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Thread: Boris, 12yrs old,has passed away today, June 16, 2014

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  1. #1

    Boris, 12yrs old,has passed away today, June 16, 2014

    I know I haven't been on here in ages, but life has been busy. I shattered my leg, ankle and foot, then tore the meniscus (medial and lateral) in my good leg and had to have that operated on as well. Then lost my job. Gotta love the challenges in life.

    Anyway... I thought Boris looked bloated for about 1-2 weeks, wasn't sure. So, made a vet appointment and here her blood glucose level was 535. I almost fell over. Even the vet was shocked. Said she did not present like a normal "diabetic" cat would look at all. She has a nice coat, is not skinny or fat, just lethargic, and she started sleeping in the bathroom sink and getting water on her all the time, and peeing everywhere!! So, we started her on 2 units of insulin day and night.

    About 3-4 days ago, she started vomiting about 3-4 times a day. She hadn't done this since I switched their food to grain free. So, this alarmed me. Back to the vet yesterday. I was hesitant to give her insulin yesterday AM thinking maybe it was an overdosage of that, even that small of an amount. Again, her glucose was above 530. So, x-rays were ordered and all we could tell was that there is still a lot of water in her belly (hence the peeing all over the place still), her large colon is full of air/gas, and other than that, all he could see was feces. Lots of them. He thinks she has a hair ball blocking her. Boris has NEVER in her life had a hairball, why would she suddenly get one?? I'm not sure about this. She's still lethargic, although very loving. Still a witch to the other cats in the house (so more normal). I just am not buying the hairball deal. He gave me a laxative for her, that nasty stuff you put on their paws or nose and they are supposed to want to lick it off.... yeah, right. I just think there is more going on than a hairball.

    Being out of work and on unemployment is not helping. I gave every last cent I had yesterday and I still owe 54.00 (I gave $160). I was not thinking it would be that high. My mom said to put her in a shelter because I can't afford to keep her at my state right now with no job, but I could never do that. She'd just die in a shelter. I always put my kids before me. I am going to my mom to get the balance of the vet bill, and to get some food money because I used my food and gas allowance on the vet bill. I'm just beside myself.

    I'm applying to jobs everywhere. Found a librarian job at a local prestigious university. It would be nice to get that one. Right now, anything more than 506.00 weekly would be preferable. i just don't know what to think about Boris and all this crap going on with her. I feel so bad. I want to do more for her, but of course she can't tell me what is wrong.

    Anyone have any suggestions?? Or experience with this??
    Last edited by jennielynn1970; 06-16-2014 at 06:36 PM.

  2. #2
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    My only suggestion is for the constipation. One of our cats, Charley, has mega colon. We give him 1/4 teaspoon Mira Lax mixed in with some canned food every day.

    It has no taste, so no problem with him rejecting it.

  3. #3
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    I never had a cat that had to be on insulin, tho one of my Meezers from many years ago was diabetic. Unfortunately he was diagnosed too late to save him.. I just can't imagine how one is able to regulate insulin in a cat tho, since it's probably next to impossible to get a urine sample every day. Two of my three Lhasa Apsos from many years ago, were diabetic also, and it was no problem getting samples from them a couple of times each day, and I could adjust their insulin as needed. Both of them lived for approximately 5 years past the time they were diagnosed - one passed at 14 and the other at 16.

    Wish I had some idea as to what's going on with Boris, but it's always so much more of a challenge to diagnose and treat a cat, than it is a dog - at least that has been my experience over the years. I'm no doctor of course, but my gut instinct tells me that Boris' problem is diabetes related.

    Sending out good wishes - that you get a good diagnosis and it's treatable.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Wolfy ~ Fuzzbutt #3
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    To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
    Ecclesiastes 3:1
    The clock of life is wound but once and no man has the power
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  4. #4
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    You can do blood testing on a cat. The ear is typical. Felinediabetes.com has a video showing how to do it.

    Good luck with Boris and your job search.
    I've been finally defrosted by cassiesmom!
    "Not my circus, not my monkeys!"-Polish proverb

  5. #5
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    I know many diabetic kitties go on to live a long time once things get sorted out. But her diabetes may have affected her digestive tract, and so maybe she does have a hairball even though she never did before ...
    I've Been Frosted

  6. #6
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    Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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    I don't have any advice to give you on diabetic cats, Jenn, but we are all sending along our prayers and good wishes and warm healing energies to Boris, and you too.

    I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?"
    Death thought about it.
    CATS, he said eventually. CATS ARE NICE.

    -- Terry Pratchett (1948—2015), Sourcery

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
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    I'm so sorry to hear about Boris's passing. If only they could tell us when they don't feel well and why. You did the best you could. Hugs to you and Boris is now playing at the Bridge.

    Sorry about the typo.
    Last edited by mrspunkysmom; 06-17-2014 at 11:43 AM.
    Anne
    Meowmie to Lucy Lou and Barney, and Aunt to Timmy (RIP)

    Former kitties now in foster care: Nellie aka Eleanor van Fluffytail (at a Cat Cafe), Lady Jane Grey, Bob the Bobtail, and Callie. Kimi has been adopted into another family that understands Siamese. HRH Oliver Woodrow von Katz is in a Sanctuary.

    I'm Homeless, but with resources, and learning to live again.


    RIP Timmy (nephew kitty) May 17, 2018, Mr. Spunky (May 10, 2017), Samwise (Dec 2, 2014), Emily (Oct 8, 2013), Rose (Sept 24, 2001), Maggie (Fall 2003)

  8. #8
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    Rest in Peace Boris

  9. #9
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    So sorry for your loss Jenn. Please don't be too hard on yourself in thinking you failed Boris. I know the feeling all too well. Especially last year after my beloved Copernicus passed away, I had the same feelings, wondering if I could have done more, why I wasn't able to notice a problem earlier, etc. Unfortunately, cats are often good at hiding illness and by time we recognize there is something wrong, they are very, very ill and despite our best efforts, we just can't save them.

    You did the best you could for Bors-Bors and most important, you loved her so much and she knew that. I know how much the loss hurts. It seems our fur babies take a piece of our heart when they go to the Rainbow Bridge and that leaves such an aching emptiness. But the love you shared with Boris will keep you both connected across all time, until you meet again someday. Until then, know that she is at peace, no longer sick or hurting and that she is in the company of many fine and wonderful fur angels. My Copernicus is one of them, along with his brothers Grimaldi and Kepler.

    Sending loving thoughts and gentle hugs and prayers for you and Boris.
    Last edited by MoonKitties; 06-17-2014 at 09:40 PM.

  10. #10

    Thanks to all....

    Thank you all for your kind words. It was hard to focus on my new start in a new career path (going back to school for Pharmacy Technician), focusing on class, and not just bursting out crying at the same time. She was a good girl. Not perfect, but no one is. She was the Queen since Finae passed about 3-4 years ago. She was dedicated to her position, lol. I just can't get that last image of her out of my head. It's so hard. She wasn't the same Boris that I had known for 12 years. She is now buried up on my parents' land with all of our other family pets, and we will be buried there as well. I can't imagine not being without them all when the time comes. We have a large farm, so this is able to be done. I promised my parents I would do that for them, and I want it done for me.

    I keep saying no more fosters or adoptions, but I added on a few months back, now I'm down to 6 again. Only one girl left, my old lady Sophie. Hope she stays with me for a long time to come.

  11. #11

    Beautiful Boris

    I am so sorry for your loss. I understand how finances can affect what you do with regards to health care. I am still kicking myself for not proceeding with a surgery when a tumor burst in my cat's bowel. The vet said it was 50-50 chance and I decided based on lack of money to let him go over the Rainbow Bridge. You did all you could for little Borris and she knows that. It's hard I know at this time as your emotions and sorrow are in overdrive. Try to remember the good times and the fact that you gave Borris a loving home and did everything you could to keep her happy and healthy. She is watching over you now and will be with you in spirit forever.

  12. #12
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    I'm so sorry about precious Boris. You did the best you could.
    I've been finally defrosted by cassiesmom!
    "Not my circus, not my monkeys!"-Polish proverb

  13. #13
    Join Date
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    I am so sorry for your loss (and for missing this for so many days).

    You most definitely did NOT fail her. 12 is a great life for a cat. And being loved is more important than living to a "ripe old age".

    Cats are notorious for hiding the severity of their illnesses.

    (((((HUGS)))))
    .

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