Any last minute advice for Bella?

[Sus]

Hello there, pettalkers!
It has been af while since our last visit to Pettalk, and right now I'm so happy to see that so many of you are still here that it feels like finding a family again. But this is also a very sad occasion for me and Bella. I am loosing her, and I dare not wait any longer for that last appointment at the vet. She is due to be put to sleep on thursday, but in case any of you have any last minute advice I could perhaps move the appointment to next week while I try out something else. I should have written before but the last two months have been horrible with vets that didn't know anything about hyperthyroidism and it has been af fight to find out as much as I could by myself. I have been too tired and nervous to think straight, and because I don't know any cat-people here it has been such a lonely quest. And it has been terribly expensive, and then it was Christmas and a blizzard hit DK, and transport got almost impossible here.It would be such a comfort to hear just a word or two, whether there is any advice or not.

In may, 2010 Bella was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and she was put on Felimazole (Thiamazole) 5 mg on a daily basis. She got so sick from the first 2 pills, that I immediately lowered the dose to 2.5 mg/day. The 2.5 mg did the trick, in the sense that all blood values were normal by the 3rd blood test. In the beginning it worked out fine, she calmed down, her huge appetite diminished, and her, eh, poop? got solid again. Only problem was that this development didn't stop! During the months of august and october her appetite got very little, and she would lie down and move very little, and then it got difficult for her to poop, because it was very dry. The vet had no advice to give, and I tried to lower the Felimazole dose once again, hoping that her inactivity was due to too much Felimazole. On december 1st, I finally changed the vet, the last straw being that he asked if I had tried to starve her, when I complained that she wouldn't eat or move! Some advice! The new vet made a new blood test, everything was fine, except the T4, which was too high because I had given her too little Felimazole. The dose was reset to 5 mgs and he also prescribed Noroclav (she had a slight fever) and he took x-rays that showed a little arthritis in the lower back, and for that he prescribed Metacam.

Then she got a terrible diarrhea from the antibiotic cure and lost 300grams in less than 3 weeks, and when she started on Metacam (orally) she stopped moving altogether. After consulting a third vet during a weekend where she was really bad, I stopped giving her Metacam. This is a month ago. The situation now is that she will not move, and she will not eat and she is down to 3300 grams of the 4000 grams she has weighed up until december 1st. I have tried all kinds of canned or dried food, the vet says its HAS to be industrial food, because its is the only food that works. But all I can get her to eat is a small amount of raw chicken or mincemeat, or shrimps. And she can't have shrimps because they are high in iodine. And I have to give her emulgated paraffinoil every other day for her bowels.

Before writing this I searched and found that some of you have been in a similar situation, and I also found a thread about Metacam, that made me really mad on my new vet! There are no warnings on the bottles here, and when I looked underneath the label he put on the box, the bottle turned out to be out of date when he sold it to me. :mad: I will talk to him about that, regardless of what happens to Bella.

But what I couldn't find was something about NeoMercazole. Do any of you have any experience with NeoMercazole which contains carbimazole instead of Felimazole which contains thiamazole? I have some, but I dare not change her medication at this point,unless I know more. I think she gets nauseated from Felimazole. Could it help if I divided her dose of 5 mgs so that she gets 2.5 mgs twice a day?

Oh, what a mess, this is. I hope you can help, but I know this is really the last call for Bella, and maybe I should rather let her go now before she gets worse?

Lots of love to you all at Pettalk!
Sus and Bella
And thank you Karen, for your help with password, etc.!

[Freedom]

Hello Sus,
I am so sorry to read all that has happened w/ Bella. You must be exhausted as well, it is so terrible when our furkids are ill and can't tell us anything.

I have had 3 cats diagnosed with hyperthyroid, and all were prescribed the Thiamasole. I never had any of the issues you describe with Bella.

As such, I don't really have any help to offer to you.

How old is Bella? One of mine was 8, the other 2 were in the mid teens.

How does she feel to you? Very very thin? I mean, the Dec weight of 4ooo grams / 8 pounds is a small cat. Now she is down to 7 pounds and a bit. Is her spine all bony? Or is it still covered?

Is she dehydrated? Has she been given and subcutaneous fluids?


Oh, for others reading: 4000 grams is 8 pounds 13 ounces. 3300 grams is 7 pounds 4 ounces.

[Catty1]

I have no advice - poor Bella!! Is there a chance she has diabetes?

I hope you get some advice soon.

ETA: Randi, a PT member is in Copenhagen, though I don't know how far that is from you. I'll PM her the link to this thread.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear this.:( I've never had a cat with this problem before so I don't have any advice to give you. Hopefully something can help her improve her appetite and health. Do you have any holistic vets in your area? If you do then maybe they could provide her with a more natural remedy. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent her way.

[Medusa]

My RB Boo was on methamezole for hyperthyroidism and he did well w/it once we got the dosage figured out which took a while. Boo was 19 1/2 when he passed and he'd been medicated for a couple of years before then. He lost a lot of weight, too, but after a while I realized that it was b/c of his age and nothing more. When he died, it wasn't from hyperthyroidism; he had bladder cancer, so I wouldn't want to give you the wrong impression. If we knew how old Bella is, that would help and maybe you could postpone your decision until you know a little more. Please understand, I'm not asking you to decide not to have her PTS but just saying that, if she's younger, maybe there are alternatives. This is for you and your vet to discuss, of course. Please let us know Bella's age. I probably haven't been much help to you but I do know that hyperthyroidism is tricky and it sometimes takes a while for things to calm down. Keep the faythe. :love:

[Randi]

Sus, I've sent you a PM.

[Sus]

Hello again, thank you for your kind word and advice. Bella is 16 years old, so she is an old girl, and you are right that old age could be part of the problem. But it is difficult for me to understand, how and why she would age so quickly, after she began treatment with Felimazole. But I know that time is on a different scale with a kitty. And I have never seen old age before, she is my 4th cat and the other ones were clearly very ill (heart, cancer, kidneys) when I had to say goodbye. This is so difficult because it is hard to tell which is which, if you know what I mean. She has a very thick fur, so one cannot actually see bones, but her spine feels sharp underneath, and because she is not moving (I guess) the muscle around her back and hind legs is clearly diminished, and the feels more "dry" and bony all over. But the penicillin cure was really hard on her, and it seems to be impossible to make her gain the weight she lost from the diarrhea (which the new vet also didn't have any idea how to stop). Do any of you know whether it would be OK to give her a about 7 ml. mixture of eggyolk, a little cream and lukewarm water on a daily basis? Just to get her to eat extra calories? Or what can I give her which is fattening but not harmful? She has lost interest in all sorts of things that used to be goodies, like cod roe, tuna, little slices of meat from my lunch. Whenever I offer her these old favourites, she now makes a vomiting movement.
The main problem still seems to be the Felimazole in the sense that she seems to feel sick when she gets the dose she is supposed to have, but if I try to lower the dose she seems to get fever and the ... I don't know the word... membranes? of the eyes will appear. When do people that have hyperthyroidism feel the most lousy, do anyone know?

As for tomorrows appointment with the vet, I am thinking that I can always go there without Bella and pay the consultation fee, to be fair.

I would love to hear from Randi! Are you there, Randi??? Help! :( Have you changed you phone number??

Lots of love for now!
Sus and Bella

[Randi]

I'm here and I have the same phone no. Call if you want to talk. :) Or PM me.

Fister is crazy about Royal Canin's Sensitive, it has 33% protein, 22% fat, but also 7,1 ash, which I don't think is good.

I looked for the pictures I have of Bella, they are from 2006 I believe. Will attach some here:

[Freedom]

Still praying for Bella, and for you as well, Sus.

[phesina]

Prayers for your dear Bella and for you too, Sus. :love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Sus]

Hello again. Thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts. You have no idea what it means to feel that I am not alone in this. And thank you Randi for the pictures of Bella! I remember when we (you, that is) did the "Winter Olympics" of ... what year? and Bella was a harsh and almost fair umpire - those were the days!

This afternoon Bella has managed to go to the toilet without help from the paraffin oil, and she has become a little more lively and interested within the last hour because it is time for her beloved raw chicken lumps. And I'm just happy to see her eat a little.

I still don't know what to do tomorrow and tomorrow is closing in on us. :( Oh, my. I shall leave PT for now, because Bella sleeps near my workstation, and I have noticed that light seems to annoy her.

Love,
Sus and Bella

[Randi]

It's good to hear Bella has perked up a bit, I hope she'll continue to get better! I have never heard of the medicine she gets, but it might take some time before you see the results, so I would wait. Of course, you know her best.

Fister and I will keep our fingers and paws crossed for her. Give her some kisses from me! :love:

Get better, sweet Bella!

[slick]

What a horrible situation to be in - we've all been there at some point. should I take her, should I wait - it's so difficult to tell.

I've never dealt with the issue of thyroidism but I have had two kitties on Metacam but it was a very low dose (two drops a day) and my vet said that it's not harmful with that low dose for a short period of time.

As for what you can give her, well I'm sorry I have no advice on that either. Both my kitties told me when they were ready to go - their eyes spoke volumes and I knew it was time.

I pray that sweet Bella perks up, eats and gives you more time. Kisses to you sweet Bella. What a gorgeous girl you are. :love::love::love:

[Sus]

This is just to say, that we are NOT going to the vet today. Bella perked up a bit yesterday evening, and although I know this may only be for a short while, I just can't say goodbye today. I cancelled our appointment this morning, and luckily, the vet understood this perfectly. Oh, Bella-girl, if this was the wrong decision, then I'm so sorry. Please continue yesterdays good progress, will you?:love:

Lots of love to all of you on pettalk!
Sus and Bella

[Randi]

I'm so glad to hear this news and I hope Bella will start eating again. Like I said, it may be because of all the various medicine and vet visits that she lost her appetite.

Keep getting better, Bella! :love:

[SinbadsMom]

{{{{{{{Sus}}}}}}} I'm praying for Bella, and for you -- this is so stressful for you.

I've found that sometimes kitties who don't want to eat can be tempted if handfed small amounts of warmed canned food, maybe a tablespoon at a time from the palm of your hand. (I've yet to meet a cat who didn't like to be spoiled.) And warm liquid egg yolk from softboiled eggs (just the yolk) could sometimes tempt my cats to eat and sort of "jumpstart" their appetites so they would eat other foods (this has to be fed quickly from a bowl or saucer, or maybe a fingertip dipped in the yolk, since it will harden fast and isn't safe to leave lying around for hours, either).

Hugs,

Cindy

[Catty1]

Prayers for Bella, that she will continue upward, even if slowly.:love: You can do it, Bella! Your meowmie loves you! Eat up, sweetie!:):love::love:

[Sus]

Thanks again for all your advice and support that I really haven't earned for being away from PT for so long. It means a lot. I'm trying to read up on what's going on and who's who, but I may confuse names and threads for a while, hope you can forgive that. I've been crying (again) this afternoon, tears in Bella's fur. She was miserable on friday, and I regretted deeply that I had cancelled our thursday appointment, and she really hasn't been much better today. Yesterday she would eat nothing but the shrimps she's is not supposed to have, but I thought what the, well, you know. Just as long as she eats something. I shall try the advice from ... oh not again, I'm such a scatterbrain these days, I'm sorry ... about handfeeding her some of the wet food. I have tried to heat the plates, and this at least makes her lick off the sauce from the meatballs. But when I try to blend meatballs and sauce, she'll have nothing of it. I have been wondering whether a cat could become depressed, as Bella did seem to become very sad when the blood tests had to be repeated several times. She was always a very proud girl, and she absolutely hates to be tampered with, especially by strangers. I think I'll call the vet on monday and ask about this. Tomorrow my great-cousin will come by with his camera and take some pictures of Bella and me together, as this may be our last chance. Yesterday's agony made me think up a little poem, a sort of prayer of my own, hopefully it's not too ridiculous or bad language!
----
Why why Why
do kitties have to die?
Please mr. D
don't take my friend
Oh please do pass us by.
----
But if you must
it must be so
and never mind my cry
Unwillingly I will comply
and I will let her go.

See you soon, and
love :love: from
Sus and Bella

[Medusa]

I have been wondering whether a cat could become depressed, as Bella did seem to become very sad when the blood tests had to be repeated several times. She was always a very proud girl, and she absolutely hates to be tampered with, especially by strangers.

Absolutely cats can become depressed. When my Yodie had to wear her e-collar for a couple of months, she hung her head so far down that the collar scraped on the floor when she walked. Just recently, my Specs had two molars pulled and the medication Buprinex depressed him. And, of course, my RB Puddy was so depressed b/c she had subQ treatments daily and shots 3 times a week. She really hated being fussed with, too. Someone on PT suggested B12 shots and I decided to give it a try. I injected the B vitamins right into the subQ fluid bag and the result was remarkable. I had my old Puddy back. It really does help w/depression. If Bella isn't on subQ's, she can have the injection but I will tell you that my vet says that it stings. A little sting, though, could make a big difference in her. Talk to your vet and see what s/he says. :love:

[kaycountrygal]

Hello, I am so sorry for what you and Bella are going through. I am sure you are very worried about her. I just wish that she could get better or at least eat and gain some weight. I have never had a cat with her problem so I cant give you any advice. I just know how much I love my cat and dogs and I know you love your cat and I understand your concern. I thought your poem was sweet and sad. My best wishes for you and Bella. Kay in NC, USA

[Randi]

Sus, I'm sorry to hear Bella won't eat much, she really needs it. Have you tried Føtex' Whiskas pouches? There are 12 for about 40,- Fister loves the ones with gelé. I give him half of one every day and I add a bit of water (boiled) on top. He licks all the liquid off first, but will eat a bit of the meat also.

Has your vet got these little samples of various dry food? Perhaps he could give you some. Fister seems to want different food all the time. :rolleyes: The other day I had bought calf liver, he was jumping around in the kitchen to get as much as possible before it went on the pan. That and raw white fish is his favourites.

It is so hard to know when to say goodbye, this is the time when we wish our cats could talk. I'm sure she will tell you with her eyes, though.

Hope Bella perks up again! Give her some kisses from us. :love:

(((hugs)))

[Sus]

Hello again, sweet people at Pettalk, and once again thank you for all your advice and kind support. :love:

This is just to say that Bella passed on monday the 17th. I guess in my heart I knew it was all too late, but I was hoping, hoping for so long that some new kind of food would help or some kind of miracle would happen. But her weight continued to go down and nothing would make her eat. On saturday she didn't want chicken anymore, and on sunday I noticed (for the third time) that her hindlegs/-quarters were becoming wobbly when she tried to jump down from the bed. She was only a short while from being unable to stand on her own 4 paws, and I just couldn't bear that she should be like that :(

We did have a fairly good sunday, though, and for that I am grateful. She ate a little in the morning, and when my great-cousin came by with his camera, it actually seemed to cheer her up a bit to be a film star! At least for a few moments. I guess I should post them in the memorial section, when they are ready.

What more can I say. On monday it was all back to the horrors of friday, and she was miserable again. My mother insisted on being present at the vets, she said: "I have a right, I'm her grandmother!" and I was grateful about that too. And then we all cried, even the vet, for not having been able to help Bella, I think. It seems that many cats do fine on methimazole, but a fairly large percentage does not. And then you are, like Moosmom said, really between a rock and a hard place.

Anyway, today I'm still dazed and I have been very sad and tired, but at least I know that Bella is allright now. I know, because she was here with me for second or two the next morning. Somewhere between being asleep and awake, I suddenly felt the weight and fur of her neck against my cheek, as she cuddled up to me in the special "pushy" way that she used to be and which I had quite forgotten. It was very comforting, and I think she meant it that way.

See you soon again on these pages.:love:
Lots of love,
Sus and Bella

[kaycountrygal]

I am so sorry for your loss. It brought tears to my eyes to read about Bella and her passing. Just so sad but please know that you did the best you could. I do understand what you're going through...and she isnt suffering any more. That's how I face the deaths of people and pets; they're not suffering anymore or in pain or discomfort...and I believe that we will see them again one day. My best to you. Kay in NC USA, Wed Jan 19

[Medusa]

Oh I'm sorry to read this. Dear sweet Bella hung on for as long as she could but her little body just gave out. At least you were there w/her to help her make her trip to the Bridge. That gave her such comfort. RIP, sweet Bella and peace to your humans. :love:

[phesina]

Oh, I'm so sorry. So much pain and sadness for you and all who love Bella.

She is free of pain now, whole and healthy again. And how sweet of her to pay you that morning visit!

[Catty1]

{{{hugs}}} to you - I am so glad Bella visited you for a snuggle, to let you know she was all right.

You did everything you could, as did the vet - and how sweet of the Grandmother to be there.:love:

Your love for her and hers for you will live forever.:love:

[krazyaboutkatz]

Sus,
I'm so sorry to hear that she's now at the Bridge:( but you did the unselfish thing by letting her go and now she's pain free, healthy, and happy again.:) I'm glad that she visited you to let you know that she's okay. I'm sure you'll see her again from time to time. RIP sweet Bella.:( Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Randi]

Sus, I'm so sorry you have lost Bella, but it sounds like she was ready to go. :( You did what was best for her.

Bella was such a sweet girl and so beautiful - glad I got to meet her a few times. :) I hope it will be a comfort that she had a good and long life with you and knowing she is free of pain now.

Rest in peace, sweet Bella! :love:

(((hugs)))

[lizbud]

I am so very sorry to read of Bella's passing.:( :(As others have said,
she is now at peace & isn't suffering.Please accept my deepest sympathies
on the loss of your sweet girl Bella.

[Bibette & Lulu]

Lulu here - Mom1 read me this thread yesterday and I was so sad to hear that your catkid has made her trip over the Rainbow bridge - Mom1 and Mom2 have told me about the great hole left in their lives when they lost their Geraldine after almost 20 years. :( But they do believe that both Geraldine and Bella are in good company. And Mom1 knows that Phred is right there helping Bella find her way in her new forever home. :love: :love: We've said a little prayer for you, Sus - Take care of yourself.

:love::love::love: {{{hugs}}} Lulu (with Bibette, Mom1 and Mom2)

http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=373&pictureid=3627

[Sus]

Hello again, sweet people at PT...:love:
Thank you for your sympathy, it made me cry all over again to see that you know exactly how this feels. I am so grateful that you would bother to let me know, and it awes me that someone so far away would shed tears for my Bella.
These last days I've been burying myself in work so as not to think too much, and during the daytime I'm tired but otherwise fairly ok. But the evenings are tough, as Bella used to rule my world in the evering. This is when it feels the most lonely and empty, and I keep hearing her jump down from the bed at 10.30 sharp for her late meal like she used to before all this. And how am I supposed to know when to go to bed, when she is not her to stare accusingly at me at 11.30 to make me leave her easy chair in order for her to get to bed?:rolleyes:
Oh, Bella, I miss you so! :love:

I am still uncertain about what I'm supposed to do now regarding the rules of PT - threadwise, I mean? I need to write some more about Bella, but I guess it will be more appropriate to do so in the memorial section, and leave this thread to fade?

Anyway, lots of love for you all!
Sus and RB Bella

Anyway,

[Randi]

Sus, when you lose a loved one, it's always hardest in the evenings - I know how you feel. :( You will hear Bella jumping or see a shadow of her every now and again, I'm sure - especially when you're tired. It's easy to say time will make the loss easier, but right now it is tough. :( So keep staying busy with other things and if you need to talk, give me a ring. Not after 21.00 though - I'm on a course.

I'm thinking of you and hope the pain will be less for each day! :love:

((((hugs))))