Max

[Lizzie]

I've been through this several times also, and it's such a roller-coaster ride of highs when they eat well and look totally relaxed when they sleep, and lows when all their body functions seem to go into disorder and they look miserable. I guess Max threw up because he had difficulty pooping, the straining would have pushed up into his stomach, at least that's what I've always thought with mine. I just lost foster Alexander to renal failure and he had a really difficulty time in the litter box, leaving part behind and dropping pieces on the floor as he walked, and towards the end simply walking away from his dish and pooping on the kitchen floor. As I said before, it seems to disorder all their body systems.

With all of mine I used to give fluids every other day, then every day, then twice a day as the renal failure progressed. However, they do reach a point where no amount of fluids given in any way will take away the dehydration.

I'm really sorry that you and Max are going through this very difficult time. Is he still enjoying attention? (I didn't read through the whole thread since, like you, I post at work and have a tough boss.)

[Medusa]

Oh I sure hope that things turn around for Max. (((HUGS))) to you, Slick, and gentle pets to our Max.

[catmandu]

Juke Joint Joseph is going through this too, one day he will eat, and the next day he wont touch anything but milk, and a dab of Cheese Whiz.

His legs are not staedy, and he has to have his food put under his nose.
I wish we could bring Max to the outdoor enclosure as JJJ3 really perks up out there.
Our Prayers for Max and we know that Spreckles Angel is there too comfort her old friend.

[katladyd]

I'm praying for both Max and Joseph. May they both have many more good days than bad!

[slick]

I just don't know if I can do this. Last night was another bad night. When it came time for his fluids, he ran and hid. I had to dig him out from behind my bed. When I finally got him "in position", he wouldn't sit still because he was anticipating the pain of the needle. I did get the fluids in but I know it's causing him pain. Afterwards he hid again and I didn't see him until this morning.

Lizzie, yes, that's exactly what Max is going through now but he did have a poop last night which is good. Yes, he loves attention but not so much lately because I represent needles and pain. His T4 levels are normal btw.

I have to weigh the options. Is it better to cause him pain and give the fluids (which he doesn't seem to be responding to) or do I do nothing and give him what seems like a better quality of life? I know he's not ready to go yet because he's still very hungry and pees and talks up a storm when I get home from work. God, this is so hard. We have a whitecoat visit scheduled for tomorrow morning. Sorry for rambling.

[Barbara]

I would be surprised if he needed the fluids 3 times a week now. Filou gets them weekly and we go to the vet.
He hates being caught on Tuesday mornings but he forgives us quickly. If it wasn't that often for Max I am sure he could cope easier.
Good luck tomorrow- he sounds as if he still has a lot of spunk.

[Medusa]

Forgive me but I wonder if the needle really is causing him that much pain because you switched to a thinner gauge, correct? The initial pin prick only hurts for a second, as we know, and after that it really doesn't hurt them. I do know what you mean about his running and hiding, though. When my Puddy saw me coming, she beat feet, too, but she always felt so much better afterwards that I felt better, too. Now it's Pidge who refuses to sit down during the treatment and I have to administer it while she stands up and tries to bolt. I've noticed lately, though, that she does have loose stools after a treatment. Gosh, it's so difficult to know what to do. Ultimately, you know Max better than anyone and if you truly feel that his quality of life is gone or significantly diminished, then you have your answer. I wish it was easier. (((HUGS)))

[Taz_Zoee]

Well, I just have to applaud both of you (Slick and Mary) on giving fluids by yourself. There's no way I could have done Taz's alone. I would have taken him to the vet every other day if Bruce wasn't here.
Did they show you to gently massage the area where the fluid is going in to help the flow go better? At least I think that's what it did. I did that, but sometimes that would make him jumpy. I think maybe because I'd rub too close to the needle.

I'm still hoping he gets better soon.