Sammy is dying

palikakitty · Jul 16, 2014

I wrote about Sammy almost 2 years ago when the vet found a mass in his abdomen. After two ultrasound guided aspirations the results were "inconclusive" and due to his age (almost 17) and his kidney values it was recommended to leave it alone. Fast forward to today he is now 18 and his kidney disease has progressed but we were doing sub Q fluids and his values were improving. He is slow but still eats, drinks, uses the box and walks around our fenced yard. About 5 days ago we noticed that he suddenly looked bloated, took him to the vet and he said it was "probably the cancer". He looks worse and we have an appointment with his oncologist for Tuesday but i feel like the end is near and the right thing to do is to put him to sleep. He looks so uncomfortable yet still eats, no vomiting, etc. He likes to sit on our laps and purr. My husband thinks he is not ready since he is eating and meows to eat multiple times a day. It is so hard.

nurseangel · Jul 16, 2014

I am so sorry. I know how difficult it is. You and your husband are not alone, and you'll be in my prayers.

angelinacat · Jul 16, 2014

palikakitty said:
I wrote about Sammy almost 2 years ago when the vet found a mass in his abdomen. After two ultrasound guided aspirations the results were "inconclusive" and due to his age (almost 17) and his kidney values it was recommended to leave it alone. Fast forward to today he is now 18 and his kidney disease has progressed but we were doing sub Q fluids and his values were improving. He is slow but still eats, drinks, uses the box and walks around our fenced yard. About 5 days ago we noticed that he suddenly looked bloated, took him to the vet and he said it was "probably the cancer". He looks worse and we have an appointment with his oncologist for Tuesday but i feel like the end is near and the right thing to do is to put him to sleep. He looks so uncomfortable yet still eats, no vomiting, etc. He likes to sit on our laps and purr. My husband thinks he is not ready since he is eating and meows to eat multiple times a day. It is so hard.

I know it is hard. I had to let Toogie go when it got to the point I was taking him to the vet twice a week to have excess fluid drawn off his abdomen. He was 18 years old. At one point he was so feeble that he could not move from a spot on the front room floor. I put my bedding down on the floor next to him and held him. I think it was the next day when I took him in.

I should add that he had developed 'non-insulin dependent diabetes'. There was no medicine or anything that could be done for him at the time. (1993).

catsallaround · Jul 16, 2014

How much is he eating in one sitting-if the mass is getting bigger it is possible he is not getting enough in one sitting and needs more meals then ever. I just put one to sleep earlier this week and know that in between stage is the hardest. All I can say is I rather be a bit to soon then a bit to late. I have had to make emergency runs to euthanize a cat who was in distress and it makes it so much harder when they have to go that way then a calm peaceful few minute drive to the regular vet.

palikakitty · Jul 16, 2014

Thanks for responding. Sammy is my husband's boy and he has cancer too and so I feel like I can guide him but ultimately he has to make the call. I have been through this enough that I know it is better a but too soon than too late and in my heart I think the time is now. He eats half a can of fancy feast probably 3 times a day, some K/D (which the vet wants him to eat) and some human tuna which he loves. If we are eating chicken, etc. he gets some of that too. He is on pepcid and a potassium supplement. Tonight he had to be helped into the box but jumped out ok. I am actually scared to pick him up because of his big belly. All of our cats are 14-18 years old (6 cats in total) and I watch the others zoom through the house and play with toys and jump around and I think that was Sam three months ago.

catsallaround · Jul 16, 2014

Hugs to you and husband.

It is possible that husband sees him going as a indication of what can happen to himself. It is amazing that the body can be fine and just turn one day. I have seen it in so many cats past where they were fine and then a bit off and...well you know.

If it comes to it have vet talk about how it is going inside/what is happening stage by stage. Maybe it would be possible to add in pain meds?

catconcern · Jul 16, 2014

palikakitty said:
I wrote about Sammy almost 2 years ago when the vet found a mass in his abdomen. After two ultrasound guided aspirations the results were "inconclusive" and due to his age (almost 17) and his kidney values it was recommended to leave it alone. Fast forward to today he is now 18 and his kidney disease has progressed but we were doing sub Q fluids and his values were improving. He is slow but still eats, drinks, uses the box and walks around our fenced yard. About 5 days ago we noticed that he suddenly looked bloated, took him to the vet and he said it was "probably the cancer". He looks worse and we have an appointment with his oncologist for Tuesday but i feel like the end is near and the right thing to do is to put him to sleep. He looks so uncomfortable yet still eats, no vomiting, etc. He likes to sit on our laps and purr. My husband thinks he is not ready since he is eating and meows to eat multiple times a day. It is so hard.

If he's doing the things you listed I'd recommend waiting pkitty. Especially if he is still purring too. Your husband will know when its time, Ive gone through this recently and lost my boy 8 or 9 days ago. I feel he wasn't ready, and taking the vets advice ultimately led to my cats downfall, at least a lot, lot faster.

If he looks comfortable, tell your husband to be absolutely sure and don't rush things. I know your cat shuldn't have to suffer any longer than what it has too, but atm it sounds like he still has good quality of life and is HAPPY.

Best wishes, may god be with you all.

betsygee · Jul 16, 2014

I hope your vet has some insight for you on Tuesday. The not knowing and waiting is so hard. I have one who's 18+, he's gone back and forth with his health and is fortunately enjoying a stable time right now. But he doesn't have cancer, only kidney disease, manageable so far. Enjoy the purring and lap time that you have with Sammy....

palikakitty · Jul 17, 2014

Last night we gave him fluids and then fed the crew and he didn't eat. I was quite scared but this morning he was ready to eat and ate alot!

betsygee · Jul 17, 2014

That's good news! Travis (the 18 year old) went through a couple of days where I thought he was done for--he was wobbly, couldn't walk straight, ate very little. But then he bounced back. It's always so hard to know whether it's the beginning of the end or just a bad patch they're going through.

Hang in there. Sending good vibes for you and Sammy.

pharber-murphy · Jul 17, 2014

How lucky for you and your husband to have Sammy that extra two years! I wish you all the very best and that things go well with Sammy, whatever you decide to do. We'll be thinking of you.

Best regards,

PHarber-Murphy

More Than 9 2 5 Virtual Assistance

goholistic · Jul 17, 2014

I'm so sorry about Sammy.

I have to agree that two years is amazing with an abdominal mass that was left alone. You must take great care of him!

My thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time.

cocheezie · Jul 17, 2014

Wishing all of you the best at the oncologist on Tuesday. You are doing an amazing job for an amazing cat.

palikakitty · Jul 21, 2014

Sammy passed away this morning. He took a turn for the worse yesterday and I am kicking myself for not taking him to the emergency vet to be euthanized. He got up yesterday morning, ate a good breakfast and then he became super lethargic. Thanks to all of you for your kind words. He was the best cat ever. We're a mess but he's not suffering anymore.

catsallaround · Jul 21, 2014

Seems he went peaceful at home surrounded by his loving family and the least stress. Hugs to you and husband.

goholistic · Jul 21, 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss.

angelinacat · Jul 21, 2014

palikakitty said:
Sammy passed away this morning. He took a turn for the worse yesterday and I am kicking myself for not taking him to the emergency vet to be euthanized. He got up yesterday morning, ate a good breakfast and then he became super lethargic. Thanks to all of you for your kind words. He was the best cat ever. We're a mess but he's not suffering anymore.

Animals and poeple do have a final a rally at the end, It may appear to someone not used to this, like the animal or person is suddenly doing well. They think everything is on the mend when it really isn't. Then they are shocked at the suddenness of the demise.

thehistorian · Jul 21, 2014

palikakitty said:
Sammy passed away this morning. He took a turn for the worse yesterday and I am kicking myself for not taking him to the emergency vet to be euthanized. He got up yesterday morning, ate a good breakfast and then he became super lethargic. Thanks to all of you for your kind words. He was the best cat ever. We're a mess but he's not suffering anymore.

I am so so sorry. Sending my hugs and blessings.

zoneout · Jul 21, 2014

One helluva cat!! Fought on for 2 good years. Probably cause you left him alone. Good choice.

Hope he says hello to my cat at the Rainbow and they become friends.

cocheezie · Jul 21, 2014

So sorry. It's hard to predict a crash. He had a good last day.

Sammy is dying

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Just what part of meow don't you understand.

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Just what part of meow don't you understand.

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