Do you ever feel like you are going to lose it?

[jenluckenbach]

Not that this helps much, but I know EXACTLY what you feel like. At this moment Jasper is suffering with diarrhea. He is pooping on the bed, it's pudding consistancy, no meds have helped him so far, we've done tests......and this is exactly what happened with Lucas before he was found to have cancer and had to be PTS. I am certain more tests will follow.

But, I have one distinct difference....my vet isn't a fan of unnecessary tests. She is known to attempt a medication that could help before knowing the specific cause. Her idea is....."If the medication works = GREAT, if not, we know it is not that particular problem". Then we move on to another idea.

There is no magic potion to handling the stress. I WILL be hard. And when episodes come close together, it is even harder. So just focus on the cat's well being. Take into consideration the cat's age, prognosis for a good quality of life, and YES, your monetary situation. You will know the right thing to do if you have faith in your feelings.

[sasvermont]

I know exactly what you are going through. I just made one of the most difficult decisions in my life, and had a dear, dear kitty of mine, PTS. I couldn't do it anymore. I know she went peacefully - purred her way to the Rainbow Bridge. She is no longer suffering. She was ill, was tested, treated and then some, and she wasn't improving. I made a difficult call, but now, know it was the right one. It took me years. Yes, years. But I knew when it was time to let her go.

Good luck with your decision. Only you know the answer to the difficult question.

[fragrancehound]

Thank you so much for the support! I really do appreciate it.

I did call the vet today and I am bringing Magic in for some testing including x-rays. She also has to have some test that requires 14 hours of fasting. It is called FTLI/FPLI/FOLATE/COBALMINE . I guess this is some sort of specialized test?? I won't get the results for 2 weeks.

In the meantime I am trying to Magic as comfortable as possible. I do love her!

[Catty1]

How old is Magic?

Would your vet consider putting her on an antibiotic while you wait for the test results?

Just want Magic to be as comfy as possible, and her mommy to not be so scared!

[AvaJoy]

I would seek a second opinion from a vet that specializes in feline medicine. Maybe there is a specialist vet clinic near you that has someone on board who could give you a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan. Don't give up on Magic based solely on one vet's opinion.

In the meantime, I feel for what you are going through and hope all works out for the best for you and Magic.

[fragrancehound]

What a day we had yesterday!!! I dropped Magic off at the vet for some more testing and when I got home I found that Shadow, my other cat, was vomiting too! What a freakin mess. I had to take him to the vet as well.

Magic had some x-rays taken as well as multiple blood tests. I won't get the results of all the blood tests for another 2 weeks but I think the other blood test results should be in tomorrow. Her chest x-rays were good and other x-rays showed some gas and her small intestine a little enlarged but nothing too serious. Both Magic and Shadow had several injections to help sooth and coat their stomach/intestines as well receiving some fluids to help with dehydration.

The vet thinks there are several things going here. First, she believes that they both have some sort of virus or bacterial thing which was causing the vomiting. I am not really sure where they caught it but I suspect it could be the food I was feeding them. I'm wondering if I got a bad batch?? I was feeding them Eagle Pack Holistic Sardine, Anchovy formula. They were on this food for about 1.5 weeks. I did call the company and am going to send them a sample of the food so they can test it. Other than that I really have no idea what could have caused both of them to become so ill. They are strictly indoor cats and are not exposed to any other animals. They do not have any blockages. I don't even have any plants or flowers in the house so I am stumped.

Secondly, she is not really sure what started Magic's onset of diarrhea. It could be IBS but again nothing is conclusive. I am hoping once the blood test results come in we can at least eliminate some things. She also thinks that the cold might have been brought on by stress and the pred. shot.

24 hours later things are somewhat improving. Neither Magic or Shadow has vomited since yesterday and they are able to keep their food down in small amounts. Right now I am temporarily feeding them both baby food since it is gentle enough on their systems. Magic is still sneezing but is overall doing much better! She is more vocal and playful which is really nice to see. Shadow on the other hand is not as playful or vocal as he normally acts. I can tell he doesn't feel good. I am watching him closely to see if I need to take him back to the vet. I am also monitoring their liter box movements but since they have not eaten too much (they were on a 14 hour fast yesterday for the blood test) they really haven't pooped today. So that is where things are now.

The grand total for my vet trip yesterday....$600. As much as I complain about these prices I really do like the vet I use. She is very thorough. She is one of 3 vets that work at the cat clinic. They only specialize in treating cats. She is not the owner and therefore does not dictate price. But I will say this clinic is more expensive than some other vets in the area. I've thought about going elsewhere but when I did that in the past I really didn't find anyone I liked as much.

[fragrancehound]

What a day we had yesterday!!! I dropped Magic off at the vet for some more testing and when I got home I found that Shadow, my other cat, was vomiting too! What a freakin mess. I had to take him to the vet as well.

Magic had some x-rays taken as well as multiple blood tests. I won't get the results of all the blood tests for another 2 weeks but I think the other blood test results should be in tomorrow. Her chest x-rays were good and other x-rays showed some gas and her small intestine a little enlarged but nothing too serious. Both Magic and Shadow had several injections to help sooth and coat their stomach/intestines as well receiving some fluids to help with dehydration.

The vet thinks there are several things going here. First, she believes that they both have some sort of virus or bacterial thing which was causing the vomiting. I am not really sure where they caught it but I suspect it could be the food I was feeding them. I'm wondering if I got a bad batch?? I was feeding them Eagle Pack Holistic Sardine, Anchovy formula. They were on this food for about 1.5 weeks. I did call the company and am going to send them a sample of the food so they can test it. Other than that I really have no idea what could have caused both of them to become so ill. They are strictly indoor cats and are not exposed to any other animals. They do not have any blockages. I don't even have any plants or flowers in the house so I am stumped.

Secondly, she is not really sure what started Magic's onset of diarrhea. It could be IBS but again nothing is conclusive. I am hoping once the blood test results come in we can at least eliminate some things. She also thinks that the cold might have been brought on by stress and the pred. shot.

24 hours later things are somewhat improving. Neither Magic or Shadow has vomited since yesterday and they are able to keep their food down in small amounts. Right now I am temporarily feeding them both baby food since it is gentle enough on their systems. Magic is still sneezing but is overall doing much better! She is more vocal and playful which is really nice to see. Shadow on the other hand is not as playful or vocal as he normally acts. I can tell he doesn't feel good. I am watching him closely to see if I need to take him back to the vet. I am also monitoring their liter box movements but since they have not eaten too much (they were on a 14 hour fast yesterday for the blood test) they really haven't pooped today. So that is where things are now.

The grand total for my vet trip yesterday....$600. As much as I complain about these prices I really do like the vet I use. She is very thorough. She is one of 3 vets that work at the cat clinic. They only specialize in treating cats. She is not the owner and therefore does not dictate price. But I will say this clinic is more expensive than some other vets in the area. I've thought about going elsewhere but when I did that in the past I really didn't find anyone I liked as much.

Sorry for the lengthy post but it has been one hell of a week so far!

[Catty1]

Glad there is some improvement!

If there IS something in the food, hopefully the manufacturer will help with the vet bills!