topic Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down in Community Chat

Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

Madisson — Sat, 31 May 2014 16:02:19 GMT

I took my two 16 year old cats in for rabies vaccines and checkups the other day. The bloodwork showed fairly advanced kidney disease in one of them. I love my furbabies so much. The vet recommended I start fluid therapy for her (where you inject fluid under their skin around the scruff). I was a nurse, so I don't have a problem with this. However, she also has extremely bad osteoarthritis and limps when she walks. She is in pain all the time. She just lies around and loves to cuddle. If she didn't have the arthritis, I would do fluid therapy in a minute. DH said he would support whatever decision I make.

I am thinking about not doing the fluid therapy and just letting her pass naturally, or taking her into the vet when she becomes too sick from the kidney disease. The vet said she might have 6-10 months without treatment.

What the vet said is putting a guilt trip on me. Do you think I am making the right decision? Thanks for your input.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

Fressa — Sat, 31 May 2014 16:31:04 GMT

My thoughts are with you and your sweet pet. It's so difficult to decide what is the right decision at this time. We recently went thru this in December when our Greta was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and given 3-4 weeks. Our priority was quality of life and not to feel pain. Unfortunately, none of our beloved pets can live as long as we would like. Each pet and each situation is different. Make the decision that is right for you and your pet. Our decision was based on the fact that Greta was not going to get better...only worse and die. If the end result does not mean they will get better or be free of pain then there are few options. It's a very personal decision and even after you decide you may still feel agony or guilt that you should have done this or that. I believe that is normal because these gentle creatures are more than just pets--they are part of our family. It is one of the most difficult decisions that we have to make.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

Sammycat1 — Sat, 31 May 2014 16:40:36 GMT

I have had many cats and of course had to put them to sleep eventually -- most had kidney disease, some had arthritis. I learned a lot from caring for them. They were all geriatric cats like yours when diagnosed It's a very difficult decision and I don't respond to your caring post about your beloved cat lightly.

That being said, letting your cat "pass naturally" from kidney disease is the cruel option. It's like depriving a person with kidney failure of dialysis. It will be a protracted and painful passing as the toxins in her bloodstream slowly build over the months and poison her. Cats are famous for hiding their pain, so you won't necessarily see its effects until its final stages, but it will happen all the same and she'll feel miserable the whole way. You sound like you love your cat and would not want this for her.

If you're willing to do the fluids, there are additional treatment options for your cat, from a change in diet to supplementing what she has with potassium (cats with kidney failure often have low potassium....but you have to get it via the vet...it comes in tablets or a paste). You can have years with your cat yet to go with these options + fluids. Over a longer period of time, these things won't work anymore, but it's very much worth a try for your cat's quality of life. My cats were diagnosed when old and had several good years after diagnosis with fluids + treatment.

The biggest mystery is why your veterinarian is not treating her for her arthritis pain beyond her taking cosequin or glucosamine...that's what stumps me in your post. It's difficult to treat cats for pain because the meds don't react the same way they do in cats as in dogs, but there are meds and supplements. Also, a heated pad for her bed or where she likes to sleep also will work wonders -- not a human heating pad, the heat is too high on that, but one designed for pets.

Why not treat her with the fluids and see how she responds? It may also improve her arthritis by having her body properly hydrated. This gives you more time to do research and consult your vet on the arthritis, etc. In the meantime, she'll feel much better.

I hope this helps you -- it is never an easy decision. There's an excellent website that talks about kidney disease and failure, www.felinecrf.com. You may find some helpful tips there.

Don't despair! It's obvious you want what is the very best for you cat.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

QsZoo — Sat, 31 May 2014 17:04:30 GMT

I have been where you are. It is a very hard decision to make. My Ethan got fluids for 2 1/2 years at least twice a week at the vet. They did the fluids with a tech so I only paid for the supplies. Ethan's vet has been with my family for over 30 years and agrees about the quality of life piece. Many times I would ask what he would do if ****** was his personal pet and he would always answer exactly what he was recommending. Ethan's vitals were monitored every visit and charted. When it was really time we all knew.

Sammycat is so right in what she posted. Letting things progress naturally would be very hard for your sweetie and she would hide the pain well. I ask myself what I would want if this happened to me as a person. Would I want medical help or no intervention at all? She gave many wonderful suggestions that I used when I was going through this with my Love Ethan. I was never sorry and was very grateful.

There are no easy answers or one size fits all. My heart is with you at this time. My tears are flowing again. It has been 5 months since I had to let my sweet boy go but I have no regrets and am at Peace with everything we tried.

May you find the support and guidance that you need to help you make decisions right for you and your beloved kitty. (((Hugs)))

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

Madisson — Sat, 31 May 2014 17:05:45 GMT

On 5/31/2014 DeePa said:
My thoughts are with you and your sweet pet. It's so difficult to decide what is the right decision at this time. We recently went thru this in December when our Greta was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and given 3-4 weeks. Our priority was quality of life and not to feel pain. Unfortunately, none of our beloved pets can live as long as we would like. Each pet and each situation is different. Make the decision that is right for you and your pet. Our decision was based on the fact that Greta was not going to get better...only worse and die. If the end result does not mean they will get better or be free of pain then there are few options. It's a very personal decision and even after you decide you may still feel agony or guilt that you should have done this or that. I believe that is normal because these gentle creatures are more than just pets--they are part of our family. It is one of the most difficult decisions that we have to make.

DeePa, I am so sorry that you lost your Greta recently. My cat is already in severe pain from the arthritis, which is why I am leaning toward not treating the kidney disease. You are correct, it is a very difficult and personal decision. Every case is different. Our cats certainly are members of our family.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

Madisson — Sat, 31 May 2014 17:10:02 GMT

On 5/31/2014 Sammycat1 said:
I have had many cats and of course had to put them to sleep eventually -- most had kidney disease, some had arthritis. I learned a lot from caring for them. They were all geriatric cats like yours when diagnosed It's a very difficult decision and I don't respond to your caring post about your beloved cat lightly.

That being said, letting your cat "pass naturally" from kidney disease is the cruel option. It's like depriving a person with kidney failure of dialysis. It will be a protracted and painful passing as the toxins in her bloodstream slowly build over the months and poison her. Cats are famous for hiding their pain, so you won't necessarily see its effects until its final stages, but it will happen all the same and she'll feel miserable the whole way. You sound like you love your cat and would not want this for her.

If you're willing to do the fluids, there are additional treatment options for your cat, from a change in diet to supplementing what she has with potassium (cats with kidney failure often have low potassium....but you have to get it via the vet...it comes in tablets or a paste). You can have years with your cat yet to go with these options + fluids. Over a longer period of time, these things won't work anymore, but it's very much worth a try for your cat's quality of life. My cats were diagnosed when old and had several good years after diagnosis with fluids + treatment.

The biggest mystery is why your veterinarian is not treating her for her arthritis pain beyond her taking cosequin or glucosamine...that's what stumps me in your post. It's difficult to treat cats for pain because the meds don't react the same way they do in cats as in dogs, but there are meds and supplements. Also, a heated pad for her bed or where she likes to sleep also will work wonders -- not a human heating pad, the heat is too high on that, but one designed for pets.

Why not treat her with the fluids and see how she responds? It may also improve her arthritis by having her body properly hydrated. This gives you more time to do research and consult your vet on the arthritis, etc. In the meantime, she'll feel much better.

I hope this helps you -- it is never an easy decision. There's an excellent website that talks about kidney disease and failure, www.felinecrf.com. You may find some helpful tips there.

Don't despair! It's obvious you want what is the very best for you cat.

Sammycat1, thank you for a very informative post. I will talk to the vet about the potassium, and I will checkout that website.

I would never let my cat get real sick with kidney disease before putting her down. My plan was to put her down at the first sign of her feeling poorly--usually not eating according to the vet.

Again, thanks for your helpful post.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

Madisson — Sat, 31 May 2014 17:15:48 GMT

On 5/31/2014 QsZoo said:
I have been where you are. It is a very hard decision to make. My Ethan got fluids for 2 1/2 years at least twice a week at the vet. They did the fluids with a tech so I only paid for the supplies. Ethan's vet has been with my family for over 30 years and agrees about the quality of life piece. Many times I would ask what he would do if ****** was his personal pet and he would always answer exactly what he was recommending. Ethan's vitals were monitored every visit and charted. When it was really time we all knew.

Sammycat is so right in what she posted. Letting things progress naturally would be very hard for your sweetie and she would hide the pain well. I ask myself what I would want if this happened to me as a person. Would I want medical help or no intervention at all? She gave many wonderful suggestions that I used when I was going through this with my Love Ethan. I was never sorry and was very grateful.

There are no easy answers or one size fits all. My heart is with you at this time. My tears are flowing again. It has been 5 months since I had to let my sweet boy go but I have no regrets and am at Peace with everything we tried.

May you find the support and guidance that you need to help you make decisions right for you and your beloved kitty. (((Hugs)))

QsZoo, I am so sorry for your loss of Ethan. You are correct--there are no easy answers. I certainly never want my cat to get to the point where she is suffering. Thank you so much for your understanding post.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

Sammycat1 — Sat, 31 May 2014 17:17:40 GMT

Madisson, you're welcome. The first sign of them feeling poorly -- not eating -- can actually be reversed with fluids, potassium, etc. It doesn't necessarily mean the end is at hand.

Example: My vet was of the school that you don't give up at the sign of not eating and/or spitting up foam . . . that's usually just nausea due to stomach acid building up from the disease. Solution: 1/4 tab of original strength pepcid. I was amazed at all my cats' turnarounds with this little tip and I was thankful for his conservative, no-nonsense, optimistic approach.

Best wishes for you and your cat. She has a caring and fantastic Cat Mom in you!

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

goodstuff — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 02:42:38 GMT

You sound like a thoughtful, caring pet mom, which assures me that you will do what is best and most caring for your pet. We had an elderly cat who developed kidney disease in addition to other age-related health issues some years ago, and we opted to put her down. It was (as it always is) a painful decision, but we knew she had only limited time left at her advanced age; she was clearly in pain and in decline, and her health would not get better for long, if at all. It did not seem right or reasonable to spend large amounts of money to extend her life when she wouldn't be well. Our vet concurred that euthanasia was a reasonable choice for her, and she died peacefully at his office. We remember her fondly; she was a good kitty. We now have two more kitties and love them both. You mourn them, and then life goes on. Bless you as you make this difficult decision.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

grandkidsrgreat — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 02:45:27 GMT

You have been given excellent advice by some very knowledgeable and compassionate ladies. I hope you give the subq fluids a chance. They make such a difference in kitties with kidney problems. I've had two kitties who each lived approximately 3 years after the devastating diagnosis of kidney failure with the help of prescription food, careful monitoring and subq fluids. My Abu was a beautiful black Persian boy. He had kidney failure and arthritis. He had several acupuncture treatments for both conditions. Pain meds are tricky with the added kidney issues but can be given with medical supervision. You know your kitty best and are the one who will have to decide when the quality of life is bad enough to consider putting her down. Hopefully her conditions can be kept under control and you will have more quality time with her. Good luck!

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

Mominohio — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 03:53:35 GMT

On 5/31/2014 Sammycat1 said:
I have had many cats and of course had to put them to sleep eventually -- most had kidney disease, some had arthritis. I learned a lot from caring for them. They were all geriatric cats like yours when diagnosed It's a very difficult decision and I don't respond to your caring post about your beloved cat lightly.

That being said, letting your cat "pass naturally" from kidney disease is the cruel option. It's like depriving a person with kidney failure of dialysis. It will be a protracted and painful passing as the toxins in her bloodstream slowly build over the months and poison her. Cats are famous for hiding their pain, so you won't necessarily see its effects until its final stages, but it will happen all the same and she'll feel miserable the whole way. You sound like you love your cat and would not want this for her.

If you're willing to do the fluids, there are additional treatment options for your cat, from a change in diet to supplementing what she has with potassium (cats with kidney failure often have low potassium....but you have to get it via the vet...it comes in tablets or a paste). You can have years with your cat yet to go with these options + fluids. Over a longer period of time, these things won't work anymore, but it's very much worth a try for your cat's quality of life. My cats were diagnosed when old and had several good years after diagnosis with fluids + treatment.

The biggest mystery is why your veterinarian is not treating her for her arthritis pain beyond her taking cosequin or glucosamine...that's what stumps me in your post. It's difficult to treat cats for pain because the meds don't react the same way they do in cats as in dogs, but there are meds and supplements. Also, a heated pad for her bed or where she likes to sleep also will work wonders -- not a human heating pad, the heat is too high on that, but one designed for pets.

Why not treat her with the fluids and see how she responds? It may also improve her arthritis by having her body properly hydrated. This gives you more time to do research and consult your vet on the arthritis, etc. In the meantime, she'll feel much better.

I hope this helps you -- it is never an easy decision. There's an excellent website that talks about kidney disease and failure, www.felinecrf.com. You may find some helpful tips there.

Don't despair! It's obvious you want what is the very best for you cat.

I echo these sentiments completely. I have had to treat cats with fluids as well, and withholding it and allowing natural death is cruel. I, too, have had to put down several pets, and while never easy, I feel so much better about them passing with no pain and struggle.

Deciding the time is worrisome, but you will know when the time is right, just trust your vet and your instincts. I'm sorry you have to go through this.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

CamilleP — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 05:27:41 GMT

Personally, having had pets for 52 years, everything from cats to horses to a dairy cow and sheep, I would never consider a "natural" death if an animal had an illness. I have had to euthanize when cancer treatments failed, when organ systems failed, and when the painful effects of extreme age became too great to ask an animal to bear. If you are not going to treat the kidney failure, Madisson, then you should euthanize immediately, IMHO.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

kze — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 12:29:20 GMT

I am sorry for what you are going through. I'm definitely not a cat expert as I've only had one cat who I had to euthanize about a week ago. It was heartbreaking. Her vet is one of the top feline specialists in the country and he said that they are masters at hiding their pain and discomfort. He strongly believes in quality of life although he knows how hard it is for us to give them up because we love them so much. Listen to these ladies for they are true experts but I thought I'd add this little bit of information I learned last week.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

lizzief — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 21:20:55 GMT

Madisson, first, I feel for you. The day you take ownership of a pet you always know the day will have to come when you have to make "the" decision. Few of our babies pass naturally. The sentence that got me was when you said "She is in pain all of the time." For me, that would make the decision clear. In the past I've allowed my pets to live a lot longer than was fair to them - I vowed I won't do it again. The vet won't make the choice for you. Know in your heart what kind of quality of life your baby is experiencing now. You've given your baby a wonderful life. and all of the love in the world. It's such a difficult decision, just be sure you are making it for kitty and not for you. Not meant to be a guilt trip - really - I've been there and will be again soon enough for my own pooches, and my tears are flowing for you now as I write this. Sending virtual hugs!

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

deb5555 — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 16:16:48 GMT

On 5/31/2014 CamilleP said:
If you are not going to treat the kidney failure, Madisson, then you should euthanize immediately, IMHO.

I agree with this 100 percent, this is the same thing we did, no suffering.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

kittymomNC — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 17:07:00 GMT

Madisson, I'm so sorry for your situation with your baby. I haven't responded sooner because I've been struggling quite a bit with my own little 16-year old girl, Baby Cat, who has had kidney disease for three years and has been doing very well until the last 10 weeks. The recent events have been a roller coaster ride, emergency hospital visits, medications, going from 2X weekly fluids to 3X weekly. She would get worse and then rally and get better, and I've been so certain several times that I was going to have to make that decision. But my vets (whom I've been going to for 25 years - all female and wonderful) have said not yet. They and I are very much in sync about "quality of life". Some of the things that have happened have been reactions to meds, but the most recent events have been discovered to be a kidney infection, which is treatable, and now we've found that she apparently has high blood pressure, which is common in cats with renal disease and is also treatable.

The reason I'm giving you this background is because there are so many things that can be treated and your cat does not have to be in pain--treat the things that can be treated and see how it goes. Mine is better now with the antibiotics taking hold on the kidney infection, and she is on blood pressure med--we will check that again in two weeks. It's not that common to check a cat's blood pressure (it's not that easy to do), but since it is a common thing with kidney disease, maybe you might suggest that to your vet to be on the safe side. If it goes undetected, it can cause additional problems, and I don't know how long Baby Cat's has been high.

You've been given some excellent advice by some very knowledgeable people, especially Sammycat--I think most posters here consider her an "expert" and so very willing to share what she has learned through her own experience. As I said, although Baby Cat has had some very low points, she is much better now and acting more like herself than she has in a while. She is old, and she has a disease, but as with people, many things are treatable. And I agree that allowing yours to die naturally would be the worst way to proceed - when mine was at a very low point, I was scared to death that she would die naturally without me with her (I even slept on the floor when she was hiding behind a chair). I think I've made the right decision for now, but I know that can change at any time --I just treasure every day I have with her. Good luck to you.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

bells4me — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 21:55:38 GMT

I've never had a cat, but have had several of my dogs put down & even a horse. It's not easy, but when they are suffering, it's bearable. I hope whatever decision you make you will find peace in it. Bless you and your furbabies.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

Jeremiah 2911 — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:47:36 GMT

Since you are a nurse and are able to give the sub-q fluids without a problem, why not try giving your cat the sub-q fluids and see how she does?

Is it possible that your cat limps but is not in extreme pain?

We have a rescue cat who limps and I had a 21 year old cat that limped for 12 years before she died (at 21 years of age. ) Both of these cats exhibit(ed) normal behavior for their age and have/had yearly examinations by our vets and neither of our vets believe(ed) that either of these cats were/are in pain.

I guess I need to add that while our two cats were determined to not be in pain -- other cats with the same symptoms might be in pain.

Hard to tell if a cat is in pain if they are not exhibiting the more obvious signs of being in pain; such as agitation, hissing, biting, howling & crying, panting, unusual aggression, unusually withdrawn, lethargic, drooling, hiding, running from us, not eating, not drinking, etc.

I realize that cats hide their pain and that could certainly be the case with your kitty, but is it possible that she isn't in pain from the arthritis --- but needs hydration in the form of being treated with sub-q fluids?

Just some thoughts I had after reading your post. I believe that you'll come to the right decision concerning your kitty.

Re: Need Help from Those Who Have Put a Pet Down

apple1964 — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 13:31:41 GMT

You sound like a great pet mom and I just know you will make the right decision when the time comes. Never a easy situation for any of us. Godspeed to you and kitty.