Facing Euthanasia

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anna7
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2009 10:14 pm

Facing Euthanasia

Post by anna7 »

OUr adopted cat came to us with feline aids last august (whole other story).

Anyway, she got cancer, which is par for the coarse with advanced FIV. We had some tumors removed a month ago, but she never really recovered well. It looks like tumors are in her lungs now and her breathing is really labored.

I am not sure if we should take her to the emergency vet and have her put down : (. She will eat and drink when we hand feed her, but she is slow, just like a person in end dtange cancer or aids.

Best case scenerio is that she will pass in her sleep here at home. There is also another issue, we are dead broke. As you can imagine. The emergency vets charge an arm and a leg.

I don't know what to do. I am torn up. Can we wait until tomorrow? How do I know if she is suffering?

Sorry for rambling.
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Traci
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Re: Facing Euthanasia

Post by Traci »

Anna, I'm so sorry I'm just getting to this this morning.

Here is an article to help pet owners determine quality of life for their pets. It is ONLY a guideline, not every pet experiences what another pet may. Ultimately, you must talk with your vet in depth, before making any rash decisions.

When Is It Time?

You might first consider the symptoms, and ask your vet what medications are available to ease the symptoms so she improves, feels better, is interested in eating. Pets with cancer often have bad days with good days and it is important for owners to understand that bad days might only be temporary, some pets may bounce back with a little intervention from your vet (like a medication to curb vomiting or diarrhea, pain medication to control pain if suspected, fluids to correct dehydration, a fortified diet more palatable to the pet if not eating sufficiently). If she is otherwise enjoying her surroundings, seems content, not in pain, etc, then don't make rash decisions for euthanasia.

Please, call/see your vet, have him examine your kitty, he's the only one who can help you determine how she is truly feeling/progressing.

My thoughts and prayers are with your sweet kitty and you.
..........Traci
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