GA Dear Shelley, now at rest.

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Anthony Morgan, Jun 15, 2017.

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  1. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hello Diana,
    Thank you for your comments. Shelley is eating but has had another quiet / sleepy day. Certainly will see the vet if things are not improving.
    None of my other cats have it and Shelley had hardly been out if the house the last few days, so you would wonder where it has come from. But I know diabetes affects the immune system.
     
  2. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Yes just keep your usual close eye on her, Anthony. She's eating which is always a good sign. I guess she just wants to be quiet and lazy if she isn't feeling 100%.
    You'te right about diabetes and the immune system, and as for where she got this from, who knows, we can't always pinpoint these things! Try not to worry, just make sure she's eating and well hydrated (if she's not drinking much water you can add a little to her food).
    Get well soon, Shelley!
     
  3. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Tha
    Thank you Diana, we appreciate your good wishes!
     
  4. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    URIs can definitely raise glucose levels, depending on how severe it is. I have found that using L-lysine capsules 500mg and dividing the opened capsule contents into 2 batches each day, which can easily be mixed in with the food, can help to shorten the URIs. Also a kitty is quite stuffed up putting them in the washroom with a hot shower running to produce steam can be helpful. When a kitty has a stuffed up respiratory system they don't smell their food as well and adding something stinky, like a a bit of human grade tuna can help. Try to encourage Shelley to drink as much as you can and if need be you can give her feeding syringes of fluids. I also used home made chicken broth as a fluid additive...no onions or garlic or any spices. However if symptoms don't let up in a couple of days or get worse then a trip to the vet is in order.


    Sending get well energy for Shelley and ((HUGS)) for you.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug:


    ETA If you try the L-Lysine, make sure that there are no fillers in the capsules that could cause additional glucose spikes or other issues.
     
  5. Elizabeth and Bertie

    Elizabeth and Bertie Well-Known Member

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    Hmmm... The 'Feline Cuisine' does calculate as being low carb, but I just looked at the ingredients and see that it contains 'maize starch'. Not only is that a carb source, it's also a fairly common allergen.... If Shelley is carb-sensitive, or if she's sensitive to maize itself, that might account for some raised numbers....


    Anthony, - I'm really hoping Shelley is feeling much better very soon. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
    .
     
  6. Elizabeth and Bertie

    Elizabeth and Bertie Well-Known Member

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    Both my oldies, Bertie and Sophie, had bad URI's at the beginning of the year. They hardly leave the house, and there are no other cats nearby, so it was a bit surprising; but the vet said the viruses are just 'in the air'....
    It just seems to be a matter of 'sitting it out' and trying to make the kitty as comfortable as possible; keeping them hydrated, providing warm and cool places to sleep... I also bought a cool steam humidifer and put it close to where they were sleeping. Their breathing was very congested and the steam did seem to help. (Prior to that we'd put Bertie in his cat carrier in a steamy bathroom for 15 minutes at a time. That helped too, but he didn't like being confined to the carrier.)
    Both cats lost weight during their URI's but recovered soon afterwards.

    I know it's worrying, (((Anthony))). It's a horrible and stressful feeling to have to just 'wait for things to get better'. Sending huge hugs...
    .
     
  7. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you very much Mary Ann for the advice and encouragement, it is much appreciated.
    Shelley isn't sneezing so much so far today, so I am hoping it is just a mild cold. Her amps was a bit better at 13.8 and she has eaten a little. She's drinking as well. As regards food, definitely had most success with fresh chicken yesterday.
    I will certainly follow up your suggestions, hoping for more improvement today!
     
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  8. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hello Elizabeth,
    Thank you very much for taking the time to look into the food
    question and for your kind advice and encouragement.
    As I said to Mary Ann, Shelley does seem a little better this morning, so I am hoping it will pass quickly. I will be keeping a close eye on her and see how things go today.
     
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  9. Monica & Josie

    Monica & Josie Member

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    Sorry to hear Shelley is not doing well at the moment Anthony.
    Yes plain steamed chicken breasts always work for us when Josie isn't feeling well.
    Gently steamed plain frozen salmon/tuna fillets are the other thing she's always willing to eat over anything else when she's off her food so we always have some in the freezer as back up.
    Thinking of you, hope she feels better soon!
     
  10. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hi Monica,
    That's very good of you thank you! I have tried tinned tuna before with success but it is a good idea to have some ready prepared in the freezer, I will try that.
    All good wishes to you and Josie!
     
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  11. Monica & Josie

    Monica & Josie Member

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    Thank you Anthony.
    Josie loves tinned tuna but as not ideal I try not to feed unless she refuses to eat anything else, plus it has added salt so i usually rinse it in water first.
    The frozen tuna steaks have nothing added and very easy to prep in the oven with some water added as tasty broth, Josie loves those! :cat:
     
  12. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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  13. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Monica,
    That's worth knowing. I haven't used it often as there is some concern about cats having too much fish, I believe.
    If I did I would choose one in spring water, but I didn't realise about the salt.
     
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  14. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Shelley's cold seems to have been quite mild thankfully. She didn't have a bad day yesterday, the sneezing was getting less and she was eating better.
    Then this morning I notice she was drinking more and when I tested her BG it had shot up to 20.9. She had been eating the Feline Cuisine first thing as that is her favourite at the moment.
    The test was nearly 2 hours later.
    I didn't want to over-react to the one high number so I only increased the dose to 0.5u. Perhaps it should have been 1.0u?
    I will have to see how far it drops at the nadir today.
     
  15. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Glad Shelley is feeling better, Anthony, but sorry her BG is up. It could be caused by a mild infection, the warm weather, or the food... Eliz did say it contained maize which might be problematic? You're right not to over react to one high number, and dose conservatively for the moment to see if her BG drops later today... if it stays high then yes, go up again. I think I'd avoid the new food as well just in case it's the culprit.
     
  16. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Diana, I am always grateful for your comments!
    Yes, that's what I was thinking, I will have to encourage her back on to her usual food.
     
  17. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

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    Better to be safe and dose a little lower :). Hope Shelly continues to feel better :cat:
     
  18. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hi Yong,
    Thank you, that is good advice. + 6 was 9.1.
    She seems OK today, still sleeping a lot but eating well.
    Fairly bright but not going outside yet.
    Regards
     
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  19. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hello everyone,
    Very sorry to let you know that Shelley has been diagnosed with an aggressive liver tumour and the vet does not think she will be with us much longer.
    I decided to take her in for a check up as she has been doing less and sleeping more but I just assumed it was all to do with her diabetes. The vet could feel something in her abdomen and I took her back yesterday for an ultrasound.
    They don't think there is any treatment that will help but Shelley is fairly bright and eating, so we will carry on as best we can for the moment.
    I know everyone who has contributed to my threads has been rooting for Shelley and the help I have received here has been wonderful and has really been an invaluable help through the last 6 months.
    Thank you to everyone!
     
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  20. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    OH NO ((Anthony))

    What terrible news to receive!! You and Shelley have fought so hard until now and now to hear this must be so so devastating for you, :bighug::bighug::bighug: I am just crying so hard for you !!

    Take every moment you have with Shelley and make the most of them. Drink in the memories and make special times with her to give you some strength when the time comes. You and Shelley have shared a special love for many years and you have done everything you could to make her life better. Shelley could not have had a better petdad than you.

    Sending spiritual strength and love across the miles for you and Shelley. :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    [​IMG]
     
  21. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Mary Ann, that is very kind of you. And thank you for all the help and advice you have given us. So generous of you, it has been such a great help!
     
  22. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    I am just so very sorry to see this, Anthony... you and Shelley are often in my thoughts even when you haven't posted for a while. We are one big family here and we do really care about each other. You have done a wonderful job of looking after Shelley, no-one could have done more, but sadly there are times when nature has other ideas. All life must end at some point and - cliche though it is, for which I apologise - Shelley has had a good life with you and now it is near her time to move on. I can imagine how devastated you are feeling... we all understand a million per cent what this is like. Please post here whenever you wish, there will always be people here to listen and offer a word of understanding.

    Holding you and Shelley in my thoughts...
    Diana
     
  23. Elizabeth and Bertie

    Elizabeth and Bertie Well-Known Member

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    Oh no, ((((Anthony)))).... Am so profoundly sorry to see this... You poor love. It must have been such a shock for you...

    You still have some time with your beautiful Shelley.
    Just 'be there' for her. Give her lots of love. Tell her everything you need to say. Sad as this is, it is also a very special and precious time.

    Just take it a day at a time, sweetie.
    Wishing you strength and courage.

    Huge hugs to you, Anthony; and gentle cuddles to Shelley.

    Eliz x
     
  24. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hello Diana,
    Thank you, that is much appreciated. Although we never meet, yourself, Mary Ann and everyone else that has contributed have become valued friends and know more about the ups and downs of the last few months with Shelley's health than the friends and relatives I do see.
    Without your help, I think things could have gone very wrong before now as I tried to manage after Shelley's hypo.
    Your help and support has meant a great deal to me!
     
  25. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Eliz, I appreciate your kind words! It was a shock but now I know it seems obvious that there was something more serious going on and I don't know why I didn't realise.
    I will certainly take your advice and hope Shelley can carry on a little longer. Very grateful for your support!
     
  26. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Anthony, please don't beat yourself up thinking that "it seems obvious something serious was going on that I didn't realise", will you? You had no way of knowing what was going on, you have monitored Shelley closely and you would have known if something was obviously amiss. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but remember, Shelley is a fairly elderly lady who was always going to slow down and have quiet sleepy days, whether or not she had a condition like diabetes or anything else. She has had regular check-ups at the vet and they didn't see anything obvious either. Despite her dx now, she is still reasonably bright so try not to feel you missed something - you have nothing to reproach yourself for.
    Hopefully Shelley can still enjoy some quality of life, albeit in a nice quiet way which is really all a lot of us want when we get older.
    Remember, we are all here for you.
     
  27. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Anthony

    The last month before Tuxie passed he seemed "off" (more than usual) and I had taken him in for a complete check up and blood work and there was nothing that showed any concern. After that each day his energy and spirit seemed to be dwindling. There was a suspicion of cancer and I had an appointment to look further into it when he finally "told" me he was just so tired and finished fighting, so I allowed him to escape the pain and cross the Bridge. Even if I had been able to get the diagnosis, most times treating cancer is a time limited approach Don't beat yourself up for not being able to recognize something that even vets can't always see. You gave Shelley the best of care and I know you will give her all the love and care and respect you possibly can before it is time for her to cross the Bridge.

    My heart goes out to you. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  28. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Diana, I will try not to but whenever I have been in this position I have always thought 'what if I had done something differently' but I'm sure a lot of people do the same.
    Unfortunately, I think it may not be long. Shelley got very agitated for a short time this afternoon, she was gobbling food then trying to grab at the carpet and her fur with her mouth.
    I took her back to the vets but they couldn't really explain it but it could have been pain.
    All I can do is keep a close eye on her until I think it's time sadly.
     
  29. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Yes indeed, we ALL think that, Anthony, but we are all far too hard on ourselves.
    I'm sorry to hear of the incident this afternoon. I'm sure you will keep a very close eye on Shelley, that is all you can do.
    Very sad for you.
     
  30. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hi Mary Ann,
    Thank you, if you see the reply to Diana you will see it may not be long. Seems odd that all this has suddenly come to light when on Monday I still thought diabetes was they only problem.
    I will do my best for her and try and do the right thing for her.
    Your kind words are a comfort, thank you!
     
  31. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, very kind of you as always!
     
  32. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Anthony graphics-hugs-007297.jpg . I'm so very sorry to hear this news. Cats are so good at hiding illness and the signs are often so very subtle we don't pick up on them right away. And as Mary Ann said, sometimes even when we know, the vet can't pin point anything right away. We love our furry little ones so much we're always critical of ourselves thinking we can do more or do better. The truth is that despite being a rock star Dad to Shelley, there is no way you could have known or done anything different to prevent this.
    Take the time you have to make more memories with Shelley and use the support here to help you through this difficult time.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2017
  33. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Linda I know you are right. I appreciate your wise words, the support and kindness from yourself and everyone else is such a help and making me realise I can't work miracles, unfortunately.
     
  34. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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  35. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Mary Ann, that's lovely, I really appreciate your kind thoughts.
    Since the strange incident yesterday afternoon Shelley has seemed OK. She is eating small amounts and has sat and looked out of the door several times although not ventured out.
    She is slower than usual though and seems to take more time when settling to get comfortable.
    Hoping to keep going like this for the time being.
    Kindest regards!
     
  36. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Enjoy the good days and store up all the special memories. :bighug::bighug::bighug: My thoughts are with you
     
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  37. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Same here...
     
  38. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, everyone is so very kind.
     
  39. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Shelley's BG today;
    Amps 22.1
    +4. 19.3
    Pmps. 22.1

    Gave 0.5 u this morning. I think she should have 1.0u but is it high due to stress, pain. She has eaten OK and I have started her on metacam and she has been brighter since then. But what if she stops eating?
    With thanks!
     
  40. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    I think if she stops eating - presuming you would try to tempt her with all sorts of things - you may need to call the vet for advice, Anthony. We can advise the usual "tricks" here to try to persuade an inappetant kitty to eat, but if Shelley stops eating it may be that she is in discomfort despite the Metacam, and a vet's examination might be in order. Hopefully though the Metacam will continue to help and make her feel brighter, so she may not lose her appetite. This situation is one that you have to take day by day really, and be your usual vigilant self.
    Sorry can't be more constructive but at this point it's not so easy to apply the usual "rules".
    Paws crossed that Shelley stays bright for a good while to come!
     
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  41. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thanks Diana, so would you increase her dose to 1.0u?
     
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  42. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Yes at those numbers I don't think it would do any harm. She will feel better if her BGs are lower and that's what we're aiming for - keeping her comfortable.
     
  43. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, very grateful for the advice and that you are there at the moment!
     
  44. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Anthony as long as Shelley is eating well a higher dose would be in order. If her appetite drops then you can drop the dose accordingly. At this point you can just play it by ear each day and see what will work. At least with Caninsulin you can change doses each cycle if need be.

    If the Metacam doesn't seem to give enough pain relief, then you could ask your vet about using buprenorphine. It is an opioid pain killer and woked well the times I used it.

    Sending lots of :bighug::bighug: for you and scritches [​IMG][​IMG] for Shelley.
     
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  45. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hi Mary Ann,
    Thank you! I thought Shelley didn't look so well this morning, so I decided to try the Metacam and she has seemed brighter and eaten better this afternoon.
    The vet did warn me about the risk of a bleed or a blood clot from the tumour. And a friend of mine who is devoted to animals does not believe in risking any suffering because we don't know how they feel.
    But I think that if there is still a quality of life, enjoying food and taking an interest, then just take a risk and try to go on a little longer.
     
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  46. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    I gave Metacam to my GA heart kitty for several years for arthritis without any problems whatsoever and it definitely kept her more comfortable so if it helps Shelley feel better I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
     
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  47. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Linda, it is certainly worth a try at this stage.
     
  48. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Loved that green a few days ago! Wanna see more of that!
     
  49. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hi Janet,
    Nice to here from you. You may not have seen the earlier posts but very sadly Shelley has been diagnosed with an aggressive liver tumour. So just trying to keep her as comfortable as possible.
     
  50. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. :(
     
  51. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Janet.
     
  52. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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  53. Elizabeth and Bertie

    Elizabeth and Bertie Well-Known Member

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    I also give Metacam to my old tortie on a daily basis now. (In her case it enables her to eat.)
    And here in the UK we have Metacam in a strength especially for cats, so it's much easier to give an appropriate dose.

    Anthony, we are all thinking of you and Shelley. You're doing a wonderful job of caring for her.
    I don't know if you're a 'hug' person. But just in case you are here is one for you...
    .
    [​IMG]
     
  54. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

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    Anthony, so sorry to hear about Shelley's diagnosis :bighug::bighug::bighug:. I'm sure you are making her as comfortable as possible and knows how much you love her :bighug:.
     
  55. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Mary Ann, Eliz, Diana and Yong and everyone who has been so kind and generous with their time and expertise. You are all wonderful people and I could never have imagined I would receive such kindness and support here.
    I am very sorry post the news that my dear Shelley was put to sleep on Monday 31st July.

    I gave Shelley the Metacam on Sunday lunchtime after which she slept solidly for 10 hours. When she woke I had hoped to test her BG but when I picked her up she became very distressed, struggling and whining and was obviously in a lot of pain. I always tried to be gentle with her but somehow I had hurt her.

    After this she tried to rest but took a lot of time trying to get comfortable, turning one way and then the other. Eventually she laid down but I could tell she was in pain. Her breathing was fast and she purred continually but didn’t go to sleep.

    As she did not seem to be improving I decided to take her to the emergency vet service which is operated by Vets Now. I saw a very sympathetic vet who examined Shelley and told me that the liver tumour was now the size of a navel orange. She gave Shelley a buprenorphine injection and a sedative. She told me that the kindest thing would be to put Shelley to sleep before the tumour started to hemorrhage. It was agreed I would take Shelley home and see my own vet the next day.

    On arriving home I was shocked to see the effect the injection had on poor Shelley. She could hardly walk and seemed to be struggling to breath. I rang Vets Now and was told this was a normal reaction and that she would soon settle down.

    It did take a while but Shelley did eventually settle more. By this time it was the early hours of Monday and just a matter of hours to wait until my vets opened.

    Once I was able to contact them they couldn't give me an appointment until 11.00 am. But this turned out to be a good thing because Shelley brightened up in those last couple of hours. She had a few small amounts of food and sat looking out of the front door into the garden with the sun on her.

    It was very hard to take her away from this period of calm and normality to what was in store for her.

    When the vet at my usual practice examined Shelley she described the tumour as being as large as a grapefruit and also agreed that it was best to let Shelley go. The vet and the nurse were incredibly kind and sensitive and Shelley was very calm and quiet and passed away peacefully.

    It is shocking that less than a week previous the vet wasn’t even sure it was a tumour but in a few days it has grown so large. And she only saw the vet that previous Tuesday as he suggested I take her in after we had discussed her BG numbers. It is hard to understand how I could not see she was so ill.

    I really did not want to do this but having seen her so uncomfortable, in moments of extreme pain, the risk of a hemorrhage and the distress the buprenorphine caused, it was the decision I made.

    Whether she could have stayed longer and had a little more quality of life, I will never know.

    She was a real sweetheart who was always so good and compliant, no matter what was asked of her. Although I have my other cats here there is such an emptiness without her because she was the one that needed me the most and I will miss her and all that we shared very much.
     
  56. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Tears are running down my face as I read your last post Anthony. I can so relate to your final day with Shelley. Letting her go was the kindest and most loving thing you could do for your beloved girl. Often towards the end a kitty will have a bit of a "rally" where they seem to be much improved (Tuxie also did this), but then they will decline rapidly afterwards. Please, please do not blame yourself your not knowing about the cancer. The vets were not even sure if it was cancer so there was no way for you to know.

    You gave Shelley care and love and at the end the most precious...and hardest...gift of love. You allowed her to escape the pain and rapidly declining QOL with dignity. Shelley is free of pain and suffering now. I know how big a hole our beloved sugar babies can leave in our hearts, but hold close all the special memories to give you comfort and strength.

    My thoughts and prayers are with your at this sad sad time Anthony :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2017
  57. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Mary Ann, your kind words and thoughts are a comfort.
    I am sorry if the the news has upset you but I realise the pain is never far away for people who have gone through this, especially so recently as you have.
    I can't say thank you enough for all your kindness and support over the last six months. You and the other wonderful people have always there for me, just when I needed you.
     
  58. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Anthony.... my tears are for you and your loss, for my own recent loss and for everyone who has lost a beloved kitty. We all know how hard and devastating it is to lose a beloved furbaby and we all feel your pain. Please do continue to post for whatever support we can offer. We all understand and feel your pain.

    [​IMG]
     
  59. Shoeskitty-GA

    Shoeskitty-GA Well-Known Member

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    So very sorry for your loss! RIP sweet Shelly.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  60. Waheeda

    Waheeda Well-Known Member

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    I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand the pain you are going through. I too lost my cat not too long ago. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  61. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    You gave her a wonderful life and dedicated care. Rest in peace
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2017
  62. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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  63. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Janet.
     
  64. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, I appreciate you saying so. My condolenses to you also.
     
  65. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you, that is very kind.
     
  66. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Oh, Anthony, I'm so sorry to read about your poor kitty. Please don't second guess yourself because you've been an extremely caring and conscientious cat parent. You did everything you could for your sweet girl right to the end. She's no longer in any pain. :bighug::bighug:
     
  67. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you Kris, that's very good of you. Shelley did get a lot of attention after her hypo but it never occurred to me things would turn out like this so soon. I think most people look back and wonder if they could have done more but this seems to have been so aggressive that it would have been hopeless in any event.
     
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  68. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Anthony, I am so very sorry to hear Shelley has earned her wings. Myheart aches for you. It's so hard to say goodbye to these furry souls who become such an integral part of our lives. They are never with us long enough. You had no way of knowing what was going on with Shelley and making that final decision to let her go with dignity is the most difficult yet most loving gift of all. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    I made it home___rainbow bridge.jpg

    RIP sweet Shelley cat_wings>o
     
  69. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2009
    I'm just so very very sorry and sad to see this, Anthony. You and Shelley fought so hard and so bravely. Life being what it is, we can never predict how things will turn out and it is so often a shock when we face a sudden situation like this.

    Each and every one of us here feels your pain. The loss of a special bond like you had with Shelley is hard to bear and it will take time to fully accept. There are few words at times like this that make much if any difference, but for myself I have found it helpful to remind myself that love never dies... the love you have for Shelley remains and will always remain, and wherever it is that she is resting peacefully now, she will feel that.

    Please come here as often as you wish to talk... you are one of us, one of the great FDMB family always here for each other at times like this.

    Fly free, dear little Shelley.
     
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  70. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you Linda, I really appreciate your kind and comforting words. It is helping me to see that it was the only thing to do.
     
  71. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you Diana, you have been a constant and very kind and helpful friend to Shelley and I over the past six months. So generous with your time and always replying so promptly. I am so grateful, it has been invaluable throughout the ups and downs and conflicts that arose.
    I will try and think of things in the way you describe. I know it would be a comfort, to try and see things differently.
    Thank you so much.
     
  72. Elizabeth and Bertie

    Elizabeth and Bertie Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    Oh, Anthony... Such sad news... Please know that we are all holding you in our hearts.... xxx
    Fly free sweet Shelley...
    .
    missing you.JPG
     
  73. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you very much Eliz, that is very kind and a comfort at this sad time.
     
  74. PPCW

    PPCW Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2017
    I am so sorry for your loss. Shelley is now resting comfortably :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:.
     
  75. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2016
    Hi Anthony. I read about Shelley's recent health issues. You were the best parent she could have ever. She was loved and she knew it. That is all our kittehs can hope for.

    May your sweet kitteh fly freely and land softly at the Bridge. She will be missed.:rb_icon:
     
  76. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you, I appreciate the thought. Very kind.
     
  77. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you JeffJ, your kind words are a comfort. I might not have always got it right but I always had her best interests at heart.
     
  78. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2009
    Anthony, I really do hope you're not feeling too bad about what you did or didn't do... we absolutely know how sad and bereft you feel, and that's natural, painful as it is. But please don't let yourself go down the "didn't always get it right" road. You did 100% the very best you could and that's all any of us can ever do. Believe me, we ALL have stories revolving round "if only I had..." or "why didn't I..."... Such feelings are part of the way we deal with shock and grief.

    I don't know how much experience you have had of loss and this is not intended to be a question, nor to make you feel anything but reassured... but everything you are going through is exactly what we all go through after a loss. Grief is a complex set of emotions and there is often a pattern to the different feelings we experience. Some of us have studied this in some depth, having been knocked sideways by the loss of our nearest and dearest, and wanting to make some sense of it. There are no answers as such, we just live through the stages in our own way and in our own time. But I do know that self-blame and guilt are very common indeed, almost always without foundation. So please don't think for a moment you could have done more for your dear Shelley. It was very obvious from when you first started posting here what a very caring and commited kitty parent you are.

    Please be very kind to yourself, Anthony. We don't want you to feel any worse than you do. Be sad, but don't feel bad. If you feel like pouring out your feelings you can also of course post on the Grief forum. I've spent a lot of time therre over the years. It is a gentle and comforting place, and can be a very helpful way to feel you are not alone.

    We are all with you as you tread this path...
     
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  79. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you Diana, that is very good of you and reassuring. And I really appreciate the care and support from yourself and everyone.
    I know it wasn't a question but yes, I have been through this before and I know that time does help with the pain.
    I am doing OK actually but every now and then you think about something and you have to remind yourself about why you got to that point and why you took that decision.
    But as I say I have been through it before and I sure things will get easier this time in due course.
    Thank you again for all your care and support!
     
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  80. Monica & Josie

    Monica & Josie Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2017
    Oh Anthony I am so very sorry to hear your heartbreaking news. I was abroad at the time and didn't see your post until now, I'm so sorry!
    Tears were rolling down my face reading about your last few days. My heart goes out to you as I know that you were the best, most caring and gentle parent any kitty could ask for and I have always admired you for your affectionate dedication.
    You and Shelley had such an amazing close relationship, something really special to cherish in your memories forever.
    Thinking of you Anthony, I hope you are doing ok.
     
  81. Monica & Josie

    Monica & Josie Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2017
  82. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Hello Monica,
    Thank you for your kind message, it is much appreciated. I did try to give Shelley as much help and attention as I could but I sometimes wonder why I didn't see what was so obvious. I saw a picture of her yesterday taken a year ago and the difference between then and her last few weeks was plain to see.
    I just think I should have known how ill she was much sooner.
    And then I often wonder if I could have kept her going a little longer but on the whole I am OK thank you. I do miss her but I have four other cats to keep me busy.
    Although Shelley had a quiet personality she had a presence that was impossible to ignore. I will try and post the earlier picture later on.
    Thanks again, your words are very touching and mean a lot to me.
    Hope all is well with you and Josie.
    Kind regards,
    Anthony
     
  83. Monica & Josie

    Monica & Josie Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2017
    Hello Anthony,
    so good to hear back from you.
    I guess you will probably never stop wondering about these things Anthony, things in hindsight always seem much more obvious than when we are in the middle of it.. You did what you felt was the right thing to do at the time and I suppose you'll always question whether it was the right call or not. I feel if they want to go and ready to go then we should let them go. I think trying to keep them around longer would be more for us who are not ready to let them go just yet.. You did the right thing by doing what was best for her. She will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge to meet again.

    Your pain will never really go away you'll just learn to live with the hurt and the little hole that the loss of Shelley left in your heart.

    Please feel free to share any thoughts and photos you wish anytime, we will always be pleased to hear from you.
     
  84. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you Monica, I appreciate that very much.
     
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  85. AJay

    AJay Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2017
    So sorry to hear this. :(

    Shine bright sweet Shelley.

    Much love and strength to you Anthony xxx
     
  86. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you Ajay, that is very kind of you!
    I hope things settle down with Chester, he looks like a fine lad.
    Kindest regards,
    Anthony
     
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