Dolce and Bella once again showing off their beautiful tabby tummies.
Smudge Update:
From Smudge's point of view, life has continued as normal. He still plays with his sister Dolce and sleeps on the bed at my feet.
We are going for the consult with Dr. Nick on Friday to see what the treatment options are for Smudge. From what I have read, it will involve giving him subcutaneous fluids. My main concern is will this hurt him in anyway. I don't want to lose Smudge any sooner than I have to, but I also am against prolonging his suffering or making his life miserable just to postpone my own sense of loss. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
I wanted to thank everyone for their comments and purrayers. As Smudge said on The House Panthers' blog: "I am but a small stone tossed into the great pond of the world, but the ripples I create will echo long after I am gone."
So glad to hear that Smudge is feeling like himself! It must feel like forever until Friday for Mom & Dad tho... When we first got Meep, he was the sickest little cat I'd ever had in my life. Just after we brought him home, he needed so much medical help that he practically moved into the vet hospital. He was always dehydrated. The vet had him on sub-Q a good deal of the time, and there was talk of him needing it at home as well. The vet explained that it was a very well tolerated procedure for kitties - said they don't really seem to mind at all. Now it turned out that we didn't need to give it to him at home (and I was relieved), so I don't have first-hand knowledge. But I did respect that vet very much, and would've continued to take the boys there if we hadn't moved. I absolutely understand your sentiment about if it's the right thing to do for Smudge or for you, but I truly believe that you will know the answer when the time comes. Write down all of your questions and concerns for the vet; sometimes it can be emotional in the office and hard to remember what you talked about at home. Sorry this is so long-winded. You and your feline family are in our prayers. Take care and trust in yourselves.
ReplyDeleteBonnie (Buzz & Meep's mom)
Don't worry about sub-q fluids hurting Smudge. The only thing he will feel is the fluid ball forming at the injection site, but it will not be painful for him. Over the years as our cats have gotten older and their kidneys began to fail, we've had to give fluids to a number of our babies. Currently we are treating our 16 year old with fluids and other meds. Giving the fluids is not difficult, but you may find starting out that it is easier with two people -- One to entertain/distract the cat and the other to place the needle and administer the fluid flow. While the loss of kidney function is not reversible, a cat does well with only a small percentage working. There have been a number of advancements in both meds and diets available in the past few years. Listen to your vet, but ask all your questions to make informed decisions for only you know what is best for Smudge. I wish you the best and hope you have discovered Smudge's problem in time for meds and/or diet change to stabilize his condition and keep him part of your family for years to come.
ReplyDeleteMike
Hoppy Halloween and binkies to Mr. Smudge
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that Smudge is doing OK. Keep us posted on how he is doing.
ReplyDeletementioned in an earlier comment, we had to sub-Q a beloved kitty for many months. it became a routine of love, and he knew it. it didn't hurt him, we got used to it, it helped him tremendously. would be happy to talk with you about it any time. can email us at edsel@wowway.com. if you want to leave your phone number, we have "free" long distance and can call you to talk too. you will do what you need to do to help your boy.
ReplyDeleteEdselsmom
When my first cat was sick, I needed to give fluids, and I thought it was scary. But I hooked the I-V to the shower rod in the bathroom, got the cat on my lap, inserted the needle as they taught me at the clinic, and watched the drip and how much she took. As it was going, I talked to her and pet her, and she was perfectly happy on my lap, and I think she knew it was helping her. I never had any problems with it, after that. It was a private time for us, and she liked the attention, and seemed to feel a lot better afterwards. If you need any help, let me know.
ReplyDeletebrandi's mom
We can't help you with advice, but be assured you have our prayers.
ReplyDeleteI had to get sub-q fluids a few times when I was sick. I didn't *like* it, but it wasn't painful or anything. Mostly it was just annoying, because I'm pretty sure the bald guy doing it enjoyed himself... Smudge might lick at the spot they out the water in, but just cause it might leak a little...
ReplyDeleteMy Panda has FUS, he has had blockages 3 times. One of the ways I use to try to keep him from more problems is Sub-Q treatments. If I neglect doing this once every 2 weeks his urine concentrates and we have a peeing issue.
ReplyDeleteAfter this current issue the Vet has recommended Panda to have one once a week.
I take him to the laundry room and put him on a bed on top of the washer, stick the needle in, turn on the fluid and keep one hand on the needle and the other scratching his neck. He purrs away while he gets 50cc's.
I am sure he would rather not get them but once it gets going he is very relaxed and it keeps him healthy.
The sub-q fluids will not hurt him. We gave them to Ralphie for about 9 months when he had cancer, the only one that got hurt was me when I got stabbed by accident. Ralphie loved the attention and cuddles and he always got a baby food treat after it was done. - Meezer Mom
ReplyDeleteWe hopes that things go well with Smudge. Different cats react differently to fluids. Georgia HATES them and it's a struggle but the other cats didn't mind them so much.
ReplyDeleteLovely twin tabby tummies!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with subq fluids, but everyone's comments are encouraging. Mom says at least Smudge isn't a rabbit because she used to give bunny meds subq and their skin is quite tough.
Bella and Dolce sure are pretty ladies! We also don't have an experience with subq fluids to share, but I think the support here is very encouraging, and we are very sure you will make the right decision. It's great that Smudge is behaving normally. That is SO important.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tabby tummies.
ReplyDeleteSorry, we have never given subQ, but we are thinking of Smudge and wish him all the best. We hope the vet will have good news about treatment.
lovely tummies, girls!
ReplyDeletewe don't have any medical experiences to share, but we'll keep purraying for dear, sweet Smudge to live out the rest of his life happily and without suffering.
all our love and purrayers,
Karen & kitties
Dulce and Bella do indeed have beautiful tabby tummies! Good luck to you and to Smudge. We send our prayers that Dr. Nick AND Smudge will guide all involved in what decisions need to be made. Purrs! -- Alberta, Sky, Blackie, Charlie and Maggie Fu
ReplyDeleteOur heart is breaking for you and Smudge. We're sending prayers so that you both will have the strength to deal with his health and the wisdom to know what to do.
ReplyDeleteScritches to the tabby tummies!
Very beautiful tummies girls. ~Merlin, Shadow, Ko kO
ReplyDeleteNugget and I enjoyed the belly photos. Please come and visit us at tradingcats.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteLouise
As a few others have said, don't worry about the sub-q's hurting smudge. It's not painful but will take a little getting used to.
ReplyDeleteOnce he undergoes the fluid treatments and gets his creatine levels down, he'll be more like his old self. When Moose was first diagnosed, he was in the hospital for a week trying to get his levels down. Once he came home he was doing better and acting like his old self. It really isn't a bad treatment option.
just popping in to see how Smudge is doing. I do hope he is okay.
ReplyDeleteWow, what contrast! Little Dolce and fluffy ole Bella! I love it!
ReplyDelete