posted April 22, 2003 01:21 PM         

When my kitty wouldn't/couldn't eat, my partner made him Tuna Shakes -- took tuna and lots of water and whirled it in the blender. That way my cat could lap it up and get some nourishment until he was stronger.

Now I have no idea if that is harmful/beneficial for IBS, but thought I'd share.

posted April 23, 2003 03:58 AM         

I started giving him cholostrum supplements today which I take to help my immune system. Cholostrum is the first milk that comes from the cow or other animal. It is supposed to have all these vitamins in it and really helped me with a kidney problem I had recently.

I've pretty much given up on the vets and realized I am going to have to take things into my own hands. Thank goodness for the internet.

Much Love,

posted April 26, 2003 12:11 PM         

Spanky is in desperate need of you light and prayers again. He took a turn for the worse yesterday and when I got him to the vet, they said they found a hole in his intestine caused by an ulcer which may have been a result of the steroids he has been taking for the IBD.

The vets told me he either had to have surgery again or be euthanized. They told me that surgery was not a guarantee that he would ever recover. When I went to another vet for a 2nd opinion I was told that by putting him through another surgery I was being selfish and that it was not fair to put him through any more trauma.

I felt like someone was tearing me apart yesterday. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life but I couldn't have him put down, I just couldn't. Was that wrong of me? Is it wrong to want to save your best friend?

And then at the other end of the spectrum I have so called "friends" telling me how stupid I am because I am now in debt $8,000.00 because of all the surgery. Don't people understand that money means nothing when you love your animals?

Anyway, please pray for him. He made it through surgery but now only time will tell if he will be able to live a normal kitty life again or whether I am just prolonging his suffering.

posted April 27, 2003 10:19 PM         

When my cat had his troubles, he got nicknamed "The Year 2000-Dollar Cat" (it was more, actually). I had to borrow rent money... what a financial nightmare.

You are doing your best. You understand the chances. You're trying to save your beautiful friend's life. This is enough, and it is good. Be at peace with yourself that you have tried the right thing-- if Spanky's physical body is too damaged to go on, he will pass on, but let's hope he heals fully.

No matter what happens, please understand inside yourself, that you are being the best friend you can be to Spanky.

I will pray that the angels will take care of him and that healing happens.

Meantime, try to be with other pet-lovers, or at least people who can understand _you_ and support you in your crisis. Maybe that's their notion of being "helpful."

Lunargirl

posted April 28, 2003 02:59 AM         

I will visit Spanky in the hospital tomorrow morning and let you know how he's doing.

Much Love,

posted April 28, 2003 06:36 PM         

I have a kitty friend too, his name is Willard. I call him button-nose sometimes because has two black dots on the sides of his nostrils. And also, "Sunshine Willard."

I am sending lots of loving warm light to Spanky.

posted May 01, 2003 10:13 AM         

I have requested help from the Distant Healing Network. They are my last hope. I really need a miracle now.

posted May 06, 2003 03:44 AM         

After he came out of his 2nd surgery the vets decided to take him off all his medication because he was continuing to vomit. He stopped vomitting but now he has also stopped eating. It has been nearly 4 days since he has eaten. (Lunargirl ... I even tried making him tuna shakes with fancy unsalted Tuna from Trader Joe's. He wouldn't go near it.)

If he doesn't start eating in the next 24 hours the vets said he will have to have a stomach tube put in. The tube goes from his esophogus into his stomach. You shove the food into the tube and it goes directly into his stomach. If I don't do this his liver will soon start to deteriorate.

OMG ... this is horrific.

I also have the good people at Distant Healing Network trying to help him.

Please keep him in your prayers. (And me too, I am going to need therapy after this.)

Love and Light,

posted May 06, 2003 09:57 AM         

You...and your precious Spanky both remain in my prayers!

posted May 06, 2003 10:50 AM         

...your kitty has my prayers too......I went thru something similiar with my Lord Byron a few years ago...and I know exactly how you are feeling....my love to you....

posted May 06, 2003 12:38 PM         

Hang in there.

Probably any protein he eats by himself would be helpful now. Yes, I know from my cat that they can't go too long without food.

Also, any comfort you can provide for him will go a long way toward helping his emotional state... just keep on doing your best, Heidi. It's all you can do.

posted May 06, 2003 01:15 PM         

All the healing light I can muster is being sent out to him and I will light candles the minute I get home.

My heart goes out to both of you.

posted May 07, 2003 07:58 AM         

I have to make a decision this morning about putting a food tube in Spanky. He is just starting to act like his old kitty self again too . I don't know what the right decision is?

(sigh) I am praying for guidance to make the right choice.

Love to all of you,

posted May 07, 2003 09:04 AM         

My kitties love yogurt ( live bacteria type or even fruit- on- the- bottom) and when they are ailing, they gobble it up. It may be worth a try.

posted May 07, 2003 01:48 PM         

Juniperb's idea sounds like a good one. Yogurt is easily digested and has lots of nutrients, plus "friendly" bacteria. I used to mix the plain stuff with baby food fruit and feed it to my daughters when they were babies for "dessert"...they both loved it.

posted May 07, 2003 07:07 PM         

I have never been so excited to see POOP in my entire life, (although I know you can relate Juniperb). That means he has to be eating something.

POOP!!!

I'm not going to get too excited yet. He still has a long way before he's out of danger but this is positive.

Thank you lovely Know-flakes. You are all angels, every single one of you (even you N_WEvil!)

Spanky sends his love, too!