This is very difficult as so many of you know and have experienced, but I don't think we can give Bud more time. The antibiotic would help with the bacteria, and pain management is critical so he can eat. He is the lone social of the brat pack, and does allow us at times to pet him, and be a lap cat for a brief brushing. But even applying flea meds to his back is tricky.
The first attempt at inserting the syringe failed, we tried again this evening. His mouth being so painful contributes to the resistance I am sure, but I can't take the chance of a bite from a mouth full of bacteria. My brother was almost hospitalized and required medication for six weeks. Bud not only was trying to bite me but somehow in his attempt to escape from the wrapping got his claw caught on my bracelet. In a flash, everything was happening, my wrist yanked and twisted, pain was bad enough to nauseate me. I can use my fingers now, the punctures from his claws are cleaned. Bud won't allow us near him but he isn't limping, I assume his leg was not injured. Four syringes of meds a day for two weeks? We've already lost four doses. Feliway is no help, catnip either. Not able to get the Covid vaccine, we decided I cannot take the chance of an infection that could be very serious. I am really upset about this, and terrifying Bud when trying to immobilize him is stress on his bad heart. One more attempt tomorrow, more Feliway, but I don't have much hope.
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21 comments:
Marly, I am so sorry. I know how hard it is to get cats to take medicine when the cat is co-operative. I think you did the right thing to back off. Bud's mouth would surely infect you if he got a bite in. The vets have an antibiotic that is injectible and lasts 2 weeks but it may be not cover mouth bacteria even though they give it for skin infections. It is called Covenia. There has been some issues with it per some cats getting after surgery routinely and they felt it wasn't good for their cat but in Buds case not a lot options. The infection alone could affect his heart. Talk with your vet and see if that would even be an option. Maybe put med in no-salt chicken broth, but cats pretty smart. Thoughts for Bud and know that you have and will do best by little Budman. It sucks when they are sick.
Marly, me again. One more thing to try. I have used it on my cat, it is called Slippery Elm. You can buy the powder on Amazon or health food store (may sure only has Slippery Elm powder in it nothing else). You can make a broth google recipe. Cook it on stove, good in frig for about 5 days. It is from inner bark of Elm tree. The Indians have used it for eons and George Washington's troops survived on it at Valley Forge. It helps with mouths sores, upset stomachs, nausea, diarrhea,constipation. It should smell like maple and if bitter not good. I would give my cat a tbsp. or so. It coats the GI tract and soothes plus has nutritious vitamins. He may take some. Just a thought.
Oh, Marly, this is so sad and so hard for you. Poor Bud 😢
My family and I know how hard it is to see a fur baby sick....and how hard it is to let go.
I agree the stress of treatment is as bad as the infection and pain that Bud is going through. I hate to think of the pain he may be suffering.
I know you will do the right thing for Bud.
Hugs for you !
Charlotte in Va.
I am so, so sorry for what you are going through and dealing with. I understand feral cats and cats with chronic illness. We have 3 cats and 1 dog and they all have medical issues. Having a chronic issue yourself makes it so much more difficult in so many ways. I have Lupus/Fibro and it has impacted my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. In the end this may be the best decision for him as he has diminished quality of life...wish I could give you a hug....
Marly I am so sorry. I have not talked about this before, but our Murphy bit me. he was 15 years old and had a torn knee. He was in pain and had an attitude. I was trying to help him up one morning when he was struggling. He turned his head so fast. He snapped and latched onto my left thumb. He bite me right down to the bone. I not only needed antibiotics, I needed surgery. We put him down shortly after that. It was hard, but we could not trust him after that. He was obviously suffering and he could not be dealt with safely. My thumb is still not totally normal. It is not easy Marly, but you need to do what is right for you AND Bud. God bless you my friend.
Ouch! for both you and Bud. I've had to give cats medicine, it is painful - for me. And I finally learned from the vet techs that if you don't feel like you're being mean, you're not doing it right (my words - not theirs). Scruff, lift, squirt it in or shove it down the throat. Save the petting and nice talk for when the task is done. Of course that's easier said than done, even with a fully tame cat.
It's a damned hard decision to make if/when it's time.
I am sorry very sorry about Bud, Please don't do anything to hurt yourself, or stress Bud. Let him sleep and try to give meds but check with Vet about two week injection. I know my emergency vet ( of course Otto got sick on a weekend) gave to him after a few days in Hospital for a mystery illness. I do not remember if they decided if was bacterial or viral. Last to say this but you will know when it is time. Sad as this is ,I have had a lot of cats and it is a decision that must be made. Keep Bud as comfortable and out of pain as you can for now. So so sorry Marly.
Marly, I am so very sorry. It is so hard to see our cats sick and often very difficult/impossible to get meds into them. My heart breaks for you. We had such a tough year in 2020 with losing 3/4 of our cats. Thinking of you.
Oh, Marly, I'm so sorry. My heart just breaks for you. I wish our furbabies could understand why we have to give them meds.
So very sorry...but I am sure you will make the right decision for Budman no matter how much it hurts.
My son got an infection from a cat bite and thankfully the meds took care of it or he would have been hospitalized. Not something to mess with.
{{hugs}}
Marly: So sorry about Bud, I hope it will be easier tomorrow to get the meds in him.
Hugs
Catherine
Oh dear, I am so sorry Marly!
So sorry to hear this. I know the pain and conflict of having to make that kind of decision. Four weeks ago our 8 year old Miniature Schnauzer became very listless, very much unlike himself. He started passing quite a bit of blood when he went outside to do his business. Of course, it happened on the weekend and we ended up at the emergency vet. Turns out he had an autoimmune disorder, hemolytic anemia, his body temperature was extremely low, he was severely anemic and would have to go the University of Illinois for a transfusion, but unlikely he would survive the trip. Letting him go at that point was the hardest decision of my life as he literally went into this state overnight. Still not over it, but there comes a time when we have to think of their suffering and do what is right for them. I will be thinking of you and poor Bud, but you will ultimately do what is best for him. Hope your arm gets better soon.
So very sorry, it`s heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet. You have surely had more than your share of challenges the past few years dealing with your own health issues let alone those of family members and now poor Bud. Sending thoughtful prayers your way.
You might consider a cat bag. If that doesn't work wrapping them tightly in a large terry towel helps to contain them. The towel does take two people. The cat bag is actually easier if you find one that opens up wide so you're not trying to stuff them into it. My nephew actually flew from Portland, Oregon, to Boston with his cat in a bag. He put the cat in the bag several times before the actual flight and walked around with it, talking and petting then when it came time for the actual light there was no problem, so I think acclimating them first with no attempt to give them medicine would be the best approach.
Here's a link to one that's on the internet to give you an idea what I mean. they really do work. https://www.chewy.com/cat-in-bag-e-z-zip-cat-carrier-bag/dp/168654?utm_id=272259755&msclkid=84c5734225b91f5401441342b2dc7b41&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping-Product%20Targets-Hard%20Goods-NB&utm_term=4584619892805427&utm_content=Dog%20Carriers
I see the link listed a bunch of carriers, the one called Cat-in-the-bag E-Z-Zip Cat Carrier Bag is the one I was meaning.
Poor Bud and you too! This is difficult what to do now.
Perhaps Bud is telling you to leave him and let him go. That's why is so angry when you are trying to give him his medicins.
Hug him and tell Bud how much you love him and tell him he is allowed to go if he want to do so.
I wish I could hug you Marly and while writing this I'm crying-sorry.
Take care and wishing you wisdom to do what is right.
Huis,Truus from Holland
I am so sorry you and Bud are both suffering. I hope his pain will be over soon. It is so hard to let go but it must be done. You are in my prayers.
I'm so sorry. You are a truly caring person and there is no wrong decision in that case, only hard ones. I wish you and Bud the best.
Well, as usual, I'm the rebel in the crowd...I'm not going to tell you that you will know when the time is right to "let go." I have NEVER known when the time was right...and after the fact, I still question whether I said goodbye too soon or too late. Unfortunately, I don't believe there is a magical "right" time....except in the most exceptional cases. I pray and hope that you have the strength and courage to do what needs to be done...and peace in your decision whenever and whatever it is. Hugs Sweetpea. ~Robin~
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