Irwin is home..I need some advice on possible euthanasia

[JustineNYC]

As you can see, he is NOT a happy camper!



We just got home, so that was expected.

Poor thing. I need some advice about something. They cleaned his bladder out, but the vet said, his bladder is about 5 to 7 times thicker then it should be, a result of his FLUTD. We are going to manage his discomfort with pain meds, other then that, Im not sure what we can do. I hope now he is at least a little more comfortable then before because the stones are gone.

Prior to this he was urinating out tiny stones that looked like glass.

My question is, is it cruel to make him live like this? We have no way of knowing how much discomfort he is in. Should I consider euthanizing him because of the thickness of his bladder? From the way my vet described it, we may need to regulate his discomfort forever or maybe only when he shows discomfort.

My problem is, Irwin is not even 6 yet, he will be 6 in June, and other then these flare ups of blood in the urine or straining to pee, he is the sweetest cat ever. He is always purring, rubbing on me, kissing me, he has his little furry mouse he walks around the house with....he loves to play and be silly, so its difficult for me to make a decision like that, when I do not see a sickly cat. Its not like he sits around wanting to die.

And if he needed to be on something, for the rest of his life, I could financially deal with that.

Any advice is greatly appreciated! I know you guys will understand.

[catmandu]

I would be inclined to give Irwin some more time at 6 years young
Is Irwin in a lot of pain where hes scraeming when he eliminates?
They are making such advances in Vet Technonology , I would get another opinion if you feel that this Vet isnt helping.
We are doubling Our Prayers for Incredible Irwin so he can beat this disease

[JustineNYC]

I would be inclined to give Irwin some more time at 6 years young
Is Irwin in a lot of pain where hes scraeming when he eliminates?
They are making such advances in Vet Technonology , I would get another opinion if you feel that this Vet isnt helping.
We are doubling Our Prayers for Incredible Irwin so he can beat this disease

Only when he was passing the stones, but the stones are gone now, they went in and flushed him all out.

Basically the stones aggravate his urethra, and his urethra will become inflamed and then I'll catch him peeing blood in the sink.

The stones are gone now, but I don't know what a "thickened bladder wall" means in terms of discomfort.

I used to live in NYC, and he was treated there by at least 10 vets including at the animal medical center. And now here we've been to 3 with him and I really like this vet. Irwins had countless urinalysis, x rays, ultrasounds, prescription diets, anti-inflammatories, etc. I must've spent at least $10,000 in the last 5 years.

What we did was, we went in and cleaned him out and now we are "starting over" with him, on a different prescription diet, no stones. But there is nothing they can do for a thickened bladder, its just something that happens with the FLUTD. She said the vessels that lead to the bladder are also engorged, but his kidneys functions came back fine.

[catmandu]

I would wait and see how Poor Irwin does with his New Medications.
It is a sad thing that some of Our Cats have to be Angels so early in life
We will have Irwin in Our Thughts and Prayers Tonight.
Hes such a WonderCat

[moosmom]

I agree with Gary. Take a wait and see approach, as long as he's not in any pain. Sometimes cats can live long lives with certain conditions (MooShoo lived almost 11 years with a bloodclot). Certain conditions can also be corrected or maintained with different kinds of food. Ask your vet.

If and when the time comes that you have to make that very difficult decision, make it with your head, not your heart. Also take into consideration what his quality of life will be if you try to keep on sustaining him.

I had to do that with my RB Mollie Rose. She was my very first cat and was 16 when I had to make the decision. She had severe kidney disease and had lost 4 pounds in less than a year. I noticed how skinny she was. Then one day she was laying at the water fountain yowling. I ran her to the vet and they kept her overnight, and did tests. He told me there really weren't many options unless I wanted to spend $1,000 for an ultrasound. I would've sold my soul if it would've made her whole, happy and healthy. But it would not. I came to the realization it was time. She lived a wonderful, pampered 16 years and got me through so many difficulties and tragedies in my life. I will never forget her.

I also believe that no animal should die alone. So, while the vet gave her the injection, I petted her, telling her I loved her with all my heart, and to go to the RB and be happy. LES right now.

You and Irwin will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Taz_Zoee]

Donna you got me crying too. I went through a similar thing with Taz.

I agree with Donna and Gary. It sounds like Irwin is doing well right now since the stones are gone. I would try the medication and food and see how that goes for him.

I remember when Taz was very sick and all my PT family kept telling me "you'll know when it's time". I didn't want to face that fact AT ALL. But the last time he went to the vet she said "I would not try to stop you if you want to let him go today". Well of course I didn't WANT to. But she said there was basically nothing left to do for him. I'd done the fluids for a few weeks with no results. It was time even though I didn't want it to be. I also stayed with him while he went. Oh man, all those emotions are rushing back to me right now.

Irwin is sooo young, I hope he has a few (if not more) years left with you. And you should know when he's had enough.

Good luck! And I'll keep Irwin in my thoughts.