Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Took Stanley in to the vet Friday, he hasn't been right the past few days. His "brain tumor" really isn't an issue anymore, he hasn't had any symptoms in over a year and a half and we've been able to reduce his steroids to very, low, not even every day.

However, his blood results came back that while his kidney values are holding their own, his kidney failure is catching up to him. His anemia isn't improving, getting worse, on the epogen (anemia) shots she had me try. He's also lost a good bit of weight since I had him in three months ago. I've notice the last week or two his fur has gotten drier... He was dehydrated when I took him in. She gave him fluids and we're starting a fluid (sub-q) treatment every two weeks and she seemed to think he has a good 6 months to a year...

However, he has lost his appetite. She wanted me to feed him whatever he'd eat to get him to eat. I tried an old favorite food, he ate a little Friday night. Since then, the only thing I can get him to eat is soft Kitty treats, and only if I essentially hand feed him. I can coax him to eat a few about three times a day, but he does not eat them on his own (only a couple, maybe, or none at all). I am affraid he won't get his appetite back or eat right.

I am going to call her tomorrow to see if maybe an appetite stimulant. She said Friday they only give if the cat has no appetite, and he is about there. I can only coax him if I push hard a couple times a day...

My fear is, I work long hours. I will probably only be able to coax him to eat in the morning and evening a little. I am also heading to Texas on Saturday. I don't want him to starve to death before my eyes or before the cat sitter's eyes. I can't have her deal with that.

I am going to see what the vet says tomorrow. Maybe the appetite stimulants work. If they don't... Can't have him starve to death. He's lost 3 lbs in about 3 months... She says he's on the down bend, but if he eats OK, he can probably hold his own for a while, but will lose more weight...

I think this week is going to be tough as I won't have him suffer and not eat... We'll see what she says and what happens.

He turned 16 earlier in the week...

I am now concerned about Pookey, as well. He's doing fine, but if I am not here after this week for a week and Stanley isn't here anymore or something happens to Stanley... Regardless, I'll still have the cat sitter come twice a day...
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

{{{Tammy}}}. Maybe the appetite stimulents will help Stanley. Anything is worth a try to get him to eat more. Quentin could afford to send Stanley a couple pounds; if only that were possible. Let us know what the vet says. Good luck with the sub-q fluids.

Ellen

Thanks. He's lost about 3 lbs in three months... Kidney failure is a slow moving disease that oftentimes doesn't show symptoms for a couple years, which is his case. But, as the vet said, it can hit fast when it does show, like it did for him. I don't plan to prolong what is inevitable and plan to make a decision by Wednesday (depending on how he does and what the vet says). I have to keep Pookey in mind and if Stanly just doesn't start eating, I can't have him waste away since he really hasn't eaten much in a few days other than what I force him to and I want a couple days with Pookey before I leave Saturday to focus on him. Regardless, the pet sitter will visit twice a day and if Pookey is alone, a neighbor will also stop over once a day; so he'll have three visits a day to check up on him and should be just fine. Hoping the vet can pull off a miracle tomorrow, but doubting she will based on our discussion Friday -- that he must get his appetite back and eat on his own, nothing else will work if he doesn't...
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

GLOWS for you, Pookey and Stanley too. I know that this is a hard time with hard decisions to make. Will GLOW for you to know what is best for all.
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Tessa Onyx, Foudini, Charlee, Spottie, ShyRaven, Buddy, Tuxie, Widdle Attila Sipowitz, Lizzie, Minnie, ET, Mylo, Penny (We be house cats at last), and Salem, Wicca and Marmalade (We iz also house cats, we guess)and the 5 porch kits also Riley da goggie and Buddha da baby hamster too
Tabitha and Samantha..always in our hearts
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

Tammy, I'm so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you, Stanley and Pookey. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{Tammy}}}
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Ruby and the Kitties
Simba, Samantha, Katrina & KatyKatt
Meow!! Meow!! Meow!! Meow!!

How wonderful to do nothing and then rest afterwards. Meow!

{{{{{{{Tammy}}}}}}}

I am very sorry to hear that Stanley isn't doing well. When I saw that you had posted an update, I was hoping for another positive one.

Anemia can be so hard to deal with in CRF cats. Most of them improve on Epogen, but you always see a few that don't. The anemia alone can be affecting Stanley's appetite. Sometimes transfusions are done in CRF cats, but honestly, I'm not sure I would do that for one of mine unless the cat is doing very well otherwise.

The appetite stimulent is definitely worth a try. Your vet will most likely prescribe Periactin (Cyproheptadine). I have had a couple of cats on this at home and they did pretty well. Steroids can help stimulate appetite also but Stanley has already been on them.

I hope you don't have to make a difficult decision this week, but I have no doubt that you will make the right one for your boy. This is so hard, even for me. I feel as if I know Stanley and I'm about to cry myself. What a very special baby he is.

Please let me know if I can help you in any way. I will be keeping you and your boys in my thoughts and prayers.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Tammy I'm so sorry you are faced with such hard decisions this week. We are sending GLOWS to you, Stanley and Pooky during this difficult time.

Purrs,
Elizabeth

{{Tammy}} I'm sorry you're having to go through this with Stanley. It's so hard to see a chronically ill cat not feeling well. My thoughts and GLOW are with Stanley, Pooky, and you, during this tough time, no matter what happens ...

GLOW ....
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THE MINNESNOWTAKITS
* Nikki * Bayli * Ferris * EmmaJean * Larry *
* Kelby * Russell * Ashli * Remi * Graci *

"I wish the real world would just stop hassling me ..." ~Matchbox20

Talked to the vet. She is having me increase the steroids I already give him -- he may feel better (perk up) and get his appetite back. She said if he doesn't, the steroids should at least make him more comfortable until I bring him in to say good-bye.

I have set up two appointments. One for tomorrow night -- if he just doesn't eat in the next 24 hours on the high dose of steroids, then we agree it is time to say good-bye tomorrow night. I also have an appointment for Thursday morning -- if he does start eating on his own, it will give me a couple days to watch him to makes sure he is on an upswing. If not, if his appetite really doesn't come back, I'll say good-bye to him Thursday morning...

The steroids will ultimately affect his liver, but she says I could get a few more quality weeks with him where he feels better and eats on his own if they work. I am weighing everything while this is going on to make the best decision. I will not let him not eat much longer and have a feeling if he doesn't improve quickly, I'll make the tough decision that is better for him than me...
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

{{{{{Tammy}}}}}

You and Stanley remain in my thoughts and prayers......

PHKitkat

I just wanted to let you know I am taking Stanley in later tonight to say good-bye. I am spending some time with him tonight and going in later. Came home from work early. He didn't respond to the increased Steroids and I talked it over with the vet. He hasn't been eating well for a few days and is slowing down. He didn't touch is food last night (maybe ate a couple pieces I put in front of him, but didn't go on his own). It's been a few days and he is slowing down. She advises tonight, as well. I wanted to let you know now as I won't be in good shape tonight and it might be a couple/few days before I am back on. I did talk to my pet sitter and she'll stop by three times a day next week as will my neighbor, so Pookey will have four visits a day from people checking up on him while I am gone.

I just don't know how I will get thru the visit at the vet tonight and coming home, but I will, so many of us have done this before and will do it again. This decision has been so difficult.
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

I am so, so sorry that you have to say good-bye. I hope Stanley has a peaceful trip to the bridge. You and Pookey will remain in our thoughts this week.

I'm sure I speak for all the board members when I say we're here for you if you need anything.

Purrs,
Elizabeth

I am so sorry about Stanley, he knew he was loved and cared for until he crossed the Bridge.Someday another kit will fill the void, and know that Stanley sent the new little kit. Love and GlOWS to all of you.

I am so sorry that you have to go through this. Glowing for Stanley to have a quick and peaceful trip to the bridge and for you and Pookey's hearts to heal. I have been through this many times and it never ever gets any easier. No matter how long we have them it is never long enough. Sometimes the greatest act of love is letting go and your decision is best for your beloved Stanley although it leaves a big hole in your heart. He knew love and gave love and in the end that is what matters. When you feel like coming back, we will all be here waiting. We will miss him too.....feels like we know him. Go with peace Stanley!! Run free, healthy and happy at the Bridge!!!!

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Tessa Onyx, Foudini, Charlee, Spottie, ShyRaven, Buddy, Tuxie, Widdle Attila Sipowitz, Lizzie, Minnie, ET, Mylo, Penny (We be house cats at last), and Salem, Wicca and Marmalade (We iz also house cats, we guess)and the 5 porch kits also Riley da goggie and Buddha da baby hamster too
Tabitha and Samantha..always in our hearts
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

Tammy, I'm so sorry for you, Stanley and Pookey. We all have known him for so many years and I feel like I'm losing one of my own. My heart just aches for you. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers for Stanley to have a peaceful journey to the bridge and for you to have peace in what you are now going through.
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Ruby and the Kitties
Simba, Samantha, Katrina & KatyKatt
Meow!! Meow!! Meow!! Meow!!

How wonderful to do nothing and then rest afterwards. Meow!

I am so very sorry to read these and also that I am late sending you my wishes. Sometimes work gets in the way and I am out of town as I was this past week. Been there done that as well as many have in this group. And although you hate to have to say those good-byes, you know it was for the best.
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Boris's Human, Pam