Alley is dying

She has a serious blood parasite, that comes from ticks. I didn't talk to the vet myself so don't know the name of it. She is severely anemic from it though because it has killed her red blood cells. I think the count was 7. They could attempt treatment, including thousands of dollars worth of blood transfusions, etc, but he said he didn't recommend it, because she probably couldn't survive the treatments anyways. She has had it too long. I would try, if I had that kind of money, but I don't. So my mom has taken her home for a few days. She might pass in her sleep, but if she doesn't, and gets too sick, or weak, she will take her back in to be put down.

My heart is breaking, and I can't even be there to hold her. I feel so guilty for leaving her last year. I'm not allowed pets here, but I should have tried, maybe I could have kept her hidden from the landlord. She wouldn't have caught this, or if she already had it, I would have taken her to the vet months ago.

my poor baby kitty. i miss her so. she will be gone in days maybe.

Oh i'm so sorry! She's not in any pain though is she?

All my knowledge is second hand, but they said she wasn't in pain, just weak. She will most likely go quiet and quick.

The poor baby Then i hope when her time comes it's a peaceful one

I'm so sorry. What a sad situation to be in.

Hopefully the transition is quick and pain free. to you during this emotional time.

I'm so sorry, sweetie. It's a terrible feeling, knowing the end is coming for your dear pet & there's nothing you can do to stop it. Be gentle with yourself--this isn't your fault. Hopefully, Alley will have an easy, peaceful passing. Once more, I'm so very sorry. (((BIG HUGS)))

I am really sorry!

I'm very sorry about Alley. You did the best that you could for her.

i am so sorry

I am so sorry to hear the news. *hugs*

Thank you all for your support. I talked to the vet myself and the name of the parasite is Cytauxzoon. They said it is a fairly new disease but that they have recently started seeing more cases. They said if it is caught right away they can sometimes treat it, but that even with medications, its mostly fatal. They would have to do blood transfusions before they could even try and she is so far gone that she wouldn't survive the treatment anyways. I read a website about it that says the cat usually dies within 14 days of the time the symptoms start, so she probably only has a couple days left at most.

If she stops eating, or starts having trouble breathing or anything else, my mom will take her back in to be put down. She used to be a chubby cat and weighed about 13 pounds. Yesterday at the vet, she only weighed 5 1/2 pounds.

They have a small "pet cemetery" in the yard where she will be buried and put up a stone with her name on it.

mama loves you alley. rest well my baby.

Oh Paula I am so sorry to read about your little one. ((((HUGS))))

I'm so very very sorry. It is evident you love her very much. Please don't blame yourself. There is no way you could of foreseen this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry. Ticks can carry several nasty things. But there is nothing you could have done to prevent this. At least she is loved and ending her days peacefully.

Cytauxzoon is a fairly new disease showing up along the atlantic coast recently. There is a 5% survival rate, but even if Alley does survive this, she will be a carrier the rest of her life.

Cats are accidental hosts of this protozoa found in these ticks. The resident hosts are bobcats and lynx's. The cats infected come down with non-specific symptoms including fever, anorexia, lethargy. They rapidly lose weight and body mass.

There are studies being done on this disease currently, but nothing really available that can beat it.

Oh, hunny, I'm sooo sorry. It's hard to loose a beloved pet especially since you can't be there. Please, please do not feel guilty. Trying to hide a pet from a landload rarely wooks. (((((Hugs)))))

Lin

Paula, I'm so sorry to hear about Alley.

Please don't beat yourself up, it's not your fault.
I know how hard it is when something happens to our babies, but she knows how much you love her.
I so wish there was something that could make her well, but if there isn't I pray that she goes peacefully.

Just remember cats know who loves them and she knows that you do.

Originally Posted by hissy

Cytauxzoon is a fairly new disease showing up along the atlantic coast recently. There is a 5% survival rate, but even if Alley does survive this, she will be a carrier the rest of her life.

Cats are accidental hosts of this protozoa found in these ticks. The resident hosts are bobcats and lynx's. The cats infected come down with non-specific symptoms including fever, anorexia, lethargy. They rapidly lose weight and body mass.

There are studies being done on this disease currently, but nothing really available that can beat it.

Click to expand...

I have been reading the same info. about this. She lives in NE Oklahoma which I understand is in the area that it is becoming more common.

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts.

I will let you know when she is gone.

Paula, I'm so very sorry for you and Alley. It's so hard to lose anyone you love. As the others have said, though, please don't feel guilty...it's in no way your fault.

i am so sorry to hear this, I hope it is quick and painless for her.