Second Update On My Cat With Suspected Brain Haemorrhage.

[ladybirder]

For those interested, Bobbie didn't have his x-ray last week as he wasn't well enough to take the anaesthetic. He had it today instead and VD has been ruled out and a Stroke confirmed. There is no treatment except he is having steroid injections as he won't take his pills. The vet agrees with me he seems a happy boy, not in pain, (he was nudging the vet to stroke him), so as long as he stays that way we will continue to give him any support he needs. If things change then a different decision may have to be made but at the moment we are all happy. All except the dog who couldn't care less.

[hereIam]

Oh God this is a difficult one, he doesn't seem to want to give up on his life does he... Like I said, he's had a good one with you. It's the not eating that's the problem, but you are at least going to the vet today and the vet is the one who can advise you the most. I'd hate to be in your shoes my dear, but I have been there and it's usually when they stop eating that I make my decision, as hard as it is. The very best of luck to both you and little puss today xx

[ladybirder]

Thank you. Well I may be frowned on for this (Sqad?) but I have phoned another vet's practice and made an appointment for him to be PTS only after they confirm it is the right thing to do. Another opinion from a different practice will leave no room for doubt in my mind. Unfortunately their 1st appointment is tomorrow afternoon but is in their cat clinic and all very quiet which is good. They have sent for his details from our current vet.
Bobbie's now lying on a mat in the garden and not back under the bed. He's watching me though through the slightly ajar door.
I'll probably get slated for this but I need to be 100% sure.

[jennyjoan]

go the vets ok but if he is not in extreme pain could you not enjoy him a little more

[Prudie]

Gosh I hadn't seen things had taken a turn for the worse LB, I'm so sorry. This is such a difficult time for you and I for one completely understand you clutching at every straw and chink of hope and why you're trying a different vet. Can only send you my thoughts and good wishes, it's a horrible time for you.

[ladybirder]

I'm so relieved you understand Prudie. If he had stayed under the bed this morning as is his wont when he's feeling his worst I wouldn't be seeking a 2nd opinion.
Thank you for your support.

[Prudie]

Exactly LB, that phrase I often see on here 'a week too soon is better than a day too late' is very easy to say when you're not in the situation. I would be doing the same as you.

[rockyracoon]

I would never slate anyone for doing this. You are making sure that an irreversible decision is the right one, and I salute you for that. I'll stand with your decision all day long.

[ladybirder]

Thank you RR and Prudie. He's next to me on the sofa now, purring loudly. Still not eaten though ...

[wolf63]

When did the vet last check his teeth? That would put him off eating.

[ladybirder]

The day before yesterday. Every time he's seen they check his teeth. The effects of the BH that has left him nauseous, dizzy etc that's why he's not eating.

[albaqwerty]

it's your peace of mind, LB, knowing that if it comes down to it, then you'll know you have left no stone unturned for the little one. xx

[ladybirder]

Thank you Alba. xx
At the risk of boring everyone to death, for those who are still interested I am astounded to report that although he had his steroid jab 62 hours ago, yesterday and today he has been in the garden, on his chair in the living room, and asking for food although eaten very little, but something! I'm wondering if he can't smell it any more then he loses interest. What he hasn't been doing is hiding away under my bed.
A neighbour who overlooks my garden from above, has told me she watched him wandering in the border with a piece of leaf or grass in his mouth yesterday afternoon. Hmmmm I shall mention that to the vet. He could be poisoning himself or making himself better.
Maybe I have rose tinted specs on but this does not look to me like a cat who has given up on life.

[jennyjoan]

oh hopefully he is coming round. I know you have tried everything LB - could you try a wee bit of tuna.

Also my Maxie eats grass some times and the next thing he is boking all over the place.

My neighbour told me long ago that dogs do this to "clean" out their stomach but I don't like it. x

[windywillow]

Sorry I can't add anything helpful but I would just like to say that I, like many others, am keeping everything crossed for a good outcome for the poorly puss. x

[seekeerz]

Hope things are maybe on the improve for Bobbie, we can pray this is the case, best wishes to you both xx

[ladybirder]

Thank you jj, ww and seekeerz. jj I've tried every possible food you can give a cat inc tuna. He's had a wee bit of proper cat food today.
Not long to go now and hopefully I will get a definitive answer.

[furrypusscat]

I do hope all goes well.
They say feed tuna or sardine as they tend to be quite strong smelling, so is there anything else that has a strong smell that you could try. I see you have tried tuna. Good luck with the appointment.

[ladybirder]

Back from the vet and Bobbie is with me. Vet agreed with me that as he has done exceptionally well since his last jab on Monday, we give him a chance. He's had a steroid jab that lasts between min 1 week and max 5 weeks (average 3). It will take 24-48 hrs to work IF it is going to work. If it doesn't work, ie he doesn't start eating, that will be it.
I think he knew it was life or death, purring and generally showing off LOL. Yay!

[Sqad]

Feedback much appreciated.

[ladybirder]

No anti-biotic jab Sqad, she agreed with you.