Partial results of cats autopsy...

[December99]

I got a call from the vet a little bit ago and he did some looking yesterday before he sent off some tissues and Butter's heart for further tests and said Butter basically was in congestive heart failure. He said his lungs were full of a tomato souplike fluid - both lungs and that there indeed was a puncture in the trachea and air built up in his body (under his skin which we knew about). He also said that although he is not a cardiologist and hasn't had much cardiology training, it does appear that Butter had a possible defect in his heart - maybe since birth. But he said that the hole in the trachea just sped up what was going to be his demise not too much longer. His lungs just weren't going to be able to keep up trying to get the right amount of oxygen in his body. He said he figured he'd see alot of air in his lungs and was just totally surprised when he found the fluid.

Poor Butter - but that will explain the slowly "labored" breathing that we were seeing begin this summer. His activity was good but his breathing was that of an animal that would be in a house full of cigarette smoke.

We are now searching for a new cat and I talked to the vet about where he would recommend shelters in our area and the temperments of cats - and he said as some have said on my other thread - male cats seem to be more affectionate and females seem to be a bit more standoffish or in other words more *****y.

Thanks again for all your wishes - I never imagined I'd be asking for them for a cat!!!! DD took things pretty well last night - a bit teary as usual and it sure was strange getting up this morning and not having to go down and give Butter his pill and feed him.

 

[lisajl]

I am so sorry for the loss of your kitty. It is amazing if it was there all along that Butter lived as long as he did.

I am very happy you are going to look at a shelter for another pet. It is a wonderful place to find another member for the family.

Good luck...

Lisajl

 

[Deb in IA]

I am so sorry about Butter . . .


We adopted a stray kitten, Charlie, a few years back who also died very suddenly, at only 3 years of age, from congestive heart failure from cardiomyopathy. He was a bit sluggish that morning when we left the house, and when we came home that evening, he was gone . . .

DH and the kids were all afraid that they had done something to inadvertantly kill him, so we asked the vet for an autopsy. The diagnosis confirmed that this was something that Charlie was proabably born with, and may have been triggered by a virus. It apparently is fairly common in recued animals, and there is nothing that can be done for it.

But it is still sad to lose them . . .

 

[grinningghost]

How sad. Poor Butter. I'm one of those very affectionate male kitty owners. I hope you can get a new one soon.

 

[catsrule]

Poor Butter. What a sweetie. It's so hard to lose a fur-baby, they are so loved. {{{HUGS}}}

 

[JohnTBap]

Poor Kitty. Poor Chris. Poor Mike. Poor Britt. {{{HUGS}}}

 

[Boots]

Sending you some more {{{{HUGS}}}}

 

[nativetxn]

{{{HUGS}}} sweetie. Sorry about Butter.

 

[minnie56]

Being Mummy to 3 cats and having lost kitty's before, I know how you feel. You'll hold Butter in your heart always.

 

[glo]

I am so sorry Chris I know how hard it is to loose a dear family pet. They are family afterall. Big {{{HUGS}}} to you. I hope you find a new Kitty to love soon.

 

[WilmaBud]

I, too, am sorry for your loss. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet.

I just want you to know I've had some GREAT female cats! I have one now, in fact, who is the sweetest, most affectionate cat I've ever had. I have 2 boy cats who are great, too. I've had 2 other female cats in the past who were very loving and affectionate. I think if you're loving and attentive to them, they usually respond in kind. Or maybe I just bring out the best in cats. LOL!! Anyway, good luck in your search, and don't automatically discount the females (also, they rarely "spray," and they're less likely to have urinary tract problems).

 

[Serena]

I had a female cat named Butter. She was the very best cat I have ever had. We lost her a long time ago. Goodluck on your search. I hope you find another kitty that needs your love.

 

[tkyes]

That's so sad - I'm so sorry.



Tamie

 

[wdw4us]

I'd like to suggest getting 2 kittens. We got two sisters and they drove each other crazy instead of you. They are a lot of fun. The look like Maine coon cats. One is fluffy and one is short haired.

Two are great. A little more money and trouble but of course double the love.

denise

 

[jwill]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your cat Butter. I know how much I am attached to my cat and can understand how you feel. The one thing to remember is that you gave your cat the best home and care every day of it's life.