Melissa, I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about Growler. I can well understand how the fact she was your first taming success makes losing her even harder to bear. It is such an agonizing decision, to have a kitty put to sleep. My own feeling is that if life has become painful and pleasureless, and without hope of improvement, it is by far the kindest to do. You loved and cared for her from the day she came into your life, and from everything you say, it was truly the best final gift you could give her. love and hugs to you, Melissa, and hoping you're comforted by the good memories of your precious time with Growler, Kerry
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 11:42 AM To: [email protected] Subject: third try, Growler is gone The kidney workup came back normal and the CBC came back normal, if indicative of an FeLV positive status (slightly anemic, slightly elevated white blood cell count, all normal for an FeLV positive cat). The doctor was able to rule out infection and kidney problems, leaving two real options: either Growler had suffered a traumatic injury to her spine (and one which didn't show up on an x-ray and which would require invasive testing to diagnose), or the FeLV had invaded her bone marrow and in particular her spine. The doctor stated that he had only seen the latter happen once in an FeLV cat, but the symptoms seemed similar. The pain meds and steroid only made a minimal difference at first and gradually, her condition worsened. She was confined to a crate for crate rest but even still, she got to a point where she wouldn't move and where if I pinched her back feet she made no effort to pull them away. She still had neurologic function in the legs and feet, but she was otherwise in too much pain or too weak to respond. Her condition was stressful to witness and began, I believe, to distress the other animals in the house. Even Wynnie, a hostile cat at best, worriedly passed Growler in the crate and occasionally paced by her. I made the decision this morning not to subject her to invasive testing as treatment would likely not be without risk, and would likely be lengthy and painful with no guarantee of success. I felt she had suffered more than enough and the best I could do was help her to her final rest and peace from pain. It was not a decision I took lightly; Growler is the first animal I have ever personally had euthanized. She was my special little girl, my feisty little runt and mama's kitten. I will miss her sweet little face so very much. She was my first lap cat and my first real taming success. I didn't want to let her go, but I guess Zest needed her more. Melissa in NJ This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
