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My Sick Old Cat
May. 20th, 2010 04:26 pmMore than a month ago I took my cat to the vet and she was diagnosed with kidney disease and a bladder infection. The vet was very pessimistic and wanted to hospitalize her, and ring up thousands of dollars in charges. I had to twist the vet's arm for a course of treatment at home.
The vet finally relented and prescribed special food, antibiotics, antacids and subcutaneous liquid every third day to keep her hydrated. She warned me that injecting fluids under the skin of a cat with a heart condition was counter-indicated and could trigger a heart attack.
I was really nervous the first few times I gave my cat the liquid, it's a lot like an IV, with hanging bags and needles, and said goodbye to her before I did it. It's all worked out well so far, she's put on weight and seems pretty happy. It's been hard on me, though, because I'm not a natural born nurse, but I can do what I have to. She's been a good cat for many years, so I'm going to give her every chance. Kidney disease is what finishes many old cats, but I want to buy some time, as long as she can have a good quality of life.
The vet finally relented and prescribed special food, antibiotics, antacids and subcutaneous liquid every third day to keep her hydrated. She warned me that injecting fluids under the skin of a cat with a heart condition was counter-indicated and could trigger a heart attack.
I was really nervous the first few times I gave my cat the liquid, it's a lot like an IV, with hanging bags and needles, and said goodbye to her before I did it. It's all worked out well so far, she's put on weight and seems pretty happy. It's been hard on me, though, because I'm not a natural born nurse, but I can do what I have to. She's been a good cat for many years, so I'm going to give her every chance. Kidney disease is what finishes many old cats, but I want to buy some time, as long as she can have a good quality of life.
