Lila appears to be passing

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Ann & Liz, Nov 20, 2017.

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  1. Ann & Liz

    Ann & Liz Member

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    Sep 25, 2016
    It seems that Lila is starting to slip away. She is currently very peaceful and sleeping but cannot mobilise now it seems. Her BG is 24 and not able to eat now. We intend to let her pass at home but if she becomes unsettled we will be taking her into vets they are on standby. Does anyone have experience in this sort of situation as to what we need to monitor.
     
  2. Mom2Maverick

    Mom2Maverick Member

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    Dec 15, 2016
    I do not have the experience you are seeking. It sounds like you are providing what she needs by surrounding her with your love. I don't know if anyone can ever be fully prepared. My thoughts are with you.
     
  3. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    So sorry to hear Liz isn't doing well today.

    If she's really passing, about all you can do is make sure it's as peaceful as possible. If she's comfortable, warm and surrounded by your love, that's the best thing you can do.
     
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  4. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 26, 2015
    Oh no, I'm so sorry. I'm glad that she is peaceful, many prayers that she stays at peace, surrounded by your love, as she leaves for the Bridge. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  5. Ann & Liz

    Ann & Liz Member

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    Sep 25, 2016
    Thank you to you all. Lila is still peaceful, hoping she remains so. A very special being.
     
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  6. Ann & Liz

    Ann & Liz Member

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    Sep 25, 2016
    It's many a year since Lila has caught a mouse but it was her speciality. We found a mouse outside our gate today, totally out of the blue, as though left by another cat. It now seems to make sense.
     
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  7. Ann & Liz

    Ann & Liz Member

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    Sep 25, 2016
    Lila is still with us. Really unsure what we should do. Vet on standby for home visit. But don't want to have her put to sleep too early. She has also just eaten her breakfast! Although very weak and painfully thin and frail. Pancreatic enzymes have helped over last couple of weeks to produce better stools but still no weight gain. She is peaceful but weak, we don't want her to suffer but don't want to act too soon either. Vet says decision has to be ours which we know but still a difficult decision. Any words of wisdom welcome.
     
  8. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

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    Oct 30, 2017
    Looks is
    Lila is really beautiful. Follow your heart. Giving her love and comfort and follow your heart. only you all and she will know what's best. Sending you love and prayers and hugs.
     
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  9. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Dec 2, 2014
    My heart goes out to you at this time. Making the final decision is so heart-wrenching and also the greatest gift of love a petparent can give.

    Many years ago I had a kitty, Buzzie, that ended up with intestinal lymphoma. The vet at that time incorrectly diagnosed him with IBD and pancreatic insufficiency, He was put on pancreatic enzymes, prescription food and steroid shots. He always ate, but had constant runs and was losing weight at an alarming rate. He got weaker and weaker and thinner and thinner. Finally after going back to the vet every 2 days for 3 weeks with no signs of improvement I got an appointment with an IM specialist and the correct diagnosis of cancer was made. We discussed the options..surgery which may have given him another month or so if he survived (which was unlikely because of his frail condition) or euthanasia. Leaving him would have caused his body to completely shut down and caused a lot of pain at the end, so I brought him home for one final night and released him the next day. He hated being in the car, but this time he lay quietly in my arms and stared at me the whole way, purring and rubbing my hand. Once at the vets he passed very quickly and quietly with his family surrounding him and loving on him.

    The decision really comes down to QOL..quality of life for your kitty. Eating is not a quality if it is not keeping his body healthy. My Buzzie ate well right to the end, but was so weak and frail. The link below has a scale for judging QOL:

    http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-care-euthanasia-decision-quality-of-life-scale

    Take a look and see where you feel Lila is at and make the decision based on what is best for her. We never want to let our furbabies go and we are always looking for signs that they are getting better. If the QOL and prognosis are not there then that is the time that we have to make the hardest decision of our life.

    It is always your decision to make and I am not saying it is time, just telling one of my experiences. Sending healing energy, prayers and strength for you.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  10. Shantismom

    Shantismom Member

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    Feb 13, 2014
    I have always heard better a week too soon than a day too late. It is a heartbreaking decision no matter what. My thoughts are with you.
     
  11. Ann & Liz

    Ann & Liz Member

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    Sep 25, 2016
    The vet felt that Lila is heading towards the end but is comfortable at present. We agreed on a plan to reintroduce regular insulin doses ( dose has varied quite a bit since she has become unwell of recent weeks). Then to re-evaluate in a week. So plan to start on 1.1u tomorrow and see how things go. Lila is certainly not now showing signs that she will pass imminently although is asleep most of the time. Of course we may not get to a week. Will monitor closely. Thank you so much for everyone's support.
     
  12. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 26, 2015
    Keeping you and Lila in my prayers. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  13. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Oct 2, 2015
    I've been through this twice this year, with 17 year old littermates that we had since kittens. There is no right answer. No diabetes in our case, just kidney disease and old age.

    But what I realized after losing our first in May was that we waited a little too long with her. She was eating, pooping, peeing, etc, but she was so so so thin and frail. When we saw her brother starting down that same road 2 months and 11 days later, we not only made the decision quicker, but to this day I am so thankful we did. It comforts me so much.

    I am not encouraging you to rush things, please don't consider me rude or insensitive. I just want you to know that I could have been a week, or maybe even 2 or 3 to early (?? Who could ever know ??), but I don't regret it at all. I loved my boy more than you can imagine, and I wanted him to be able to fly free before becoming a shell of himself. I don't think that I've seen many people admit this here, so I just wanted to share my experience. Only you and Lila will know what is right.

    Best to you, Lila and your family.
    Sandi.
     
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  14. nmveasey

    nmveasey Member

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    Nov 15, 2017
    Thinking of you and Lila. Sending love and good vibes your way.
     
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  15. Charsan

    Charsan New Member

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    Nov 14, 2017
    Hi,

    We are new to the diabetes world, but have a cat with this and other issues. We have helped three cats cross and it broke our hearts each time , but we knew each time it was the correct and right time. One thing that helped was our vet came to the house a week or two before and said when we were ready she would help, it helped us know it was okay. Each time was peaceful, quick and dignified and at our house. Somehow, you will know when it is right, it is a feeling, you cant put in words. For us ,like others have said, it was our last act of love. We wish you peace with your decision.

    Charsan
     
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  16. Lillie

    Lillie Member

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    Mar 10, 2017
    Painful decisions are always hard. My heart goes out to you and Lila.
     
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  17. Ann & Liz

    Ann & Liz Member

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    Sep 25, 2016
    Lila seems to be comfortable and is doing more of her normal routine, washing her face after food and using scratch post, enjoying a fuss etc. So we are very much viewing this as a temporary window and evaluating daily. Her weight is hovering between 6.75 lbs and 7 lbs and looks very thin of course. Importantly she seems brighter than she was and at times walking with her tail held high. Don't know what happened the other day but certainly then wasn't her time. We are enjoying every minute with her for as long as she is OK whilst knowing it probably will not be for long. All your thoughts and words really appreciated, thank you.
     
  18. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Oct 2, 2015
    That is great news! The part about her looking "brighter" is what resonates with me - that is fantastic :bighug:

    So now, lots of lovin' for Lila, Pictures, pictures and more pictures...and video too!

    Based on how you write your dates, I will assume you are not in the US or I would wish you Happy Thanksgiving, but it sounds like you all have a lot to be thankful for today anyway - Happy Lilagiving??? ;-)

    Keep that light in your eyes sweet Lila!

    Sandi.
     
  19. Ann & Liz

    Ann & Liz Member

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    Sep 25, 2016
    Not sure if I spoke too soon. Bit of a down turn again. Not so keen on eating and loose bowels today again, unfortunately, but sleeping in a relaxed position so comfortable at least for now.
     
  20. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Dec 29, 2009
    This slight "up and down" is normal, I think... very hard to know what to think or do except keep telling her you love her and make sure she is comfortable. I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's heart-wrenching. But I think you'll know when it's time.
     
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  21. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Aug 9, 2015
    Diana said it best, Ann. My heart goes out to you in this very emotional roller coaster time.
     
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  22. Ann & Liz

    Ann & Liz Member

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    Sep 25, 2016
    Lila seems settled at present.
     

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