Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wanted to let you know this may be Pookey's last week. He went in for a check-up last month and we were marveling how well he was doing -- very healthy for 19. The only concern was the nasal issue that began in January, but had been essentially dormant since (no significant symptoms). Well, his nasal issues showed back up.

He breathes very heavy/rough/congested when he isn't laying still. Fortunately, he is still a lot napping as cats will be, so he isn't constantly struggling with his breathing. The vet thinks it is just a nasal infection, or an infection and the polyp kicking back in. Started him on two different types of antibiotics throughout last week, but he can't keep either liquid or pills down. He hasn't eaten/drank on his own for a week, since last Friday (I help him eat and drink). Since he could not keep the antibiotics down and they could significantly improve him, we are trying one last thing in the hopes it is just the nasal infection. He was given a several day antibiotic shot last night (can't throw that up) and anti-nausea meds.

I am going to continue to work with him this week, but the vet and I decided that if he isn't better by the end of next week (breathing clearer, eating/drinking on his own), we will say goodbye to him Friday afternoon. Next Friday would make two weeks of not eating/drinking on his own and not improving with meds. He's 19 and may not pull out of this infection like he would if he was younger. We aren't running any extensive tests due to his age. Either the antibiotics clear it up or she feels he just will not get better/pull out of it.

I am hoping for the best. I know the time is coming due to age anyway, but it will be tough to lose him after all these years of his being my constant shadow. Should know by mid-week if he has any improvements. Antibiotic shot probably won't really start to kick in until tomorrow to show any signs, per the vet.

I'll let you know the end of next week which way it goes.
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Tammy and Pookey
(Stanley 8/91 - 8/07)

When I came home tonight from grocery shopping, I heard Pookey meow and saw him trying to walk to me -- his left front leg was weak/wobbly, he couldn't put weight on it. Took him to the vet and right after getting there, his nose started bleeding. The vet said it appeared the polyp or mass or whatever was no longer dormant in his nose area and he would not be getting better -- the leg was a symptom of it pressing on nerves in the brain, the bloody nose, as well. I was with him thru the end. As I was leaving, the vet came rushing out and let me know that he was able to get a better view, move his tongue around, and he had a large mass under his tongue. He said I did the right thing and gave me a big hug.

The vet said something that made my decision easier and also sad. He said he was staying alive just to be with me, to be near me. He was in pain, but would struggle to stay alive. And he was right. Everything he did was to be near me. He followed me everywhere. Even in the end. He was stretching towards me...

It is awful without him. I've already put up a good bit of his stuff so I don't have to wake to it in the morning. The house is bare and quiet. No kitty beds on the couch. Heavy, sad stuff. But I'll get thru it. I remember it seemed like a mausoleum in the house for a year after Stanley passed (it has been 3 years already), even with Pookey here.

It is easier if I don't talk about it, so this will probably be my last post about Pookey.
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Tammy and Pookey
(Stanley 8/91 - 8/07)

Tammy,

I totally understand and you really have my sympathy - been there and done that - more than once and it never gets any easier.
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Boris's Human, Pam

I am so sorry. You did everything you could for him, and he repaid you with total love. Hugs, and GLOWS. No cat could have asked for a better momma. He will send you another kitty to fill the void.

Thank you for your kind words. It is very quiet in the house. I am having to learn new routines. I miss him so...
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Tammy
(Stanley 8/91 - 8/07)
(Pookey 8/91 - 11/10)

Tammy, I'm so sorry to hear about Pookey's death. My deepest sympathies to you. You had him for such a long time and I know how you must be feeling now. You are in my thoughts and prayers
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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!

Thank you, Ruby. It has been 3 months now and it is still very quiet in the house and I do miss him so. I am not ready for another cat, but I do feel an occasional pull to get another to love.

Tammy
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Tammy
(Stanley 8/91 - 8/07)
(Pookey 8/91 - 11/10)