There's no reason that the oral should trigger an attack. Even if you're worked up conciously slow your breathing right down - slow full breaths. That will slow your heart rate and make you appear less anxious to Merlin. I'm sure you've been told this, but be sure to go slow with the liquid meds. It's so tempting to just do one quick squirt, but that can make the patient feel like he's choking and cause panic (I learned that one the hard way :anon: ). One ml at a time is best. I can't tell you how long the prednisone will take to kick in...Cal always had an injection of it when he saw the vet to kick start the treatment. All I can say is that it does make a big difference. We'd see the injection effects within an hour or two. I would think a couple of doses orally sounds about right.
I absolutely respect what you say about not going too long before a decision. I'm much more like you with calling time. Mum finds it harder to let go. There were a few times along the way when I felt 'enough'. Each time it was as though Cal sensed it, and he'd bounce right back and be himself again for a bit. The constant vet vits were mostly before we get the aerokat and the right liquid meds combo - Cal was very clear that he'd prefer to see the vet for a jab than take a tablet at home Of course, our vet situation was different to yours. It's always a personal choice. They let you know when it's time. All I'm saying is give the drugs a chance before you decide.
I know it's so hard to say. I firmly believe in a dignified death, and not keeping them alive out of our need instead of theirs. I also know that if mum had gone with my judgement, Cal would have missed out on 3 extra months of mostly high quality life (begging at mums plate at dinner, shouting for food, sitting with me and interfering with jewellery I was making, playing with his favourite mouse etc etc). Yes, there were bad days, but it's a case of whether the good outweigh the bad or vice versa.
Just remember that Merlin will be frightened right now. Asthma attacks can be frightening when you know what's happening. Cats don't have that luxury. That's why I'm saying give him a little time to get the drugs right first. You're a wonderful mum to him. I can see that you only want what's best,and I respect and applaud you for it. Extraordinary measures I think can and do go too far. We're not talking about that. Its just a simple oral steroid and some inhalers. He'll tell you when it's time. Fear at the early stages of treatment is not the same thing.
I absolutely respect what you say about not going too long before a decision. I'm much more like you with calling time. Mum finds it harder to let go. There were a few times along the way when I felt 'enough'. Each time it was as though Cal sensed it, and he'd bounce right back and be himself again for a bit. The constant vet vits were mostly before we get the aerokat and the right liquid meds combo - Cal was very clear that he'd prefer to see the vet for a jab than take a tablet at home Of course, our vet situation was different to yours. It's always a personal choice. They let you know when it's time. All I'm saying is give the drugs a chance before you decide.
I know it's so hard to say. I firmly believe in a dignified death, and not keeping them alive out of our need instead of theirs. I also know that if mum had gone with my judgement, Cal would have missed out on 3 extra months of mostly high quality life (begging at mums plate at dinner, shouting for food, sitting with me and interfering with jewellery I was making, playing with his favourite mouse etc etc). Yes, there were bad days, but it's a case of whether the good outweigh the bad or vice versa.
Just remember that Merlin will be frightened right now. Asthma attacks can be frightening when you know what's happening. Cats don't have that luxury. That's why I'm saying give him a little time to get the drugs right first. You're a wonderful mum to him. I can see that you only want what's best,and I respect and applaud you for it. Extraordinary measures I think can and do go too far. We're not talking about that. Its just a simple oral steroid and some inhalers. He'll tell you when it's time. Fear at the early stages of treatment is not the same thing.