- Joined
- Dec 8, 2014
- Messages
- 4
- Purraise
- 2
In the last week or so, my Fernimal (because he, obviously, is an a"nimal" and he loves to chew on "fern"s. So, "Fernimal.") suddenly lost weight, became weak (he can't really walk or jump anymore) and only stumples, and is immobilized. He's no longer sociable and most disturbing to me, doesn't respond anymore to cues for treats or food. He seems to still have an appetite but as soon as he tries to eat something, he begins to violently shake his head and repeatedly opens and closes his mouth as if, as all cats do, he has something stuck in his teeth. After a few bites, he just quits.
I took him to the vet today and the doctor ran multiple test and took an x-ray. I'll get the blood results tomorrow. But, the x-ray showed he has an enlarged heart, unclear lungs (radiologist will give an more expert opinion tomorrow), bad hips and narrowed intestines. The doctor didn't seem to think anything was so terribly wrong with his teeth that it would cause him to be the way he is right now.
Needless to say, I am very sad and pessimistic. He's 17 years old and it appears he has all kinds of problems. I am anticipating having to put him to sleep soon. I don't want him to have any pain and no quality of life. He lives for eating and getting treats and now he doesn't respond to anything cues I give him. He's immobilized.
I'm ashamed to say that part of the decision whether to put him to sleep is financial. Here's what I mean. I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount of money if there is hope for him to return to a relatively (given his age) decent quality of life. But, if the costs are to just "keep him alive". Then, to me, it's not worth it. I know, this is selfish. But I have to be realistic too.
So, what I like to know is how you would balance this financial v. quality of life issue. I'm thick skinned, so feel free to criticize my attitude. I welcome it because deep down inside I want to hear how terribly selfish I'm being.
I'm new here and I would really appreciate any feedback.
I took him to the vet today and the doctor ran multiple test and took an x-ray. I'll get the blood results tomorrow. But, the x-ray showed he has an enlarged heart, unclear lungs (radiologist will give an more expert opinion tomorrow), bad hips and narrowed intestines. The doctor didn't seem to think anything was so terribly wrong with his teeth that it would cause him to be the way he is right now.
Needless to say, I am very sad and pessimistic. He's 17 years old and it appears he has all kinds of problems. I am anticipating having to put him to sleep soon. I don't want him to have any pain and no quality of life. He lives for eating and getting treats and now he doesn't respond to anything cues I give him. He's immobilized.
I'm ashamed to say that part of the decision whether to put him to sleep is financial. Here's what I mean. I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount of money if there is hope for him to return to a relatively (given his age) decent quality of life. But, if the costs are to just "keep him alive". Then, to me, it's not worth it. I know, this is selfish. But I have to be realistic too.
So, what I like to know is how you would balance this financial v. quality of life issue. I'm thick skinned, so feel free to criticize my attitude. I welcome it because deep down inside I want to hear how terribly selfish I'm being.
I'm new here and I would really appreciate any feedback.