What happened?
On 10th Sept, we took
Kitty to see the vet because the ulcer ointment which we use was unable to
contain the ulceration in her mouth. She was active and able to eat on her own,
though she turned fussy. The blood test result showed that her kidney condition
was stable, so vet concluded that the ulceration was caused by infection. Gave
her a Convenia injection (antibiotics which could last for 12 days) and
pain-killers.
l
However, the mouth condition worsened, as the ulcers burst into the full
blown condition, affecting the tongue and surrounding areas as well. Saliva
dripped out wetting the fur in her chest and front paws. She did not show any
interest in food or water, and moved around less. So we started to feed her by
syringe.
l
After consulting others, we believe we need to strengthen her immune
system and heal the inflammation. Apart from giving her the Renal medication,
on 14th Sept, we started to give her lysine (500ml) per day, a drop
of Propolis (diluted in 1.5 tablespoon of water), Aloe Vera (max. 1 ml per day,
preferably applying it onto the ulcer areas).
l
Her daily feeding timetable is as follows:
- 6.30am
– breakfast
- 10.30am
– water
- Noon
- 1.30pm - lunch
- Teatime
– water + honey
- Dinner
– 6.30pm
- Midnight
snack – 10.30pm
l
On 20th Sept, when we revisited the Vet, the amount of saliva
that came out had lessened. We were given 2 weeks of painkillers and with no
objection to our continue giving her the above mentioned supplements.
l
For the following 2 weeks, her ulcer condition did improved. The white
area shrunk in size, the color of the red area also paled with some returning
to normal. Only in some occasions were saliva found in the lips. Though tired,
she walked around the house a bit more and sometimes even waited in her
dining/kitchen area, as if waiting for food.
l
When we took her favorite food to her, she smelled it, and sometimes
even sat up, but did not open her mouth to eat. During the feeding time, after
she swallowed the food, we would make some “um um” sound with our mouth to
encourage her to swallow. Just like a baby, very often she followed us, making
us very happy and hopeful. Overall, we found her to be more tired than a
fortnight ago.
l
The vet said the progress was within his expectations when we revisited
on 8th Oct, though we were a bit worried with the weight loss. Since
this sickness, she had lost a total of 0.5kg, leaving her with only 2.2kg. We
were advised to give her 1.25 pack of wet renal food daily as we might have
under-fed her.
l
We continue feeding the supplement, but in reduced amount since the
ulcer is healing, and avoid over-burdening the kidney. However, we started to
observe that at times, she used her hand to wipe her face/mouth, as if
something is sticking onto her teeth. This frequency increased. If use a dry
tissue to wipe her mouth and chin area gently, it seemed to help, strange? Also,
some doubt crept into my mind—if the mouth ulcers are healing, she should be
able to start eating on her own, at least a bite or two, right? (At hindsight,
it might be the tumor getting big and causing pain and discomfort in her mouth
for which she tried to relief with her paws.)
l
On 6th Oct, we fed her honey water at tea time, and after the
first feed, found blood coming out from her mouth. Initially we thought she might
have bit her tongue or cheek, but to be safe, we took her to visit the vet
immediately. The vet suggested to “gas” her down for a thorough examination of
the mouth condition and see what caused the bleeding. The bad news came, a
tumor was found underneath her tongue, and it had grown fast making insertion
of the breathing tube impossible.
Be prepared. As parents, your feelings would know guide you when the
time comes – that’s the advice I received from parents with similar
experiences.
l
Vet advised that the tumor condition would not improve and that
ultimately, she would not be able to swallow. If we want to keep her around, a
feeding tube would have to be inserted. Her life expectancy was shortened to at
most a few months.
l
The key words that came to mind were – “not be able to eat on her own
again” and “at most a few more months to live”. What quality of life would she
have?? A living robot?? Seeing her lying in the operating table in such
peaceful manner (under influence of the “gas”), a sudden thought of letting her
go came to mind.
l
Lately, I had in my daily prayers, asked the Lord to heal her and let
His will be done. I had also wished that when the time comes, Kitty could go in
her sleep -- in a calm and peaceful manner. Also, I had wished that if Kitty
had to be euthanized, that it be performed by her vet and with her favorite veterinary
assistant around. By the grace of God, all these seemed to have been fulfilled at
that very moment. With the consent of family members, though very unwilling, we
decided to let her go. So, being surrounded by the presence and love from grandpa,
mummy and Auntie Z, Kitty left us at around 5.30pm on Sunday 6th
October, 2013. Ending her 18years and 9 months of mission on earth in flying
colors.
Other thoughts at that moment
l
In the past Kitty had been “gas” down for taking blood samples when she
chose not to co-operate and it usually took her a day or two to return to
normal. Now in such weak health condition, the “normalization” process would likely
be a lot longer, which means more discomfort to her.
l
The wound in her tumor needs time to heal, which means feeding by
syringe could cause additional pain to her.
l
I asked myself, do I want a living robot? I think it’s unbearable to see
her end up like that. It would really be a torture to her by keeping her alive
at that stage. The quality of life for which we give utmost importance to is
not there; needless to say it’s selfish and inhumane.
l
How would she feel with the feeding tube – apart from discomfort, likely
helpless and lost all her self esteem; probably lying in a quiet corner with
her head down for most of the time.
After thoughts
l
Readers are advised to consult your Vet before giving your children
those supplements, as though they could help raise her immune system and cure
mouth ulcers, they should not be taken for long due to some side effects on
protein absorption and potassium level. Besides some cats could be allergic to
honey.
l
We wrote this posting, not to justify what we have done, or to let
others know how great we were. The aim is to share our experiences in a
detailed manner to interested parties, hoping that if the inevitable comes,
they could handle it better than us.
l
Did we regret not taking her to see the Chinese doctor? Sought of! We
think the likely outcome could be lengthening her lifespan for a while. But
would the quality improve significantly? Doubtful. Its because the lump near
her tail and arthritis is affecting her movements, making them fairly rigid and
painful.
l
Would I let her go earlier - say at the time when the mouth ulcers were
at full blown stage? Some say they would, for shown in the video, I’m sure you
would agree with me that those were very rough moments and that Kitty is
suffering. It really requires strong will to survive, love and dedication from
all sides to make it part of your daily life. For me, I think I would still
give her the chance as unlike a lot of patients, her kidney condition is “acceptable”
and that mouth ulcers could improve with her immune system. But I must admit,
the decision might be different, if we found the mouth tumor in day 1.
l
Would I take her home first and give ourselves more time to think about euthanasia?
Likely not. Apart from the painful normalization process, the only advantage is
that we might be able to seek her opinion as to whether she is prepared to go.
Deciding on the date to do it might not be too difficult, but waiting for the
time to come, could be horrendous to the entire family – both human and pets.
So better let it be a quick decision, provided it’s done with thorough
analysis, love and to Kitty’s benefit.
l
Acupuncture is useful in enhancing mobility for Kitty and help alleviate
the pain. It would only be used as a supplement for her case and not a cure.
l
Feliway is useful in alleviating stress for Kitty. The unfortunate thing
is that I thought of using it too late (started in the evening of 5th
Oct). I should have thought of it when the mouth ulcer problem starts to get
worse in early September, so that Kitty could be more relaxed and hopefully in
less pain.
l
The idea of setting up a fund for the children’s rainy days expense
should be taken seriously. Only when we don’t have to worry about the financial
issues, would we be able to give our children the best medical care warranted.
Kitty, my dear, I hope you
understand and agree with what we have done. So please do look forward and go
in peace and joy. Only memories will remain forever, firmly enshrined in the
special place on our hearts.
P.S. Kitty was cremated on 10th
October 2013 at 2pm. It did provide some relief to us in seeing Kitty lying peacefully
in her usual sleeping posture, her soft fluffy tail and above all, her white
bones (which suggest that she is healthy, despite her age). By dispersing her
ashes, Kitty has returned to Mother Nature and fulfilled her life motto “To
lend a hand” to help the plants grow healthily!
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It had been a close to month
since Kitty had left us, but home is never the same again. Though we seldom
talked about Kitty openly nowadays, we could sense the pain of her absence
amongst us. To me, Sunday after around 4-6pm still remained the most disturbing
moment, with watery eyes at times. Overall, I constantly remind myself that the
arms of the clock could not be turned back. Whatever had happened, had
happened. So hopefully, time will slowly heal the wound.
We are grateful to have Goldie
around. She has made great effort to accompany and divert our attention at
times. Her presence is effective in relieving our pain, though we believe she
too is still undergoing the transition. Goldie, we treasure your presence and
care. Thank you, my dear.
Oh! Those bitter medicine
