At home euthanasia vs. vet's office

[catsallaround]

Really at some point the vet should have said you know what I really do not know lets call xyz vet or bring her in to the larger clinic in the area.  To just keep thinking she had it under control and not suggest anything is a sign of a bad vet IMO.  To me knowing when your over your head and offering places that can help shows a lot.  I dropped one of the vets I used as she was very unsure and had not trained her staff enough to know that a cat who could not pee Friday could not wait till Monday to be examined.  She was ok for vaccines/BASIC care but she really needed to be part of a practice/learn a lot more.

 

[wasabipea]

She's been misdiagnosing Roni for a while now, or doing very basic care - as you said. I think she honestly believed she had the right diagnosis with the stomach cancer since it turns out that she did not respond to convenia, and since it's considered a broad spectrum antibiotic - if the WBC didn't change then it wasn't an infection. she said she consulted with a gastrointerologist specialist over the phone and they came up with the diagnosis together - and of course the euthanasia suggestion immediately followed.

I'm just so annoyed by the way she is getting dismissed because of her age. OK - in human years, she's 90. If a 90 year old woman had an infection that could be treated, but the doc said since the patient was so old, what quality of life could they possible have? Why bother? the doc would be villified 10x over.

Yea, I know a cat isn't a human, but still. To me she is everything.

And WOW, even I know if a cat can't pee that is ASAP Emergency clinic if you have to... not wait a couple of days. I would have dropped that vet in a heartbeat as well.

I probably shouldn't be typing on the internet right now. I'm too mad, I don't want to say anything super bad and get anyone in trouble or cause trouble.

 

[wasabipea]

OK, Somewhat calmed down now.

I took her off the old antibiotics that were really really doing a number on her, She is eating again and bouncing back. I haven't checked the litter box yet today so I don't know w so, 6 weeks of an antibiotic but I really really hope she can tolerate.hat's in it - but I tell you ever since that bad patch with those drugs, since she started feeling better she just will not get off my lap.

Anyway I just got off the phone with the vet and he said that the E coli is a sensitive variety that will respond to a lot of drugs. I don't want to give her another Convenia shot, and about the only pill she can take is Baytril. So he is prescribing somethig similar to Baytril, in the same class.

He said the E coli infection is in her kidneys, I wonder if that could be what's causing her values to go up? So now we are looking at a 6 week treatment of a drug that I really really hope she can tolerate.

But, on an up note - she is eating, happily. I think that reaction to those antibiotics took a lot out of her.

So, wish us luck again. I have to stop typing because my stupid tablet is acting up again.

I have this problem where I really need to buy a new tablet, but new boots are so much more appealing. Lol

Thank you again to my cat site family for letting me vent and listening to my plight. :grphug2:

 

[red top rescue]

New tablet trumps new boots.  Put the boots on your Santa list.

 

[feralvr]

Metronidazole is extremely bitter and I have not heard of a liquid form but am not saying it does not exist. Especially if they made it taste like chicken or fish but still, very, very bitter intestinal antibiotic. I have it on hand here for Pipsqueak who has IBD and pancreatitis flares - the pill form. It works wonders for him - firms his poops right up. Surely, though, what works for one cat won't work for another. My heart goes to you, hun. :heart3:

I have not gone to the S. Boulardi for Pip yet but know if it from LDG too. I opted to try the Nexabiotic first. 1/2 capsule am/pm and it has really, really helped with his bouts of diarrhea. I mix it in the canned food and Pip eats it right up. Check with your vet first, though, before adding anything new to Roni's regime.

And, ALWAYS much, much luck as you venture through each day doing your best for Roni. What great love you two share. :heart3: I had a day like yours yesterday too with Henry. My oh my... - this is THE hardest part of our life with them. The specter and eventuality of loss are always looming now, hovering and waiting to pounce. The pain and anguish of the sense of never having again what we once had is truly heartbreaking, to me. It is the part of life I would love nothing more than to avoid BUT to love IS to lose, sadly. Hang in there, Wendy. You are not alone in this journey.

 

[wasabipea]

New tablet trumps new boots.  Put the boots on your Santa list.

I detect a techie in the thread! But... but... but - I love boots! They love me too :nod:

 

[wasabipea]

Metronidazole is extremely bitter and I have not heard of a liquid form but am not saying it does not exist. Especially if they made it taste like chicken or fish but still, very, very bitter intestinal antibiotic. I have it on hand here for Pipsqueak who has IBD and pancreatitis flares - the pill form. It works wonders for him - firms his poops right up. Surely, though, what works for one cat won't work for another. My heart goes to you, hun. :heart3:

I have not gone to the S. Boulardi for Pip yet but know if it from LDG too. I opted to try the Nexabiotic first. 1/2 capsule am/pm and it has really,
really helped with his bouts of diarrhea. I mix it in the canned food and Pip eats it right up. Checkwith your vet first, though, before adding anything new to Roni's regime.

And, ALWAYS much, much luck as you venture through each day doing your best for Roni. What great love you two share. :heart3: I had a day like yours yesterday too with Henry. My oh my... - this is THE hardest part of our life with them. The specter and eventuality of loss are always looming now, hovering and waiting to pounce. The pain and anguish of the sense of never having again what we once had is truly heartbreaking, to me. It is the part of life I would love nothing more than to avoid BUT to love IS to lose, sadly. Hang in there, Wendy. You are not alone in this journey.

I think that was the name of the antibiotic, pretty sure. And yes it was chicken flavored, supposedly. I will check out that probiotic you mentioned along with te s. Boulardi. I just ordered more Fortiflora off of Amazon too. I do think something about the flavour really entices her. My vet knows that she is taking the fortia flora and occasionally human probiotics - I doubt it would be a problem.

It is so hard when they are suffering, and we feel helpless. Even though she is eating and saying good morning in bed now, she is still wiped out and I'm surprised at how clingy she is being with me. I do wonder if that's a sign of something else, or her just needing some love. I'm glad we have the long weekend ahead of us, and I truly hope that the new antibiotic will be successful.

I'm very sorry to hear you had a hard day with Henry yesterday
to both of you and you are not alone either. Hopefully you are having similar weather to the beautiful day that we are having here and you can spend some QT outside with your little doggie, sunshine does wonders for the soul.
here is a pic of little Roni sacked out on my lap lightly purring yet appearing to be asleep... my butt is starting to hurt so I'm going to have to move her soon much as I don't want to.

photo-23.JPG

• wasabipea
• Aug 29, 2014

 

[goholistic]

Gosh @Wasabipea. I'm so sorry about all that has happened recently and that you had additional challenges on top of what you are already dealing with.  

  My Caesar was on Baytril for two weeks for his ecoli UTI and he tolerated it well.

 

[wasabipea]

Omg, I feel like a crazy person because this AM, I looked at her food bowl and it was empty - I dared a little smile inside and then peeked, with great trepidation, into her litter box and... wait for it... solid poop!!!!

I wanted to dance around the house doing some kind of weirdo "solid poop' dance, but figured that would land me squarely in the Crazy Person category - so I opted to hop online to share the good news!

We may have a winner folks!

Thank you for your thoughts Go Holistic, this has been one tough run but she is such fighter. Omg, I feel like a crazy person because this AM, I looked at her food bowl and it was empty - I dared a little smile inside and then peeked, with great trepidation, into her litter box and... wait for it... solid poop!!!!

I wanted to dance around the house doing some kind of weirdo "solid poop' dance, but figured that would land me squarely in the Crazy Person category - so I opted to hop online to share the good news!

We may have a winner folks!

Thank you for your thoughts Go Holistic, this has been one tough run but she is such fighter.

Oh and @red top rescue --- boots won. Tablet next paycheck, plus I need guidance from my IT person at work. I'm totally ignorant in the tech dept. feralvr- to Henry today.

 

[catconcern]

She's been misdiagnosing Roni for a while now, or doing very basic care - as you said. I think she honestly believed she had the right diagnosis with the stomach cancer since it turns out that she did not respond to convenia, and since it's considered a broad spectrum antibiotic - if the WBC didn't change then it wasn't an infection. she said she consulted with a gastrointerologist specialist over the phone and they came up with the diagnosis together - and of course the euthanasia suggestion immediately followed.

I'm just so annoyed by the way she is getting dismissed because of her age. OK - in human years, she's 90. If a 90 year old woman had an infection that could be treated, but the doc said since the patient was so old, what quality of life could they possible have? Why bother? the doc would be villified 10x over.

Yea, I know a cat isn't a human, but still. To me she is everything.

And WOW, even I know if a cat can't pee that is ASAP Emergency clinic if you have to... not wait a couple of days. I would have dropped that vet in a heartbeat as well.

I probably shouldn't be typing on the internet right now. I'm too mad, I don't want to say anything super bad and get anyone in trouble or cause trouble.

Yes u should. Type all you need to. Vent. These forums are great and do wonders for many. Get out any frustrations on here and voice your concern. Were all here for you and offer our support

I wish u well

 

[wasabipea]

Thank you catconcern.

I am furious, because it probably started off as a simple UTI, and because we waited so long it moved into her kidneys, and now who knows if she will survive it, as well as most likely doing permanent damage - her kidney insufficiencies were stable before, with her creatinine in the lower 2 range. Who knows what's going to happen now? I know she's not going to live forever, but for her age, was doing pretty darn well.

I really hope she pulls through this, I love her so much - imagining life without her is very difficult.

And yes, this forum has been a godsend with my troubles, and venting and advice, etc... and others actually getting it. It really has been a fountain of information.

 

[catconcern]

Thank you catconcern.

I am furious, because it probably started off as a simple UTI, and because we waited so long it moved into her kidneys, and now who knows if she will survive it, as well as most likely doing permanent damage - her kidney insufficiencies were stable before, with her creatinine in the lower 2 range. Who knows what's going to happen now? I know she's not going to live forever, but for her age, was doing pretty darn well.

I really hope she pulls through this, I love her so much - imagining life without her is very difficult.

And yes, this forum has been a godsend with my troubles, and venting and advice, etc... and others actually getting it. It really has been a fountain of information.

I understand completely wasabipea. I've been through a similar scenario myself where I feel the vets didn't act in my boy's best interests and actually deteriorated his health. I know the anxiety and fear you feel within. While she's around, cherish every moment. Keep hugging her, telling her how much she means to you and how much you love her. Spend as much time as possible and just do the best you can and look after yourself. 

Good luck for the both of you

 

[Loving Mickey]

Hi Wasabipea
I haven't been on the cat site in a few days .I thought I would check in tonight.I immediately wanted to check your thread and see how Roni was doing.I cant comment too much on the medications as I am not really familiar with them.However I do understand your anger towards some vets.I will agree that the majority of vets are most likely great.There are a few though that dont seem as caring as I feel they should be.I value my cats life just like any member of my family. A vet should treat a pet just like a human.They are supposed to value a pets life and act accordingly.Some vets do not.They feel that if a cat is old or too sick then the owner should put that pet to sleep.I dont agree with that.A doctor would never say that they couldn't treat a person that was old or too sick.They would try their best to treat and save that person.A vet should do the same concerning a pet.My vet was the same as your first one.I think he felt that my Mickey was too sick.He kept advising me to put him to sleep.I refused so he gave me medication to try and help him.Mickey died anyway but naturally and at home.I never went back to that vet.Still looking for a vet for Shadow.Anyway no more about me and my babies.I truly hope your new vet helps Roni and he gets well again.I understand that Roni is everything to you.Age doesn't matter.She is your baby and you want her well.I completely understand. Take Care of Roni and yourself.Keep us all posted.

 

[wasabipea]

Thank you @catconcern and @Loving Mickey. And please don't get me wrong, I am a proponent of euthanasia when the animal has a poor quality of life or is physically suffering. What steams me are the vets that think "well how much longer could this animal possibly have, why bother with the time/money/effort of testing now?"

I've heard of cats living into their 20s.

So I'm going to keep the door open with my old office (they have weekend hours and are affordable), but will insist on seeing the older, more experienced and less cynical vet at that practice. As far as diagnostics, they are out. And should Roni beat this and end up with a normal white cell count, combined with increased kidney damage from the infection - that vet is getting a letter with the test results and a explanation of my disappointment in her idea of "care". No need to cause a scene in the office.

So... hopefully we can beat this without too much damage to her already compromised kidneys. No throwing up or runs in the box this AM. *fingers crossed* - but this time she is on a strict probiotic regimen along with the ABs

Loving Mickey, I hope you are recovering and the bitter memories are turning into memories that make your heart smile instead of ache. It takes a while.

 

[red top rescue]

I hope today is as good as yesterday.  I've used Baytril before with no problems, although I don't remember what it was for since it was awhile back.  Keep up the probiotics and chicken soup etc.  We're all pulling for her.  Oh, and as for age, you just never know.  Yesterday a friend of mine adopted a 23 year old cat named Walter.  His owner had died and he ended up in rescue.  He seems healthy, and after a bath and a shave down, he was ready for a new home.  He wrapped his arms around her neck and purred and that was it.  And I think I already mentioned the tortie who was turned in to a shelter at age 21, taken home by a kind person so she could live out her last years, and then brought back to the shelter for a visit 4 years later on her 25th birthday.  As  long as they have quality of life, that's what matters.

 

[wasabipea]

I hope today is as good as yesterday.  I've used Baytril before with no problems, although I don't remember what it was for since it was awhile back.  Keep up the probiotics and chicken soup etc.  We're all pulling for her.  Oh, and as for age, you just never know.  Yesterday a friend of mine adopted a 23 year old cat named Walter.  His owner had died and he ended up in rescue.  He seems healthy, and after a bath and a shave down, he was ready for a new home.  He wrapped his arms around her neck and purred and that was it.  And I think I already mentioned the tortie who was turned in to a shelter at age 21, taken home by a kind person so she could live out her last years, and then brought back to the shelter for a visit 4 years later on her 25th birthday.  As  long as they have quality of life, that's what matters.

I love hearing stories of Golden Years kitties who get a second chance:heart4:

A few minutes ago, Roni trotted out of the LR to the direction of her box... a couple of minutes later she came trotting back in, took a big leap onto her perch, looked at me with big eyes and happy whiskers. I went to the box... perfect poop! Maybe with the new meds, probiotics, lots of love, (and possibly some d mannose)... we can get thru this!

Thank you for the support and healing vibes sent her way :heart3:

 

[betsygee]

I love hearing stories of Golden Years kitties who get a second chance:heart4:

A few minutes ago, Roni trotted out of the LR to the direction of her box... a couple of minutes later she came trotting back in, took a big leap onto her perch, looked at me with big eyes and happy whiskers. I went to the box... perfect poop! Maybe with the new meds, probiotics, lots of love, (and possibly some d mannose)... we can get thru this!

Thank you for the support and healing vibes sent her way

   Yay for good poops.  LOL  Hoping it continues.  :-)

 

[abby2932]

I'm SO happy for you!

Such a long road you guys have been on. I'm hoping that Roni continues to do wonderful the next 6 weeks of antibiotics and that it clears up her infection COMPLETELY! 

 

[red top rescue]

Yay for Roni, she's doing better than she has done in weeks and weeks!  When you started this thread, you were looking at euthanasia in the immediate future -- and now she's hopping up on her perch again with happy whiskers.  Now her quality of life is suddenly worth hanging around for.  One day at a time, and each day so far is better than the one before.    We are almost as happy as you are!!  (We do get emotionally involved here, as you can tell.)

 

[bonepicker]

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