SUSAN - Oh my - I'm so sorry. I'm shocked. I just didn't think
about Big Rik going so soon. I just can't imagine him gone. Such a
sweet, wonderful guy. I know he's going to still hang around your
house with you, where he's been for so long. I'm sorry.
Gloria
On Aug 31, 2005, at 8:21 AM, Susan Loesch wrote:
Thank you, Julie. Aren't our old guys wonderful. I am so sad to
have to say that Big Rik died in my arms around 2am this morning.
I had followed up on the suggestion of potassium - talked to my vet
and added it to his SQ fluids. Late yesterday afternoon he seemed
to rally a bit but it didn't last long. He has had this voracious
appetite - scarfed down almost a whole can of cat food when he
seemed to feel a little better yesterday.. I think that in itself
is a sign of something wrong - he was like that for about a week.(I
know that hunger/eating is one of the last functions to be lost -
that a cat will eat up almost to the point of death so I knew it
wasn't really a positive thing. He may have had some thyroid
problems to develop or diabetes. Had I not known his kidneys were
so bad and if he hadn't been in such poor condition I'd have had
blood work done.) In fact I didn't get my hand out of the way
fast enough one day and he chowed down hard on my thumb. I look at
the thumb now and wish I had another opportunity for him to bite me.
Give your Tommy and Sunny hugs from me. I hope they are around for
many, many years but when their time comes I know Big Rik will be
there waitiing for them - they can have the "old folks club".
Based on the amount of SQ fluids he absorbed very quickly over the
last couple of days I think his kidneys just quit. I will
definitely look into the glucosamine/condroitin treats - I have
other older kitties - but at 13-15 they are just kids compared to
Big Rik. Thanks for that information.
Julie Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Dear Susan,
Sending huge amounts of love and good wishes to Big Rik! I adore
the grumpy old men! My Tommy is an old-timer, too, (not even sure
how old), but he's also a bit weak in the hindquarters. My vet
Wendy said it's from losing a bit of muscle mass due to the
combination of age and arthritis. I have some kitty glucosamine/
condroitin but he doesn't like the taste mixed in his food and he
really objects to being pilled. This company does have a treat
formula that I bought for Sunny last year (she's about 105 years
old!) and she wasn't crazy about it, but Tommy likes treats so I
think I'll try it again for him.
http://www.zukes.com/cats/
Give Big Rik a big hug and Tommy and Sunny understand completely
'what a drag it is getting old...'
Love, Julie
Susan Loesch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Please add my 19 1/2 year old Big Rik to the special needs list.
He has been your typical grumpy old man for the last few years, but
incredibly healthy. He has just begun to stay dehydrated enough to
need subQ fluids and I noticed yesterday that his hind quarters are
getting week and unsteady. He's a really fine old fella, felv
negative. thanks
"I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is
to protection by man from the cruelty of man. "
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged
by the way its animals are treated."
Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
Paws Come WITH Claws!!!
If you're thinking about de-clawing your cat, you need to re-think
your decision to acquire a pet.
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