Monday, March 23, 2015

Tungsten at the Gate


Tungsten is in the hospital at the moment. Last week was a bad one for her. She began throwing up, one day vomiting three times, twice each instance. Her stomach was empty and wouldn’t keep anything down. The subcutaneous fluids would give her water but she would starve unless I could put nutrition into her.

I called the veterinarian and she suggested a simple antacid, in this case Pepcid AC, would help. Indeed it did. But Tungsten was showing no interest in food, so I had to use a syringe to feed her Recovery, a brand for convalescing cats, and those who are not taking in enough nutrition. I thought things were stable, if not improving.

Yesterday, however, the orange one took a turn for the worse. She was very weak and lethargic. Though she did express an interest in drinking some water in the morning, she quickly reverted to an apathetic state. As well, her breathing became laboured, with a puffing sound between inhalation and exhalation. I thought she was dying.

I took her to the hospital; though it was closed, it will open for emergencies. Tungsten has lost another half-pound in weight, and she was very dehydrated. I was clearly not giving her either enough food or water. She was put on intravenous fluids, and kept in the hospital over-night. She is there right now.

I will be giving her subcutaneous fluids every day now, which should keep her hydrated. But unless I can stimulate her appetite, I won’t be able to get enough food into her to keep her going. I will be trying a probiotic called Azodyl. This has helped another senior cat of whom I know who also has kidney problems. If this does not work, however, Tungsten may be facing an irreversible fate.

11 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry and sad to read this. Purrs and purrayers to Tungsten and to you too. We're all facing an irreversible fate, it's only a matter of "when." I hope she still has a lot of quality time left with you, and when it's her time to cross, I ask the Universe/god/spirit that it be a gentle, peaceful, merciful passing. She's in good hands with you. Sending her Love and Light.

    Kim, Nicki and Derry

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  2. I am so sorry.

    XO,
    JC and The Purr and Fur Gang

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  3. oh no.....we are so sorry and hopefully they can help her over this. we are thinking about you and sending purrs

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  4. Oh Tungsten, we sure hope you start eating really soon. It is so frustrating when they won't eat. I have one right now that is not eating. We sure send lots of purrs and prayers. Eat up Tungsten.

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  5. Oh, poor girl. I'm so sorry to hear this. I can only join in with my best thoughts and prayers for you both.

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  6. We're sorry to hear this. We hope the fluids help turn things around for Tungsten and you have some more time with her. Purrs....

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  7. Oh, I'm so sorry to hear Tungsten isn't eating or drinking enough. I know you'll do what you can until that awful day when the difficult decision has to be made. I'll be thinking of her and you too.

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  8. Our hearts are breaking. Tungsten will be in our prayers as will you.
    Hydration can work wonders reviving a cat that seems terribly ill. We hope that is the case with your dear girl.
    If there is anything we can do,do not hesitate to ask.

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  9. I am so sorry to hear this. I hope the fluids help her to recover enough to have a good quality of life with you. She is in my thoughts, as are you.

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  10. I don't know how I missed your post on Tungsten. I am so sorry to hear she is not doing well.Has the Vet said what is going on? I am praying that things improve greatly for her with care. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Tungsten.

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  11. Thank you for coming by to leave kind words for Cameron. Having so recently lost him, we know you are going through a tough time with Tungsten's health problems. You are in our thoughts.

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