I have a 17 year old Ragdoll whose health is on a rapid decline: not eating as much, missing her litter box, horrible arthritis, back legs give out when she walks. She recently got a Solensia shot for her arthritis, but it does not seem to be helping. The vet said I could let her go at any time I am ready - I don't think I could ever be ready to let her go. For those who had a fur baby in a similar situation, how did you handle it? Did you get a second opinion or try another medication? How did you know it was time to let them go?
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Rapid Decline in Health
- Thread starter ABJackson
- Start Date
Hi and welcome to TCS, despite what brought you here. Has your cat has had full scale blood work done? There are a number of treatable diseases that might apply to what you are describing.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3
Yes, she had a full checkup with blood work and all. He tried to take her blood pressure as she is blind, but it all comes back normal. I know there are other meds that we can try for her arthritis and am willing to try anything. I go back on the 26th, but may go in earlier to re-review her blood work. Thanks for reminding me of the blood work!
I know with my cat it took 3 months to see any real change with Solensia. But, I had to stop it shortly after because she became itchy. There is also Adequan, another injection for arthritic pain. It also contains a joint supplement, unlike Solensia. I believe it takes at least 2 injections for the first month, and then it is monthly like Solensia.
Lower sided litter boxes might be an option if that is what is causing her to 'miss' the box. She could be given an appetite stimulant to see if that helps with her eating, maybe some anti-nausea meds as well. Perhaps, she needs some pain meds too.
Honestly, I find it hard to believe that her blood work is all normal. So, her blood pressure was normal too?
Lower sided litter boxes might be an option if that is what is causing her to 'miss' the box. She could be given an appetite stimulant to see if that helps with her eating, maybe some anti-nausea meds as well. Perhaps, she needs some pain meds too.
Honestly, I find it hard to believe that her blood work is all normal. So, her blood pressure was normal too?
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #5
Blood pressure was normal, but I want to go back and sit down with the vet and go through all the blood work and have him explain line by line what it means - maybe I am not understanding something he said. I was visibly upset when he said just love on her until you decide to let her go. I may go ahead with another shot but will also ask about the Adequan. I got the lower sided litter boxes, I have only had them for 2 days so hopefully they will help.
You can also ask for the vet to send you a copy of the blood work via email. There are generally ranges included that would tell you if anything is off. If you see something, you could post them here to see if anyone knows what they might mean, or even better, call the vet and ask to talk about it instead of waiting for the 26th.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #7
I was born and raised in Columbus, OH but moved down here in 1982. Did not go to OSU, but am a big fan.
To answer your question about time, I look at the quality of life. When you've done all you can do medically and your baby is having more bad days than good days and they stop doing the things that used to bring them joy, then it's time. They will tell you, but you have to be open to hearing it. It's very difficult letting a beloved pet go, but it's the last loving act of compassion you can show them.
I've found when they can't "be a cat anymore", it's time to let them go. That means, they can't/wont eat, no matter what anyone has tried, aren't drinking without human intervention on a more than temporary basis, can't walk, move, breathe, use the litter box or have remotely normal poo/pee habits. If they hide in a dark place all day instead of socializing or seeking stimulation, if they're depressed despite all the medication and treatments...that's when it's time to look them in the eyes and ask them if they still want to be here.
Of course, we want them to say yes, and many cats will hang on way too long just for you. It's the hardest call to make and 100% up to you along with your vet.
I have a boy who will be 20 in January. No teeth, IBD and bouts of terrible diarreah tracking poo all over the house wherever he sits, hyperthyroid, hypertension, Stage II kidney disease, enlarged heart, allergies (food and environment), dermatitis, flea medication allergy, psychogenic alopecia and asthma requiring an inhaler.
I can't tell you how many time family, friends and coworkers have suggested I "put him down" because "my life revolves around his care and it's expensive."
But he enjoys his food still. He drinks water. He tries his best in the litter box (lots of cleaning and butt wiping happen around here). He will still chase a toy, enjoys the catio, lies on the table whilst I work and in every other way makes it clear that despite the pills, the transdermal meds, the inhalers, the frequent vet visits, butt baths in the sink and ear cleanings from the transdermals-- he is still glad to be here.
If the day comes when he is no longer that way, I will know it's time. Until then, I'll fight as long as he wants to.
Of course, we want them to say yes, and many cats will hang on way too long just for you. It's the hardest call to make and 100% up to you along with your vet.
I have a boy who will be 20 in January. No teeth, IBD and bouts of terrible diarreah tracking poo all over the house wherever he sits, hyperthyroid, hypertension, Stage II kidney disease, enlarged heart, allergies (food and environment), dermatitis, flea medication allergy, psychogenic alopecia and asthma requiring an inhaler.
I can't tell you how many time family, friends and coworkers have suggested I "put him down" because "my life revolves around his care and it's expensive."
But he enjoys his food still. He drinks water. He tries his best in the litter box (lots of cleaning and butt wiping happen around here). He will still chase a toy, enjoys the catio, lies on the table whilst I work and in every other way makes it clear that despite the pills, the transdermal meds, the inhalers, the frequent vet visits, butt baths in the sink and ear cleanings from the transdermals-- he is still glad to be here.
If the day comes when he is no longer that way, I will know it's time. Until then, I'll fight as long as he wants to.
