I need advise. my 20+ yr. old sick cat is in bad shape. He is very very thin and last week i had to bring him to the vet for a wound the size of a quarter on his neck when he got out and wouldn't back down from a fight with a another cat. Bottom line is, he is not healing. Today the wound is open and bleeding, he can 't stand up. Tomorrow I'm taking him to be put to sleep. My question is, I take Lorazepam for anxiety. If I give him one or two, will it put him to sleep, stop his heart. Please don't think I am trying to be cruel, no I'm trying to be compassionate. I can't stand to watch him suffer. He would hate the trip in the car to the vet. I would want him to fall asleep in my arms, were he is right now.
please, I need advise.

KK, if this post in out of line, please feel free to pull it.

if anyone wants to email me instead of answering here please do. my email address is in my profile.

But please, someone do respond soon.
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07-06-03, 03:20 PM
Lydia
Oh Gin - how sad. My heart goes out to you - I know just how horrible it is to see your furry friend in pain and know that the time is short. I would recommend against giving him anything because you do not know how he will react to it. You may give it to him and it may have exactly the result you want, but on the otherhand, you may give it to him and he may convulse and that is not something you want to watch at this stage of his life.

If I were to recommend something right now, I would say one of two things. Call an emergency vet clinic - there are 24 hour clinics around that you can bring him to now (and pay the extra for a Sunday) and have them take care of the situation with your cat in your arms, or I would try to make him as comfortable as possible and wait it out until tomorrow.

Gin - I hope the transition goes smoothly for your friend and that you know that you have done all that you can. 20 years old for a cat is a very good long life - it doesn't make it any easier, but obviously you care a great deal about him and want to do what is best for him.

My thoughts are with you.
Lydia

07-06-03, 03:22 PM
soaringhorse
Gin, I know what you're going thru, I lost 3 cats in two months time due to that feline virus, and I had all their shots caught up.
Whatever you do, do not administer aspirin, tylenol or any acetophetamine, it thins the blood and will make them bleed more. If it gets really bad you may have to take him to the vet sooner than expected to put him to rest. Be strong, and I pray for you and your cat.

07-06-03, 03:30 PM
Gin
Thank you, Lydia, for the advise and kind words.

I've called around...every vet in the area must have decided to take the week end off...having not much luck there. I'm making him as comfortable as I can...he loves it in my arms so I'm giving him as much of that as I can. He's my baby boy...he still has that sparkle in his eyes. I want to be right there with him until it fades.

Thanks again.

07-06-03, 03:34 PM
Gin
Soaringhorse, thank you too, for the advise and kind words.

It really helps to know others care. That's just why I came to Ap for help and advise.

07-06-03, 04:10 PM
Sherasi
Gin, I am so sorry you are having such a difficult time.

Do NOT give any drugs to your cat... it might cause him severe pain or react very differently than you expect. Just call the vet first thing tomorrow morning and see if you can get the earliest appointment possible.

And just cuddle and love your kitty as much as possible tonight.

Sounds like he has Kitty Leukemia.... Frown

07-06-03, 04:23 PM
methos
I agree with Sher... as much as you want to ease his suffering, you never know what a drug meant for humans will do to a cat. I've forgotten where you are from. Are you sure there isn't a pet emergency hospital in your area? I prbably won't be able to get to a computer again this afternoon, but if you post your city/state, maybe someone can help you look online.

07-06-03, 05:51 PM
Gin
Sherasi, thanks, I haven't given him anything...just tender loving care. He doesn't have kitty leukemia, he has been tested more than once. The vet says he is just so old. He has lost so much muscle mass...his little body is just worn out.

methos, thanks, I live in Louisiana but I'd rather not post my city. I've checked around the area. We will just wait it out. The wound looks better, I had forgotten to say he is being treated with antibiotic and a topical cream for the wound. When I'm not holding him, I have him confined to the cat carrier so he won't move around too much. It was so sweet, last night Clyde, my sick kitty, went over to where Precious, my female kitty, was sleeping and lay where they were both touching. Clyde had never accepted Precious. To see them sleeping together was such a tender moment, especially since it was Clyde who made the move. It's a sweet moment I'll not long forget.

07-07-03, 07:30 AM
Lydia
Gin, just wanted to say that my thoughts are with you and Clyde today on what will be a very difficult day for you.
07-07-03, 10:09 AM
Georgia85
Gin, my heart goes out to you today. I'm sorry I wasn't around yesterday to read this post...but I couldn't have offered any kinder words or advice than what you have already received.
Please know I will be sending you and Clyde a virtual hug....

07-07-03, 11:41 AM
MrsS
Aw, Darlin'....I am so sorry you and Clyde are going through this...My cat is my only child, so I do have an idea of what kind of heartbreak you're feeling...I wish I'd seen this sooner and that I could send you something more useful than my deep and heartfelt sympathy.

07-07-03, 04:48 PM
Gin
No words can be enough to thank all of you but they are all I have. For those of you who came to my assistance here with advise, kind words and emailed me encouragement and your thoughts and prayers, you are dear to me. Di, Kittypal,Soaringhorse, MrsS,Sherasi, methos5000, Georgia and Lydia, thank you my friends. Lydia, the poem is beautiful. Thank you, Kittypal for the tender card.

Clyde is at peace. He lived a long life. We finally figure it out, he was 22 yrs. old. The vet said he had not seen a cat that old. And such a compassionate vet, Dr Hidalgo, is. He took the time to hold and pet Clyde first. His kindness is endearing.

Once again AP has come to my rescue. The family atmosphere is overwhelming. This is such a wonderful place to say I am a part of. Thanks guys for being there for me...again. I love you all. Smile

07-07-03, 09:23 PM
MrsS
I am sorry that you had to let your friend go, and I hope the pain of letting go eases soon, but bless you for having the courage and compassion to make that hard choice.

07-08-03, 12:33 AM
piggins
Gin,

I was saddened to hear about Clyde. I hope your memories of Clyde will be of great comfort to you. My sympathies and thoughts are with you.

07-08-03, 07:32 AM
Georgia85
22 years! WOW!! According to some sources that is equivalent to about 86 human years. I'd say that Clyde lived a long and happy life. He is lucky to have had you as a loving owner. Treasure the wonderful memories that I am sure you have Smile

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