In the Pets section, I talked about the strokes Tuffy has had. Tonight she seems to have relapsed. Her head hangs low, she wants to be left strictly (!) alone, her pulse is racing, and her breathing is very slow. I'm afraid it's time for her to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Hubby agrees, wants to let nature take its course, but I don't want her to suffer. If she's like this for 24 hours, I'm going to plead with him to let the vet help her go.

Either way, it looks like her time has come.

That's Tuffy in my avatar pic.

[DfendrOfEmilysHeart]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( LovebirdsFlying and Tuffy ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Just remember it's not the end. You'll meet again someday.

[ECHOES]

LovebirdsFlying,

Tuffy is a beautiful cat and she looks so loved and contented in your avatar picture.
I'm sorry you are in the midst of losing her. Losing a pet is just tremendously heartbreaking. You're in my thoughts.

[NuckingFutz]

I am sorry about your beloved pet. I hope we can provide the emotional support you need right now. It is so hard to loose a pet and not have the emotional support at home.

[Rohag]

((((((( LovebirdsFlying & Tuffy! )))))))

*hangs head in sorrow*

[msolson81]

I'm so sorry for your loss It is amazing how attached we can grow to our pets, and when they go, it is certainly like losing a family member. Keep us updated.

[lonegael]

((((((((Lovebirdsflying))))))) A long, gentle hug and a thanks that Tuffy was here to be your friend, and you were here to love her.

This morning, Tuffy is in a coma. She is basically gone; only her body reflexes are left. Since she is not in actual pain, I don't think hubby is going to be convinced to let a vet end her life. But it's hard to watch her labored breathing. As a nursing assistant I've been through this with elderly residents, so I know what's happening.

I have been in hubby's life for only the past two and a half years. Tuffy, who was a grown cat already when she came to live with him, has been here for almost seven. I am concentrating mostly on being there for hubby. He's losing a dear friend. You should see how lovingly he holds her in his arms.

We've asked her please, when she gets to Heaven, to tell her first owner that we loved her very much.

[lynn P.]

I'm really sorry your cat ((Tuffy)) is near death ((Lovebirdsflying)). It's so nice to hear about people who love their pets dearly. I've cried many times over losing a pet. When I was 3 we had this black Persian - he was an outdoor cat and we used to call him the 'great hunter'. He lived for 18yrs and I was 21 when he died naturally in our house. I hope Tuffy won't suffer for too long and so sorry your husband is having a hard time.

No change in Tuffy's condition this morning. Still in a coma, occasional throes. The vet wants a ridiculous $130 for euthanasia, so today being Monday we're looking around for other vets.

[lonegael]

HUggs dear, for both of you.

[lynn P.]

Sorry to hear Tuffy's still suffering. I agree 130 is a ridiculous amount -it's crazy how expensive vets are. I wonder how many people are being forced financially to not care for their pets, the way they should because they can't afford vet care?

Hubby and I are wondering if the "we're open on weekends" convenience factor influences prices, and we'll be shopping for other vets. That'll be on hubby. He works evenings and has day shift with Tuffy, while I'm gone from about 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and I take evenings with her.

She's actually come around some. It appears what she was going through last night was not death throes after all, but back-to-back seizures. Since Saturday night, she's been either actively seizing, or in a postictal state. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postictal_state Which is almost as bad, if she keeps on having them, but it gives us hope. We'll make a last ditch effort to normalize her life with seizure meds. But if she does have something like a brain tumor, she may still need euthanasia. Hubby just doesn't want to end up feeling like he gave up on her.

Using a bulb syringe to force-feed and offer water. That will keep starvation and dehydration at bay while she's still too weak to eat and drink on her own.

Please keep Tuffy in your prayers. Thanks all.

[buttrfli42481]

So sorry to hear about your beloved kitty. (((((((Lovebirds and hubby)))))))) Losing a pet that is so much a part of your life isn't a choice we want to have. I pray that Tuffy isn't suffering much longer.

Just back from the vet. Good news!! Tuffy does NOT have a brain tumor. She has extremely high blood pressure, which could explain everything, and which is far more easily treatable.

[lynn P.]

That's good news - so happy she's not near death like you thought. You're both wonderful caring owners. Just goes to show you, a little patience goes a long way - thank God you didn't euthanize her earlier.

[amante]

I'm sorry that Tuffy is still in the coma and the vet is asking such a high price to let her go. i pray that you'll find strenght when that time actually comes. prayers for Tuffy at this sad time. May she be forever remembered.

I think thats so sad. Its always sad isint it? Great she is doing better. HBP can definetly cause seizures.

I would just treat her as well as possible - spoil her a little if can, you probably already are. What does she enjoy as a treat? Remember that although not perfect nutrition things like lactose free ice cream, butter, bacon, ect are VERY tasty to kittys and ytou might have better luck with that. Also it will not harm her to go 1-2 days without much food, just make sure the water intake is there.

I suspect as she comes around she will want more to do with you. Give tuffy a peice of tuna for me :P

[ECHOES]

Originally Posted by LovebirdsFlying

Just back from the vet. Good news!! Tuffy does NOT have a brain tumor. She has extremely high blood pressure, which could explain everything, and which is far more easily treatable.

Well that is good news! Keep us posted.

[stefano]

:-(
I feel for you

[Yoda]

Hang in there, Tuffy.

When I had a very sick kitten that wouldn't eat the vet told me to warm wet food in the microwave a bit because cats prefer stinky food. My cat like a scrambled egg once in awhile too.

[FeelingHopeful]

Oh my god, I just saw this thread now, I feelk terrible, Poor Tuffy, Hang in There Tuffy, Im a big animal lover and it breaks my heart to hear this, Saying prayers for Tuffy and giving you a big hug!!

[NuckingFutz]

Update please?

Originally Posted by Rainbowzz

I suspect as she comes around she will want more to do with you. Give tuffy a peice of tuna for me :P

It'll have to be salmon. Tuna makes her puke.

This makes the third vet we've taken Tuffy to, and the first one who thought to check her blood pressure. Granted, it's a little more involved than checking a human bp, because it involves shaving the base of the tail. Then the cuff is wrapped around the tail, so it really isn't very easy to do. For cats, they like the top number to be below 160, and Tuffy's was around 280. The high bp was causing strokes, which led to the seizures.

We've spent well over $600 in vet bills so far, with them talking "brain tumor," to find out in the end that all she needs is blood pressure medication. Tuffy is worth every nickel, but that sure is a lot of money!

Repeat, Tuffy was not in death throes after all. She was having massive seizures. She should be just fine now.

And thank God.

[Yoda]

Just curious - what med did they put her on for her hypertension?