Max

[slick]

I know I don't post much anymore. Shhh! I'm doing this from work on a Friday. Very quiet here (boss from Hell has a day off today)

Max has been losing weight and losing hair. I took him to the vet and the news is not good. He's in severe renal failure. His Creatinine and Urea numbers have skyrocketed since January and he's skin and bones. Dr. Singh says I can either hospitalize him for 24 hours to receive fluids or I can administer sub-q fluids at home (I did this with Speckles shortly before she passed.)

I will chose the latter at some point. Right now he's in no discomfort, his input and output are good and he walks around with his furry tail up and talks up a storm when I get home from work. So all is good for now and I only pray that he says with me long enough to have another Christmas.

It breaks my heart to see him fading away but we all know they don't last forever. He will be 17 next month.

[Karen]

Awww, poor Max, but at least you have experience giving sub-q fluids. He'll be in our prayers.

[catmandu]

We are so sorry to hear that Max is not doing well ,
its so sad when our Fur Companions age and show us that they are in the words of my Vet , not immortal when talking about JJJ3
We are praying that Max will have Christmas with you, and that he can have as good as health as possible.
Hes such a Very Good Cat.

[Medusa]

Oh no! I'm sorry about Max, Slick. Truly. Subq's always perked up my Puddy girl so maybe this will do the trick for Max. I sure hope so. Prayers on the way. Keep the faythe.

[Taz_Zoee]

I am so sorry about Max. I am going through this exact same thing with Taz right now. I will learn how to give the injections tomorrow.
I will keep you and Max in my thoughts.

[Catty1]

{{{{{hugs}}}}

Glad to hear Max is still talking and being himself - good quality of life there!

Sub q fluids could do wonders for him and give him longer AND better time with you.

Prayers that Max thrives for as long as possible.

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm so sorry to hear about Max. I hope he continues to show no signs and is with you for some time.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Slick, I'd never call you a bad cat meowmie. Sometimes it's very difficult to help our cats without stressing them out. As others have said, you need to look at his quality of life and just help him to remain as happy and comfortable as you can. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent Max's way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Any uppydates?

[karyn674]

Oh! I'm terribly sorry to hear this. It's really a tough time seeing our furbabes suffer.

Sending prayers your way x x x x

[slick]

Any uppydates?

I've made a decision to NOT give any more fluids to Max. Words cannot describe how stressed out he was and promptly peed or pooped as soon as I put him on the counter. All during the treatment he drooled profusely and started trembling. He refused to eat after treatment. When I would come home from work he'd cower in the corner.

I just can't put him through this anymore. It will probably will shorten his life span, but at this stage of the game it's quality, not quantity.

At the moment he's eating good and his output is good and he's not in any discomfort. I'm just going to love him for as much time as he has left on earth.

All through this I'm constantly reminded of something that was posted by Susan when her beloved Sasha crossed the bridge and I'd like to quote her now. I believe she wrote this herself.

You brought me into your life
I am your pet. You wanted me!
How luck I am.
All I want to do is please you.

I love you totally:
no conditions
no constraints
no complaints
I do not judge

You brought me into your life
I am your pet - so please

Promise to
respect my species,
understand who I am and my limitations,
treat me well, with gentleness and caring,
take care of me, my health and well-being.

Promise to:
never abandon me,
never let me suffer,
love me forever.

If you truly love me,
As I love you -
Give me quality pet life;
And when it is time--let me go
Peacefully, painlessly, gently
For quantity of days has no value if I suffer.

Because I worship you--had I the power
you would never know pain, suffering or abandonment;
you would have life quality over life quantity--because
I'm your pet--and I love you now and forever
--Susan D
--August 13, 2005
--Dedicated to Sasha

[Killearn Kitties]

Slick, you are the only one of us in a position to try to judge what is best for Max, and I know you will give him the best life you can. Please can you give your boy a big huge hug from me? Well, I know that he is not so keen on them either, but maybe you can sneak one in.

[kb2yjx]

I am sad to read your post, but really do understand....I have stopped fluids and some meds....any chance Max will like to have some chicken broth added to his food, so he can have some extra good tasting fluid....Will light a candle for you both.....Sandra

[Catty1]

I totally understand - and you are doing what is totally right for Max.

As Sandra said - some yummy liquids might be just the ticket for dear Max.

{{{hugs}}} to you and that dear woolly kitty!

[Medusa]

Everyone has to make their own decisions based on their pet and his/her needs and personality. No judgments here, that's for sure. I'm sad to read that the subQ's aren't going well but you've done your best. Your love for Max shines through every post. I wish you many happy and peaceful days w/Max yet.