BraveHeart (disappointing UPDATE 3-17-08, page 7)

[Medusa]

With all the experience that you've had w/cats and rescue, if ever there was a person that I would tell to trust her instincts, it's you, Jen. You're being guided to know what to do and, should the time come that you have to help Braveheart to the Bridge, you'll know. In the meantime, keep the faith. We all know how many miracles we've experienced here on PT and elsewhere. We're praying for Braveheart and you. He doesn't have that name for nothin', y'know.

[catmandu]

THE FOUND CATS ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT BRAVEHEART IS HAVING ARELAPSE , JEN. WE ARE DOUBLING OUR PRAYERS THAT YOU CAN ENCORAGE BRAVEHEART TO EAT, AND TO BE A WELL CAT. IF THERES ANYONE WHO CAN DO THIS JEN, ITS YOU.
MY JUKE JOINT JOSEPH WHO HAS JUST GONE THROUGH A TWO HOUR OPERATION SENDS HIS SPECIAL PRAYERS TO BRAVEHEART.

GET WELL MY FRIEND, WE WANT TO SEE YOU AS CAT OF THE DAY.

[kb2yjx]

I am sad to read that Brave Heart is not responding to his new medication. If you go with the blood transfusion, I REALLY hopes that helps!!! Prayers and a little cheque heading out to One by One...Sandra

[Laura's Babies]

Awe Jen! This breaks my heart! I have such high hopes for that boy. I saw this yesterday and I was so upset I couldn't respond and I have LES now. I am just SO drawn to him, he has stolen my heart for some reason. I love him, care for him in such a way that it baffels me but that is just how it is. I would try that blood transfusion and I hope it makes him bounce right back. His energy is gone and he probably has none left to fight with, a transfusion could give him that energy back and give him a chance.. PLEASE keep us posted as I know you will without asking anyway. I really, really care about this boy so much! Praying really hard for that beautiful sweet soul!

[rg_girlca]

Oh Jen, I am so sorry that precious Braveheart isn't doing too well.

Big time prayers on the way that he starts to eat on his own in hopes that the medication kicks in.

Come on sweetheart, you can do it, please don't give up.

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} Jen.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Continued prayers and positive thoughts are going out for Braveheart.

[jenluckenbach]

Another donation!

{{{{{{{Elyse}}}}}}}

BraveHeart is still the same. I will call the vet in about a half an hour to see what they suggest.

I just need to see him perk up a little.

Oh, I obviously had not updated of last night. Since he is so fragile, I decided to give him 3 smaller meals yesterday, instead of the 2 meals I was giving before (more like when he first got here). First 2 went well, but after the 3rd feeding, he threw it all back up. Maybe I over fed, but I felt real bad for him.

[cassiesmom]

Another donation!

{{{{{{{Elyse}}}}}}}

I just need to see him perk up a little.

You're very welcome!

Dear God,
Could you please give Jen and BraveHeart a good day today. He is one of Your creatures and not doing well. This kitty has touched us here at PT. Please bless their day, God. We would like to see a miracle for this cat if it is Your will.

Thank you, Amen
Elyse

[jenluckenbach]

A quick update.

BraveHeart went to the vet. His PCV has improved with his 2 doss of epogen. So we are going in the right direction.

A blood transfusion was discussed, but the vet feels he is not a good candidate due to his reduced kidney function. feels that his body will try to reject the foreign blood.

He had an xray:

His heart is enlarged (not unexpected as we do know he has a heart murmur)

He does have a kidney stone.

He has what "appears" to be fluid in the abdominal cavity. Cause, unkown. It is not a major amount, but needs to be monitored. A possible way to reduce this would be to use a diuretice, but again, BraveHeart is not a good candidate for this. It could dehydrate him even more.

So, what do we do?

We give the sub-q every day again. We continue with the epogen. We start an antibiotic hoping that if there in infection causing the fluid build up, it can be treated. And we retest blood next monday.

While he still is not up to the point of feeling good that he had been at, I believe he is just a little perkier today. He was bathing himself on the vet's exam table.

Come on BraveHeart, we can beat this!!!!

[Medusa]

Wow, an awful lot for one little guy to go through. I sure hope that all this turns around soon and that Braveheart feels on top of the world.

[Barbara]

I am so sorry to hear Braveheart does not feel well.
I think it cannot only be the anemia that makes him feel low. Filou now is anemic too- but still VERY perky, especially in the night.
Have you tried to give him some nice red meat? Of course it is too much protein for kidney kitties- but on the otehr hand keeping weight up is just sa important.

[Catty1]

HUGS to that brave boy!

Come on, sweetie, you can do it.

Jen, lots of gentle scritchies from me please?

[jenluckenbach]

One by One got 2 more donations for BraveHeart!!! HURRAY!!! Thanks Candace {{{{{HUGS}}}}} but the second one, I have to admit I do not recognize the name. But if she is a pet talk member, {{{{{{JULIA}}}}} from GA.

Barbara, I doubt BraveHeart would even look twice at a nice piece of beef. He just isn't hungry right now. Besides, I don't think the problem is his iron level (they say that is a rare form of anemia in cats) it is most likely a lack of red blood cells being made in the bone marrow. That is what the Epogen is suppose to be stimulating.

I have been delivering eveyone's scritchies and kisses (I just love to kiss his little nose). Maybe I'll get Charlie to get photographic evidence of this, tonight.

[Laura's Babies]

Ok Boy! Lets get at it and get better! We are pulling for you and I have been praying for you off and on all day!

[kb2yjx]

Jen!! I do not know what to say! I am glad that BraveHeart's PCV has improved, but I am concerned about the " fluid in his abdomen." Ascitis, that is what Molly had. How is BraveHeart's liver??? As they say " the check is in the mail..." Hopefully, One by One will receive it by the end of the week!!! Continued prayers for dear BraveHeart!!!!!!!