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I'm losing Dusty

post #1 of 37
6/16/10 at 10:16am
Thread Starter 
We've had Dusty for nearly 6 years since she decided to adopt us. We think she is about 8, but can't be sure. She has always been an in/out cat. We know she has CRF, diagnosed last year, but she's probably had it much longer than that.

She is anemic. She just recovered from a nasty ear infection. She's losing weight, and now won't eat at all. We just spent a fortune on her with bloodwork and all, and we really can't afford much more. Also I believe her quality of life is more important than quantity, so I really don't want to put her through any more treatment. How do I know when it is time for the final shot?

My heart is breaking. She is the most loving and trusting kitty ever, and I don't know what I will do without her.
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post #2 of 37
6/16/10 at 10:39am
Oh I'm so sorry.

Ask her, she'll tell you when she's had enough. It may be now, it may be tomorrow. I agree with you quality of life is the most important thing. If she's not eating, or doing any of the things she loves...she may be telling you she's ready.

I also believe in "too soon is better than too late".

{{hugs}} I know how hard it is. We'll be here for you.
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post #3 of 37
6/16/10 at 10:47am
I am so sorry.
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post #4 of 37
6/16/10 at 11:31am
My CRF cat has days like that were she wont eat at all then she is ok a few days later.
I hope Dusty feels better.
Can you give her anti nausea medicine?
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post #5 of 37
6/16/10 at 11:41am
Thread Starter 
The vet just called, and they want me to bring her in for sub Q fluids. So I guess I will be doing that this afternoon.
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post #6 of 37
6/16/10 at 11:46am
The fluids may help.
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post #7 of 37
6/16/10 at 11:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dusty's Mom View Post
The vet just called, and they want me to bring her in for sub Q fluids. So I guess I will be doing that this afternoon.
Good luck! That seems to help a lot of cats. for Dusty.
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post #8 of 37
6/16/10 at 11:54am
I am so very sorry. It is so hard living with this over your head and on your heart.

On those times I have had to offer the ultimate kindness, my comfort came when I looked back and could say that my cat did not suffer long. That was a huge comfort to me after the fact.

I will say a prayer for Dusty and you. I know how hard it is. We all do.

God bless.
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post #9 of 37
6/16/10 at 12:09pm
Oh, I am so sorry. You and Dusty are both in my prayers.
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post #10 of 37
6/16/10 at 12:10pm
I am so sorry what you are going through. I agree with all that has been said. As hard as it always is, I would rather turn them loose, than watch them be reduced to pitiful cats. I don't want them to suffer. I think it is important to consider them, not us. Hugs. We are here for you.
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post #11 of 37
6/16/10 at 12:12pm
More vibes and prayers for you and Dusty.
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post #12 of 37
6/16/10 at 1:00pm
I'm so sorry to hear this.. It must be so hard. I hope the fluids help her..

to you and your family during this hard time..
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post #13 of 37
6/16/10 at 3:25pm
We are all here for you
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post #14 of 37
6/16/10 at 4:28pm
Sweetie, I am sending tons and tons of vibes for Dusty!
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post #15 of 37
6/16/10 at 4:45pm
I, too, have a Kidney Cat as I like to refer to him, and thought we were going to lose him last time he had to go on antibiotics, because he got so sick from the treatment. Hubby and I decided that we would NOT put him through that again! But the good news is, once he finally recovered from being so sick from the various antibiotics we forced on him, he slowly started eating again, and now is doing pretty good.

Here's hoping just getting some fluids in her will help immensely. Most times it does. And IF it does, you can easily do them for her at home, even if you think you can't!!

Prayers and good vibes for you and Dusty
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post #16 of 37
6/17/10 at 2:48am
I hoped I might see some good news here this am.

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post #17 of 37
6/17/10 at 4:05am
I am so sorry that your precious kitty isn't doing so well. I am sending lots of and
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post #18 of 37
6/17/10 at 6:08am
Lots of vibes
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post #19 of 37
6/17/10 at 6:28am
We have a kitty at the shelter who is around 6 years old. He developed CFR a couple months back. He had a very bad spell where he stoped eating and was totally dehydrated. He was 6.5 lbs. He is now close to 8 lbs and is doing very well. We had to spend one day feeding him small amounts of food every couple of hours. That combined with daily sub-q fluids, made all the differnce in the world. After that he started eating on his own & gaining weight. His blood values are holding steady. It might be worth a shot just to spend some time & effort treating her with home care. If she doesn't bounce back then at least you know you did all you could.
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post #20 of 37
6/17/10 at 6:36am
I am praying for you and Dusty. This is such a tough situation.

The fluids may help her. Casey spent a whole day at the vet getting fluids and then I administered a prescribed amount to him every day. It was not a difficult process and although I know he did not like it much, he was brave and took it in stride.

You know your kitty best and you will know when it is time to let her go. Take care!
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post #21 of 37
6/17/10 at 7:00am
I am so sorry sweetheart

I will pray for your kitty now!!
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post #22 of 37
6/17/10 at 7:01am
I never know what to say at times like this. I'm just so very sorry to hear this, and the tribe and I send lotsa lotsa vibes and feel better headbumps.
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post #23 of 37
6/17/10 at 12:03pm
How is Dusty after getting fluids?
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post #24 of 37
6/17/10 at 4:08pm
Any update on Dusty? She is still in my thoughts and prayers.
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post #25 of 37
6/17/10 at 4:15pm
It is so hard when we know our babies are no longer thriving....
sending love and hugs.
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post #26 of 37
6/17/10 at 5:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrsgreenjeens View Post
How is Dusty after getting fluids?
Quote:
Originally Posted by farleyv View Post
Any update on Dusty? She is still in my thoughts and prayers.
I wrote a long post earlier, but it got lost when this site went down. grrrrr!

Now I can't remember what I said. She is weak, and eating very little. Her meow sounds different, and I don't know if she is in pain or not. I think I will know by Monday if she is perking up or not, but right now it doesn't look good. I asked my husband what we should do with her body, and then I dissolved into tears, like I'm doing right now again. I just can't bear to think of life without her. She has asked for so very little, and she has given so much love in return. I just think she is very special, and I don't know that I can ever love another kitty the way I love her.

I know I could give her fluids at home, and shove pills down her, and she might last awhile longer, but then she is losing the quality that I cherish for her.
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post #27 of 37
6/17/10 at 5:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dusty's Mom View Post
I wrote a long post earlier, but it got lost when this site went down. grrrrr!

Now I can't remember what I said. She is weak, and eating very little. Her meow sounds different, and I don't know if she is in pain or not. I think I will know by Monday if she is perking up or not, but right now it doesn't look good. I asked my husband what we should do with her body, and then I dissolved into tears, like I'm doing right now again. I just can't bear to think of life without her. She has asked for so very little, and she has given so much love in return. I just think she is very special, and I don't know that I can ever love another kitty the way I love her.

I know I could give her fluids at home, and shove pills down her, and she might last awhile longer, but then she is losing the quality that I cherish for her.
I went through this with Lucy too, but it came to a point when I knew old age and illness had caught up with her and no matter how much I wanted to keep her here with me, this time I had to let her go.

She went with all my love and her Spirit lives in my heart and memories.

No, you will never love another kitty in the way you love Dusty any more than I will ever love another cat the same way as I loved Lucy but when the time is right, another cat will come into your life in need of love and kindness and that cat will bring his or her own love with them.

The bonds of love will be just as strong but in a slightly different way.

The legacy Lucy left me was to love another cat/kitten in her honour.

I'm sure, if the worst comes to the worst, that is the legacy Dusty will leave for you too.

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post #28 of 37
6/17/10 at 6:14pm
to you in this tough time. I know you will know when to let go by trusting Dusty to tell you.
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post #29 of 37
6/18/10 at 12:18pm
Thread Starter 
Dusty has always been an in/out cat from before she came to live with us. Because she's been sick the past several weeks, I haven't let her out much, and frankly she hasn't been too interested in going out either.

This morning she wanted out, so I let her into the backyard. The last few days she has only gone out for a few minutes, hasn't left the yard, and wants back in within minutes. As we were getting ready to leave the house this morning, I went outside to coax Dusty back in, but she wasn't there. Panic! I started calling her. And then I heard the most panicked and pitiful cry for help. The more she heard me, the more agitated her cries became. We discovered that she had climbed the fence into the neighbor's yard, but because their side was the smooth side, she didn't have the strength to climb back. I called my husband and we ran around the corner. Our backyard neighbors have an RV and they have been traveling for several weeks, so I knew no one was home. I was afraid they might have had their gate locked, but fortunately it wasn't, and we could get in. She was certainly glad to see us! Poor girl was so scared. I brought her inside, and she's been sleeping under the bed ever since.

I don't think she is eating much, but is drinking a little water. I would like to wait a little longer. But every time I think of losing her, I bawl like a baby.
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post #30 of 37
6/18/10 at 12:31pm
There have been times when my Coco would get bad and not eat at all.
In fact last sunday was one of those days.
The fluids help.
I think if you did them at home she may act normal again and feel better.

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