I don't know if you've already done this, Sina, but when I'm faced with a major decision about my babies and am having trouble deciding, I always ask the vet: "what would you do if this were your cat?" I've found that to be very helpful, as my vets are all great animal lovers that, like me, would do anything for their pets. They've always given me honest answers.
You didn't ask for my opinion, but I'm going to give it anyway. Feel free to ignore it. If the OV feels that Azalea is a good candidate for surgery now, and if the eye is going to be a continued source of discomfort if you keep it, I would go for the surgery. That's just me. You might have reasons why that isn't the right choice for you and I respect that. Whatever you decide, know we are all here to support and help you in any way you can.
All cats have the Herpes virus in them, but in many it never surfaces. If a cat is sniffling and/or has runny eyes, Herpes is the most common culprit. Many of us give our cats L-lysine to help ward it off. There is some question as to its efficiency, but both of the OVs I've taken my cats to have recommended it. 500 mg 1-2 times a day in their food.
My OV tested for Bartonella because is is a common cause of blindness and of diabetes in cats. Since Cinco had both, it seems likely. He tested all my other cats, too, and they were all negative. Bartonella is the bacteria that causes Cat Scratch Fever. It is treated with a specific antibiotic. It's unlikely that Azalea has Bartonella, since her blindness was caused by an injury, but Herpes is very possibly an issue.
Sootie, no bouncing! We want nice, smooth, non-bean-stressing surfs from you right now!
Thank you, Tricia
both for the info about Bartonella, feline herpes and wise guidance. And Bobbie Gill and Les of course!!!!
OV and I had the kind of discussion today you suggested. Though not couched in the direct 'if she were your cat..' question, it was with QOL in mind and with the realities that the longer she struggles to cope with what is now chronic pain, the harder it is on her body and spirit, making surgery later on much more risky or impossible, putting us in the position of the then hardest decision of all. Very clear in body language and discussion that he was with me and felt this as deeply as if she was his kitty. Azalea was listening and watching and fully engaged, watching me throughout though still in her carrier. Every time I looked at her, I sensed from her, her concentration with us and her intensity of being: "I'm not giving up and not saying goodbye. all the pain and wobbliness and eyedrops stuff is not me. We've given that enough of an effort. Let's do what we need to do so we can go home and so I can be me again." I'm not articulating any of this very well...but OV on board. I sensed from him a deep appreciation of Azalea, her feistiness and all, and of our relationship and lifetime together.
Also, I was relieved to understand more about the surgery itself, and that they do not use fentanyl or transdermal patches. She will come home either with more Onsior or bupe (the latter new to me but rang a bell bc of this group).
Much as I haven't completely embraced the prospect of surgery, I have come to more of an acceptance of it and that continuing to pursue non-surgical route is becoming more detrimental to Azalea and with more risks later on than going for the surgery now. Yes never an easy or uncomplicated choice but it's all wrapped in love and respect for her and keeping with the deep lifelong promise/pact we each and all make with our beloved kitties.
Without your guidance and that of Les, Bobbie and Gill, I doubt I'd be as close to acceptance as I am now.
Now it's a wait and see what Azalea's bloodwork results are this morning, what OV indicates about proceeding, and we go from there. Even though new bloodwork not in-house and a bit of a wait, I am relieved that we did it (and probably just as well that they don't do in-house blood work).
Had a solid nap this afternoon but awoke feeling like lead. Time with kitties and their evening routines and then, after reading your evening posts, started to reply but so heavy-tired, words to 'paper' were a jumble. Thought I'd take a little nap, then woke up in wee hours. That's why the pre-dawn reply, and no pm post shot Bg's fur Sootie!
Sootie has been sweet, stalwart and patient with all that's been going on. I think too much relieved for a reprieve from all the curve tests on Sunday! Her pmps last night 156,
super yay! And her appy was good. And pm shot holding at skinny 0.25u.
I've run out of her freeze dried minnows and have to hop to it to replenish her stash, she misses them. Other freeze dried treats a mere substitution for her!
About to bring late night fuds for Sootie and Azalea, cuddles and then this bean maybe another nap before the dawn.
Sweet dreams, healing vines and gentle times and with thanks in every way,
Love and hugs
Sina
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