Hi Laurie
I have been composing a reply to your post for a long time.
It is so difficult to know what the right time is. I think MC's
advise; "a day too early, rather than five minutes too late" is
the best I have ever heard.
I am still wracked with the incredible guilt I felt in treating my 18
year old
for arthritis when she in fact had a tumor at the base of her spine
that was
causing her lameness. The end of her life must have been so painful
and I
still have nightmares about it.
I wish none of us ever had to make these decisions but "a day too soon"
allows a dying cat some dignity, which is what they teach us.
Jane
On Aug 12, 2009, at 1:43 PM, Lorrie wrote:
Hi Sharyl,
I agree completely... I always start treatment on a sick cat.
My CRF cat is hand fed (assist fed, not force fed) every 2 or
three hours all day. He gets his meds, and I'll try fluids sub Q.
when my vet feels he needs them. So far he is thriving, his coat has
improved, he's gained weight and he is still enjoying life.
What I meant was, I think the time comes when we have to acknowledge
the fact that we can do no more for our cats. Trying to keep them
alive
when they are obviously dying is not right. Sorry if I came across
wrong to anyone. By all means try treatments, but when the end is
near let them go in peace.
Lorrie
On 08-12, Sharyl wrote:
Lorrie, Just a comment about CRF kitties. My Pequita was dx with
CRF over 3 yrs ago. She'll be 17 this Oct. She has been on meds
and daily sub q fluids for most of those 3 yrs. I assist feed her
several times per day. She will only eat from a baby spoon. I do
the meds, feedings and fluids on her terms and she is doing fine.
Often when a kitty crashed they are are very resistant to
treatment. It is all new and strange for them. Once the person
develops a treatment schedule things usually go a lot better. Like
people, cats like to know what is going to happen and when it is
going to happen.
I just don't want people here to think that treating CRF or any
chronic disease should not be attempted. Each kitty is unique and
will respond to treatment plans differently. Often members of the
CRF group are in a panic mode and are still dealing with a kitty in
crisis. You don't know how yours will respond until you try.
Whatever problem our beloved companions have we need to remember to
love them and treasure each day we have together. Sharyl
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