Would you put him to sleep? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Would you put him to sleep?

144
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 11:16

Our 17 year old cat was perfectly healthy and fit until about 3 months ago when he was attacked by a stray. He has had 3 operations (2 on a big abscess and one on a broken toe) and a nasty cold since. It seems like all problems have been solved but he is not well at all. He weights 2.5 kg, you can see his ribs and spine! He eats 3 bites of food, 3 times a day. Drinks normally, uses the litter box. He has trouble walking and if you pet him, he has to work hard to not fall over. Yesterday I noticed that it hurts him when touching his right shoulder. I don't know what to do anymore. Do I take him to the vet again with all the stress and IV's and such? Or has it been enough? I don't think he is in pain but he looks very miserable...

3804
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 09:40
Ah Bianca, I'm so sorry, but it sounds like Sammy was very loved and you did the right thing for him. He's now playing over Rainbow Bridge: Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 15:23
What a lovely way to lay your pet to rest Bianca. I'm so sorry for your loss. xx
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 15:22
Sounds like he had a lovely farewell- when we were little my dad told us the cat's heaven was on the moon. I can vividly remember sitting in class glued to the TV set watching the first moon landing-everyone else was focused on that first historic step-I was searching the moon's surface for my old cat Snowy-dad had a lot of explaining to do that night....... Oh wuffles...wee tear in my eye!
1996
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 11:41
Sounds like he had a lovely farewell- when we were little my dad told us the cat's heaven was on the moon. I can vividly remember sitting in class glued to the TV set watching the first moon landing-everyone else was focused on that first historic step-I was searching the moon's surface for my old cat Snowy-dad had a lot of explaining to do that night.......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 11:28
r.i.p sammy, it must be very hard. My thoughts are with you. He is in a better place now xxx
144
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 09:18
We just had a nice little ceremony. We all gave him a last hug, dh dug a hole in our backyard and we put lots of flowers on top of him. It was a very new and difficult experience for our family (first animal that died since we have kids) with questions like; but how will he breathe under the ground and how can he walk on the clouds... Sad and funny at the same time. Just part of life, I guess. I wanted to thank you all again for your sweet words and support...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 08:39
Deepest condolences :(
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 02:20
So sorry about Sammy. As pet owners I think it is the most devestating thing we can be asked to do. As SM said it is your final testament of love. Thinking of you XXX
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 23:32
I am very sorry Bianca - I know your house will be lonesome tonight. I believe you made the right decision for Sammy, and that's what counts, but it doesn't make the hurt you feel any less.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 22:27
You did the right thing. You asked the vet and I know that they like cats of that age to carry some weight on them as it is an indication of their health. We have to be able to show them that final love however hard it is for us. I too have an elderly cat and will be heartbroken when it is his time.:( even although i know it will be the right thing.
587
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 21:07
I think that you did the honorable thing. RIP Sammy and thoughts to you. Your post brought a tear to my eye. I left my dog with my uncle when I moved overseas in 2006. Last year she was unwell and my uncle paid $5000 AUD to have a tumour removed. She died about a month after the operation:(
1996
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 20:21
So sorry to hear about Sammy-sounds like it was for the best but it is such a hard decision-we had to do the same for our son's beloved Burmese cat last year after she was bitten by a spider-he stayed with her while the vet did it-we still miss her like crazy
144
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 19:54
Thank you all for your kind words, they made me cry. We just came back from the vet where we decided to put him to sleep. Like several of you already mentioned, the vet said that he was probably too old to get over this, he was too weak to even eat. Feel so sad and terrible for making such a decision about a life. But deep down I know it is for the best although it really hurts right now. RIP Sammy (1/7/1994-26/8/2011), we love you...
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 19:05
Has the vet ruled out hypo (or it might be hyper) thyroidism? My older cat got medication for it daily until she died. However, if the vet can't find a cause, other than old age - euthanasia is the option if he has no real quality of life, otherwise, he is being kept alive to make you feel better rather than he being able to "enjoy" his life. And before someone jumps on me - my pet had to be put to sleep last year - I still cry when I think of it. <em>edited by marycatherine on 26/08/2011</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 18:22
So very sorry to hear your old man is so ill. One thing to take in to account is that from their days in the wild,animals particularly cats, attempt to hide any visible signs of illness, suffering etc. It was all part of staying alive as a predator would go for the weak and injured. Cats still have that ability so possibly your cat could be a lot sicker than he looks. At 17 and after going through so much I think you owe it to him to discuss putting him down with the vet. I have had so many animals through the years and it is never easy to make the right decision,but what is more important than us wanting to hold on is quality of life. He sounds so weak and thin and in pain,do what is right for him. They all wait for us at "Rainbow Bridge" to be re united. Sending you big hugs and much support. XXXXX
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 13:12
I am really sorry too, but I would put him out of his suffering. It would be nice for you to be there when he finally passes, rather than him suffering and being alone at the end. It sounds like he has lived to a wonderful ripe old age. If the vet says that he will recover then I might change my mind, but at this age recovery is harder and he will probably not return to his former health.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 13:06
I am so sorry . it must be hard watching your cat suffer. I have a dog and if it was the same case for her , I would not put her to sleep . I don't think I have the right to do that . 17 is really old and I am sure the poor cat is suffering but if I were you I would just make sure that he is comfortable and I would give him lots of attention and love in his months.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 11:20
Im so sorry for yu little guy, sadly sometimes they just cant recover at this age, i've had cats all my life and it kills me but when they are so old nothing can be done, some just give up and not able to fight anymore, 17 is a lot! it might be fare for him just to end his suffering, im sure its very hard for him to keep on fighting!! Its a humane thing to do, it will not hurt him, im sure you will miss him!! :( *tears* Good Luck!
 
 

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