Fister is at the hospital

[Randi]

Fister's own vet is sick and other vet was booked all day, so I called the vet hospital and made an appointment. I wheeled him over there in a pram I borrowed, a 15 min walk.

We didn't have to wait long, a woman vet examined him thoroughly, weighed him and took his temperature, which was normal. She confirmed my fear that he had lost more weight, he is down to 4,3 kg. :( He has very pale gums and needs fluid, so he will be put on a drop and they will keep him until tomorrow. Hope the fluid will perk him up! He was such a good boy during the examination.

They will do the tests again that he had done recently, plus some more - and a urine test. She talked about scanning him, also. I said go ahead and do what's necessary if I can keep him a bit longer and his life quality will improve.

I almost fainted when she told me cost of all these tests, and I don't know what to do. So far, it will be more than $730 and since November 2012, I have less money to live on already.

So depending on what they find is wrong with him and considering his age, I may have to make a very difficult decision. :(

This is the hospital I took him to: http://www.dyrehospitalet.ku.dk/

Please send all the good thoughts you can! :love:

[momcat]

Oh Randi, I'm so sorry to hear this about sweet Fister. Please know that many prayers are going up for him and upon further testing they find things not to be nearly as bad as reported. Lots of get better lovies are being sent for Fister and many [[[[[HUGS]]]]] for you. Please keep us updated?

[pomtzu]

Randi - I too am so sorry to hear this distressing report. Hopefully Fister will perk up be be able to have more quality time with you. Mega prayers for him, and {{{hugs}}} to you. Hang in there, and think positive.

[Queen of Poop]

Saying prayers and sending good thoughts for both you and dear Fister. :love::love::love:

[Freedom]

Prayers from Rhode Island for Fister and for the white coats caring for him.

[sasvermont]

Randi, I am so sorry to hear about Fister. Please do set up a Paypal account so we may all contribute a little something to his care. Really. Do not hesitate to do this. Of all the people here, who have been in dire straights, you certainly deserve the attention and contributions from us. The folks at Paypal will do the conversion of $.

I hope your boy recovers quickly. If he is going to be struggling like this, you may want to let him go. Not everyone can afford to keep a sick pet alive forever. You have given him great care so far. Now that he is old and failing, it may just be his time to say goodbye to his beloved meowmie.

Prayers and good vibes coming your way.

P. S. Don't forget about that Paypal account. Sometimes it takes a village.

:love::love::love::love::love:

[cassiesmom]

Prayers and good vibes coming your way.

:love::love::love::love::love:

From Chicago, too - hoping that the fluids and medications will help :love: :love:



Edited to say: Please advise, PT'ers.
I found this address for the hospital on their Web site. I wonder if they would permit payments mailed directly to them for Fister. ???
Universitetshospitalet for Familiedyr
Dyrlægevej 16
1870 Frederiksberg C
Copenhagen, Denmark <-- I added this line, it is not part of the original address but I would need it in order to mail internationally

Thank you,
Elyse

[phesina]

We are sending prayers and love and warm healing energies to dearest Fister and to you too, Randi. We will contribute to the costs, too.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[ChrisH]

Randi, I am so sorry to hear about Fister. Please do set up a Paypal account so we may all contribute a little something to his care. Really. Do not hesitate to do this. Of all the people here, who have been in dire straights, you certainly deserve the attention and contributions from us. The folks at Paypal will do the conversion of $.

I hope your boy recovers quickly. If he is going to be struggling like this, you may want to let him go. Not everyone can afford to keep a sick pet alive forever. You have given him great care so far. Now that he is old and failing, it may just be his time to say goodbye to his beloved meowmie.

Prayers and good vibes coming your way.

P. S. Don't forget about that Paypal account. Sometimes it takes a village.

:love::love::love::love::love:
I echo all of what sasvermount has written and add extra love & prayers for your special Fister boy and you.

[kaycountrygal]

I am sorry your Fister is not well. I hope for the best for him. It is very difficult when our beloved pets are sick and sometimes they just cannot get better... and we have to let them go. I dont know that the time has come for that decision but whatever, you two are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Randi]

The vet who examined Fister called back and it’s very bad news. :( :( :(

The T4 test came back too high and his cholestrerol number is also too high. He has not enough red blood cells and that causes lack of oxygen flow in his body. She also said there is an effect on the liver and she mentioned an inflammation in the body, which could be due to a tumor.

He is getting fluid and food, but not through his mouth.

I asked if it would be a good idea to take him home for a few days and she said no, it would stress him more and she thinks I should give him peace, considering how old he is.

To do more tests would cost around $1.820 and she said that considering his age and that he is so thin, an operation he might not survive. So I was advised against it.

She asked me to ring tomorrow and think about what to do, or I could come over now. I can’t face it - I feel devastated and I can't stop crying.

It's the worst possible time to goodbye, since Fister's own vet is sick, but I don't him to suffer.

[Lilith Cherry]

Oh Randi, I am so sorry to hear this bad news. Making a decision like this is devastatingly hard and breaks one's heart but we know you will make the right choice. All my love and lots of cyber hugs to you both.

[sasvermont]

Oh Randi, it is a no win situation. BUT Fister will be rid of his discomfort. I know it is difficult. Most of us have had to deal with this and it isn't easy. Hold him, cuddle him and kiss him, then say goodnight. Oh my, the tears are flowing as I type this.

Cry, cry, cry. He had a good life. Maybe he will find John quickly.

(((((((((Randi)))))))))

Please let us contribute to his bills. Please.

:love::love::love::love:

Sas and her campers :love::love::love::love::love:

[Killearn Kitties]

Randi, I am so sorry to hear this news about Fister. It is a rotten situation you are in.
Would any of your cat-sitting people be able to go to the vet with you for a bit of moral support?
Wishing the best for both of you. x

[Queen of Poop]

Randi, I am so very, very sorry about the bad news of Fister. I know it is a very difficult and emotional time for you. Know that I am with you in spirit and completely understand the grief you are struggling with. :love::love::love:

[Barbara]

Randi, I am so so sorry. It reminds me of Tigris and I remember that biopsy surgery which we had and which only gave Tigris a terrible week when we should just have accepted that he was too sick to survive :(
Fister for me is one of the last of Pet Talk's old gentlemen and ladies and it is as if I had known him. I send you hugs- you know he will meet John in paradise right away.

[Pinot's Mom]

Randi, I'm just seeing this and am so sorry. :( We all feel like Fister is our own and can just imagine your pain.

Much love :love: - {{{{hugs}}}} to you and dear Fister. Peace to you both.

Maggie & Pinot:love:

[lizbud]

Randi, I am so very sorry.:(:( I've been following Fister's ups & downs with his eating, but in his latest pics he looks
so good, just tired maybe, but content. I just don't know what to say.:( (((Hugs))) to you & sweet boy Fister.

[Karen]

Randi, sending you lots of hugs, and prayers at this difficult time. Prayers for Fister, and the white coats, too, of course.

[Catty1]

Oh Randi...I wish I was there just to hug and hold you. It's the worst fear for any of us who love our cats so much. And Fister is a link with Jon - which makes it even harder, if it even could be.

When you do go to the vet please give Fister kisses for me, on his lovely orange forehead.

Hugs hugs hugs hugs hugs. :love::love::love: I am so so so sorry.:(

[Catty1]

I just sent an email to the vet about payment methods. I will let you know when I hear anything.

[Cataholic]

Oh, Randi. My heart breaks for you, and for Fister. You are in the most difficult of positions, putting the welfare of sweet Fister before your own feelings. There probably isn't a single one of us that hasn't been in that position, not that that is any solace for you now. I wish you all the support and love you need as you walk through this nightmare. I have no doubt Jon will be there, too.

Much love,
Johanna

[Cincysmom]

So sorry to hear this. Sending lots of love to you and Fister.

[Laura's Babies]

I am sitting her crying for you and Fister. Having had to make that decision twice in just over a year or so for 2 of mine, I know how much I still cry for them. Just don't let him suffer..

[emily_the_spoiled]

I am so sorry to read about Fister. Is there anyway you can bring him home for the night and then have the vet come over to your house tomorrow (if that is the decision you make). At least then he would be at home ....:(

[Randi]

Thank you from my heart. :love: I just can't face going over there tomorrow to say goodbye just like that. Since Fister is getting some food and fluids in him, he must perk up a bit, and if he's pain, they can give him painkillers, perhaps even some that works for several days.

I know that he hasn't got much time left, but if he could be comfortable just a few days at home... we both need to say goodbye properly - on the bed with some serious cuddling. Imagine going over to the hospital and have a "few" minutes with him, and then the injection. I don't think I can face that. It already feels empty in my flat without Fister.

Fister's vet is at FB and I sent him a msg, with a link to this thread. I'm grasping for straws here, but perhaps he could give me some advice about how to do this. He's home sick, though. https://www.facebook.com/#!/erik.s.larsen?fref=ts

My friend, Annette, from London called, we had a long chat and she has been trough this several times. She is my closest friend, so it was nice talking to her.

Although Fister hasn't come up in bed for the past two days, I really miss him here.

Will take a pill and try to sleep soon.

I appreciate your support. :love:

[katladyd]

Oh Randi, my hear is breaking over Fister. If thre is anyway that Fister could be helped, let the kind people here contribute to his cause. When Mac was ill and needed tests, the wonderfulPT people contributed enough money to cover the costs. If I had any money to contribute I would do it in a split second. I hope Fister rallies enough to give you two some more quality time together. You are both in my prayers.:love:

[Emeraldgreen]

I'm so sorry Randi. This is what happened to our Paddy who was hyperthyroid and his red blood cell count was very low too. I wish my vet had put him on food when he was at the clinic but they didn't and too many days passed and I couldn't turn it around. If Fister is any better when you get to the vet, I wonder if starting him on thyroid meds would help. I don't know what his red blood cell count is but Paddy's option was a blood transfusion and by the time his low count was discovered, it was too late. But maybe for Fister it could be in time. It's so hard to know what to do. I found alot of support and answers on the Yahoo Thyroid feline board. Many of the people who went through this opted for a feeding tube for their cats which allowed them to feed them at home but not have to force feed by mouth which was more peaceful for the cat as syringe feeding can be so difficult. It also allowed them to make sure the cat got enough food while on the thyroid meds which can decrease their appetite. And then the hope is to ultimately get them to begin eating on their own again.

I just don't want you and Fister to go through a difficult time at home on your own over these next few days because this happened to us and it is not easy. Please talk to your vet about being at home with him and how things may happen for Fister. Because of the lack of oxygen it can become difficult to breathe and being able to take Fister to the vet when it's time may be something that you will want to be able to do. I was very grateful that I had this option even though it was 11:00 at night. I'm so sorry this is happening. I know how much he means to you. My heart goes out to you Randi and to sweet Fister. :love: :(

[slick]

It breaks my heart to read this and I know what you mean by having a proper good-bye. :( I've always made the decision to have the vet come to my home but it's expensive and I realize that it's not an option for everyone. His last few days should be spent in your arms, feeling the love flow.

Many prayers on the way Randi. ♥♥♥

[pomtzu]

Randi - this may be grasping at straws at this stage, but I thought I'd throw it out there for what it's worth.

A few years ago, Myndi had a GI bleed, and her red blood count was so low, that her vet was truly amazed that she was still alive, let alone still being able to walk. Along with the meds for her ulcer, she was put on a very potent vitamin supplement that was high in iron, and I was told to give her as much liver that she could/would eat. After 2 weeks when she went back for a followup visit (which I truly didn't expect her to live long enough to make), all her blood values were normal and right where they should be. She wasn't a young dog when this happened either - she was 14 and considered a senior. This might be worth a mention to the vet, but I'm no doctor, so I don't know if anything like this would work for Fister.

Still hoping for a miracle for your dear boy. :love:

[Randi]

Thank you again - and for your e-mails and PM's. :love: My neighbor who is almost a nurse, called me and offered to come with me tomorrow. She knows Fister well and have looked after him a few times. I really would like to take Fister home for just a few days to say goodbye - this is too sudden. I realize he is old and sick, but those fluids and food he is getting just might have perked him up a bit. I so hope!

Fister has not come up on my bed for the past two days and I really missed it. I need to cuddle with him.

I hope his own vet will respond to my msg. on FB. Will take a pill and try to sleep soon. I will let know tomorrow what happens, and if I say goodbye, I may not post for a while.

Thank you, Pomtzu! I will certainly mention that to the vets. My neighbor told me a similar story with a human being.

[ChrisH]

:(
Oh, Randi, I am so sorry, my heart is breaking for you ... I can't quite believe this is happening, not to the special golden boy Fister is, loved by so many, of who few have met, and loved the most of all, so much, by you..

{{hugs}} & :love:

[cassiesmom]

candle for Fister and meowmie http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=17822419

[Barbara]

I hope Fister can come home with you even if it may be only for a short time....

[Felicia's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear this. Sending you prayers and positive thoughts.

[phesina]

Oh, Randi, I am so very very sorry. My heart breaks for you and Fister both. So much love you share.

Prayers for dearest Fister for a miracle, prayers for him to come home and you both have some more good time together before you say goodbye.

Hugs to you, gentle pets to Fister, and love to you both.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[lizbud]

I hope Fister can come home with you even if it may be only for a short time....


I also pray that this will be possible. My thought is that it would be better for you and for Fister to be together, no matter how long.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Randi my heart is breaking for you both. Fister has always been one of my favorites. Prayers on the way that you will have more time together. :love:

[mrspunkysmom]

So sorry to hear Fister isn't doing well. Prayers and Hugz.

[Bengalz]

Randi my thoughts are with you and Fister. Such a difficult time ... lots of love to both of you - please give that beautiful boy a hug for me too:love:.

[kuhio98]

Precious Fister, we are praying for you and your Meowmie.

http://www.gratefulness.org/images/candles/bigcandle_flame.gif
............http://www.gratefulness.org/images/candles/candle.gif

[captain]

Randi,
Huge Huge hugs to you and precious Fister.
I truly hope you get to say goodbye the way you want.
You are in my thoughts.

Michelle

[maid25cats]

Randi

Sorry to hear Fister had to stay at the vet overnight.

I hope you heard from your regular vet who would be 
more familiar with Fisters history.

I pray pomtzu advice about a vitamin supplement or something similar
can be given to help him recover.

If there is nothing that can help,
I pray that whatever fluids and stuff they gave him will
allow him to come back home with you and give you some quality
time to properly prepare you and him if its time to let him go :(

good thoughts and prayers being sent up for you both

[sasvermont]

Randi, I hope you have your boy at home now. Might I suggest that you ask the vet for a pain medication that can be compounded in to a cream and put on Fister's ear rather than an injection or a pill. It might be easier for you to calm him that way.

You are in our thoughts.

Hugs to you both!

:love::love::love::love:

[maerlyn]

Randi, I'm not a "regular" here at PT, so I don't know you or Fister's story, but I'm in tears from reading this thread. My Fister's Creator bless you with the wisdom, the courage, the strength, and the faith that you need for whatever happens. I wonder why the vet didn't suggest an iron supplement for Fister to combat the anemia. My Althea's hematocrit was down to 5 at one point (should be between 30 and 42); we treated her with an iron supplement (Pet Tinic) and prednisolone, and it worked. The pred might not be called for in Fister's case, but the iron supplement might help quite a bit. My thoughts and prayers are with you.:love:

[Karen]

Fister is now at the Rainbow Bridge, I am closing this thread. See Randi's thread here. (http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?181075-Fister-is-at-the-RB&p=2460113#post2460113)