Update from Mom Paula: I've tried to keep everything positive on Praline's blog since her original diagnosis, but I also want to keep everyone up-to-date on her condition. Unfortunately, it's hard to be positive and upbeat when the news isn't good.
Praline hasn't done well at all the past few days. She stopped eating again and would barely touch the stinky goodness from my fingers. I really knew there were problems when she stopped begging for treats and would actually spit them out and leave them. I made the decision to call the vet this morning to get some advice and Dr. Ellis recommended I bring her in. Praline has lost more weight (you can feel her bones when you rub her back) and the vet actually looked at me and asked me if I wanted to put her down today. I immediately began crying and told her that is what I needed to know - was it was the end of the line for Praline and was I just trying to hold on to her.
Praline was leaning up against me and she looked back at the vet with those beautiful eyes and the vet said, "I don't think she's ready to go yet." The vet said the fact that Praline was still walking around on the floor trying to get away from the vet, that she was leaning against me instead of just lying on the table and that she still had the spirit in her eyes told the vet that she wasn't ready. However, the vet was very concerned that Praline hasn't been eating. I asked the vet if I needed to make the decision to send her to the bridge or could I just let it happen naturally at home. The vet told me that I needed to make the decision because it would be a hard death on Praline if I let it happen naturally. She decided to give Praline fluids and a pill that should help with the nausea and stimulate her appetite over the weekend. If it works, she can have the pill once every three days.
The vet then told me that if this didn't work, that it would be time to put Praline down next week. She said that even though Praline was still fighting, if she didn't start eating, we couldn't let her starve. The vet also indicated that Praline probably was "hurting" because of the rawness of her digestive system. Praline did walk up to me a couple of times last night, meowing, asking for some treats and she actually ate some. She hasn't eaten her food yet, but we'll see. Thank you so much for all of your support during this time. I'll keep everyone updated.
68 comments:
Oh Mom Paula and Praline the sweetest of the sweets, I am purring my hardest that this helps you. Mom sends her hugs too!
Praline, you are such a sweetheart. I hope you are not in any pain. We all love you!
Your friend, Mandu
Paula, we are so sad to hear this. I know you are having to make the hardest decision, ever. Our thoughts are with you and your sweet girl!
We are purring for both of you. We now that at this point it is harder for you than for Praline--it is always harder to watch someone we love not do well. Praline just has to do her own thing. We know that she is getting all that she wants from you right now. It is not an easy time and we are thinking of both of you.
Mom Paula,
I'm not sure you did try force feeding by a syringe to feed Praline. This is Bryan's mommy comment in my other blog Stay Strong Kitty, I would like you to read her comment because it might be useful for you.
" I have had great success using a syringe before. When Lil' Bit got an URI she stopped eating, worse yet stopped drinking. For being the smallest she normally drinks twice as much as the others, also 3 times as active. On the second day I started giving her water, on the third I started mixing food in with it. Eventually I had to take her to the vet for an overnight stay with an IV solution. She started eating the day after that. I believe if I had not taken the action I did she would have died. Today, 1 1/2 year later she is as active as ever. It wasn't pleasant, she fought the whole time, but she is still alive and healthy."
I'm thankful to Bryan's mommy to share this experience with me, If you didn't try yet and if the medicine can't make she eat, this might be another way you can try.
I purrs so hard for Praline and you, Mom Paula. I know sometime keep positive it like unreal but I still have hope with her. Because I do love Praline.
Purrs and Prayer still sending, Me and my mom hope you don't need to make that decision.
HUGS to Praline and her family
xoxo
We all have leaky eyes here, we are sending lots of purrs, purrayers, hugs & love to both of you. Fight on Sweet Praline, fight on!!
Oh no :( I will be purring and praying that she starts eating again.. Keep fighting, Sweet Praline! We love you!
Praline, your human's news is making my human cry too. I think in part you are hanging on because you know how much your human loves you. I am sending you a lot of purrs and headbutts - and more for your human, since at this point I think she needs them worse!
This is a very difficult time. We are so saddened, and very sorry that Praline is so ill and not doing well in her final days. Maw is crying. This is so hard for everyone, from the poodin, to the humans that luf her. We are sending both of you hugs, purrs and purrayers.
Luf, Us and Maw
{{{{Sweet Praline}}}}
Lovely girl, we are all purring, and purraying for you, dear friend!
Your lovely phots, and videos, are very cool!
Nikita
Torties Rule!
Elvira Mistress of Pussydom & Proud Tortie
Me and mom are so sotty to here this :(
I´m doing some spinnhealing from here and hope it will help a bit and that the pills will work !
Paula and Sweet Praline, we are purring as had as we can. We so hope that beautiful little Praline isn't in pain, and that the medication helps. We are sending love and hugs as well as healing purrs.
We love you both and it breaks our hearts that you are having to go through this. We so hope you don't have to make that hardest of decisions. (((((((hugs))))))
Oh, Praline, we are purring our hardest for you! This time is never easy for the humans. Hugs and kisses from Chez Cat.
We are purring and sending love to you both. We know how very hard these days can be. Spend as much time together as you can, loving can be very helpful. We are very sad that Sweet Praline is not doing well. Are there any pain medicines the vet could give her that will help?
Rumbly purrs and love
Whicky
Oliver
Gerry
& The Ape
Oh Paula we are so sorry to hear this devastating news from the vet.
We are purring our hardest that Praline improves some this weekend and know you will be aware that you may have to make this awful decision if she still does not eat and she is in pain.
We are thinking of you both.
Luv Hannah, Lucy & mum Sue xxxxxx
Oh we are so sad. We have no words to help you but you are in our thoughts a lot, and we do think Praline will tell you somehow when it's time. This is so hard for you. With lots and lots of love and purrs and nosebonks xxxxxx
There are no words that any of us can say to make things easier for you now.
IF it comes to the big decision, please remember that being able to say "no more pain and suffering" is the KINDEST thing we can do for our furry soulmates, an honour that we can't even do for our loved humans!
We're still purraying for a MIRACLE as hard as we can, but we're also praying for you Paula in this terrible time of stress for you. Hang in there.
xxx Freya, Teego and Daddycat.
Oh, Paula...I wish I could help. This brings back the whole ordeal with Annie and I *know* how hard it is. Force-feeding would be a temporary measure only (re: Puddy' comment), and I personally don't always agree with it--it depends on the cat and the situation. If a cat is terminal, I don't see the value of putting them through that kind of stress, but that's my *personal* opinion.
I never believed it, really, that you would just *know*, but I did with Annie. Well, I knew a couple of days before I made the appt but my head and heart were in conflict. But then that Tuesday, coming home from work, I took one look at her and ran up to call the vet. You *do* know.
All I can say is how very sorry I am...It's the toughest thing I've ever had to do, emotionally. On par with my divorce, years ago.
Please let the love of the CB surround you and carry you at this time...I'm sending Light and hugs and wishing both you and Praline Blessings and Peace.
-Kim
We are so sorry. We know how difficult and painful this is. If it helps, you're not alone in your grief and pain. Love from us all.
I am sending Mom and Sweet Praline love and prayers! Sweet Praline is very blessed to have such a dedicated Mom that hears her. Love to you both!
Sweet Praline, you and your Mom are very much in our thoughts each and every day. You are facing a big journey but, before you set out, make sure you enjoy every moment of love with your Mom.
Purrs,
The Chans (and the rest of The Poupunette Gang roo)
I am so sorry Sweet Praline, everyone loves you and we send so many purrs and hugs to you and your Mom. Our whiskers are weepy wet up this way.
This makes my heart hurt and my eyes water. Sweet Praline and Momma Paula, you will both be in my Good Friday Prayers.
All our love from Cat of Nine Tales.
~Lisa Co9T
Oh Paula, we are so sad to hear this news. It is so hard to watch your kitty so sick. It sounds like you have a wonderful vet and we are purring like crazy that the pill will work and make her feel a little better. It does sound like she isn't ready to go yet.
Well Mom is crying so much now, she can't type any more. We are thinking about both of you Praline and Paula. Try to have a good week end.
Paula, My heart is so heavy, thinking of what you may have to go through soon. All I can say is love your little girl like crazy, and keep a close eye on her. She'll let you know when she's tired and ready. We love you and Praline like mad, and we're here for you.
I am so saddened by this.I am sending a lot of warm hugs to you and Praline and her Daddy too. I have been thinking of you three each day. I will continue to purr and pray. Gentle kisses to precious baby Praline. This is an extremely hard time for all of you. And we all of us will be here for you.
We has our paws crossed that the medicine works and Praline starts eating. Healing and comforting purrs & woos.
Oh Praline! We are just purring and purring for you and your Mom! Our Mom and The Ball Guy are also sending some good vibes and thoughts to you both. We love you!
You have a wonderful vet and especially at times like this, we depend on their guidance and advice. I think they are right, it's not quite time yet...but neither do you want Praline to hurt inside. If the appetite stimulant works, then just let that be the extra few days that you need with her, to say goodbye and tell her how you love her and even respect her for being so strong on this journey...let her go with grace and dignity, just as she has lived her life...
Oh nos, we are really sad to hear this. We are purring and praying hard for my sweet furriend and you. Hugs!!!! We love you and certainly do not wish Praline to suffer but it's so hard to let go.
Oh, sweetie, we know your mom is doing everything humanly possible to help you. (((HUGS)))
Mom Paula, we are so sorry to hear this news. We are purring very hard for Praline and you too. We know you will do what's right for Praline. We love you, Praline!!
Sweet Praline we have not know you and your sweet mama as long as some have but we fell in love with you immediately and this news brings tears to our eyes and cracks in our heart. We do not want you to be in pain and we are not going to stop sending up prayers for you and your mom. Lots of love, warm hugs, nose kisses and tummy rubs.
We are purring and praying that the pill works and Praline gets to stay for a while longer. Praline will tell you when the time is right.
Purrs, prayers and hugs.
The Florida Furkids and Angel Sniffie and Mom Sharon
Clarissa's mom here....Although we've never met, my heart is breaking for you and for Sweet Praline. We are all purring and praying for you both.
*Fierce hugs for you and gentle ear scritches for Praline*
Malinda & Clarissa & Co.
Oh Paula, I am so sorry....please know we are all purring for you....there is nothing easy about this and we know you are doing the best you can....
This news makes us so sad and worried for you both...We will always purr for the best for you guys and pray you will have more time together...No matter what happens, we know your special bond will never be broken...Blessings and big hugs to you both, precious friends...We love you...xoxo...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki
Oh Paula, the girls and I are so sorry to hear such bad news. I have tears in my eyes and hope that she makes it through the weekend. I'm sending you my love and support. Nishiko and Xanthe are sending purrayers and gentle headbutts to Praline. We're keeping our fingers/paws crossed.
Kitty xxx
You have me teary too. I know how much you love Praline and how hard this is for you. I hope the pill will help her start eating again. You are very much in my thoughts.
Jan
oh Praline honey - we knows that it's a hard time for you. Your femme friday photo is just gorgeous! we are sending many purrrrsss and much light and love for you!
{{{{HUGS}}}} and love to you MomPaula!
Miss Praline and Momma Paula
We are purring so hard and we truly hope that the medicines work to help you eat Praline.
We are so sorry you are not well Praline and we are keeping the prayers going.
Purrs
Abby
Paula, I am typing this with so many tears in my eyes. I hope that the medicine will help Praline until the time she tells you she wants to fly to the Bridge, and myself and the kitties continue as always to keep you both in our thoughts and prayers. We are sending you both all of our love and many, many hugs ...
Jan, Sabrina, Sam and Simon
Sweet, beautiful Praline..We are purring and praying hard for you and your Mom.
We hope you are not in pain, and all the Moms out here know how Mom Paula feels and are sending many good thoughts her way.
Gentle hugs to you Sweet Praline..
~ The Bunch and Mom Bobbie
oh, darlings! our leaky eyes say it all. we know you will do what's right. our hearts are with you, as are our purrs an' purrayers. we sends you warm hugs an' gentle lovins.
ed, nitro, xing, iggy, dbd, an' meower mom an' dad
Sweet P and Paula, you are both being so brave! Patty and Bhu love you very much! xxoo
Oh i am sitting hear crying it brings me back to mu shue. I am purring big time
Lillu li Iris Maxie Mikeu and Callie Rose
Oh we know how hard this is for you both. Your sweet girl will let you know if it is time. We think you have been so brave thru all of this. Sending lots of purrs for you both.
Cats of Wildcat Woods
Dear Praline, My mom almost started crying when she read your moms post. I hope that you are ok..you are in such good hands with your mom and the vet. Please get better.
xoxo
Homer
Sending powerful purrs for both of you! Praline, sweetie, please try to eat some if you can.
Purr, purr, purr, purr, purr,
Charlemagne, Tamar and Mal
Oh Momma Paula and Miss Praline...
We has leaky faces reading your post. Is such a hard thing.
We is sending our best loving and healing purrs.
We are purring very hard for you and the decision you have to make.
We know what it is like as we made that decision for our beloved Magoo just over a year ago.
Paula and Praline we hold you in our hearts and in our prayers.
Bless you both during this difficult time.
*hugs* Our thoughts are with you, Praline and your Mom.
-Fiona and Family
I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds like you have a wonderful vet, though, who will help you make the right decisions for Miss Praline. It's so hard, I know, and my heart is breaking for you. You'll be in my thoughts (and my girls' purrs).
jana
My darling Praline my heart breaks at the news. Fight little one as I think you are still showing some of your spirit. Your mum will know when you tell her enough. Sending love your way. Hugs GJ x
Paula and Praline, you are both in all our thoughts at this difficult time. We hope the new med helps.
But if Praline is actually in pain, you know what needs to be done. A character in a story I read once said "It is no kindness to kill a man slowly".
With tears and heavy hearts... Ayla, Iza, Marley, and Mark
We are sending Mom Paula and the Sweetheart of the CB lots of purrs and prayers.
Love,
KC
Oh sweet, darling, Praline and Mom Paula...please know that you're both in our thoughts and prayers and that we love you very much! Sending you lots of love and kitty kisses!! xoxox
Rocky, Angie, and our Mommy, Karen xoxo
Oh Mom Paula and Sweet Praline, this latest news is something we so did not want to read.
But then, I'm pretty sure it's something you so did not want to write either.
Just know that "The Boys" and I are doing all the purring and praying and hoping and everything else we can think of to help Sweet Praline get back to eating and drinking.
I can't imagine how difficult this is for both of you.
Paula, Everyone has said everything that I could possibly say to try and make the choices easy for you. I'm not a Vet, just an old Man that has loved and been loved by little cats all his life, even while in the wilds of Viet Nam.
I've had to put several down when their time came by my own hand and trust me, you think long and hard, and you wish, and you pray to your own private Deity for guidance. You will know when it's time. At least everyone I have ever known having had that decision to make knew. It's not easy, no, but it must be done. Pleas do NOT let the little Angel Cat die on her own. As was said somewhere back up the list of posts, Give her what we can not give or own kind: the gift of an easy passage.
Bastet knows, we know so little about our little friends, but you do know when it's time. Every true cat lover does.
Hope I've not said the wrong things, but I just had to. I hurt every time I read or hear of a little quadruped 'child' in pain. So many we know via the Blogs are leaving us that sometimes it's hard to go visiting the blogs for fear of hearing of another.
Life goes on, and so must we. Lisa and I send our love, our best wishes, and many strong thoughts your way.
Please give little Praline a hug and a kiss from us.
I'm sorry.
I'm gone ....
Me and Charlie came over from CB. We are sending a zillion purrs and healing hugs to Miss Praline. We shall continue to hope and hope and pray and hope that she finds extra strength this weekend. Take care x
Paula, we are keeping you and Sweet Praline in our thoughts and purrs during this difficult time.
We know how hard this is for the both of you and wanted to let you know we are purring for you. Mommy Paula, you will know when the time is right, and while it's a terribly hard decision, it is one of the most loving gift you can give - to let someone run off to the bridge with dignity (and to avoid pain) while your heart is breaking. Mom has leaking eyes for you.
Cody and Gracie
Hugs and purrs to you. You have mum all leaky eyed.
We just want to be by your side, both of you through this. There's always room for optimism and Paula, you have been trying so hard to remain positive. We'll keep praying, purring and doing whatever it takes for you both to keep up your strength.
We love you, dear ones.
Tom & Julie
xoxo
Oh we're so so sorry! But you never know, Praline might turn the corner. We hope so very much. We're purring for you and her.
Give Praline a hug and kiss from all of us.
We know how hard this is. Mom said to tell you that you'll know when it's time and when it's time she recommends that the vet give Praline nice sedatives that will make everything easier. Mom says she wishes she learned this part earlier.
We are sending you warm and comforting purrs during this difficult time.
My heart is breaking. I love Praline so much. Hugs to you !!!
xo xo xo,
JC & The Purr & Fur Gang ^,,^
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