Lisa,
Oh my dear, you are so truly welcome. We all really do understand,
we've been through it, and are going through it, too. I'm sorry you are
still having so much trouble assist-feeding Kitty. He sounds like he
still has a strong mind of his own! Have you been offering him really
yummy treats in tiny portions to see if he'll eat on his own? Have you
tried KFC chicken? Sit down next to him and take a bite, offer him a
little bit directly from your mouth, chew it up a bit if you have to,
(sorry if this grosses you out, but I'll do anything to get them to
eat!). Sometimes getting them started on junk kick-starts them eating
again. How is his overall condition? Is he still hiding from you?
Does he groom himself and engage in any of his normal activities? Do
think about Belinda's suggestion about the feeding tube. It sounds
horrendous, but from all I've heard, the kitties actually come to enjoy
feeding time. And there's the added bonus of not having to pill them
their meds. Not to mention, he'll stop running when you enter the
room. If it will keep Kitty strong enough while you fight his illness,
it's worth considering.
I know how frustrating it is to have to take a "wait and see" approach
to Kitty's care. Every moment that ticks by with actually engaging in
an activity that may help him can be tortuous. I don't know anything
about "Active Uveitis". Have you gotten on the web to research it? I
can firmly attest to benefiting far more from animal guardians,
(owners), that find themselves in similar predicaments, than the very
best vets I've been too. Even a good vet can't possibly be current on
everything, they should welcome anything you discover that may help.
Hang in there, you and your husband sound like such wonderful, caring
people. I'm sorry you had to find us, but I'm very pleased to have made
a new friend in you.
Nina
Elizabeth Paz wrote:
Nina thank you for.........
Please try to get a hold of your emotions. I completely
understand about tearing up at just the thought of losing him,
I really do get it. It's easier said than done, but those
strong panicky emotions don't help anyone. Put the energy into
resolving to fight for him to recover! Do your best to not
mourn him before he's gone. He's still here, right beside you,
(well, okay at this point he may be hiding under the bed!).
Enjoy each moment you have with him still in the physical.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, square your shoulders and
commit to him and yourself to do everything you can to help
him. What else can we do?<<<<<<<<
What a wonderful message, you got me back on the "Sane" path
again........Still having a problem with the feeding and I must admit
hubby and I get hit with most of the food (Kitty is a head shaker) but
we are still trying and giving him lots of love, as usual. But
explain to him what we are doing and if he could help us. But he has
a look in his eyes that says, "In Your Dreams" but we will keep trying.
The Ophthalmologist told us that he has Active Uveitis, but wants to
hold back the prednisone from his eyes for now, unless of course that
the eyes change for the worst. 2 yrs ago he ended up with 5 Corneal
Ulcers, she said she was sure they were cause by taking prednisone
orally and using it at the same time in his eyes. I know there may
be no other way, it is such a catch 22 with Kitty having the FELV, but
as I said Nina she wants to wait about a wek to see if the oral meds
kick in and also help his eyes. She asked me to keep my eye on him
for any changes in the eyes.
My own Vet will be back on the 8th of this month so I will get Kitty
back there and get a real good check up, then we will be going back to
the ophtho in 2 weeks, now during this waiting period I must get the
food into my wee boy. Spoon, finger, syringe what ever works.
Thank you for all your help Nina, and especially for the shake into
reality.
Your friend Lisa.
