Joe not eating

[jbweeks722]

Wanted to let you know that Joe is hanging in there. Went to the vet a week ago and he got fluids, a shot of antibiotic and pred. He has been so much better. He is eating better (5 or 6 small meals per day), purring and keeping his usual schedule. We are taking it one day at a time-- I realize things can change quickly. I am just trying to give him as much love as possible while I can.

Our biggest problem now is getting subq fluids in him. I wanted to do this at home because he has been so stressed at going to the vet weekly for fluids. I was going to give them to him daily but it has been impossible the past 3 days. He fights me and won't be still. I am having trouble getting the needle in or to stay in. So now I am nervous and he senses it. I think I am going to go back to weekly visits to the vet. Better for him to be stressed once a week than every day.

[Traci]

If the owner is nervous and not comfortable giving sub-q fluids, then yes, it is better for the cat to get them at the vet. That said, try again by watching the vet and tech when they give Joe fluids, even ask the vet if you can try right there at the exam (they can guide you). But again, if you're not comfortable with it, best to leave it to the vet. Ideally it is less stressful to give them at home, but I understand if Joe stresses even more because you might be nervous.

[jbweeks722]

I am taking him in today for fluids and will ask to be trained again. I am hoping that I would do it and let them watch me. I realize that he senses if I am nervous.

We had a bad morning. He was happy and hungry and had pooped which I thought was a good sign. Then after he ate, he tried pooping again. Many times and ended up vomiting a few times. Finally, the poop came out. After that, he seemed better. He ate again and went back to bed as usual.

[jbweeks722]

Hi,

I am going to have Joe euthanized tomorrow morning. While he has had his bad days, he had more good days until recently. It has become obvious to me that it is time. I probably should have done it today but wanted to make sure everyone got to say their good byes.

My heart is heavy. This does not get easier each time you have to do this.

[Cleo]

I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and with Joe for a safe, gentle journey.

[Traci]

My heart just breaks for Joe and you, I know this has been a very trying time, and I truly hoped Joe would make a great turn-around and have much more time with you.

Safe and gentle journey, sweet precious Joe, (((((((HUGS))))))))

[jbweeks722]

Thank you for your kind words. Traci, your advice helped us get this far. Two weeks ago, I thought he was doing good considering his diagnosis. He started going downhill overnight. He was putting up a good fight but was getting weaker and eating less. It was hard to lose him but I know it was the right thing to do for him. He was my sweet baby Joe.

Now I have to keep an eye on my other baby, Belle. She was almost feral when I rescued her from the animal shelter. I got Joe 2 weeks later and he mothered her. (she is now about 9 yrs old) I think she knew he was leaving us but she is missing him too.

Hug your fur babies tight.

[Traci]

I know just how difficult and heart-wrenching this has been for you, it is so hard to know exactly what to do and what to expect. Sometimes these conditions respond to treatment (at least for comfort measures and sometimes extended time with us) and sometimes they truly take a turn for the worse, in a matter of days. I hope you can find some semblance of peace in knowing that you did every thing you could possibly do for little Joe and he knew you were trying so hard to help him. My heart goes out to you, I've been there so many times and it never gets easier. I so hope you can find comfort in the precious years you had with Joe, I'm sure he couldn't have asked for a better kitty parent. Thank you for going the extra mile for him, he sounds like he was such a special little trooper.

Keep Belle close, she needs you, just as much as you need her. Give her lots of love and attention (I'm sure you will). I'm hugging my babies extra close, in remembrance of your sweet Joe.

(((((((HUGS)))))))