Question:
Hi, I am in need of advice. My 16.5 yr. cat has not eaten or drank water on her own since last week. She has been to the vet and was on ivs for 3 days. She has a form of hep, which the vet said may be treatable if she can maintain her blood levels. Her protein level is low. She is on prednisone, clavomax and cyprohepsadine. Since seh has been home, 3:00 yesterday, she has eaten, from my hands on three occasions. the other times I have had to force feed her with a plastic syringe. I have to force feed her water. She only vomited once, whereas she has vomited continuously for the vet.
I don't know what to do. She is also lethargic, but makes it to the litter box. This is a very hard decision to make. Do I continue or relieve her of her suffering? I'm heartbroken.
Thanks for your time.
Crystal

Answer:
So sorry to hear this.:(

You need to ask your vet to tell you honestly what your kitty's prognosis is, so you won't be making her suffer for nothing. The vet said it "may" be treatable. You should ask him what period of time it will take to show if there is going to be improvement.

IF her quality of life is going to be so diminished that she is lethargic and must be forcefed and that is not going to improve, then I personally would end it.
I know this is heartbreaking.

Answer:
Thank you. I get in the office with the vet and I have hard time thinking logically. I get worried and don't know what to ask. Your suggestion was very helpful.
Crystal

Answer:
Oh dear... you are in such a difficult place... as LR said.. ask what the next few weeks to months could be like and what the end result of this process will yield should it work. That will give you a better ability to make an informed decision as to what is best for your cat and yourself.

Answer:
My heart is aching for you! This is the bad part of having pets! We all know what you're going through right now. The years of love are totally worth it, but the grief is so intense when we see them suffer. You have to base your decision on what quality of life she'll have if she does make it. I'm glad you are there for her!

Answer:
I am too very sorry that your cat is not doing well.I think like the others.If she is not getting better and if there is no way she will,I would end her suffering.I had to make that decision twice last year with both of my cats,they were only 11 years old.It is very hard decision to make and I hope there is another way for you.Good luck.

Answer:
BMDLuver, Frenchy, Glasslass and Lucky Rescue, thank you for your suggestions and support. My sweet Diamond has taken a turn for the great. We toughed it out a couple more days and she is eating and drinking on her own again. I will have to continue to keep an eye on her this next week as we now have to take care of her other issues (hep) but she is stronger now and will have a better chance. 2006 will be a great year, with such a great beginning. Along with Diamond pulling through, my husband in Iraq should be home within this next month too, home for good
Again thank you so much.
Crystal

Answer:
Good to hear that your furbaby has turned around and wishing you and her health in the coming year.

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