My 15 year old kitty, Beamer has had neurological issues in his back end for about a year now. He kind of drags his back legs and frequently loses his balance. I have had to wrestle with chronic urinary tact infections due to this issue as well. I have had him to 2 different vets and the diagnosis is the same…there is nothing that they can do to fix the problem. He also cannot feel his bladder and bowels and I have to give him medication to empty him out. Over the last month or so I have noticed him stumbling more, and sometimes when he does he will just drag himself by his front legs to get where he wants to go because he cannot get back up. He also cannot make it to the litter box and when he gets his medication I either have to follow him around for the next couple of hours to make sure he does not go on the floor or put him on his leash outside and let him get it out of his system out there. After the medication does its job, there are no more accidents. I am struggling with the terrible decision of whether or not to have him PTS.
My problem is, he is eating well, and is generally a very happy guy. He is not in pain, it is numbness. I do not want him to lose his dignity, I can tell it bothers him, he gets frustrated. I find myself constantly watching for him to have an accident and it is stressing me out. I feel like if I do have him PTS I am killing my best friend! He had a couple of bad days, and when I think that maybe it would be better he does one of those special little things that the healthy Beamer would do, like suck my hair , give me a hug, and beg for his treats. I do notice him spending more time alone, but not the hiding stuff that they normally do when they are ready to go. I keep praying that he will improve, but he doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t.
Long story short, his mind is all there but is body is failing him.
If you were in my situation, what would you do?
This is weighing on me very heavily; I want to do what is best for him and put my feelings aside. I do plan on speaking with the vet and get his input once again. I cry every time I think about it.
(Sorry this is so long…..)
My problem is, he is eating well, and is generally a very happy guy. He is not in pain, it is numbness. I do not want him to lose his dignity, I can tell it bothers him, he gets frustrated. I find myself constantly watching for him to have an accident and it is stressing me out. I feel like if I do have him PTS I am killing my best friend! He had a couple of bad days, and when I think that maybe it would be better he does one of those special little things that the healthy Beamer would do, like suck my hair , give me a hug, and beg for his treats. I do notice him spending more time alone, but not the hiding stuff that they normally do when they are ready to go. I keep praying that he will improve, but he doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t.
Long story short, his mind is all there but is body is failing him.
If you were in my situation, what would you do?
This is weighing on me very heavily; I want to do what is best for him and put my feelings aside. I do plan on speaking with the vet and get his input once again. I cry every time I think about it.
(Sorry this is so long…..)