count days. He always knew when it was time for a dose of flea medicine on his neck. If I went near the cupboard where it was kept and he saw me, he was out of kitchen in a flash.

We had three cats at the time and I always had to do him first. If he could smell it on the others he would hide.

Posted by luvanddaisies (# 5761) on :

Not sick, but missing. One of our cats, Jasmine, has gone missing. She's never been outside before - they were speyed on July 1st in preparation for letting them out, and then on 4th July my flatmate had left a low down window open and unattended, and we think that just before she went to bed and closed the window Jasmine, who is impulsive, curious, and has the common sense of a potato, must have fallen out.

We've leafleted all the houses in the street, been out calling and searching, but nothing. The window is on the first floor, so she could well have hurt herself when she fell, and if she was there dazed then a fox could easily have taken her. I was hoping that maybe someone might have found her yesterday and taken her in to take her to the vet this morning to find out where she came from, but nothing [Frown]

Her sister is all confused as they've never been apart before . I'm still hoping that maybe she might turn up, but the longer it is, the less likely. She's not keen on being picked up, and though she's curious she's still a nervous little being, so I don't know if she'll come out of a hiding place if she's gone to ground.

[Tear]

Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :

Fingers crossed for Jasmine's speedy return, luvanddaisies.

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

I hope Jasmine returns safe and sound.

In good news, I looked after Meeka, Ebony and Rosie on the weekend and Meeka is doing really well. He is no longer limping, is able to jump up on couches and beds and his eyes are back to normal. He even ran a bit (though slowly) now and then. He is still housebound and may be for life, though he was looking outside curiously at one point.

Rosie, my sister's small dog, is still trying to play with him which he does not like, but he is now braver around her which means she cannot chase him as he stands his ground. All three pets spent time in the lounge room together which never happened previously as the cats were scared of and annoyed by the dog.

I'm not sure if it is this incident that has led to the 'friendlier' relations between the cats and the dog, with Meeka being in the house all the time, or if it is also because Ebony is also mainly inside at the moment due to cold weather.

Meeka still looks a bit sad as he half his head and neck were shaved by the vet and his hair has not all grown back yet, but he has recovered amazingly well given his age and the severity of the injuries and possible poisoning by a venomous creature.

Posted by Brenda Clough (# 18061) on :

My orange tabby Tiger (unimaginatively named by me, because my daughter called him Fuego and I had problems with the Spanish) became desperately ill just before the weekend and has spent four days at the vet. Wow, that is one eye-popping vet bill! He is now over getting an ultrasound, to see what is going on in his bladder.
I am worried that (a) he has some major illness and (b) we will be bankrupt paying to treat it. I can easily draw the line if they propose a major operation like a kidney transplant. (Even my tender-hearted husband agrees that paying $10K for a new feline kidney is not on.) But I may well be nibbled to death by ducks here, bill by bill by vet bill.

Posted by luvanddaisies (# 5761) on :

She's home! She's turned up! Flatmate went to sit on the doorstep and call her just before going to bed, and she appeared.
She doesn't seem any the worse for it, but will take her for a check up tomorrow anyway.
Her sister Daisy is sniffing at her a lot and looking unsure; she must smell different. I wish Jasmine could speak; I'd love to know where she's been the last two days and two nights.

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :

YAY! [Yipee]

Posted by luvanddaisies (# 5761) on :

So now our little kitties, who are sisters, and who've always been pretty close, seem to not want to be in the same room as each other - and when they do come into contact there's the odd minor hissing episode.
Jasmine, who's been missing, seems not too bothered, but her sister Daisy is really unchuffed and doesn't want to tolerate her.

Jasmine's off to the vet with my flatmate this afternoon (I'll be at work by then, they didn't have any appointments for this morning) for a checkup to make sure she's alright and that the scar from her having been speyed last week hasn't got infected or anything (it looks ok, and she seems ok, but just making sure), but what to do about this sudden antipathy?

They usually get on fine, and they'll sometimes groom each other, and they're often sleeping side by side or investigating a fly or a cat-toy together. Maybe it'll pass once the scent of whatever is different about her wears off - or maybe Daisy decided that the house was her territory in its entirety while Jasmine was away. She did seem unsettled though while her sister was gone, so we assumed she was missing her.

Posted by ElaineC (# 12244) on :

You could get some Feliway - it's a supposed to calm cats down or tell the vet as they may recommend something.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

I have read about this happening, and about cats needing to sort out their relationship anew if one comes back smelling differently from what it did previously.

You could try rubbing them with each other's smell. Rub each of them under the chin and around the face with a cloth then rub the cloths on the other cat.

I've never had this happen, but the "smell swap" is meant to work. Feliway may work too, but it's more expensive.

Huia

Xposted with Elaine [Smile]

[ 07. July 2015, 11:31: Message edited by: Huia ]

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

Oh dear.

Twiglet is in hospital [Tear]

She was right as rain until 11am, when she had her second feed. Then awful runny diarrhea and vomiting. She soon became lethargic and dehydrated. I took her straight to the vet and they sent me to the veterinary hospital, luckily both are very nearby.

She is on a drip and four different medications - they tested her for Parvo virus and it isn't that, thank goodness.

[ 08. July 2015, 20:38: Message edited by: Boogie ]

Posted by Chocoholic (# 4655) on :

[Votive]

for Twiglet and you Boogie.

Luvandaisies - one of the cat food makers makes calming biscuits which they might like?

(Standard disclaimer, not professional advice etc)

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

Boogie, that sounds nasty. I hope twiglet is recovering.

Georgie-Porgy is no longer sneezing, which is a relief. This winter is colder than usual and she is spending more time inside, under the flow of the heat pump.

Huia

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :

A quick recovery for Twiglet.

Huia, we used to have three cats, a mother and her two sons. The mother liked her comforts and would sit in from of the big gas heater enjoying the warmth. If there was an unseasonably cold day in autumn or spring she would sit there, glaring at it as she could not feel the warmth from it.

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

Thank you all.

I went to visit her this morning and she has definitely perked up. She may be allowed home this evening if all goes well. She wasn't eating, so I took some of her own food and she wolfed it down!

She looks a picture in her tiny puppy elizabethan collar, bless her.

Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on :

Oh best puppy wishes for the little Twiglet... (and for you too, Boogie!) She looks absolutely adorable in her pics - here's hoping she bounces back quickly from whateveritis.

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :

I have been worrying all night, and this was the first thing I checked this morning (it's 6 a.m. here in AZ) -- before even checking my email! I am soooo glad that sweet, precious puppy is doing better! Have they determined what the problem was?

[Yipee]

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

Poor Twiglet - I hope she feels better soon. [Votive]

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:
Have they determined what the problem was?

It looks like it was a tummy bug, but they only know the things it wasn't - ie what they tested for.

She still can't come home until she has done a normal poo - but all is heading in the right direction, thankfully [Smile]

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :

Good news, Boogie.

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

Twiglet is home and back to her bouncy puppy self - hurrah!

[Yipee]

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:
Twiglet is home and back to her bouncy puppy self - hurrah!

Thanks for the wonderful news!
[Yipee]

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

Yay for Twiglet! [Yipee]

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

Good to hear about Twiglet. Unfortunately my sister's bad run with pet luck has continued [Frown]

I just got a message from her and the words 'put down' jumped out at me. I thought at first Meeka had taken a turn for the worse, but it is Ebony her other cat who has had to be put down.

She was fourteen and had had a number of health issues for quite a few years, but had seemed to be going along ok for an oldish cat. The vet had previously said that she has aged prematurely due to health issues. It turns out she was spending more time inside because she was unwell again. She had not pooed for a number of days and started breathing funny so my sister took her to the vet. She has also lost weight lately.

The vet felt a lump in her intestines which would need a scan to identify and surgery costing at least $1000 to maybe fix, but maybe not depending on what the lump was. Given Ebony's age and poor health, my sister made the difficult decision to put her down [Frown]

.

She was a rescue kitten who started life on the streets and was always a little aloof, except with my sister's husband. She has had a great life with them and certainly used up all 9 of her cat lives with various health issues and run ins with feral cats and possums. Please pray for my sister, her husband and kids as they deal with this loss.

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :

So sad to hear about Ebony.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

[Votive]

Ebony's family.

Some time ago Georgie-Porgy had a lump in her intestines and had a scan, but fortunately it was just a thickening of the intestinal walls that can happen as cats get older.

Huia

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :

So sorry to hear about Ebony.

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

Sorry to hear that, Mili, but your sister and brother-in-law obviously gave Ebony a good life.

RIP. [Votive]

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

So sorry to hear about Ebony Mili [Votive]

for all who will miss her.

Twiglet is bouncy, well and a total poppet! She is really laid back and accepts whatever is happening with no complaints. She goes to sleep at night - no shouting - and I wake her up at 7am!

Here is a video of Twiglet and Tatze playing with a toy raccoon (skunk?)

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :

Thanks for all the sympathy everyone.

And the cute video, Boogie. Hope the guide dogs in training do better than the one my friend cared for last year. His name was Raffa and he was a gorgeous dog, but failed not only the tests to be a guide dog but also any other sort of assistance dog as he suffered too much from separation anxiety. Apparently his whole litter was the same. Luckily there is a long waiting list to buy the labs who fail the tests as pets so he has gone to be a great pet dog for a family.

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

Twiglet's adorable - she hasn't quite got her traction-control sorted out on the wooden floor yet, has she? [Smile]

Posted by Brenda Clough (# 18061) on :

After a frightening health crisis and nearly dying on the front walk, Tiger Cat seems to have recovered entirely. We tried to drop some flea medication on his neck yesterday and he outran both of us handily. He is now on an expensive canned food for the rest of his life, but he's Not Dead Yet. (But you should see my vet bill!)

Posted by ElaineC (# 12244) on :

Glad to hear Tiger Cat has recovered.

I've had some huge vet bills in the past too. I now have 4 senior kitties, two of which are going to need dental treatment soon.

I wouldn't be without a furry presence in my home.

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ElaineC:
... I wouldn't be without a furry presence in my home.

Neither would I - that's why we have lots of teddy-bears. [Big Grin]

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