Juggling life through a bi-polar lens. Sometimes up, sometimes down. Mostly trying to tread water in the middle. Creating a likeness to a normal life. Whatever "normal" is...

Thursday 27 October 2011

Updates

We've been so worried for Scooter as he hasn't been eating or drinking. Then yesterday he drank again, and took just a mouthful of food.


Today, he has had some special smelly mush from the vet (Hill's A/D)- about a quarter of the tin with his medicine hidden inside, and then Luvbug made him a fishy soup from tuna and warm water, which he lapped up. Scoot is now on 'his' chair, on top of a fluffy sheet and hot water bottle, sleeping it all off. He's quiet, no snorting, just the occasional snore :)


I took this just now-



I took these last night. He loves the fire but hasn't stretched out in front of it like this in a while;

 When he got too warm he came and lay near to me and let me just rest my hand on him:
Despite the weight he's lost, he's still a lovely big bear cub of a cat, isn't he?

So what did the vet say?


Basically we have two options-


1) send him to an animal hospital near Cambridge, about a 90 minute drive away.
There, they will be able to use MRI scans as well as xrays to see if he has anything untoward in the skull or neck, like a tumour or polyps. Whereas my own vet would be able to do xrays here in Colchester, he wouldn't be able to do any surgery like this; hence the long journey.


2)continue to treat the symptoms with anti-biotics, decongestant and painkillers, monitor things regularly and if it all gets too waring for Scooter, that is, if it seems to be wearing him out and making him depressed, we let him go...


If Scoot were 10 years younger I think I'd take him to the hospital and do whatever I could. But at 18 1/2, and having had 2 seizures that I know of, there is a risk he won't come out of the anaesthetic.


I could say goodbye, then hand him over for the trip to the hospital and hope that it isn't really goodbye. But then he gets to be stressed and scared, driven away with strangers, handled by strangers in strange rooms. If he doesn't come out of that alive, it's a horrible last few hours to have. Luvbug says Scooter looks for me if I'm out or even upstairs too long. And when I'm alone with him he looks for Luvbug and his Granny. So he might feel abandoned, scared and confused.


So, sadly, though I think it will be accepting an earlier end, we have opted for (2). I still get bouts of guity tears, thinking I'm not doing all I can though...


Now, every day is borrowed, and a blessing. We've all shed tears.
Just have to try not to think ahead. Just give him what he needs for now, this moment. Does his hot water bottle need refilling? Would he like a scrunch under the chin? Must try to think no further than this, and we'll get through the next week or two, more if we are very lucky.....


Thank all again for your messages here, emails and texts. It all helps me when I'm tying myself up in knots over things..........



9 comments:

mrsnesbitt said...

Lots of HUGS H, xxxxxx

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

We know what you are going through. Mac would not eat no matter what we offered him. He drank very little, too. He hid for several days and then joined us again. He slept a lot but sis not close his eyes most of the time! It was so weird to see him with his eyes open but unaware of us. It is the hardest decision to make because you always wonder if you made the right choice. What if I ..... and the list is long.

We are keeping you in your thoughts and sending hugs and head bumps!

Julie said...

Big hugs Helena. XXX I think you are doing the right thing for Mr Scooter. You are keeping him very relaxed and happy with people he loves and who love him. Don't feel guilty, you are dong everything you can. xx

Di said...

Julie summed it up perfectly Helena - Scooter is happy, relaxed and not scared by being away from those who love him right now. It's not an easy road for you honey, but truly the best I think. Remember Miss Peach - it wasn't easy but she was loved and cared for in the familiar surroundings of her own home. And who knows, Scooter might well find the anti-B's work fine. Sending love, hugs and thoughts, as always! Di xxx

Admiral Hestorb said...

I have not been here before to my knowledge but I am here now and I offer my support and care for you and your dearest little one. I know how it is, as most of us do who have had beloved fur family. Your heart and your little one will guide you.

Feronia said...

Love to you all, Helena. You're doing a wonderful, wonderful job caring for that lovely bundle of fur xx

Leenie said...

Whatever Scooter receives, it's your love for him that means the most. Love and hugs for you all, Eileen

Dragonstar said...

I believe you've made the right decision Helena. I've pulled Rinli through self-starvation three times, but now he's old. Not so much in years - he's four years younger than Scooter - but he's acting old. He's stopped grooming himself and very rarely allows us to brush him. Sometimes he eats well, other times he does nothing more than drink some milk. Mostly he just wants his cosy bed and plenty of peace. He seems to be drifting very slowly away. This time I've made the difficult decision not to interfere. We're just keeping him as comfortable a we can and waiting.
We know what you're going through again. It's the price we have to pay for loving our furry babies. You're making sure Scooter knows he's loved, and that will make him more comfortable than any other treatment he could be given.
((Loads of hugs))

Beanie Mouse said...

It's already been said by the others. Mega hugs and headbutts all round!!