Critical Situation with my Cat -- (UPDATE 2/13 on Pg 2)

[wovenwonder]

As I sit here in tears --- I decided to turn to the DIS -- maybe by writing this all out I can come to a decision.

This is so hard. We took our cat 'Baby' who is 6 1/2 years old for his routine exam/shots last week. The vet was very concerned with his heart rate and did an EKG. This test was very abnormal. Our vet sent the test to a cardiologist to review. The cardiologist says it is a critical situation with our cat that will be fatal if not treated. BUT in order to be treated, we have to travel a couple hours to the nearest testing facility for cardiac animal care. They have to do a complete cardiac work up including a doplar sonogram. These test results would then be used to decide what type of medication to give for the heart problem.

The problem is --- that I risk a chance of him dying of a heart attack due to the trama of traveling BUT without the tests they feel it will be fatal as some point --- but not sure when.

I don't know what to do!!!!!!!

And here I sit looking at my other cat who is healthy as can be and 15 years old.

I think that I am leaning towards just taking a chance and letting him be. At least he will be happy with whatever time he has left and not tramatized by the travel and tests.

It's so hard!

 

[KayleeUK]

What a hard decision to make.....I think I would take the kittie for the test's.

I will be thinking about you and kittie

Kaylee

 

[Goofyposter]

Oh you poor dear....I'm sorry you're going thur this....

...is there any chance of sedating the cat for travel & testing? that would reduce the stress levels?

 

[Muppet]

I knwo its hard but I personally think you should take him to get the tests.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

I agree, take him for the tests. Then, at least, you'll know what you are dealing with and you'll know how far you are prepared to go to save the cat. If you don't take him, you'll always wonder if you did the right thing.

Good luck...I know how hard it is when our furry ones are sick.

 

[wovenwonder]

Vet says it is not possible to sedate him -- as that could also be fatal.

 

[Saffron]

Oh gosh! That is such a hard decision. I say ask and listen to your heart and do what you feel is best for your Baby. {{{{Hugs}}}} I'm so sorry. Neither decision would be easy to make. {{{{Hugs}}}} again.

 

[Serena]

I understand. If you take your baby in, you might do more harm than good. And lose your baby that much faster.
If you don't, you won't ever know, and maybe that's a good thing.

You do what your family and your fur baby can handle. After you make your decision, don't second guess yourself forever. You can change your mind later, but don't feel bad for whatever decision you make.

Personally, I'd try to find a way to get the tests done as stressfree as possible. I would want to know and to find out if I can do something positive about it.

It is a hard decision. {{{hugs}}}

 

[ennazus]

{{{hugs}}}

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

We don't have any pets and to add to that I was raised on a farm so may have a more unemotional response.

Only you can make the decision, but I would definitely factor into it the economic cost that you can bear. I know that might sound mean, but either way you may lose your cat and it would just compound the bad feelings if it was followed up by bills that you just couldn't afford.

It's always hard to lose a "family member" but I think you are right to be considering any additional pain/discomfort you may be causing the cat by making the trip. (People example: Just lost both in-laws and needed to consider this ... worked with Hospice and minister in making decisions on how to proceed.)

Listen to your heart and then don't look back!

 

[Pugsley]

I just called my sister about this, because she has a cat with heart problems. She thinks you should take him to the specialist because some heart problems can be easily controlled with medication. Her cat was diagnosed at three years old and now the she is eleven. If your cat gets extremely stressed in the car, that is a consideration, but if he’s like most cats he’ll probably be fine for the trip. I don’t think the tests are very stressful and they would probably only need to see him once or twice a year. Good luck with whatever you do.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I already sent you an email, but sending more {{{{{hugs}}}}}

 

[wovenwonder]

I made an appointment with the cardiologist for this Thursday at 1pm. I will have to travel with Baby (my cat) for about 1 1/4 hours. I hope that I don't regret making this trip.

 

[Serena]

{{{hugs}}}

I know it'll be hard regardless of what you do. All you can do is the best you can to make the best decisions for your fur baby.

 

[KayleeUK]

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} Will be thinking of you

Kaylee

 

[Beauty]

Jody - you know what a cat person I am! I agree with your decision 100 percent. You know that you are at least trying to do what is best for Baby. When my Mindy Lou got pregnant and was to small for her kittens the vet gave me a choice as well. I could have her put down or she could have the surgery (Very expensive) to remove the kittens and fix the damage they had done by being to big for her. Of course there was also the chance that the surgery could be fatal. I told them to go ahead. That was 2 years ago. My Mindy-Lou is now fixed and healthy and fat as can be! I have never once regretted the time and money spent on her.

Good luck Jody! You and your Baby will be in my prayers!

 

[helenabear]

Sorry to hear that your baby is going through all of this. Just do your best to make your kitty comfortable and I am sure all will be fine. My brother used to travel 9 hours in a car with his cat and we've done it a few times with other kitties and it is amazing how they become okay with it very quickly. I hope all goes well for you on Thursday {{hugs}}

 

[catsrule]

Good Luck with Baby. I would take Baby to the specialist also.

 

[epcotfan]

I think you are doing the right thing.

 

[Kitty 34]

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty! What a hard decision but I think you're doing the right thing.....or at least that's what I'd do, too.


{{{{{HUGS}}}}}