Sherlock my 6 month old munchkin passed away....

I'm writing this in hopes of finding comfort or answers or ideas as to why this happened. I'm feeling very alone and so heartbroken.

So a few weeks ago my kitten Sherlock who was a munchkin went in to get neutered and didn't make it. When we first got him he did have a upper respiratory infection but I had worked at a shelter and knew that this was somewhat common for kittens to get. So my vet put him on the usual course of treatment. Clavamox and lysine. He didn't really seem to get better so they gave him a prescription for an antiviral. Once he finished them he seemed to be doing well. However a week later it flared up again and he started to what sounded like to me, was coughing.

I called my vet and took him in and they began to wonder if he had feline lukemia or possibly FIP. They couldn't get a blood draw so they decided since he was being nutered in a few weeks they would do the blood draw then and they sent me home with more lysine.

By the time Sherlock was ready for his appointment he was actually doing better, he had the occasional sneezes and gooey eyes but it was much better and he was not coughing.

I was already at work and so My husband dropped him off before he had to go to work. We were told we could pick him up Saturday morning because they wanted to keep him for observation.

During my lunch break I got a call saying to call the vet immediately and I knew something was wrong. I called and they said that the surgery was a little difficult just that they realized when they got in that one of his testicles had no descended, but they did the surgery and it went okay. However when waking him up his heart stopped and he stopped breathing so they preformed CPR. They brought him back but then his heart stopped again and they couldn't bring him back.

I was completely and utterly heartbroken. He was my best little buddy and so young and I wasn't even there! The vet had a necropsy done and it showed that the lungs were diffuse, which he said could have been from the cpr and that they found abnormal heart cells in his heart and lungs. They said it could have meant that latter in life he would have developed heart problems and that they think it was a genetic disorder. However the breeders say that for the years they have bred that they have never had problems.

They offered to give us another kitten, but part of me really missed Sherlock and part of me have up after he passed. I really don't know what to do. Can anyone help shed some light to this?

-Jess

I'm very sorry for your loss and the heartache you are going through. Believe me when I say we do know how you feel.

It's tough to say and comment because I'm
Not sure. I know that in surgery there is always a danger they may not make it. It would hurt as he was doing better. You can't feel guilty for not being there because at the time you brought in your cat it was doing fine . You weren't to know that your cat wouldn't make it.

Don't beat yourself up. It's a huge loss to take, like losing apart of yourself and a child. I understand your pain, it's unbearable and severe torture. May god look after you.

I just said a prayer for you and your cat, for god to look after both of you.

Peace and love to you. We will be here for you.

My heart goes out to you, I know how much pain losing that sweet little guy brings. If anything, I want you to remember that you had no way of knowing what would happen, there was nothing you could do. It is especially heartbreaking to lose one at that age and under such circumstances. When I am at my lowest I always try to remember that those sweet babies would never want us to suffer so much, to remember them with such pain and sadness, we need to celebrate the time they gave us such joy. I'm sure Sherlock left you his legacy of love and would be honored if you would once again share it with another when you are ready. He will live on forever in your heart as long as you are alive, let him comfort you from afar. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, please accept my condolences. Be gentle on yourself and take care........RIP sweet Sherlock!

I am extremely sorry for your loss. May God bless you and Sherlock. Poor Kitty, I am sure it was too much for him, with all that he was going through. His little heart probably couldn't take it since he was just a kitty. Not to say any of the surgeries were the fault, but something from the beginning of his life that was not known unfortunately. This is one of the most difficult things because we are not sure, and I am certain the vets tried everything and wished they knew as well.

You did the very best for him and the vet's too. Thank God you had him and loved him during that precious time.

May you be comforted knowing that love and how much love Sherlock had for you for being his protector and companion during those months.

Wishing you strength and healing.

I am so sorry for you and Sherlock. It must be a terrible shock.

Not to cast doubt, but you did say that Sherlock was sick when you picked him up from the breeder. And it wouldn't be in the breeder's best interest to admit that their cats have a genetic deficiency. Be reassured by the vet's diagnosis. There is no way you could have known that Sherlock wouldn't make it through this routine operation.

Again, I'm very sorry for your sudden loss. Sherlock has crossed the bridge and happily waits for you now on the other side. Rest in peace, Sherlock.

Best regards.

I am so so very sorry for your loss. The shock of such a situation, I know, is horrible. We lost one of rescues a few months back of something similar. His surgery went fine; but, 2 hrs later he was gone. This kitten too had dealt with herpes/upper respiratory infections (though his were VERY severe.)

We had a necropsy done and the result was cardiomyopathy (not hypertrophic.) The type of cardiomyopathy found was likely the result of a bad strain of Calicivirus.

We now run a pro-BNP test (including a CBC/chem) on cats/kittens prior to surgery just to be on the extra safe side. We then decide if an echo is needed. I don't know that our protocol is "foolproof" but, at least we know we took as much precaution as possible.

Might be something to look into in the future, just for some extra reassurance.

Again, my deepest sympathies to you and your husband!

I'm very sorry for your loss.  My heart goes out to you and your husband.

I'm very sorry for your loss. It's quite a shock to lose such a young cat so suddenly.

I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.

RIP  Little Sherlock

Sherlock 

 Condolences on your sad loss of Sherlock. It is profoundly difficult to lose your little darling at such a tender age, whether a 6 months old kitten or an 18 year old boy.  I am terribly sorry for you and your heartache but I am very thankful that Sherlock had you for his guardian angel. He left this life knowing that he was loved and treasured.  I am sad that your time together with him was so short and I hope that your heart will heal and those memories that are now bringing tears to your eyes will someday bring smiles to your heart.

Thank you so much everyone for your kind words. I'm teary eyed just reading through! I truly appreciate it. Your words have helped me find comfort and knowing my sweet Sherlock is in a better place. I miss him dearly and each day that passes it gets a little better but I will never forget him.
catpack that sounds very similar to what my vet told me and Sherlock had a pretty severe upper respiratory problem. It makes me feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one this has happened to. I just felt so guilty but having answers now has helped.

Thanks again to everyone, I'm new to this site and wasn't sure what to expect. Thanks for all your kind words! Sorry for replying so late.

My husband and I will probably wait to get another kitten but I will update if we decide to do so. This site is really awesome.

@@catconcern
Thanks so much for your prayers and your kind words. My husband and I are slowing healing.

This is Sherlock the day before. I just opened the windows because it was getting warmer and I had the whole day off with him which I am forever grateful for that time I got to play and cuddle with him. This was him enjoying the weather.

catconcern said:

I'm very sorry for your loss and the heartache you are going through. Believe me when I say we do know how you feel.

It's tough to say and comment because I'm
Not sure. I know that in surgery there is always a danger they may not make it. It would hurt as he was doing better. You can't feel guilty for not being there because at the time you brought in your cat it was doing fine . You weren't to know that your cat wouldn't make it.

Don't beat yourself up. It's a huge loss to take, like losing apart of yourself and a child. I understand your pain, it's unbearable and severe torture. May god look after you.

I just said a prayer for you and your cat, for god to look after both of you.

Peace and love to you. We will be here for you.

Click to expand...

@catconcern
Thanks so much for your prayers and your kind words. I do realize that him not coming out was a possibility afterwards. Just like humans have the same risk. I just wish it didn't have to happen to him. Thank you for your prayers. My husband and I are slowing healing. [emoji]128591[/emoji][emoji]127995[/emoji]

What a lovely little boy Sherlock was!

He will be glad to know that you and your husband plan to adopt again. I don't know if you've seen the Cat's Last Will and Testament (it's posted here somewhere), but it's a powerful incentive to give another homeless animal a home. And I hope your next little furry friend stays with you forever and a day.

Best regards.

jshirazi said:

This is Sherlock the day before. I just opened the windows because it was getting warmer and I had the whole day off with him which I am forever grateful for that time I got to play and cuddle with him. This was him enjoying the weather.

Click to expand...

This is just heartbreaking. He was such a beautiful little boy. I'm so sorry that you had to lose him at such a young age. He really did know how much you loved him. I hope that if you do decide to give a home to another kitty who needs you that you are together for a long life full of love and friendship. RIP sweet Sherlock.