Qualcast&Flymo
Forum Donator 2024/25
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- Solihull, West Midlands
This is a hard post to write ... Squeaks is suddenly but clearly declining, I don't want him to suffer but he doesn't seem ready to go ...
The oral thrush that so nearly killed him Wet chin is cleared up, I noticed yesterday that the bubbly breathing that came with it has stopped too. But this week the arthritis in his back legs has got worse very rapidly, first I could see he was walking awkwardly, then he often seemed to be not able to use his left rear leg properly, and then he was either standing still or dragging his back legs. As of today, he doesn't seem to be moving at all except to turn himself around on the spot or to reach out for food.
I am starting to think about his quality of life and if pts is appropriate. However, Squeaks himself is not making it an easy decision. I put him in a soft but supportive fleecy cuddle cup earlier, and he seems comfortable and calm in there. He's breathing steadily, moving occasionally, and most of all, he wants to eat and reaches out when I put my hand in with food.
When I lost Winifred in February, it was quite clear she had had enough, as she stopped eating and refused all attempts to feed her. Squeaks isn't like that at all. I was thinking that he didn't have quality of life and I should be looking at pts, but if he's comfortable (with the help of his pain meds) and keen to eat etc, am I still being unkind to him not going for pts? I'd obviously rather he pass peacefully at home than have the stress and unpleasantness of a vet visit.
The oral thrush that so nearly killed him Wet chin is cleared up, I noticed yesterday that the bubbly breathing that came with it has stopped too. But this week the arthritis in his back legs has got worse very rapidly, first I could see he was walking awkwardly, then he often seemed to be not able to use his left rear leg properly, and then he was either standing still or dragging his back legs. As of today, he doesn't seem to be moving at all except to turn himself around on the spot or to reach out for food.
I am starting to think about his quality of life and if pts is appropriate. However, Squeaks himself is not making it an easy decision. I put him in a soft but supportive fleecy cuddle cup earlier, and he seems comfortable and calm in there. He's breathing steadily, moving occasionally, and most of all, he wants to eat and reaches out when I put my hand in with food.
When I lost Winifred in February, it was quite clear she had had enough, as she stopped eating and refused all attempts to feed her. Squeaks isn't like that at all. I was thinking that he didn't have quality of life and I should be looking at pts, but if he's comfortable (with the help of his pain meds) and keen to eat etc, am I still being unkind to him not going for pts? I'd obviously rather he pass peacefully at home than have the stress and unpleasantness of a vet visit.