Good vibes needed for my very sick kitty

[Contrary1]

Baby is the only female of a feral litter I brought inside 11+ years ago. They were probably just 6 weeks old. She was so tiny, but what a scrapper she was.

Before I was able to catch them, my neighbor and I would leave food out. Baby would commandeer the bowl, plant one of her paws squarely on the forehead of whichever much bigger brother was closest, and eat her fill before they were allowed their turn.

I noticed Thursday evening that she was acting differently. Not wanting to eat or be cuddled, both of which are very unusual for her. She is FIV+, and I got her in to see the vet Friday morning. She is down to just over 4 pounds. Her all time high weight has hovered around 7 lbs. Her body temperature was low, and she was dehydrated, despite drinking plenty of water.

Had blood work done, a urinalysis, and an injection to help replace fluids. She is also on an anti-nausea med and anti-biotics.

Saturday morning, the call came...the vet told me she had never seen a white blood count so high, her kidneys show signs of failing, and still they don't know exactly what is causing it. She also told me that for any chance of survival, I needed to get her to an emergency clinic, where she can be re-hydrated and medicated via IV. Even that, she said was no guarantee.

With so many cats, I just can't justify the expense. Friday's bill alone was almost $300. I have been able to coax her to eat, she is on Hill's Critical Care Pet Food. She is also drinking a good bit of water. She is sleeping most of the time, and doesn't seem to be in pain.

I have nursed pets back to health before when a vet had told me there was little hope. I'm hoping I can do the same for Baby. She likes to lay across my shoulder and gaze at me. She hasn't been doing that the past few days. If I can get her to do that again, I will know she is on her way back.

[livetohike]

1. Sending good vibes for your sweetie and you

:hug: Could you do the IVs yourself, by passing the vet cost? I did this for my old dog Ranger years ago. I'm very squeamish, but I was able to do it for him.

If she is eating, that's a good sign, I think.

[Coyote_Bandit]

2. .

sending good vibes, warm thoughts and kind prayers for you and Baby

:hug:

[undeterred]

3. Keeping a good thought for you and your kitty

:grouphug:

[Lisa0825]

4. (((((hugs)))))) nt

[emilyg]

5. Good vibes on the way.

[Curmudgeoness]

6. Sending good vibes, and a suggestion.

Can your vet call a prescription in to a pharmacy for an antibiotic that you can start her on immediately? Whatever the problem is, that white blood count indicates an infection, and antibiotics may be the only option that might help.

[japple]

7. Sending healing energies in Baby's direction. Hope you have

continued success with helping her to return to health. If she stops eating, you might try strained meat baby food--the kind in the very small jars. I've had sick kitties lap that stuff right up. I would nuke a dab of it, and then stir it to make sure it is cool enough to eat, then offer it to them, and usually they take it right away.

[glinda]

8. If it is an infection, perhaps you can bring her home, give her antibiotics and subQ treatments?

[hamsterjill]

9. Baby is luck to have you!

I know what it's like - trying to afford vet bills. I am sending good, warming vibes for you and Baby. I hope she will be feeling better, soon.

I know that FIV is a hard thing. The love and attention that you are giving her is good medicine! She knows that you love her!

[Contrary1]

10. Update on my Baby:

Thank you all for the kind words. I don't think it will ever matter how old I get; I still grieve for my pets. Going on 60, and I've been bawling all day.

Baby is still here with me. I was sure last night was to be her last, so I stayed up all night, just holding her.

Today, she seems more alert. She even walked around the house a bit. I was hoping her favorite kitty house mate would cuddle with her, but he seems to sense something is wrong, and won't get anywhere near her.

She is on as high a dose of antibiotics that they can give her for her weight. She is still drinking water, but her kidneys are not functioning correctly. She has pretty much quit eating on her own, as of this morning. I am feeding her Hill's Critical Care (bought 2 cans with fingers crossed). via syringe with limited success.

I am afraid to be very hopeful. She does not appear to be suffering, but she's a cat; so outward appearance is no guarantee. I have set Wednesday as a tentative date to take her to the vet for the last time.

My heart is breaking.

[japple]

11. The decision all pet owners dread. It doesn't get any easier

no matter how many times we've made it. Just remember that you are helping a sweet soul to shed her earthly body so she can dance with the stars. She is grateful for everything you are doing for her. Enjoy your time together. Be at peace.

[yellerpup]

12. You are a good kitty mom.

She can feel how much you love her and she knows you are distressed. Japple's advice is right on point. She wouldn't want you to suffer either because she loves you, too. Peace to you and your Baby.

[irisblue]

13. positive

thoughts for both baby and you

[Contrary1]

14. I took Baby to the vet this afternoon for the last time...

I couldn't bear to see her so miserable. I will definitely miss her, but she's home free now.

Thanks, everyone. :pals:

[CountAllVotes]

15. I'm so sorry

:hug:

[murielm99]

16. I am sorry. n/t