Ask questions and share about your pet's health to help others.
My elderly cat, age 17, recently took a downward spiral with her health. It started with her not eating, then the next day she started becoming more unbalanced, along with sleeping more, and still, eating very little (she also did seem to use the bathroom a tiny bit more than usual, but it wasn’t anything like when my male cat had a urinary tract block, she peed a little each time, but she could be dehydrated) , and today it’s only gotten worse, along with her barely using the litter box, she peed today but no sign of pooing. She ate all of maybe once today, with a few treats here and there. She also has been wandering aimlessly to stare into the bathroom (a place I used to give her water) and to stare at her litter box.
She seems really interested in drinking when she’s up, but doesn’t actually seem to be doing it much. (I’ve debated syringe feeding her some water, but I worry it might hurt her)
She is a cat with a history of feline kidney disease, diagnosed stage 2 by the vet that I’d seen a year ago. Although I have been managing it with daily feedings of wet food and water.
I took her to see the vet today, but all he really did was palpate her kidneys and then tell me he felt something there. I was unable to afford the suggested blood work and x-rays, but the vet was saying things like “everything is hospice care at this point, she’s so old, there not much worth putting the money into her at her age.” Wich was a bit callous sounding. But maybe it’s because she’s my baby.
So they suggested I consider euthanasia right then and there. I couldn’t go through with it right that moment and just took her home to decide.
She has eaten a little, and drank a little since. I’ve been putting her in her bed near me as she’s super tired.
Would putting her down be the right decision? Is there something else I can do???? She’s my only family, and pretty much my child. I can’t just give up on her. Please help.
A year and a half ago we rescued a 4 week old kitten who presented unresponsive with a body temp so low it did not register. She was revived. As the caretaker was going to put her back out that evening I stepped in and offered to take her with the plan to rehome her. I have rehomed dozens of kittens over the years, all who came from feral colonies. From the get go Annabelle was incredibly sick and had behaviors that weren’t what we were used to. When held she would attack faces, when stimulated she would attack, we continued to work with her and a year and a half later she lays with us at night and as long as we don’t touch her does not attack people. Instead she attacks items. This occurs whenever there is any stimulation in our home, folding laundry, cleaning out a closet, dogs playing, children laughing, the list goes on and on. She has destroyed a sofa, armchair, curtains, tablecloths, comforters, sheets, duvet covers, etc, etc. We can not trim her nails….because we can’t handle her and truly even with her nails trimmed I am sure she would rip things apart with her teeth. We are no stranger to ferals, I am happy to allow them to hide until they feel comfortable, there is no hiding with Annabelle instead she literally runs into the chaos. When we let our dogs out and at feeding time out she runs into the chaos, when I vacuum she runs around the room, when we have company she runs around as I warn our guests not to touch her. We are no stranger to keeping cats happy, we have cat towers, scratching posts, scratching boards, elevated areas, areas to hide. Our other 4 cats are incredibly happy members of our family. I am at my whits end, I honestly feel like we attempted to tame a raccoon and are living with it in our house. I do wonder if Annabelle would be happier outside, but with no sense of danger and a habit of running into the chaos I can’t help but worry she would get killed….and I didn’t save her to have that happen.
I am open to suggestions and curious if anyone has ever had a similar experience.
Hi Jenn- I don’t know if this advice will help, but Dori is crazy like that too. While she has free roam of the house, we have things set up where she also has areas that are just hers, and that seems to have helped a little bit. She still “kills” furniture and pillows, but it isn’t as bad as it was.
Thank you, I am comforted in knowing we aren’t the only ones with a different cat. We are finishing our basement. The cats will have the laundry room completely to themselves with a kitty door. We are also making our screen porch a cat haven. I am hoping that helps.
Some cats truly are happier outside – usually far fewer than people think, but she sounds like one of them. Do you happen to have a catio or a large dog crate you can put her in outside, just to see how she does?
Would you consider rehoming her to a farm?
The fact that she doesn’t seem capable of integrating is frustrating, and I can only imagine how you feel.
We do have a large screened porch, she does enjoy spending time out there. We are in the process of making a cat “jungle gym”, an area where the cats can climb and be up high while on the screened porch. We also actually do live on a little farm. If she wanted she could be an outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat. Her tiny stature and inability to assess danger make me nervous, we have fox and coyote….I guess I am afraid she would be killed. On the other hand I really don’t know if she is “happy” being kept as a house cat.
I completely understand that fear. I’m of the opinion that the vast majority of domesticated felines should be kept safely behind walls and screens, so I get your reluctance. I also know some cats really just cannot be housed indoors. Good luck.
Hello,
I think it comes down to a few key points to consider.
One is she just a wild child at heart. And if so could we break her free form that with time, containment (to which I mean she would have to be caged for a long time. Think Diedra’s cat Tulio)… and then still be prepared to just having an angry hostile cat. I don’t think this is my favorite option because she isn’t afraid of people she just plain old doesn’t want to be around people.
2. Try to medicate her into being happier. May take a few months and may cost you value finger sensation for the rest of your life.
3. Let her be who she is and be happy. Maybe she is just the free wild spirit and maybe she won’t live as long as possible but maybe that’s how she wants it.
I think it really comes down to a spring her as who she is. Allowing her to live her life in her terms and loving her inspire of not being able to advise her.
I’m sure this is of no help. Sorry. I can help with the caging and meds if needed. Xox
Hi Dr. magnifico! Curious on your thoughts on gabapentin for pain? I’ve read mixed reviews. My pup has a painful back leg. Originally she saw a vet at our practice who thought is was due to Lyme because she had tested strong positive and did not feel a drawer sign when checked. We did antibiotic treatment and the lameness got better for the most part. She would have some days where you could see it was bothering her. Then a few months later she was back to not bearing weight on it. Saw a different vet this time at our practice and this vet said he felt the drawer sign and said he felt it was injured CCL and reccomened a surgeon. Surgeon said would need to have x-rays to confirm which I haven’t had the money for. So we did pain meds (gabapentin and tramodyl) and rest for about a month and lameness went away again. She’s been good for about a year up until the past month or two and the vet gave gaba again. When she’s on it, she looks sleepy and scared. I’ve never had an issue giving pills with her in cheese on lunch meat or something but now she tries to spit it out. It’s like she knows what it’s going to do to her. I’ve read mixed reviews. I’ve also read it’s more for nerve pain? So I’m not sure if it’s actually relieving her pain or not. I’ve also read the reciptors that tramodyl targets, dogs don’t have? Curious on your opinion on all of this. I would like to see if she’s still a candidate for surgery even though it’s been some time but I need to come up with the funds for that so I’m trying to help her in the mean time. I give her vitamin supplements for her joints. I don’t want her on pain meds all the time but want something that gives her some relief on those bad days without making her feel drugged up.
Hello,
I actually use gabapentin a lot. I have discontinued using tramadol for many reasons. I also think that if you aren’t seeing benefits and/or seeing adverse side effects that there are other options to discuss. I think the first problem is that you lack a definitive diagnosis. I would try to start there. Then ask about other treatment options to see if they have less adverse side effects? I would also make sure your pets weight is ideal. You are on a good reputable food and a joint supplement. Also moderate impact free exercise. Please talk to your vet about all of these. Good luck .
Thank you! Appreciate your feedback 🙂
My cat has had diarrhea for 3 days. What should I do for him? Should I take him to the vet?
Boston terrier was having neck pain. Vet gave muscle relaxer, gabapentin and prednisone.. she suspected IVDD. My baby wasn’t doing that great with meds every 12 hours. So recently we went to 8 hours. He seemed to be doing a lot better. Well today, he started to walk towards me and he froze in mid step. And fell down. Rushed to vet. She said he is in a lot of pain- major spasm- not seizure. Gave him a pain shot that pretty much not him out. She said he needed surgery – only can do it in Dallas. If I couldn’t afford surgery then he needs to be put down. I’m trying to get donations for the surgery. Trying to give him a chance. He still walks on his own, poops etc. I saw videos of dogs recovering from IVDD without surgery and they were worse off than my baby. What should I do??? Any advice? I’d like to know what meds Dr. Magnifico used on Hank in her YouTube videos. Please help!
Hello,
I think I would go to another vet for a second opinion. I have lots of information on IVDD at my blog and YouTube channel. Please go to both and search “IVDD” you will get it all. Of search pawbly for IVDD and read the other questions by people in similar situations. I wouldn’t give up unless you feel it is the right things to do
My cat is having “spasms” in his stomach that are similar to hiccups. I’ve taken him to the vets twice, we’ve done bloodwork and tried pain meds but nothing has worked. His appetite is good and no vomiting. He just looks uncomfortable. I’m getting ready to make another vet appt, but wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts
Hello
It might be helpful to try to catch what you are seeing and concerned about in video and also to look for a veterinarian who specializes in Felines only. I hope this helps.
Hello, I was trying to cut the hairs around my dogs ear and he shook causing the tip of his ear to get cut off. Very small port around a 1/4” or even less it looks like. It is not bleeding. Do I need to do anything? He doesn’t look to be in pain but I know animals don’t always look to be in pain even if they are.
Hello,
Without being able to see this in person I will say that I usually prescribe these patients an antibiotics for just a few days and discuss wrapping the ear flap to the head (see “no flap ear wrap” online) to keep it from bleeding and allow it to heal faster. Please see your vet about this.
I need help finding services for my dog I feel it’s an emergency to give you a little bit of background I’ve had our dog for about 2 years now I hadn’t looked at by a family friend a year ago cuz I noticed a bump on her lower back they said it would be fine as long as it doesn’t rupture well today’s the day it did I don’t have the finances to get her help I’m scared that it can take her from us or make her very sick as selfish as I want to be in this moment not to surrender my pet I would if I had to so I’m asking is there any resources out there that can help me please help her
Hello,
Im sorry to hear about your dog. Can you tell us where you are? Also, have you reached out to any local rescues, shelters or animal centered foundations. I always tel people to call, and keep calling to find help. I think that if you are super persistent you will find someone to help. Also reach out to family and friends on social media.
I should also add that in almost all cases an old bump that ruptures is not an immediate emergency. Keep it covered and dont let your dog lick at it and call around asking for help. I wish you both the best of luck!
Yes i did how i found out about this site. The only thing they can do is take her and if her behavior is bad then theyll put her down smh she is a great dog but if she doesnt know you im sure shell act out idk im scared i cleaned it with warm water for a while and put stuff on it covered it and made a cone to keep her from licking it butnshe was for a few hours already ill keep trying
5 or 6yr old male indoor /outdoor short hair tabby stopped peeing this Sunday. Vet 2pm mon thru 4pm wed. returned home with antibiotics
only. Advised milo had a small opening. Blocked today Again. My question is… will antispasmodics work at this point or will milo have to
be re-cathed?
If he is not, or cannot pew he needs to go back to the vet immediately. I hope he is ok
I am having a german shepherd dog and she rarely eats something nowadays and she is having muddy eyes and mouth foam
Plssss advice me some medicines as soon as possible for my dog aged 7 years
I would consider this an emergency – please get her to the vet NOW. This isn’t something we can fix online.
I agree
Please get her to the nearest vet right now
Wondering if you have gotten to a vet yet?
Hi- I am so sorry that you are going through this difficult time. Only you can decide when is right for you….I like to think that our pets let us know when it is time. If I were you, I would see how the rest of this evening goes and see if she peeks up any tomorrow. Try getting her to eat better and drink some. Very best to you
Thank you for your quick reply. This is so hard to watch.
I’ll definitely be making the decision quickly, and with her in mind, I already feel terrible at her stage, but the sudden euthanasia option was just too much to handle at that time.
I’ll try getting more food and water into her now.
Hello,
I’m so sorrry to hear about your cat. I think it would be really helpful to run some blood work. I always worry about kidney disease and they round disease in these cats. At my clinic this costs about $175. I say this because thyroid disease is treatable. It is best treated early than late. Kidney disease in Advanced stage is not. But I do think that knowing what is going on with her will help make a hard decision a little clearer Also your cat deserves fluid therapy. That is $25 at my clinic for a Sq fluid kit to go home which lasts abo it a week. It can really help some cats feel better. Let me know what happens I hope this helps. Never stop advocating for your cat! Best wishes.
I so appreciate your help. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I’ll do my best to see if I can find a way to get a kit like that, he mildly suggested fluids at the clinic, but made it sound like it was pointless. I wish he had advocated a little bit more about giving us fluids to at least put her on. Because I would of happily agreed.
Would syringe feeding her some water help at all?
Hi Willow – the subcutaneous fluids really are a better option, as they do a better job than just ingested fluids.
If you aren’t feeding a veterinary diet including kidney specific wet food, I’d start. My cat is also in renal failure and simply switching diets and doing subq fluids (when he lets me) have likely bought me more time with him.