Your thoughts on a feeding tube

trinettec · Jan 31, 2007

Dearest Mark,
From reading all of your posts I know that you have a very kind heart and always want what is best for Buddy. As has already been said Buddy will let you know. I wanted to share my own situation. My Clancey was a 120# 18 year old Black Angus Shepard. She was the light of my life and my very best friend. In the last 6 months of her life she had tumors in both ears and severe arthritis in all of her joints. I couldn't make a decision and when she couldn't get up the few steps into the house I would carry her. I struggled with what to do for over a month because this was the first time I was faced with this decision. Then one morning, Clancey looked directly into my eyes and I swear she spoke directly to my heart and told me that she loved me very much and would always be near me but it was time for her to go. I took her to the vet clinic and as I held her, she gave me kisses and peacefully crossed over. That was 12 years ago and still just telling the story brings tears to my eyes.
Give Buddy all the love you can and he will let you know. Lots of hugs and prayers from all of us here.

dragoriana · Jan 31, 2007

Morning Mark, i hope you and Buddy are doing okay

bosco · Jan 31, 2007

My heart goes out to you. I also have a cat with a feeding tube in. Charmin was diagnosed with crf in October, by November he had quit eating (diagnosed with liver failure) and was on the verge of death. At a last minute attempt, I decided to have a feeding tube (e-tube) placed in hopes that it would work. It did. But, it has been a long battle and there have been numerous times (especially in the beginning) that I almost said enough.

I know our situations differ, your kitty has cancer. But, are you making sure that he is getting enough food? I am sure that you are aware, but we need to be aggressive with the feedings. Could it be that he is starving and that is why he behaves this way? Or do you know for sure that it is the cancer?

I believe that they are able to tell us when it is time. But, if he is trying to eat and he doesn't seem to be in pain, I would be tube feeding aggressively.
Maybe at your vet appt tomorrow you can have a liver panel done to see how his liver is functioning.

I will keep you both in my thoughts.

markvg · Jan 31, 2007

Thank you all again. It is so appreciated!!! You are all such wonderful people and your experiences with your own loved ones makes me sad but also helps in my thinking that I am not alone in this and I thank you for sharing and caring with me.

I'll try and answer some of your questions and stuff, if you don't mind. I think it will help in my thinking... a therapeutic thing for me. It is all quiet around here right now so I can put thoughts into words for a bit.

Bosco... Little Buddy has had a biopsy of his tumors that are all over his digestive tract. According to his doc, it is a very aggressive cancer. Last night was very difficult but today was somewhat better. By trying different things (moving his food to a different location and different mixtures) Buddy ate some food tonight. I use the feeding tube for hydration and vitamins. With his problem being with digestion, I have questions on force-feeding food with him. I will be discussing this with Buddy's doctor in the morning. I am hoping Buddy has just picked up a virus, or something. He has had diarrhea and I have been hydrating him a lot because of that. Buddy went from eating like a horse to eating nothing when he got the diarrhea problem.

trinettec... like you said, Buddy will let me know. After tonight, I know Buddy is not ready. I just need to know from his doc that he is not suffering.

Cinder... what you wrote struck such a chord with me: "I began every morning with the belief he would be sleeping on the bed that night". Buddy always was "doing his own thing" at night but has now been sleeping in the bed for a while now. It is comforting to know he is right there for me.

White cat lover... I love your name.

Buddy was eating tons of his prescription food and then just stopped. I don't think it is a food problem.

Dragoriana, jennyranson, Pami, you all!!!!!! Thank you so much!

Belinda and Neet... you are my special friends as you know!

Little Buddy just woke up and is looking for some love! Sorry, I got to go! Just think of Buddy's doctor visit in the morning and that his problem right now is something other than his cancer. Please, please please.

Mark

lsulover · Feb 1, 2007

Originally Posted by markvg

Thank you all again. It is so appreciated!!! You are all such wonderful people and your experiences with your own loved ones makes me sad but also helps in my thinking that I am not alone in this and I thank you for sharing and caring with me.

I'll try and answer some of your questions and stuff, if you don't mind. I think it will help in my thinking... a therapeutic thing for me. It is all quiet around here right now so I can put thoughts into words for a bit.

Bosco... Little Buddy has had a biopsy of his tumors that are all over his digestive tract. According to his doc, it is a very aggressive cancer. Last night was very difficult but today was somewhat better. By trying different things (moving his food to a different location and different mixtures) Buddy ate some food tonight. I use the feeding tube for hydration and vitamins. With his problem being with digestion, I have questions on force-feeding food with him. I will be discussing this with Buddy's doctor in the morning. I am hoping Buddy has just picked up a virus, or something. He has had diarrhea and I have been hydrating him a lot because of that. Buddy went from eating like a horse to eating nothing when he got the diarrhea problem.

trinettec... like you said, Buddy will let me know. After tonight, I know Buddy is not ready. I just need to know from his doc that he is not suffering.

Cinder... what you wrote struck such a chord with me: "I began every morning with the belief he would be sleeping on the bed that night". Buddy always was "doing his own thing" at night but has now been sleeping in the bed for a while now. It is comforting to know he is right there for me.

White cat lover... I love your name.

Buddy was eating tons of his prescription food and then just stopped. I don't think it is a food problem.

Dragoriana, jennyranson, Pami, you all!!!!!! Thank you so much!

Belinda and Neet... you are my special friends as you know!

Little Buddy just woke up and is looking for some love! Sorry, I got to go! Just think of Buddy's doctor visit in the morning and that his problem right now is something other than his cancer. Please, please please.

Mark

Sending special prayers and hugs for you and Buddy this morning Mark.

You know that I am with you in spirit.

neetanddave · Feb 1, 2007

More

for you from our house this morning Mark. Let us know what the vet has to say.

markvg · Feb 1, 2007

After Buddy's trip to the vet today, we are attacking the problems in a different way. Different food, vitamins, meds and, yes, the feeding tube.

Buddy was very fiesty at the vet today. He wants to live and we are going to damn well in doing that! He has sores on his butt that need attention to now, and he sure hates his treatment of that, but as long as he is fighting that too, I am happy.

Tonights feeding was very chaotic with all the preperations and Shomie sticking her nose in to see what was going on. Buddy ended up throwing up all his food.

However, when we get the routine down, I am thinking it will work out for now.

Buddy wants to live and I am going to do whatever I can for that.

We go back to the vet on Monday.

dragoriana · Feb 1, 2007

YEY!

i don't like it when peoples pets are ill. Buddy is sounding much better than a few days ago, i'm really happy for you Mark. And from your avatar he looks like a very gorgeous boy (and twin of my Charlie)

Moz · Feb 1, 2007

I really don't know what to say, except I am praying for you and Buddy.

trouts mom · Feb 1, 2007

I am sending many prayers for Buddy as well.

This must be so hard, I wish I had advice for you.

white cat lover · Feb 1, 2007

Well, if Buddy's ready to fight, then fight it is!!!

& keep us updated!!!!!!

clairebear · Feb 1, 2007

I think as long as he's at least mentally trying to fight, then you should continue on. If he were ready to give up, you would know it. Best of Luck.

semiferal · Feb 2, 2007

It's a tough decision - I'm not really sure what I would do. E-tubes (feeding tubes) are normally very well tolerated and cats don't even seem to notice them, so for me I'd definitely do it if it were for a condition that the cat would be likely to recover from, such as surgery or acute illness. The bonus is that even if he is eating on his own, you can still give his medication through the tube and you don't have to wake him up or disturb him for it.

For me, the real downside to an e-tube in this case is that the tube is temporary (it won't stay in more than a few weeks), but his condition is not temporary and he'll only continue to deteriorate as time goes on. I'd have a long talk with the vet, but I'd probably come down on the side of not doing it. That's just me, though. I don't know your cat and I'm not a vet. But hopefully your vet can give you some good advice.

angelkitty · Feb 2, 2007

Originally Posted by markvg

It is so hard though. I know Buddy is sound in mind. He will never give up. I just hate to have to think I am the one to decide for his own good. Should I keep him going while his body says no but his mind says yes?

I'm sorry, but I am just looking for something to make me feel better in thinking on what Buddy needs since I know he will be fighting until the end. I know he will never give up. I just don't want him to be suffering in his quest.

I'm soooo sorrryyy to hear about Buddy...........

As much as I know you don't want to here this,, I think you know deep down in your heart whether Buddy has more fight in him,, or if it's time to end his suffering...

Is there nothing they can do for the cancer,, meds or anything???

You both in my thoughts and prayers,, and if you ever need to talk or just vent or whateverr.. YOu can always pm me... We're here for you,, and I can't imagine your pain,, but it has to be hard..

((One of my dogs is Heartworm Positive,, we adopted her with this problem,, otherwise they would had put her to sleep... We've been battling this heartworm thing now for a few months,, so I know what you mean, by the fighting,, and then not feeling well,,, it's a really rough road for you both...))

Lots of vibes...Heather

lsulover · Feb 2, 2007

Originally Posted by markvg

After Buddy's trip to the vet today, we are attacking the problems in a different way. Different food, vitamins, meds and, yes, the feeding tube.

Buddy was very fiesty at the vet today. He wants to live and we are going to damn well in doing that! He has sores on his butt that need attention to now, and he sure hates his treatment of that, but as long as he is fighting that too, I am happy.

Tonights feeding was very chaotic with all the preperations and Shomie sticking her nose in to see what was going on. Buddy ended up throwing up all his food.

However, when we get the routine down, I am thinking it will work out for now.

Buddy wants to live and I am going to do whatever I can for that.

We go back to the vet on Monday.

Good for you Mark, just remember that we are all here for you.

Sending some more prayers and hugs from me to you and Buddy.

neetanddave · Feb 2, 2007

Glad you have decided to keep fighting since Buddy has too. You tell him we'll be back in August to see him, so hang in there.

And we can come and get nosy Shomie too, if you want.

Dave sorta likes her. I guess cause she didn't bark at him like she did me.

lsulover · Feb 2, 2007

Originally Posted by neetanddave

Glad you have decided to keep fighting since Buddy has too. You tell him we'll be back in August to see him, so hang in there.

And we can come and get nosy Shomie too, if you want.

Dave sorta likes her. I guess cause she didn't bark at him like she did me.

I reckon Shomie liked Dave better than you.

lokismum · Feb 2, 2007

I'm sending lots of prayers and vibes for Buddy! What an awful thing to battle! Poor little soul! Keep on trying to get better, Buddy! We're all praying for you.

lisalee · Feb 4, 2007

I'm so sorry what you are going through with your precious Buddy, I'm just reading this now after seeing your beautiful pictures of Buddy. I didn't even know he was ill, he looked so wonderful in your pictures. You are doing a wonderful job in doing everything you can to keep your precious Buddy healthy. I'll be keeping you and Buddy in my thoughts and prayers.

Your thoughts on a feeding tube

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