Murf is very sick - prayers please!

[TheAntiPam]

Tonight I took my 14 year old kitty Murf to the emergency vet because he was breathing very hard and seemed to be extremely listless. They said his body temperature was down and he needed oxygen due to his breathing. Then, xrays showed an array of troubles.

He has kidney stones, thickened bowel walls, fluid around the lungs, and may have a tumor near or on his heart. Wow, I'm staggering under all this news!

The predictions for his future are very grim. He is staying over night at the vet's and getting oxygen and antibiotics. Tomorrow morning I will find out how he weathered the night. I got to say goodbye to him, just in case.

Sorry to go on and on about this, but it helps to know that PetTalk people understand the emotional side to all this. I don't want him to suffer any more, his labored breathing was very tough to hear. But, I don't want to shorten his life if he can have more good quality time with me.

I have been trying to think back on any signs I might have seen that he was becoming unhealthy - but all I can think of are little bits that seemed at the time to be aspects of aging rather than some specific illness. Any one of his conditions might still be treated, but the package is rather daunting, and hope is slim.

So, tomorrow morning I'll call the vet, and I'll face the deciding then. Please send some of those wonderful PetTalk prayers our way - and save some for all our other beloved fur friends too!

[sirocco]

Dear AntiPam, you have all my sympathy and prayers! Please don´t feel guilty about not having read the symptoms, I read once that cats are made to hide any sign of illness - if not, they would be seen as easy prey. It is indeed very difficult to know what´s wrong with our precious furbabies...

But, most important now, I know you´ll make the right decision whatever it will be, for you are the one that knows better, the only one.

I hope everything turns right, you have the support and understanding from all PetTalkers, I´m sure, you know we care.

Nita

[Pam]

Your note brought tears to my eyes and prayers are on the way for Murf as well as you! I have heard the same thing that Sirocco mentioned so it is possible Murf was able to disguise how badly he was feeling. I understand why you are questioning yourself because five years ago I went off to work one morning and gave my beloved black standard poodle at quick pat on the head as I was heading out the door, never dreaming that she would be dead on the sofa when I returned home. It was the most horrible thing I ever experienced. The vet felt it was a heart attack, even though she had no history of heart trouble, but for weeks after I was questioning myself as to her recent behavior. Had she somehow been ill and I never picked up on it? To this day I will never know but how I wish I had not had to work that day and could have been with her. You are doing all you can for Murf and now it is in God's hands. We are here for you!

[K & L]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. We just lost our Calvin, and they never could find anything wrong with him. I wish you all the best.

[michelene]

Dear AntiPam,
On last November 15 we lost our Samantha after six weeks of treatment for a condition that filled her chest with fluid and restricted her breathing. Neither of us picked up on earlier symptoms that occurred before the first emergency visit.

Whatever happens, Murf knows you love him. I wish the best possible outcome for you both.

I am so sorry you are facing this. Both of you are in my prayers.

[TheAntiPam]

Early morning update -

I talked to the vet and Murf is feeling better on the oxygen treatment and valium (to relax him from the treatment and breathing stress). They did blood work and his values were "normal" so no extra clues there.

They recommend that I come visit later in the day and the other emergency vet (they have 12 hour shifts) will discuss things further. If Murf doesn't take a turn for the worse, the vet thinks we'll probably need to see a specialist (I'm not clear on what kind).

So for the next few hours I need to get back to "regular" life if possible. Thank you everyone for your support! I'll update again, hopefully with more optimistic news.

[sirocco]

Good luck! We are thinking about Murf....

Nita

[TheAntiPam]

About 30 minutes after I got the update from the vet, they called back to say Murf was gone. The vet feels that the tumor on the heart is the likely culprit. A friend is coming over later to take me to get Murf so we can bury him with his sister Daisy, who died 18 months ago.

Murf was my very first cat, my first pet in my "adult" life. He was the best possible "beginner" cat, being loving and tolerant and willing to wait while I learned to be owned by him! He helped open my eyes to the miracle of life and love that each living creature represents. Many friends have commented on the good life I gave to Murf. But, I know that he gave so much more to me.

Sweetie MurMur, I miss you and I love you. Thank you for being my best kitty friend. You changed my life. You will be part of me forever.

[MichelleN]

I'm sitting here crying for you. I'm so sorry this had to come so suddenly and I'm just really glad you had a chance to say goodbye. Be strong and know that Murf is somewhere better now, without pain. And Murf will always know how loved he was.

[Logan]

Oh, Pam.......
I am so sorry about your Murf, but at the same time, so happy that he didn't suffer. They just wrap themselves all around our hearts and that "first" pet of adulthood always stays with us. Its been a long time since my Shrimp Boat left me (1989), but I never forget her. Those are our "pets of a lifetime". I hope you have lots of wonderful memories to carry you through this difficult time.
Please take care of yourself and allow yourself to grieve for him. He sounds like he was a wonderful companion for 14 long years.
Logan

[Former User]

(((((((((( Pam)))))))))) Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss Pam. I know what it is to lose a pet, a dear friend and family member, and I wish you at lot of strenght. Murf is without pain now and watching you from the RB. You've been a good mommy to him and he'll always love you for that! Take care Pam ok?

[Pam]

Everything happened so quickly that I am sure you are just reeling right now! I completely understand what you are going through, as do many, many of your Pet Talk friends. Though we have never met, I have tears in my eyes as I type. As I have said many times before, losing a pet is definitely losing a family member. Murf was a huge part of your life and it will take time to heal from this shock. Please know that we are here when you need to talk and cry with you. I am so sorry that you lost your special friend today.

[Karen]

We are sad for you, and for your loss at the time. We know know know how much you will miss your Murphy. He was, if you think of it, such a noble boy, to have so many different things going wrong, but to never let on. He made you happy as long as he could, didn't he? And he will live on, you know he will, curled up in a kitty-shaped spot in your heart, ready to purr whenever you need him.

Murphy now, curled up
In a beam of sunshine, rests
And sends you his love.

Sorry he was, but
Knew he had to leave, just then
Before the hurt swelled

All orange kitties
Will remind you of Murphy
With a quick, rogue wink

And from where he rests
He watches, sleeps, then pounces!
On a long-lost toy.

[K & L]

I'm so sorry! I can totally relate to what you're going through since we just lost our Calvin last week. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I have been to this thread several times today wanting to send you a message. I thought I was through crying until I read Karen's beautiful poem. That started the tears again. This is, unfortunately, the bad part of owning a pet. They get such a grip on your heart. It's the price we have to pay for the love we get in return. I'm a firm believer in life after death for pets as well as humans and believe you and Murf will someday be together again. I know heaven won't be heaven for me unless my animals are there.