Update on Puddy; she's gone*9/29* see post #421

[Emeraldgreen]

You are not a whiner, you are a very worried Meowme. I think Puddy may prefer the sink counter top because it feels cool to her. I had one that always slept in the bathroom sink bowl. Good thoughts for the vet visit tomorrow.

Mary

I was wondering about this too and thought maybe she is feeling hot and looking for coolness in the carriers and on the counter. Maybe she would like a fan blowing on her? Puddy's private spa!

[Medusa]

I had friends over for dinner, etc. today from 2:00 until just now. Puddy hasn't come out from under the bed in my room and she hasn't eaten a thing all day except for a little bit of Fancy Feast this morning. I hope she's feeling better by tomorrow, poor girl. I'm anxious to hear what Dr. Lee will have to say tomorrow.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I hope that everything goes well at the vet's tomorrow and that Puddy starts feeling better. I'll continue to keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

[Medusa]

Dr. Lee is on vacation this week. Had I known, I would've waited to take Puddy in when he came back. Anyhow, another vet did her blood work and when I told her all that has transpired since starting Puddy on the Epogen injections, she said that Epogen asks a lot of a cat's kidneys and Puddy only has one kidney and that one isn't very good. She said that the Epogen probably just takes too much out of her. The blood tests will tell us more tomorrow as to whether it's a good idea to continue the injections or not. If Puddy at least maintains, then we'll continue but the point of all this is to get her to produce more red blood cells. If she's dropped, then that means the Epogen isn't working and there's no point in continuing it. She gave me enough for two more injections and, if the blood work is satisfactory, I'll get more next week. Puddy peed on the exam table again and I purposely waited to give her the subQ because I thought that may have contributed to it. Poor little girl. This vet did tell me that when a cat becomes a hermit that it isn't a good sign, which I already knew. I have that sinking feeling in my stomach and the lump in my throat again. I fear I'm losing my Puddy.

[pomtzu]

I'm so sorry to read that you didn't get a better report from the vet, but maybe Puddy's blood tests will tell a different story. I know how difficult this is for you - I went thru the same thing with 2 of my Siamese years ago. Whatever the outcome, I'm sure you'll do whatever you think is appropriate for both you and Puddy. I'm hoping for the best for both of you.

[cassiesmom]

Prayers for Puddy and her Meowmie

[Medusa]

I'm so sorry to read that you didn't get a better report from the vet, but maybe Puddy's blood tests will tell a different story. I know how difficult this is for you - I went thru the same thing with 2 of my Siamese years ago. Whatever the outcome, I'm sure you'll do whatever you think is appropriate for both you and Puddy. I'm hoping for the best for both of you.

Thank you so much. I feel so scattered right now. I just simply do not know what to do. I told this vet that if all that's wrong w/Puddy, aside from her CRF, is that she's tired, then I can't in good conscience have her PTS because if that's the criteria, then I should've been PTS 20 years ago. It's just that Puddy doesn't seem to have quality of life right now. It's no life to just sit in a carrier all day, the only time to come out is to use the litterbox, to eat or to drink out of the faucet. She doesn't enjoy anything, not sunning, not playing, not being groomed by Creamsicle. Nothing. I'm willing to try for as long as it takes, as long as I see improvement, but I can't have just a stuffed animal. Puddy has been too good to do that to her. Sigh. I was so hoping to hear some encouraging words from the vet today.

[jenluckenbach]

I too, am sad that the news isn't better. I'll be interested in the blood test results.

[gini]

Mary, more prayers being said for Puddy - and you too.

[carole]

I am so sorry to read this about puddy, i think it does come down to their quality of life, i have already made my decisions regarding my Ash in the future, however you have to do what you think is right for your kitty,it is really hard to let go i know,only you and you alone can make that decision, as hard as it will be, take comfort in knowing you have done your'e very best for Puddy and don't give up hope yet. HUGS to you and Puddy.

[Catty1]

{{{{hugs}}}}

If Epogen is so hard on the kidneys, I am surprised Dr Lee would have started with 3 times a week!

I pray that nothing more than her CRF is acting up - and that perhaps lower doses of Epogen are possible.

Prayers for you and dear Puddy!

[Emeraldgreen]

I feel so scattered right now. I just simply do not know what to do.

Mary, I'm so sorry that you are going through this. It is almost harder when it's like this because she is somewhere inbetween. If she were flat out, the next step would be obvious but when she is still eating and there is still potential for some recovery, it is heart wrenching to even think of anything else but giving her time.
My first prayer is that Puddy will recover to the degree that she can go on to live a life of quality.
My second prayer is that it becomes clear over the next little while, what decision to make because it is living in limbo like this that is so hard on you because you love her so very much.
My thoughts are with you.

[Medusa]

{{{{hugs}}}}

If Epogen is so hard on the kidneys, I am surprised Dr Lee would have started with 3 times a week!

I pray that nothing more than her CRF is acting up - and that perhaps lower doses of Epogen are possible.

Prayers for you and dear Puddy!

My thoughts exactly, except that Dr. Lee told me on the day we met that he's aggressive w/treatment. I think he felt that Puddy really needed it but I intend to talk to him about it when he returns from vacation. Actually, Puddy only gets two shots a week but I did get some good news just now. The vet called and said that her red blood cell count went up from 24.2% to 26.9%. They consider 27-28% to be low normal. So she said "This is good news. She's now in the above moderate level". She does feel that the Epogen is too hard on her, so she said to cut it down to one shot a week. I don't have to take her in on Monday unless she gets worse. Otherwise, they want to see her towards the end of next week. Hopefully, the Epogen will perk her up w/out wearing her out afterwards.

As an aside, the vet said that the fudgesicles won't hurt Puddy but to watch for artificial sweeteners; no aspartame or xylitol. These don't have either of those in them, so Pud can have her occasional lick. I've been hunting for Frosty Paws and can't find it anywhere.

[momtomany]

That is great to hear Puddy is at the low end of normal. Hopefully she will start coming back out and this is just a phase she is going thru since she has been thru so much. We all will keep the prayers going up for you and Puddy both. I am not sure where you live but I know our local Public has the "Frosty Paws".

[Medusa]

That is great to hear Puddy is at the low end of normal. Hopefully she will start coming back out and this is just a phase she is going thru since she has been thru so much. We all will keep the prayers going up for you and Puddy both. I am not sure where you live but I know our local Public has the "Frosty Paws".

I live in Ohio. I've looked everywhere and the local Pet Supplies Plus doesn't carry it either. I'm on a mission now; I'll find it!