posted 06-28-2003 05:08 AM            

You see, I have a white persian somewhere around 10. I don't know exactly how old he is as I got him from the local animal shelter. He was left there by an elderly couple that had to be placed into a retirement home and could not take the cat. Since he was no kitten and had a cataract, I didn't figure anyone would choose him...so I did.

For about a year now he has graced my household. He's been a great companion to my other cat (16 year old). They played and had a jolly time together. Then, about 2 weeks ago, my wife noticed that he was not eating as much as normal. We began to watch his eating habits and decided that we needed to take him to the vet because he was also not playing as much. The vet ran all the normal "chem panels" and couldn't find what was wrong with him. He was lathargic, failing to eat, runny eyes, had a blue tint to his tongue and his mouth, but other than that, his tests turned out all normal, so we took him home with some AD (soft cat food) and some Amoxicilian.

After 3 days, our "Casper" was getting visibly worse. He quit eating anything, and had all but ceased water intake. We could force some on him, but we knew it was not enough, so back to the vet we went for more tests.

The vet ran a few more tests including urinary and the chem tests that were run previously, determing that he had indeed lost weight, but still nothing to identify the problem. He prescribed Casper some Prednisone 5mg 2 times a day, which he told us would induce eating as a side effect of its treatment for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome..which Casper doesn't have).

We gave him the pills, tried to feed and water him with a eye-dropper. He fought us, and his breathing got worse. You could hear the weezing. Phone call to vet turns no results, other than bring him in for x-rays. I ask about payment plans for the tests to come and I'm told "had you had your pets with us for years, then we would know you better and might set up something, but as it is we do not know you well enough".

I started mashing up his food so that it could fit into an eye-dropper, and tried to force feed that to him, as well as his water. It didn't work out well, half on Casper, half on us..no end in sight. Last night while worrying about his health, It finally became too much and I broke down. Who says men don't cry.

So here I am today, knowing that I cannot take him to the vet until after the 7th of the month which is payday (spent all I had for tests so far). My Casper is failing rapidly now, difficult for him to walk, will not go potty or eat/drink. His pills are doing nothing for his apetite..and nobody knows whats wrong.

I have exhausted myself, and my wife and Casper finally sleep. I'm on watch because I doubt he will make it through the night. All things die, and perhaps it is his time. I take him outside every little bit so he can enjoy the scents on the breeze and feel the grass under his feet, for there is little more I can do.

posted 06-28-2003 01:08 PM            

I am so sorry and I hope that everything turns out ok for you. Just know that YOU ARE in my prayers and sweet Casper to. Please take care....

posted 06-29-2003 12:24 AM            

May life be kind for all you, as it has been for us.