Max

[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.

[slick]

Forgive me but I wonder if the needle really is causing him that much pain because you switched to a thinner gauge, correct?

I went back to the larger one because the smaller one was taking 15-20 min and after about 5 min he was getting really antsy. I may try the smaller one again, but tonight I'm giving him a night off. I'll see what the vet says tomorrow morning.

Taz - it is a two person job and my good friend and neighbour down the hall comes over every night to assist. I don't know I would do without her. No, they didn't show my about the massaging bit but I'm sure that would make him go berserk. I'll try to call you on Sunday night.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Lots of prayers flying from me for you both. Extra on the way for tomorrow's vet visit!!!

[RedHedd]

I'm wondering why it's hurting him so much. When I was giving Mishi fluids, they showed me how to pull the loose skin up from the neck and put the needle into that loose skin. The vet showed me where there were virtually no nerves so it shouldn't hurt them very much, if at all.

Of course, all cats are different when it comes to treatment. While I know Mitzi behaves and lets the vet techs do what they need to do when she's there, when it's her meowmie doing it at home, she knows to run and hide. I dread the day I have to give her Sub-Q's and hope it's a long way off, although she's been having good and bad days too and I know it's her kidneys. She's being watched closely.

[phesina]

Do you think it would help if you warmed the fluid up before giving it to Max? I've seen it make a difference in some cases. I gather that room temperature fluid flowing into the cat's system can be uncomfortable because it is much cooler than the bodily temperature.

Put the fluid bag in a sink basin or bowl full of warm water, enough to cover it, for a few minutes. Then, when the bag feels warm (but not hot), hang it up again and administer the fluid to the cat.

Sending prayers for you and Max as you both work so hard to make this time comfortable for him.

Hugs and purrs,
Pat and cats

P.S., I also lit a candle: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...ng&cid=8749714