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Question
Dear Jana, I wrote not long ago about carts for cats. One of our cats is suffering chronic renal failure and for some reason has lost function of one back leg and now uses front legs with very little help from the "better" rear leg. Some days like today she move around very little. You were correct in that a cart would not be wise and possibly be useless to her once the cart arrived. She does pretty well on smooth hardwood floors sliding her back end on days she is up to walking around.
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I simply wanted to let others know from our experience if may be worth it for the cat to provide longer term care than some folks will. Many would have put her down by now but we have not. She seems to be in no pain and does enjoy company even if very limited in what she can do.
She receives subcutaneous fluid every other day. This is not a difficult procedure for any who might be hesitant to try. We know she is terminal and the fluids help for a while helping stave off dehydration. We have her in situations where she has been most comfortable in the past and spend time holding close and rocking as with a small child. This appears comforting.
We know the time will come not long from now when hopefully she passed on to a better place gently. If she shows a need, we will have her euthanized.
Time spent now is for her comfort and hopefully for us to learn better how to accept the loss of a loved pet of almost 19 years. Been there, done that..but this is a different pet and each life is its life and its part in our hearts. For all who need advice of a sound and caring sort, do not hesitate to ask Jana Connell here.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
Jana, unless you have a word of advice to add, handle this "question" any way you desire. Thanks again.
Thomas,
I write with tears in my eyes because of the experiences I have had with both my Floyd and then Crouton. What you are doing is fine, wonderful and I can tell you know what you are doing in regards the fluids.
You are right about holding her to comfort her. I did the same thing with Crouton until she didn't want to be held. I gave her sub-Q fluids as well but with Floyd I did an IV for a month. My boss told me that the fluid helps only to keep them from the dehydration which prevents a lot of pain. It doesn't flush out the kidneys because they just aren't working at all. At this point their capacity is maybe 5%.
Renal failure means that they are slowly being poisoned by their own wastes that the kidneys would normally filter out. So they do feel painful if they are not being kept hydrated.
You will know if she needs to be put down rather than letting her die naturally. I took one look into the eyes of both of my cats at the time and I knew. Floyd was 19 yrs, 1 month old and he had been born in my linen closet here at home. I got Crouton when she was 10 weeks old from a client at the clinic.
I appreciate your kind words Thomas. If you would like to rate me and leave a comment that would be great, but either way, thank you for letting me know what your decision was on the cart. I have to tell you that it's folks like you that make me glad I volunteer on this site.
Please let me know when Casey has passed over the bridge. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult and very painful time.
Jana
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you, Jana. You answers are fully professional, helpful and to the subject. Yet, in all of it you clearly show a heart and concern for the animals. You also show concern for us, the questioners, helping us through difficult times. Down the road a piece, we will smile knowing the joy our kitty provided us for many years and any tears will be of happy memories and knowing that little girl is in peace. God Bless. Thomas. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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