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Posted by Nimby (U10681114) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
My cat, Duchess, is nearing the end of her long life I feaR........
She is very lethargic this morning, trying to wee with little success and going to hide behind the furniture - no purring-she doesn't seem to be in pain
should I take her to the vet or just let her go in peace at home?
Can I bear it and should she?
Hi Nimby
Sorry to hear about Duchess, but I think a visit to the vet urgently is the right course. At this stage you don't know what her problem is. If she is suddenly poorly there maybe something the vet can do for her. Until you have seen the vet you cannot make the right choices for your girl.
Thinking of you
Flakes
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by captainbenayoun (U13326760) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Nimby, so sorry your cat is ill. I think you should take her to the vets as soon as possible. I am worried that she is hiding - it may indicate she is in pain.
Best of luck
Thank you - taking her now
x
, in reply to message 4.
Posted by Dirigibles was here (U7278225) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Nimby, I'm so sorry.
Could you ask the vet to come to you?
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) ** on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:26 GMT, in reply to Nimby in message 1
Exactly the same thoughts as Flakey, there may be something that can be done, there may be something going on that makes you want to make a decision, or the vet may give you advice that makes you feel ok about taking her home, to look after her.
Nimby, you need to speak to Rusty - our expert in older and ailing cats. I'll direct her to your post in case she hasn't seen it.
Nimby, if you haven't left yet, don't think this is automatically going to be a PTS situation. There are many more treatments and options for elderly cats now.
Just have a quiet chat with your vet and make sure she is comfortable while you have time to consider the options.
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:35 GMT, in reply to Nimby in message 1
I agree with everyone else that you simpley can't know what her problem is until she is seen by a vet. It could be something relatively simple, like constipation, which geriatric cats are prone to,, or possibly cysitis or other urinary tract problems (and trying to pee could /possibly/ point to that.) There is usually a reason for what is called "inappropriate" peeing (going outside the litter tray/her ususal spot). If it were either of those two things it would be treated very simply.
Of course there could be entirely different reasons, but quite honestly the first thing you need to do is get her to a vet asap.
Furfles and healing vibes to dear old (what age is she?) Duchess,
gj
x
Hoping very much that this is not a PTS situation, Nimby. Please let us know if you can, whatever the outcome. Thinking of you and of Duchess.
Duchess is booked in within the hour and fast asleep, wrapt in a blanket on my lap.....
As for her age, probably 16+ - been very picky with her food but that isn't unusual I know
I've been dreading this day....but perhaps she might survive....
x
, in reply to message 11.
Posted by rainbowLaure (U8486235) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
I've been dreading this day....but perhaps she might survive....
Ìý
Whatever it is, I'm sure the vet can make her comfortable in the short term so you can spend some time with her.
Anyway, let's be optimistic and hope for the best. All the ML cats and their slaves will be thinking of you both this morning.
, in reply to message 11.
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) ** on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:17 GMT, in reply to Nimby in message 11
She is happy and comfortable, and you are being caring and responsible. That's as it should be.
C-B x
Nimby, just wanted to say I that I think you have made the right decision to take Duchess to the vets. She might have a relatively straightforward problem that can be sorted, e.g., constipation or cystitis, as gj says. Even more serious old-age conditions can often help give a good quality of life for some time.
Even if it is your dear old girl is near her end, the vet will be able to give her a gentle passing.
If you haven't gone yet, I'd suggest putting warm bedding her her carrier, as she is likely to be feeling cold.
Thinking of you and sending gentle vibes to Duchess.
Rusty
Cystitis!!!!!!!!!!!
The vet gave her an anti-inflamatory jab and a week's supply of Ketofen + Cystaid.
When we got back she immediately started to purr and gave me kisses and demanded breakfast!
Btw she never goes in a carrier, she sits on a cushion on the front seat of the car...but wrapped in a towel today to keep her warm.
She's now lying on the rug in front of the fire, fast asleep
I' ll take her back for a check up next Monday and depending on whether she recovers completely or not will dictate as to whether we investigate anything graver....
Fingerss crossed!
Needs must eh?
, in reply to message 15.
Posted by rainbowLaure (U8486235) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Hurray! So pleased it was good news - relatively, anyway.
So nice to read that Duchess is feeling more comfortable already, Nimby. No wonder you are feeling almost euphoric.
Even if the vet thinks further investigation is necessary, the old age conditions I mentioned earlier can be controlled to give good quality of life.
I don't think any of my lot have ever been prescribed Ketofen. I'll have to ask my vet about it for future reference.
Love to Duchess.
Rusty
P.S. You're very brave not to have a carrier for your old girl.
, in reply to message 15.
Posted by Dirigibles was here (U7278225) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Well done, Nimby, I'm glad it wasn't The End.
Hope she's got a few more years in her yet!
, in reply to message 15.
Posted by rainbowLaure (U8486235) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
We need pictures now, Nimby. Once the gin has settled your shaking.
, in reply to message 15.
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) ** on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:39 GMT, in reply to Nimby in message 15
Nice one!
yay!
It really is amazing how quickly cystitis responds to medication, Nimby. I saw it with a previous foster cat, Fifi, who to complicate matters had suckling kittenses.
Quick word of advice - feed her wet food only from now on, since she's had cystitis, and adding a tsp of water to said wet food may also help matters.
Big kisses to Duchess.
Cat x
Blimey Nimby, just read the thread from start to finish and I went through the gamut of emotions. What a result though. Gentle loving strokes for darling Duchess, and stay in touch. There's always someone around on the Cat Thread.
xx
Ali
, in reply to message 22.
Posted by Portia Antrobus (U1486085) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Nimby
I hoped it might "only" be cystitis when I read this earlier.
My old girl (Muffy - RIP) suffered from it for years. Sometimes it happened once a week or so, sometimes she'd go for a couple of months without any problems. It would last for a couple of hours or so and then she'd be fine - till the next time.
She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism when she was about 16 and prescribed Felimazole. From then onwards, she never had cystitis again.
It may have been a coincidence but, if so, it was quite a big one......... The Vet agreed and duly reported it to the relevant body - whatever that may be. Never heard any more about it, needless to say.
Anyway - if any further investigations come up with a thyroid problem, snatch off your Felimazole with joy............
Meanwhile, give the old girl a furfle from me. Glad she's comfortable again.
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by captainbenayoun (U13326760) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Nimby so glad the old Duchess is OK. Give her a gentle kiss on her noggin from me. Sooooo miss having a cat about the house.
Great! I was really hoping it would just be cystitis when I saw this - give her a little kiss from me, too.
, in reply to message 25.
Posted by chicken_hot_pot (U8480346) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Oh thank goodness it's good news. T-cat can now uncross his paws and B-dog her ears.
And a gentle rub around the ear form us all.
, in reply to message 26.
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Ooof! Great news, Nimby, I'm so happy for you both.
, in reply to message 27.
Posted by Gayer-Anderson Cat (U13637930) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
What a relief, Nimby. So pleased for you and Duchess. Hope all goes well when you visit the vet again next week.
Snuggles and purrs from G-AC and the Puddy Tats
, in reply to message 15.
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:09 GMT, in reply to Nimby in message 15
That's excellent news, Nimby. So pleased that the meds are kicking in already - what is Ketofen? I haven't come across that either.
But, er, re not going in a carrier, sorry to have be a downer on the proceedings, but I read here in ML about a dog that was on the front seat and there was a crash. The dog was thrown out the window and hit a toddler, and both were killed. It was the parent of the toddler that posted.
OTOH one of our cat clubbers had a car crash on the way to the vet, and the carrier was thrown from the car: the cat was fine, though shocked. The main reason I use a carrier is because I can seatbelt it in (very damn fiddley though, there's no seatbelt device invented for carriers that I know of!) and know that in the event of a crash they'll be safe.
Anyway, am very delighted that Duchess is on the mend.
gj
x
Great news Nimby. I'm so glad Duchess is recovering. She may well have many more years ahead of her. 2 of our 3 cats are older than her and in pretty good health.
=^..^=
, in reply to message 29.
Posted by rainbowLaure (U8486235) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
gj, Ketofen is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory but I have no personal experience with it.
, in reply to message 31.
Posted by Eliza Bennet (U2508760) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Very very pleased. Gentle furfles to Duchess.
, in reply to message 32.
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Just adding my best wishes for a speedy recovery for the grand Duchess (great name for a cat btw). I saw the OP earlier and feared the worst, but was so pleased to see your post when you got back from the vet Nimby.
Hope she's had her favourite tea tonight.
, in reply to message 31.
Posted by greensparklybejewelledone (U2283175) on Tuesday, 27th October 2009
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:47 GMT, in reply to rainbowLaure in message 31
Thanks, Laurie.
gj
x
I lost my two old boys at 21 and 24. Several times I thought they were leaving me but turned out to be just a bit of those old age illnesses that we humans get too.
Don't be afraid to take them to the vets and build a relationship with the same vet if you can so he/she gets to know the cat. Then you can have the sensible conversations. When both of mine were finally helped to their long sleeps the vets were in bits as well as us. But at least everyone knew that it was the best thing for the old boy even if not for us. I was the one who had most difficulty with saying bye
G
Nimby. Is there anything better than hearing the vet say; aaah, it's only ....
Especially when you're fearing the worst.
Great news. I'm so pleased for you and your beloved cat.
, in reply to message 35.
Posted by EurekaBlitzen (U11200477) on Wednesday, 28th October 2009
Sorry, GEm.. Its hard, but it is kind.
oh I know its kind (I left the first one a bit too long which the vet gently remonstrated with me when I finally did accept it). Just a shame we aren't allowed to be as kind to poor people who are suffering equally and give them a little help
G
, in reply to message 38.
Posted by Kind Mrs Van Rentl (U2315000) on Wednesday, 28th October 2009
21 and 24 GEm - that is impressive! Daisy is 18 and recently diagnosed hyperthyroid; I though we were going to lose her, and indeed one vet said maybe we should let nature take it's course.
I went to another vet practice & she is being treated & seems to be responding - I'm very glad I got a second opinion & the age of your cats supports my view that 18 is not necessarily time to write a cat off.
I have not been on ML since yesterday, so just catching with Duchess. I am v v chuffed for you both and Claude (white with black blobs) Trev ( ginger and white a bit fluffy and thick) and I have all our limbs crossed for a full recovery.
Snuggles to Duchess
Flakes xx
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