catcountry Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Is at least 14 years old and could possibly be near 15 years old. Over the last month or so I've noticed a change in his eating habbits and behavior. He has lost some weight and sleeps nearly all the time. We have been to the vet and all major things are fine as far as the blood work except his white blood count...it's elevated (infection of some sort). He has been on an antibiotic for 4 days and will be on it for another 10. I have not noticed any difference in him yet. Alternatives to this...x-ray, sonogram...etc...all expensive things. I love him very much and he has been with me for 14+ years but frankly...I'm broke and I can't afford these things. That being said... I have this week off and I will be able to be home and keep an eye on him. As of now he won't eat but he will drink. I was wondering what you all thought about letting him go naturally (if the antibiotic doesn't work)...or having him euthanized. I feel guilty thinking about this but, I was wondering what you all would do in my financial situation. Link to comment
DylanNotorious Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I know you love your cat to bits, but I personally would put the little fella to sleep. He will be better off, and not in any pain. Altho, I know how painful it can be. Link to comment
InvisibleWound Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I got really sad reading this. My parents dog is 11 years old. When I lived at home he was a family pet. My mom paid to get an x ray done and they found out he has cancer My family doesn't have the money to do any treatment for him and just for the x ray, vet visit and meds it was nearly $300 dollars. I think my parents will be having him put down, but not yet as people want to see him. They might wait a long time, I am not sure. its an awful feeling having a pet sick. I think letting a pet die naturally is ok but if the pet is really sick then maybe having it put down is a better option. Don't feel guilty if your broke what can you do? Its a tough decision and I hope I never deal with. I would be so crushed. Link to comment
catcountry Posted July 30, 2011 Author Share Posted July 30, 2011 Yeah...I don't want him to suffer but his quality of life hasn't been so great. I want to give the antibiotic a chance but I don't want to wait too long. I'm okay with letting him go given the way things are going...just feel like I may have waited too long to get him to the vet, maybe had I done it sooner...who knows. He has had a good life with me and his "brother" ( the cat he spent 12 years with...had to let him go almost 2 yrs. ago) is waiting for him, I'm sure. I just don't know when....I think that's my big issue. Link to comment
WockaWocka Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Yeah...I don't want him to suffer but his quality of life hasn't been so great. I want to give the antibiotic a chance but I don't want to wait too long. I'm okay with letting him go given the way things are going...just feel like I may have waited too long to get him to the vet, maybe had I done it sooner...who knows. He has had a good life with me and his "brother" ( the cat he spent 12 years with...had to let him go almost 2 yrs. ago) is waiting for him, I'm sure. I just don't know when....I think that's my big issue. It sounds like his time is indeed coming soon. But unless he's visibly in a lot of pain I wouldn't rush it. He still has another week of antibiotics left, so I'd give those a chance to work. You don't want to feel guilty later about rushing it. He's been a faithful companion all these years. In my opinion it's not too bad to wait and see a bit longer. Link to comment
catcountry Posted July 30, 2011 Author Share Posted July 30, 2011 Thaks guys. He doesn't appear to be in pain. I still pick him up when needed and even tho he's so thin he doesn't cry out like it's painful. I am home with him this week and can keep an eye on him and spend some time with him. He's not eating, he does drink but we mostly bring the water to him. He hasn't lost any more weight since Tuesday. I will re-asses his condition when the antibiotic is done and take it from there unless something happens in the mean time. Hugs Link to comment
BellaDonna Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Hi catcountry. Did they test a fecal sample? Could it be a parasite? I know you mentioned bloodwork was done but I'm not sure if they did that other test as well. Link to comment
Staple Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Why don't you just keep him on antibiotics and see how that goes? Don't just kill it yet until you know for certain he'll die... Link to comment
catcountry Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 @ Staple...thank you for your reply although the thread is like 2 weeks old. I didn't "KILL IT" as you so put it. I believe there is a difference between killing an animal and having an animal put to sleep in a non painful way. Especially since they are unable to tell you what is going on with them. If you have ever had an animal in your life for any extended amount of time then you know there is a time whrn you have to decide to let them go for them or fight to keep them for you. I chose not to be selfish. I gave the antibiotics a chance and did what I could. Alas, my Oliver is gone and having a blast with his brother somewhere over the rainbow bridge. Link to comment
HeartGoesOn Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 As heartbreaking as it is, you made the right choice, Cat. I had to put my cat down two weeks ago, and I understand your pain. I'm sorry for your loss. Link to comment
SnowFox Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 so sorry to hear about your kitty!!! even though we all know animals eventually die, its always sad to lose our little furry friends. Remind yourself that you gave him a happy, comfortable life during the years he spent on this planet. So many animals are abused, neglected, or in shelters. ((Oliver)) ((catcountry)) Link to comment
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