Pets are good therapy

karen333

Marybe, so sorry to hear George is still not feeling well.  It's so hard when they are obviously ill but can't tell you about it.  Hope the vet just finds a dental problem. please keep us informed.  We hurt when our furbabies hurt.  Karen

grdnslve

marybe--so great you have a vet to do a housecall.  hope they can help.

3jaysmom

it IS great to have a vet that does house calls, Marybe. it sounds like his teeth, for sure. my teeth have started falling out, and so haven't my kids.. we;re all senoirs now. i've switched them to soft food, and they're chowing down. i was using beneful, pretty healthy, but dry; FOR their teeth. now, a soft diet for the bunch of us!!!..............3jays

Anonymous

Today George went to the vets and had his teeth cleaned, a blood panel done, two extractions and his toenails clipped.  I got a nice scratch putting him in the carrier, but I must say he seems to be a happy boy right now...flipping his tail around and purring and HE  ATE!!  Still not the dry food, but put quite a dent in the Fancy Feast I gave him.  This is the same vet who came to the house yesterday and I am going to switch to him.....he seems like a very nice guy plus he is cheaper than the vet I was using. 

karen333

Marybe, love it when they flip their tails, either supremely happy or supremely p!@#$% off.  So glad George is feeling better and is eatting, got to love that Fancy Feast.  And you were right, you thought it was his teeth, I would transfer to that vet also.

3jaysmom

guess it was his teeth, marybe. now, you've  spoiled him iwith the fancy feast, it'll be that, or nothing!!glad he's ok...3jays

Maya2

That's wonderful news Marybe. Go George! (Who's a beautiful cat by the way.) My cat goes crazy for Innova crunchy food--but beware, if you try it and he likes it, it's expensive. Cats have supremely good taste.

westieluv

I apologize if someone has asked this question before.  I did not have the time to read the entire thread.

My Mom was diagnosed Triple Neg with tumor 5cm+.  She is going to start dense dose A/C & T.  She lives in a duplex community where you must pick up after your pet.  Nothing wrong with that, but oncologist warned me that she is not to clean up after the dog due to increase risk of infection during her dose dense treatment.  She lives 2+ hours away from me and I don't have anyone to clean up after the dog so she can keep it at home.  Mom is a widow....71 yeas young.  She loves this dog, but I am concerned that she will be too ill to take care of it.  Home health care aides made it clear that they WILL NOT deal with the dog and it is not their domain.

The dog is not crate trained and she has accidents in the house frequently.  My brother volunteered to take the dog since he lives close and bring it by for visits with Mom.

Do you think this is the best action or should she just keep the dog no matter what?

Anonymous

Maya,  I don't care so much if it's expensive if he will eat it....I think something hard would at least help keep his remaining teeth clean instead of him just eating soft stuff all the time....BUT at least he is eating.  This woman who is a professional pet sitter and has adopted a lot of cats, told me that IAMS is crap, mostly grain which turns into sugar and it bad for the animal's teeth.  Here I always thought it was a good brand....she said it was til P&G bought them.  I think the brand she told me about was Fromms or something.  So now I have to start reading pet food labels....will be like back in the day when I was doing Weight Watchers, which I could use now, but figure I have bigger fish to fry right now....If i am going to live a long time, I will maybe go on a diet....until I find out if this treatment is working, I am going to have ice cream for breakfast if I feel like it.  Jeeze, George is here sleeping in the window and maybe it is just the light sort of coming through his nostrils, but they look really red inside...or maybe it is just the contrast with his black nose.  I wonder if other people are always checking out their pets as closely as I do....but I figure they can't tell us if something is going on so we have to be on the lookout for them. 

Anonymous

  If the dog makes your mother happy, I would let her keep it.  Maybe you can get her some latex gloves to clean up the accidents.  Does your mother have those funky nails from chemo?....I had those and I know you have to be careful about getting stuff under them....even now I have started wearing gloves when working in the yard and I never did that before, but the women on the boards were nagging me to.  I have three dogs as well as my cat and clean up my share of messes....more than my share since it's my husband dog who is not housebroken!!, but I never had any problems.  I would have her try wearing the gloves.  I think pets provide not only company, but comfort and if she loves the dog taking it away would no doubt upset her. 

Maya2

Marybe, Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul (what a name) also gets good ratings and is less expensive. And yes, I agree that IAMS is crap. Makes the litter box stink.

Also yes, I pay close attention to my cat. He's my family. When a cat hits the age of 10, I watch even more closely. My tabby is now 12. Poor thing never has a moment to himself. Is he breathing funny?

*   *   *   *   *

Westieluv, I think she should keep her dog as well. Pets can be so comforting while going through treatment. The gloves should do the trick. And if she has problems, you can always get brother to take it temporarily until she feels up to caring for it.

Anonymous

I guess the vet called yesterday and talked to my husband and he said George has anemia, but he did not suggest doing anything for it ....I looked it up and it says that can cause lack of appetite, weight loss, lethargy and he's got all of those.  He still is very picky about eating in spite of the dental work....like the gravy and avoids the dry food.....it looks like he has a difficult getting food into his mouth when he eats which I don't understand since the extractions were molars.  Also the vet said he shows signs of chronic stress.....I would guess this is from living with three dogs and being limited in where he can go and feel safe.   I am going to call the vet up and talk to him myself to see if there is something I can do about the anemia.....the stress we can help out, but keeping the dogs downstairs more and in the back yard.  Life gets complicated when you live in a zoo.  

Anonymous

I talked to the vet myself today and he said that he does not think the dogs are the cause of George's stress..that it is due to something going on with him...could be kidneys, but if so is too early to show up in tests, could be an immune problem..  He was asking me if he's had shots for feline leukemia and to tell you the truth I don't know.....I have to find his folder.  I think he did have it both before and after I got him, but can't swear to it.  He suggested we try a steroid shot so we are going to do that next Monday.  He still is not really eating....just seems to like lapping up the gravy and if he does manage to get a bit of food in his mouth he chews on the side. The vet said there is nothing wrong with the teeth in front, but he doesn't seem to use them to pick things up, just gets in what his tongue is able to lap up.  Vet says he has lost muscle mass as well as weight.  He said we can always do more tests, but they my reveal cancer or things that really would not be treatable.   I think he is older than I guessed.  Poor George....I have about 6 cans of catfood open in the fridge now totally void of gravy because that was what he would eat so I squeezed it out. The stray up the street will be happy to get the stuff he refuses.

Maya2

Marybe, I'm so concerned about George. Have you tried the junior meat baby food by Gerber? You can add some canned broth to it and mix it into a meat gravy for the poor little guy. You can even get the high fat broth (chicken and/or beef) to help him get more calories. He should be able to lap this up. Lighting a candle for gorgeous George.

Anonymous

  Thanks Maya,   He seems to be better since the steroid shot and is doing a better job at keeping food in his mouth.  For awhile when he would try to chew, it would just fall on out....I honestly think he had just not yet recovered from having his teeth cleaned and maybe it was just very sensitive to chew.....or my other thought was that they had grazed a nerve and he has what they call parasthesia ( am sure that isn't spelled correctly) and his lower lip is numb so he doesnt really have good control over it.....probably not that at all, but it was a thought I came up with.   Now he is eating some of the fancy feast since it is soft, makes a mess, but it eating it and also he likes soft treats, Purina Tender Moments....and he is drinking this kitty milk I got for him.   So at least he is getting some nourishment.   Then last night I had to clean his butt off as everything was stuck in his hair....probably not eating, messed up his system and he had a bit of diarrhea.  He didn't like that at all and can't say I did myself either, but it was more than he could clean off of himself that was for sure and I think he appreciated it after it was done.  Jeeze, these pets are a lot of work.   But it's worth it.  I am hoping he is on the mend. 

Maya2

I'm very glad to know that George is eating something again. I've had experiences after dental work too. It makes sense that their mouths would be sore. Ours are after extractions. By the way, milk will give cats the scoots. They just can't digest it properly. It's weird that we've always be told to give cats a saucer of milk. Their tummies just can't handle it. I hope he's on the mend. He is a beautiful guy!

Anonymous

I don't think this stuff is real milk....it comes in a box and I got it at the pet store.  And tonight I tried the sardines....not only did he like them, but so did the dogs....actually the dogs ate more of them than he did so I am now surrounded by fish breath.  He is eating from his dish now rather than just my hand so every day is improvement.  

Maya2

Oh wow! This is great. Go George! Eat those sardines.

I was completely unaware of the cat "milk." I have a friend that may want to check it out. He's got a cat who's having trouble keeping weight on. Thanks.

3jaysmom

marybe, im so glad george seems to be z'on mend" keep us all informed..

  Maya: WARN a person when you change your avatar.. i went humting when i saw you had posted, and went right by it 2xs...just kidding.. but glad to see you here! kiss the cheeser for me......3jays

Maya2

3jays:  I was feeling meditative.  Okay, without the halo. The Cheeser appreciates the attention.

Marybe: What's the name of the cat "milk" you gave your gorgeous George? Hope the sweetie is continuing to improve.  

Anonymous

It's called Whiskas Catmilk.  They had another one that is an actual kitty milk replacement for kittens, but I did not get that one....it has more vitamins and nutrients I think.   Anyway, today he won't touch anything and I am afraid the end is coming.  I do not want to watch him waste away....something is going on, but I cannot afford to spend $1000s finding out what it is.  I have no idea how old he is,but don't think he is ancient.  It is sooo sad.  He is such a good cat.  He let me squirt some of the kitty milk and water into his mouth last night without fighting me, but I noticed he puked sometime during the night.   I don't know what to do.  

Am off to Dad's now.   I will be back tomorrow late afternoon since I don't trust DH to care for the pets or plants for long.   

Maya2

It's possible a full body sonogram could show what's going on. I got one recently for my cat, just because he's over 10, and it cost about $180. That was in France, but surely it wouldn't go above $200 here. It's noninvasive. They have a soft frame the cat lies upside down in, shave his tummy and drizzle the gel on. It takes 15 or 20 minutes and would likely show if organs are normal in size and shape.

I understand the frustration of an nonhuman animal family member not eating. It's a helpless feeling. There may yet be a simple answer. Ask your vet if he/she thinks this would give you some answers. Before sonograms, I had a full body x-ray done when my pet turned 10.

Thanks for the info on the "milk." You likely just helped another pet lover save his cat for awhile longer.

Hint for giving multiple pills:  For those who find themselves with a pet who has to have multiple pill pieces a day, ask your vet which pills can be taken together, then buy empty capsules from a compounding pharmacy (they come in lots of sizes). Some years ago, I had to give a cat 7 pill pieces a day. Using the empty capsules, I was able to give her only 2 pills a day instead. Much easier on the animal and their person.

3jaysmom

ohh, marybe.. i know its WAY more exp here than in France; and i know your upset about geaorge.. he is acting like my old man was, near the end, too. my heart reaches out over the miles to you, my dear friend.. give the boy a kiss for me, too..

  i DO like the avatar; maya. it just confused me...good to see you both. am at FISCHERS tonight. we had ice cream sundays and movies, just like the old days!!!

  Fischer lying in my lap, Finley in Murrays. life is good ahhhhh....3jays

Anonymous

3jays.....so glad you had a nice evening.   I am just sick about  George.....talked to Tim this AM and said he ate nothing yesterday and is just looking out his window.  I was going to a babyshower here this afternoon (am at my Dad's), but am just going to finish painting a wall, pick up the messes my Dad leaves.....doesn't throw away wrappers for some reason.....have lunch with him and then be off to home and my boy, George.   I can't do much, but at least I can be with him.  I am going to call the vet on Tues....can't tomorrow since it is a holiday, but guess I could call today and leave a message.  I am afraid he is beyond pills, Maya, but thanks for the tip.   I give Harley a pill every day, and hide them in food which depending on the food, usually works. 

Maya2

I called the vet I am currently using while in the States yesterday and his price was $195 for a full body scan. Surely there's a 24-vet emergency clinic in your city. It may just be his time, but I wouldn't give up just yet.

Anonymous

$195 I could do.  And when I came home this afternoon, Tim said if it was money that was stopping me, he would pay for more testing with George.......as much as I complain about him, he does have a good side.  When I walked in the door the dogs came running and George got up and waited for me to come greet him on the desk.  I tried his favorite treats...no luck,....the same with Fancy Feast which I held in my hand, but he did lap up about 1 tbsp of Kitty Milk after I put some on my finger and sort of smeared it on his lip....a tbsp is not much, but it's the first he has shown an interest in anything in days.   He continues to hang out under the desk which is not normal behavior for him....is not getting in his cardboard box which he loved or the tiered thing he used to sleep in the top of.  

Maya2

I've been where you are more than a few times--and likely so have you. It never gets any easier. Do I do more? Is less more? Is he/she ready? Is there no hope? Can't stop hoping?

I'm very glad Tim is coming through for you and George. Just having some support is wonderful. I personally have trouble giving up and will usually at least do the tests. But if the treatment is difficult for my companion animal and will lessen his quality of life, then I will usually take him home for as long as they are getting some enjoyment out of life--and that might just be lazying in a sunny window. They usually let us know when they are ready. The fact he sat up and wanted to greet you, makes me feel he isn't quite ready.

Sending you and George a big hug. Peace and courage.

Anonymous

AND he jumped up into my chair tonight....I was sitting here typing and felt someone land behind me and reached back thinking I was going to be petting Harley and there was George.  But I still can't get him to eat.  So I think I will at least do some sort of xray or scan. I myself think something is still going on in his mouth or maybe throat. 

Gingerbrew

We had a cat that was locked in the basement for 4 days and had a systemic reaction to it and lost tons of weight. The vet gave him a steroid shot and it made a big difference.Same cat had an infection on his lip that made it swell humongous, he recovered. This also had an effect on his eating. Another time it was something on his tongue that cleared up, but again he lost weight.

Marybe I think your looking at your kitty closely is not at all strange. Our cats not only cannot tell us how they feel but will in fact hide their illness.Let us know how George is doing. I know how you care for your pets like we all do.

I hope the woman who was wondering about her mom caring for the dog will just get her some disposable gloves. You know I did not have even one medical provider tell me not to clean up after my pets, not one! Especially if her dog stays in his own yard he can simply be checked for worms and I think they should be just fine. I think our pets aid us in healing, I know it! 

Maya2

Way to go George! Sometimes we think they're down for the count, and back they come. Gingerbrew is correct. Animals hide their illnesses or injuries the best they can. In the wild, hiding it can keep them from being someone's lunch. I agree his throat should be the first thing to check out.

My friend got some of the CatSure (he couldn't find the Whiskas), but his "senior" cat loves it, but he's not going to mention that it's formulated for "senior" cats. He lapped up a 1/2 can the first day. Thanks for mentioning this. It's 98% lactose free so it shouldn't cause stomach distress.