|
Post by teemu on Oct 20, 2021 18:02:27 GMT
Is there violent movements associated with that, or does he simply lift himself up like that? If he was spasming or throwing his head during eating, I could see it being due to his airways being clogged, so he feels like he's choking when he eats. But it's quite strange if he calmly leans back like that...
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Oct 20, 2021 21:10:36 GMT
Its not a calm motion, he kind of jerks his head a bit? You might be able to tell from the blurriness of the photo that there definitely some movement there. Its very small, sharp motions.
I could see a snot bubble in his right nostril as he was eating last night, so I'm hoping it was just that. I did look it up, and seems like IBD is associated with swallowing difficulties in humans though.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Oct 23, 2021 23:35:52 GMT
Tom is a butt who has recently decided he also likes the baby oatmeal! So I have no idea how much Ollie is actually eating when I'm not home/asleep.
At this point Ollie has been refusing to eat solid treats for a while. I think it started when I figured out he likes baby oatmeal? Unsure if its because its too hard to chew, or too painful. Maybe he's just full from the baby oatmeal?
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Oct 24, 2021 5:20:28 GMT
Hpdegus . . . is he regaining any weight at this point?
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Oct 24, 2021 11:47:30 GMT
No, unfortunately not. Actually just lost weight thus morning. I don't want to write this, but we may be close. I don't know if I should call the vet and ask for steroids? But it may just be cruel, especially since he'd need to be off the metacam for 48 hours.
|
|
|
Post by winic1 on Oct 24, 2021 14:48:41 GMT
You have tried so much, for so long, and he's done his best all along to do what you ask....but maybe he's trying to tell you, now, that it's just time?
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Oct 24, 2021 16:24:43 GMT
I'm really sorry he's still losing weight. I've been thinking the last few days there must be something else wrong that we don't know about and is probably impossible to know about or do anything about. Is it possible to speak with the vet about the merits of trying the steroid over the phone? It's not going to solve whatever is going on so it's up to you if you want to pursue trying it or not. Don't feel obliged to pursue it if your heart tells you it is his time, his weight is very low indeed, sometimes it's better to move on with coming to terms with letting them go. You have done so much for him, we will support you with any decision. Hugs.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Oct 25, 2021 0:59:26 GMT
Thank you.
He's still eating and exploring during playtime, so I don't think I'd feel comfortable with having him put to sleep just yet. But I'm keeping a close eye to watch for when hes done.
I upped the metacam dose to the maximum today. Hes been a bit more active during play time just now. Trying not to take that as any sort of sign, in either a good or bad way. Could be the metacam, could be a last rally.
I'll try calling the vet tomorrow, see what they have to say. If he needs to come off the pain meds for a few days first though, I'm not willing to try steroids. I just dont think thats fair to him at all.
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Oct 25, 2021 21:33:04 GMT
I'm so sorry! I hardly know what to say. My heart just breaks for you all!!
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Oct 26, 2021 0:25:00 GMT
Thanks DC. I'm working on coming to terms with it. Ollie is being a bit pickier when it comes to food. Not sure if its since I had to switch brands of baby oatmeal (its a bit of a coarser grind), or if he's tired of it. He seems to be happy with the sweet potato baby food atm though. His stools have also been loose, more like toothpaste. I just had to wipe him up. He climbed my shoulder last night, hung out behind my pony tail. Tom decided to join the party! His butt is just barely visible! photos.app.goo.gl/4fk6UqkedWMp1oRE6
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Oct 26, 2021 7:32:06 GMT
HUGS!! Wordless understanding expressed in many hugs!
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Oct 26, 2021 10:48:37 GMT
Aww, sweet photo It's a real mental shift going from looking for a cure to palliative. You are quite right that even after you make this shift, the end doesn't have to be imminent, Ollie seems so good at enjoying life!
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Oct 26, 2021 15:37:20 GMT
Talked to the vet tech today. The vet is super reluctant, says a single dose could kill him. And there would need to be a 48 hour period without pain meds. Which I think is unfair to him at this point. So I think it really is just waiting at this point.
|
|
|
Post by savvy on Oct 27, 2021 1:45:55 GMT
I think the best course of action is the one you're already taking; keep him as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Oct 27, 2021 10:59:57 GMT
I agree. I think it's good that the vet gave you a straightforward answer so you can put that option aside now without worrying about it.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Oct 28, 2021 1:22:52 GMT
Thanks Savvy and Molette. It honestly is a weight off in a way.
He's still chugging along at the moment. Decided he's tired of the baby oatmeal, which is fair! I thought he was done and wasn't going to eat--put carrot flavored baby food in front of him and he's been chowing down! His will to live is truly astounding.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Nov 4, 2021 1:28:49 GMT
Haven't given and update on Ollie in a week, so here it goes. Unsurprisingly, hes lost some more weight. He's usually between 121-123g now. I didn't think he was going to make it to last Friday, truly. There were several times where he was a bit reluctant to eat or just sat with me during playtime, but then as soon as I'd change food or step out to feed everyone he'd start eating/running around.
He's definitely slowed down though. I sometimes feel cruel letting him go this long, but he still really displays his attitude and doesn't seem ready to go just yet. Could change at any time, but I'm grateful for however long he decides he wants to be here.
|
|
|
Post by yasmin on Nov 4, 2021 2:16:43 GMT
Each day is a blessing.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Nov 5, 2021 18:25:08 GMT
When do I know its time?
Ollie is still eating, though the amount has decreased the past two or so days. He spend most of playtime cuddled up with me, but then the last 30-45 min are spent exploring and running around (albeit with more time spent stopped than before). I've been home today though and he's spent almost the entirety on his heated though, looking kind of miserable.
I had originally said when he stopped eating and/or being active during playtime that was his way of saying he was done. But I'm second guessing myself now.
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Nov 5, 2021 21:00:58 GMT
Usually if you wait long enough the day comes where they clearly don't want to eat or spend any time pottering about normally any more, you can see they have given up. But waiting for that day depends on how comfortable you think he is spending most of the day on his heatpad, if he looks miserable for much of the day you may want to call time sooner.
You might also want to take into account whether it would even be possible to get him to the vets the same day that he gives up if you wait. If that might not be possible, personally I would let him go sooner rather than having to wait beyond that point.
|
|