Topic: Worried about Tiger again (Read 62797 times)

JackSpratt · « **Reply #146 on:** August 06, 2007, 09:22:57 AM »

Glad Tiger seems to be coping OK. It is always hard to know what's right in those sort of circumstances.

And congratulations on your year together.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #145 on:** August 06, 2007, 08:27:03 AM »

That sounds grand to me.

I know what you mean - Paddy still has spells where he goes off his food, and we have to tempt him, but then he'll eat like a little horse and it makes me feel so glad to see him eat. Over the weekend he had cooked lamb, fresh fish and prawns (his favourite)

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #144 on:** August 06, 2007, 07:51:15 AM »

Yeah, it has, and how much has changed in that year. She will have either chicken or fish for her birthday tea, so it is a treat but still bland, dont want to make her poorly again!!
Me too, it has been nice seeing her play and enjoy things - still demanding food lots, but I would prefer that to her not eating.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #143 on:** August 06, 2007, 07:48:28 AM »

Crikey Desley - a year on Friday! That's flown past.

Am glad she's had a good weekend with you. Think we were all trying to soak up the sun yesterday.

to Tiger

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #142 on:** August 06, 2007, 07:44:35 AM »

Well, she is relatively happy, she played with me Fri night, then came and sat on my knee for a few hours, last night she came and sat with me again, and then played with some catnip. She is limping at the moment, but as long as you give her food she likes, she does eat well (Doesnt like the duck JWB though), and enjoyed the sun yesterday. Very little litter tray action though, hopefully that is a good sign. Will just have to see how she gets on now, my neighbour doesn't think it is anything serious, I just hope so!! She has been with me a year on Fri.

clarenmax · « **Reply #141 on:** August 03, 2007, 11:43:53 AM »

Hi Desley, there's nothing I can say that the other peeps have'nt said already, just wanted to add my support really. I know that whatever you do for Tiger, it will not a decision taken lightly, and will be done with her very best interests in mind.

Not very helpful I know, just wanted to say that

JackSpratt · « **Reply #140 on:** August 03, 2007, 11:31:26 AM »

Whatever decision you made, you made it for the right reason, Desley. Because you love Tiger so much. And for what it's worth, I think you did the right thing. Sending Madam a big fuss. (and Molly, so she isn't left out!)

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #139 on:** August 02, 2007, 21:12:45 PM »

Well, I decided to cancel the appointment at lunch, and have spoken to my vet since. There have been very valid points for both ways, but a chat with my neighbour last night made me think a lot - she advised against it due to the fact there isnt' just one thing going on, and she felt there was too much to tackle one thing, and after thinking about it for quite a while, I realised she had a point, there are way too many 'ifs' for me to be comfortable with doing anything the leg - even if it is the best case scenario with her leg, the arthritis in both her hips could cause her problems, and I might not buy her any time. We are going to keep her on sensitivity food for a while, both vets suggested dry food only (her bloods showed no issues), tried that tonight, she nibbled and then walked away and found Lucy's wet food!! So, that then leaves the thyroid, my vet might have used the wrong wording but said that shows a serious issue outside the thyroid, and we dont know what it is.

Jasmine · « **Reply #138 on:** August 02, 2007, 17:20:54 PM »

Sorry to hear Tiger is having problems Des.

I think what Lynn says is very true, there are no right or wrong decisions to be made over this sort of issue: as a caring cat 'guardian', you can only trust you own judgment, knowing Tiger as you do, with guidance from a veterinarian.

I feel I could entrust you with my own cats welfare - and believe me, there's not many people I could say that about - so just wanted to reiterate what others have said really.

J.
X

CurlyCatz · « **Reply #137 on:** August 02, 2007, 10:53:27 AM »

Desley for what its worth in this type of situation its always the same with the same agonising options.

I think there are actually no right or wrong decision, ex laps are often a damned if we do, damned if we dont type of senario..the only honest thing i can say is follow what your gut feeling says .. i know that you are actually very similar to myself when it comes to assessing life quality and long term options so in that respect have faith you are very level headed.

Sorry cant make the decision for you but what ever you decide i believe it will be in her best interests.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #136 on:** August 02, 2007, 09:21:03 AM »

I think my feelings echo Liz on this one

Liz · « **Reply #135 on:** August 02, 2007, 09:18:44 AM »

Des you never have easy decisions and my heart goes out to you at this time, I have always felt quality of life as opposed to the problems helps me in making any decision

I did this with Moose after doing all the tests and having a grumpy oldie and then being told he had 4 weeks at the most - Moose and I decided otherwise and he went on for another 9 months and only spent his last day in a kitten pen as he looked ready to go and died in my arms that night at home (nearly on the way to the vets) with all his siblings and his parents with him. Moose only had 4.5 years with us but he was loved and wanted and we dealt with his issues along the way - he also lost an ear to cancer and he came to us as a golden oldie having spent 11 months uin a CP shelter as he used to bite - he meant it to!

Whatever you decide we are all with you and my thoughts are with you and Tiger at this time

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #134 on:** August 02, 2007, 08:23:53 AM »

Mmm. See what you mean. Makes it even more of a "rock and a hard place". Particularly difficult as it has many similarities to the decisions you faced with Pebbles. Given Tiger's age, the risks are increased whichever way you choose. Leaving aside what any of us have said, do you have a gut instinct when you think about your options?

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #133 on:** August 02, 2007, 07:57:35 AM »

Sue, the advice was actually from friends - I was swaying towards going through with the op yesterday, but had a chat with my neighobur last night who tried to convince me not to go through with it, she thinks I should wait 3 months to see if she does actually get any worse - my only prob with that way of doing it is that I could then be in a situation where we can't do anything cos it has been left too long. But, i might put her through all this for a diagnosis I can't do anything about anyway. She is fine on a mix of sensitivity and normal food, so am going to get her some chicken and fish this weekend, and maybe see if I can get some Perfect Fit sensitivity, just to give her some variety in her diet.
Thanks Ruth.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #132 on:** August 01, 2007, 13:49:15 PM »

It takes a heart of gold to help these cats

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #131 on:** August 01, 2007, 08:34:46 AM »

I agree with Sue and couldnt have put it better.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #130 on:** August 01, 2007, 08:22:19 AM »

Des, was just wondering - if the conflicting advice was from two vets at the same practice, is there any way the three of you could have a "brain-storming" session just to chat through their reasoning? It wouldn't be a case of "one's wrong, one's right" - more an exploration of ideas and why they hold different views.

You really are learning to trust your Judgment. You don't see it because you're directly involved.

You've chosen to help the heartbreakers. You know what accompanies that, but you can't help where your heart lies, and you do a sterling job. That's what matters.

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #129 on:** August 01, 2007, 08:15:02 AM »

have, and it probably wont get easier unless I stop dealing with oldies, and I Can't quite bring myself to do that - as much as I think it at times like this, it never lasts (if Tiger wasn't poorly, I would be up to 3 cats now, we have a 12/13yo pure white in the cattery that I would love to bring home, but wont let myself at the mo), the fact that I gave them a good home and they got the love and care they deserve overrules the heartache I go through. Interesting that you think I am learning to trust my judgement, i wouldnt have said so to be honest. Not sure how much time I should give myself though, she isn't limping today, although she was last night, but she does still sit with that leg to the side, so there is some discomfort. I just want someone else to make the decision for me, but got conflicting advice on Sat!! At least we know there is only the thyroid that is being affected at the mo, her liver and kidney levels are good enough to put her through it.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #128 on:** August 01, 2007, 07:53:04 AM »

I know. You've had a really tough time of it over the last 12 to 18 months. This won't get easier I suspect, but one thing has always motivated your decisions, and that's been the welfare and the love you have of the cats in your care. You're learning to trust your own Judgment. That's always a difficult one, but I think you'll make the right choices. I just think you need time to be sure what to do for the best.

If I was a cat, I'd trust you. And I reckon I'd be a suspicious cat, rather than a friendly cat!

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #127 on:** August 01, 2007, 07:45:26 AM »

Thanks Sue, I dont think the two are related, but can see the sense in getting this leg sorted once and for all, just dubious because of the secondary issue, I could put her through this surgery for nothing. Then again, I could put her through this surgery and everything could be fine. My luck doesn't tend to work the second way though.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #126 on:** August 01, 2007, 07:39:36 AM »

Don't push yourself Des, just take your time. You still have a little under a week to decide. In your shoes, I wouldn't be altogether convinced the leg problem may be causing the tummy issues either, and if you need more time to think about it, take it.

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #125 on:** August 01, 2007, 07:31:05 AM »

Well, have started mixing normal food with her sensitivity again, and she is eating well, i am just worried in case we have the same reaction as last week - I suppose while she is only reacting to normal cat food, it is a good sign that her tummy isn't anything serious. Still not sure what to do about the op though.

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #124 on:** July 29, 2007, 19:22:54 PM »

MM - the internal medicine specialist wanted to see what is going on with her leg first, as if it is cancer, he doesn't want to put her through scopes and biopsies as they wont change anything.
Thanks Gillian, it is.

Vet hasn't suggested that, and it is something I have generally forgotten after the explanations!! Will see if I can put a call into the vet tomorrow and see what she says, and at least I have a week to see how she goes on before deciding whether to go through with the op or not - yesterday it was a no after talking to the first person, then it was a yes after talking to the second person, and now I just have no idea.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #123 on:** July 29, 2007, 19:18:10 PM »

Quote from: Desley (booktigger) on July 29, 2007, 19:05:28 PM

Thanks guys. Am really not sure what to do for the best - spoke to two people yesterday, one person saying they feel it is better not to put her through any more at her age, and the other saying that I should do it in case the leg is causing the tummy issue - I personally dont feel it is the leg giving her a dodgy tummy, due to her age it is likely to start getting multiple health issues and the tummy was a while after her leg. The other thing that is making me reluctant is that I could put her through this, and it could show cancer, in which case there is nothing we can do, so I would be effectively getting a diagnosis for nothing. He also wants to explore the ligament as well as doing the biopsy, so she might be in pain afterwards, and I would just hate to put her through pain for nothing. She still has a dodgy tum today, and isn't eating much, I know she would prefer to have normal food, but can't risk it if that is causing her tummy issues - someone did bring a furball up while I was out though, hopefully that will solve something.

So sorry you're going through this Desley, what a dilemma, its hard to know what to do for the best isnt it?

By the way, you may have tried this already, but what about trying a probiotic in her food, to see if that helps with the dodgy tummy side of things.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #122 on:** July 29, 2007, 19:13:44 PM »

I think i would investigate stomach issues before the leg for the reasons you give. If it turns out she has just developed IBS then the leg would be next.

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #121 on:** July 29, 2007, 19:05:28 PM »

Thanks guys. Am really not sure what to do for the best - spoke to two people yesterday, one person saying they feel it is better not to put her through any more at her age, and the other saying that I should do it in case the leg is causing the tummy issue - I personally dont feel it is the leg giving her a dodgy tummy, due to her age it is likely to start getting multiple health issues and the tummy was a while after her leg. The other thing that is making me reluctant is that I could put her through this, and it could show cancer, in which case there is nothing we can do, so I would be effectively getting a diagnosis for nothing. He also wants to explore the ligament as well as doing the biopsy, so she might be in pain afterwards, and I would just hate to put her through pain for nothing. She still has a dodgy tum today, and isn't eating much, I know she would prefer to have normal food, but can't risk it if that is causing her tummy issues - someone did bring a furball up while I was out though, hopefully that will solve something.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #120 on:** July 29, 2007, 16:28:31 PM »

keeping my fingers crossed Desley. Know how much you've been through, and praying all will be well.

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #119 on:** July 29, 2007, 10:55:13 AM »

Quote from: Desley (booktigger) on July 28, 2007, 19:23:56 PM

I know I can look back and say I gave them x amount of time, where they had love and affection, and I tried everything for them.

So true, and thank goodness there are people like you who see things that way.

to Tiger

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #118 on:** July 28, 2007, 19:23:56 PM »

Well, no sickness or diarrhea today, but unless she is eating better, I am cancelling the surgery on Mon, she isn't eating as well as she has been doing, she asked me for food earlier despite there still being wet food down (it is sensitivity food though), gave her some dry, and she has eaten some, but not a lot, and this has been every meal time since Thurs - while she had put weight on at the vets, I am still not happy. She has gone from asking for food, eating it all and demanding more, to asking for food, nibbling then asking for more!!
Thanks Liz and Tab - i always seem to find these sickly cats, they never look it though, but there is obviously a reason they end up with me, and as much heartache as they cause, I will keep doing it, cos I know I can look back and say I gave them x amount of time, where they had love and affection, and I tried everything for them. They aren't all that lucky sadly. If she wasn't poorly though, I would have had cat no 3!!

Liz · « **Reply #117 on:** July 28, 2007, 12:32:33 PM »

Des my heart goes out to you as it was tumours that finally got Bert after all his other ailments in his last 7 years with us I mean he was blind, had blood that didn't clot, a heart murmer for his 20 birthday and was a golden oldie with a poor prognosis when we took him on but he lived life to the full and mastered the stairs in our new house, patrolled our garden and even got trapped during our great escape last year but we let him dictate the pace and in the end I said goodbye to him and in my heart knew the trip to the vets with Daddy meant he wasn't coming back

So whatever you decide des we are with you in thought and know what a rough time you have had with the oldies but for some reason they find there way to you and you give them 110% of everything and they stay with you through all their problems and you just keep on plugging away to get the best for them

Hang in there Des and Tiger to

tab · « **Reply #116 on:** July 28, 2007, 08:23:39 AM »

(((((((((Des and Tiger))))))))
I hope Tigers feeling a little better today. You're both going through so much with this.
I hope things improve
love
Tab
Ps I'll see you later if you're able to leave her

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #115 on:** July 28, 2007, 07:42:47 AM »

Thanks - apparently it isn't unusual for things like lymphoma to be apparent but not show up on bloods - it is making me wonder if it is worth taking her back about her leg though, I am concerned about putting her through the stress of the journey again, and the pain of exploratory surgery if her tummy is more serious than we first thought.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #114 on:** July 27, 2007, 23:55:18 PM »

I hope the specialist can find out what is wrong cos it definately sounds like a problem. So strange that tests donr show anything.

What a worry

JackSpratt · « **Reply #113 on:** July 27, 2007, 20:34:47 PM »

Oh, Desley. This must all be so stressful for the both of you. Sending you hugggeee

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #112 on:** July 27, 2007, 17:47:00 PM »

Have been to the vet - she was dehydrated, so has had some sub-q fluids, her ears were incredibly hot, but no sign of a temp, so the vet has given her some meds for anti-nausea, prescribed special food again, and has given me some tabs and liquid in case she is sick again over the weekend - she is definitely not well though, I didn't get bit once!! Have spoken to the specialist and agreed to go through with the exploratory surgery, as long as her tummy is still fine, she is going on the 6th August for a check-up, hospitalised overnight and surgery done on the Tues, he is hoping it is something he can fix, and is also doing biopsies.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #111 on:** July 27, 2007, 15:14:42 PM »

Poor Tiger and you, it sounds like her tummy is causing her more of a problem than her leg?

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #110 on:** July 27, 2007, 11:09:49 AM »

Poor Tiger, hope the vet can find out what is problem

JackSpratt · « **Reply #109 on:** July 27, 2007, 10:01:59 AM »

Oh no, poor both of you. Hope the vets can fit you in.

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #108 on:** July 27, 2007, 09:22:38 AM »

Poor Tiger and poor you

Hope she perks up and that you can get to the bottom of all her problems.

blackcat · « **Reply #107 on:** July 27, 2007, 09:04:05 AM »

hope so. If it were me I would be getting it in as quickly as possible. Can you perhaps leave her with the vet this morning and collect this afternoon? That way if she needs fluids they can administer them during the am?

Author Topic: Worried about Tiger again (Read 62797 times)