Max

[slick]

Tonight he only has eaten half of what he used to and I discovered where the pee is. You see, he's taken up residence on the dining room chairs and they are covered and plush. Well, I guess he's peeing in his sleep because I just had to scrub two of them. The seats really smelled bad. All indications point to loss of bladder control.

The good news is that he used the litterbox about 1/2 hour ago so at least he remembers what it's for....I hope.

Thank you all for your understanding and compassion. I know that many of you are or have been in this situation and understand the struggle that lies within. I was thinking tonight that maybe Dr. Singh is giving up on Max. There is an emergency clinic close by me that's open 7pm to 7am and the few times I've spoken to them they have been extremely caring and empathetic - they helped me when I first had trouble with the sub-q line. I was thinking of getting a second opinion from them and drilling them about the Azodyl and Kayexalate. Do you think it's worth it? I will already know what they will tell me. Am I just grasping for that elusive straw????

[carole]

Slick since you have asked i will respond, although my opinion might be somewhat controversial here, however that is what it is my opinion and it is up to you as your pet's owner to make the choices for Max.

Personally i think there comes a time where you just have to draw the line, and think of what is best for Max, if something is worth trying and it will not cause him any side effects or pain, then i would go with it, other than that,I would just keep him comfortable,because as i see it,what is happening is just life and the effects of old age,there does come a time where you just have to let nature take it's course, and luckily for pets we are able to give them peace when it is needed.

I think clutching at straws is normal, but as long as it is not at Max's expense and you feel ok with it.

Again only YOU and YOU alone can make those decisions on Max's behalf, i wish you well,and do whatever gives you peace of mind, just remember no matter how hard it is to let go, we just have to for the sake of our kitties comfort,in other words we have to put our wishes last, and their's first, no matter how much we want them to continue to be with us. I think Max will let you know when he has had enough.

Thinking of you both and hoping you can come to a decision that you feel is right for you both.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Slick since you have asked i will respond, although my opinion might be somewhat controversial here, however that is what it is my opinion and it is up to you as your pet's owner to make the choices for Max.

Personally i think there comes a time where you just have to draw the line, and think of what is best for Max, if something is worth trying and it will not cause him any side effects or pain, then i would go with it, other than that,I would just keep him comfortable,because as i see it,what is happening is just life and the effects of old age,there does come a time where you just have to let nature take it's course, and luckily for pets we are able to give them peace when it is needed.

I think clutching at straws is normal, but as long as it is not at Max's expense and you feel ok with it.

Again only YOU and YOU alone can make those decisions on Max's behalf, i wish you well,and do whatever gives you peace of mind, just remember no matter how hard it is to let go, we just have to for the sake of our kitties comfort,in other words we have to put our wishes last, and their's first, no matter how much we want them to continue to be with us. I think Max will let you know when he has had enough.

Thinking of you both and hoping you can come to a decision that you feel is right for you both.

I totally agree with Carole. Only you and you alone can make the decisions for Max and I'll support whatever you decide 100%. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent Max's way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Nomilynn]

You and Max are still in my prayers. I think that if you have had a good experience with the other vet, then of course you should get a 2nd opinion. What can it hurt? Don't doubt your instincts. If you think you should case conference when it comes to Max, go ahead and do it!

Lots of hugs!

[Medusa]

Mornin' Sunshine! Just wondering how you and Max are doing this morning. A little better, I hope. I remember when I was going through your experience w/my Puddy, I took a couple of days off from PT b/c I felt overwhelmed and although my friends were only trying to help, so much info just added to that feeling, especially when nothing seemed to work anyhow. I hope that you and Max are having one of your good days together. (((HUGS)))

[katladyd]

slick, I would definitely confer with the other vet. What can it hurt? Maybe they can actually give Max some relief. That would be a blessing. The worst they can do is tell you nothing can be done. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Max.

[Taz_Zoee]

I cannot come to this thread without getting tears in my eyes.
Slick, talking to the other vet would be a good idea. No harm in it for anyone. And it might make you feel better about the whole situation (whether the other vet is giving up or not).

Hugs still going out to you!

[orangemm]

Still praying for you and Max......................keep the faith..........

[kitten645]

I am so so so sorry you are going thru this. My heart breaks for you and Max. Just know that you are doing the best you can for him. It's all you can do. Much love and support to you both.

[jenluckenbach]

SLick, you and Max are on muy mind and in my prayers.

Just remember, sometimes the BEST decisions are the HARDEST decisions.

{{{{{HUGE HUGS}}}}}

[slick]

when I was going through your experience w/my Puddy, I took a couple of days off from PT b/c I felt overwhelmed and although my friends were only trying to help, so much info just added to that feeling, especially when nothing seemed to work anyhow.

Yes Mary, that how I feel now - overwhelmed. There is not enough hours in my day to do all the reading necessary to make a good judgement call.

I have an appointment on Saturday at 4pm to take Max into another vet who comes highly recommended by a very good friend of mine. I did speak to him on the phone and explained the situation and his opinion is that Max should not be getting Metacam at all. Apparently it damages the kidneys. Well, I did some research a while ago and found that Metacam damages the liver but nothing was said about the kidneys. This second vet thinks Max would be better off on a liquid pain killer called Tramadol. Anyone had a pet on this med? If so, what was your experience with this? Did it help? I know that my own vet mentioned Tramadol before and from what I've read about it, the most common side effects are upset stomach, constipation and sometimes siezures so I opted not to give this to Max. Right now he's constipated enough without added something else to plug him up.

I'm going to take Max's latest blood test results with me and hopefully this new vet won't have to take more tests. Max's savings account has been replenished so cost is really not a concern right now. All I want is a second opinion. Oh and the good news is that this new vet charges less for a consultation fee. - only $29.00.

Thank you all again for listening to me. This is really tearing me up inside.

[Barbara]

I only can listen- I have no advice to give. Our thoughts are with you.

[Medusa]

No experience w/Tramadol and pets, just that I'm switching to it myself b/c it's helping me w/my own pain. There are risks w/every drug we try but seeing that Metacam does damage the kidneys, the second vet is probably right on. I was concerned about giving it to my Boo but my vet assured me that it's ok for him but Boo isn't in CRF either. Just hold on tight and weigh your options, Slick. I found that I did so much reading that my mind just became clogged and I couldn't remember anything anyhow so I had to rely on my instincts, which were also shot by that time, so I know exactly how you feel. All you really have to do is love Max, then compare what the second vet said to what the first vet said. We're here for you. (((HUGS))) Keep the faythe.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Sorry my friend. I have no experience with pets on Tramadol but, like Mary, I take it for pain myself. I only take mine once in a while when I can't stand the pain any more. I read it can be habit forming. I can understand why. Being in less pain can be addicting.

If the vet does start Max on Tramadol, I'd ask for the lowest possible dose to start with. I only take a 4th of a pill that I'm supposed to take. It still knocks me out for a while. (or maybe it just takes the pain away so I can sleep. I'm not real sure on that)

Hope the new vet can help. Prayers on the way for you and Max.