Update on 17 year old Bartie...

[moosmom]

Bartie isn't doing well. He's stopped eating and drinking (not even goat's milk which he LOVES). He hops from litterbox to litterbox and nothing is coming out.:(:(

I took him to the vet yesterday. They gave him a long acting antibiotic just in case he's got a UTI. I'm frustrated because the vet didn't give him subQ fluids or do any blood tests. The vet told me if it doesn't work, there's really not a lot she can do for him. It is ripping my GUTS out seeing him like this. I feel so helpless. My friend Nancy is "sponsoring" him. She and I have very different opinions on euthanization. I believe it would be in Bartie's best interest to help him to the Bridge. I can't stand to see him suffer this way. She feels that if he's going to die, he'll die on his own in his own time.

I just spoke with Nancy and we've agreed to get a second opinion. Nancy said money is no object when it comes to Bartie, which is reassuring. But at what point do you say enough is enough??? I'd much rather have him go to the Bridge while I'm holding him and telling him how much he is loved and what a great cat he is, than to wake up and find that he died alone in the night.

Right now I'm at a loss for words.:(:(

[Catty1]

{{{hugs}}} Go for that second opinion. Then the path ahead may seem clearer.

[pomtzu]

I'm with you Donna, and your way of thinking. It seems obvious that it's time to let him go and with your love surrounding him. He could needlessly suffer for a long time before he leaves on his own - what quality of living is that? We are their caregivers and it's our responsibility to do what's in their best interest, no matter how terrible it makes us feel.

{{{Hugs}}}, and may you find the strength to make the best decision for Bartie, who cannot make it for himself.

[Queen of Poop]

I'm so sorry Donna. Have him looked at a second time, if the diagnosis is confirmed perhaps it will help Nancy deal with the next step. If she's wanting a third look see then it's time to draw the line. Hugs for all of you, especially Bartie! :love::love::love:

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear this.:( I also believe that his time is up and that you should help him along to the Bridge. When an animals quality of life is gone then it's time to say goodbye. If a second opinion will help your friend then I'd do it. I know this is a very difficult time for you. Please take care. (((HUGS))):love:

[phesina]

Oh, Donna and Bartie, sending along all our love and prayers to you both.

I'd say get the second opinion too, but you make the decision on the next step.

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} and ~~~~~~~PURRS~~~~~~~ and :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:,
Pat and cats

[Karen]

Sending prayers your way, for comfort and clarity.

[moosmom]

He's got an appointment tomorrow at 3:15 with Dr. Larry Pennington for a second opinion. I've talked to Dr. Soutter and asked why they didn't offer SubQ fluids. She said Bartie's hypertention is the reason. They erred on the side of caution. She said he shows classic signs of bladder irritation. I asked if he was in pain and she said a UTI can be painful. Well DUH, everyone KNOWS that!!! She also told me that it is possible that his kidneys are shutting down.

The vet is going to fax all his records in time for his appointment tomorrow. Please keep Bartie in your prayers. I'll post once he's back home.

[phesina]

Prayers for dearest Bartie and for you too, Donna.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:, Pat and cats

[Randi]

I'm with you Donna, and your way of thinking. It seems obvious that it's time to let him go and with your love surrounding him. He could needlessly suffer for a long time before he leaves on his own - what quality of living is that? We are their caregivers and it's our responsibility to do what's in their best interest, no matter how terrible it makes us feel.

{{{Hugs}}}, and may you find the strength to make the best decision for Bartie, who cannot make it for himself.
I totally agree with this. We all know that cats don't whine when they're feeling rotten and in pain, they go somewhere quiet and suffer. :( Please don't let that happen.

(((hugs)))

[moosmom]

Thanks Randi. I'd rather get a second opinion and KNOW that I did all I could for him.

He has been drinking water and goat's milk lately. But so far nothing is coming out.

[Catty1]

Prayers for Bartie and for you. I hope the antibiotics make him a little more comfortable at least.:love:

[moosmom]

Because of the snow we got hit with, the appointment is now on Monday at 9:30.

The GOOD news is he's eating!!!! I think that long acting antibiotic is finally kicking in. Now all we have to do is see if his kidneys are failing or just a UTI.

Phew!!! Now it's just a matter of keeping him comfortable and happy.

[Catty1]

Good news! I hope he keeps eating and drinking and that stuff starts appearing at his other end! Be comfy, Bartie. You are so so loved so I don't even have to wish you that! :love:

[phesina]

Wonderful!

Loads of love to Bartie and you, Donna! :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[moosmom]

Thanks Pat!!

[Karen]

So glad he's eating and must be feeling better! How much snow did you guys get? I know you, Donna, are NOT allowed to shovel for quite some time!

[cassiesmom]

Yay, Bartie! I am sending more loads of love to you and your meowmy :love: :love: :love:

[moosmom]

Karen,

I'll wait till the snow melts off my car since it's supposed to be in the 40's to 50's this weekend. We got a total about 12-18 inches (upper number in the higher elevations). I absolutely HATE being stuck home. I AM going to try and venture out (yes DRIVE) today (Dr. said no driving for 2 weeks and it'll be 2 weeks on the 13th). There's a pet food drive in Windsor for Friends of Windsor Animal Care and Control. I need a human to schmooze with!!!!

How much did you guys get???

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm glad to hear that he's eating again.:) Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

[moosmom]

Bartie is at Dr. Pennington's office for a second opinion. Dr. P got a urine sample out of him and said it sort of confirmed that he is in renal failure. His urine was WAAAY too clear (a bad sign). They also doing another blood work up. Tomorrow they're going to do an ultrasound which will confirm or rule out renal failure.

Since my last post he's peeing all over the place and the vomiting, also not a good sign. A friend offered me a cage to keep him in. I will NOT cage him. What kind of life would that be for him???

Please keep Bartie in your thoughts and prayers. The minute I find out anything, I will post it. You guys are the BEST!!!!;)

[Sindy]

Bartie is at Dr. Pennington's office for a second opinion. Dr. P got a urine sample out of him and said it sort of confirmed that he is in renal failure. His urine was WAAAY too clear (a bad sign). They also doing another blood work up. Tomorrow they're going to do an ultrasound which will confirm or rule out renal failure.

Since my last post he's peeing all over the place and the vomiting, also not a good sign. A friend offered me a cage to keep him in. I will NOT cage him. What kind of life would that be for him???

Please keep Bartie in your thoughts and prayers. The minute I find out anything, I will post it. You guys are the BEST!!!!;)

I am so sorry. Keeping Bartie in my prayers. :(

[Catty1]

Poor Bartie. Prayers going out. I hope it's something besides the renal failure that is making him so sick...but likely not. HUGS to you and Bartie. Please give him a kiss on his forehead for me.:love:

[katladyd]

It sounds very much like renal failure, but PT Prayers are powerful and you know we are all praying for Bartie!:love:

[Queen of Poop]

Prayers for Bartie. :love::love::love:

[phesina]

Prayers for Bartie and for you, Donna. :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Karen]

Prayers for Bartie, and for you.

[moosmom]

Bartie has liver cancer. He has a lot of small cancerous nodules throughout his liver. He was severely dehydrated. Doctor Pennington said that the end is near he just doesn't know how soon. He has lot of other underlying issues as well and he said that Bartie would require sub q fluids every other day for the rest of his life. The vet says there's really nothing more they can do for him. So I have made the gut wrenching decision to help him over to the Rainbow Bridge. I'm going back to the vet's office at 2:30 to spend a half an hour with him before doctor Pennington gives him the injecti. That would require himon.

My friend Nancy offered to give him the sub q fluids. But I just can't justify to Bartie why he's spending the rest of his days in a cage. It's not fair to him.

[phesina]

Oh, I am so sorry, Donna and Bartie. Loving thoughts to you both.

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

[Queen of Poop]

You've made the right decision, as heartwrenching and difficult as it is, for Bartie. Sending you both lots of love and good thoughts. :love::love::love::(

[Karen]

Sending you lots of support and hugs, I am glad you got answers, and know your decision is for the best.

[moosmom]

Bartie has gone to the Bridge. :( He "marked" me on the nose and meowed quietly at me.

I am at peace with my decision. He promised me he visit me in my dreams. He was an AMAZING cat and gave me the most wonderful 2 1/2 years of his life. For that I'll ALWAYS be greatful.

I want to thank everyone for their love and support.

[Karen]

I will close this thread, please see Bartie's Memorial thread here. (http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?181451-RIP-Bartie)