Max

[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.

[gini]

Saturday morning hugs for you and for Max. I can offer you no additional information as I am completely unfamiliar with this drug.

I recall when my Magic was so ill that I read and read and ended up with a whirling mind full of bits of information, but no clear direction came to me.

It was at that point I made the decision to take Magic off all chemo treatments and stop torturing him with visits (overnight) to the vet. I feel that he had a good quality of life until the day came and he clearly told me it was time.

It broke my heart, so I understand what you are doing and how you feel.
All of us do, so I will add my name to the list of people who love you and
want to comfort you as much as we can.