Mabel - I don't know what to do. Leg problems

[Lady Muck]

Mabel my fluffy feline friend is suffering. Well I think she is.

I have been to the vets three times now and the problem is getting worse.

Mabes is about 17, has hyperthyroidism, struggles to take her pills but takes about 2 in 3 so it's partly managed.

I am worried about her as about twice a week her back legs simply stop working. She is taking medication to ease the joints (I think it is like cod liver oil) but it is not stopping what is happening. The Vet seems to be at a loss and just says it is arthritis.

Last night I had to held her upright to help her to the toilet, she was purring away so I don't know if she was distressed or in pain.

It's breaking my heart and I am terrified to leave her on her own in case she falls through the stair bannisters. She leans against the sides when her legs go and tried to make it to wherever she is going anyway. I don't live in a house where you can simple shut a door to keep her safe as it is all open plan.


Anyone witnessed this? Are painkillers the next step? I hate taking her to the vet as she gets so distressed and scared. Even me cuddling her doesn't seem to stop her shaking.

[Turn7]

I hate to say it,but it sounds to me like the end is near.....

Don't let your friend suffer in way shape or form.

17is a good innings for any pet.

[bexVN]

Discuss with your vet and see if they will chance trying Metacam. It's a liquid once a day in the food, antiinflammatory, it's not without it's risks (kidneys and stomach irritation) but I'd give it to my cat if I could (he is also 17 with major joint problems) he was on it but had to change to steroids for another condition and you can't give both together (luckily steroids do help his legs).

If no improvement on this then quality of life has to be looked at (though I'm sure you know this )

[Lady Muck]

Thanks Bex. Am going to call the Vets and lunch and see if he will prescribe it without me having to take her back.

[Lady Muck]

Turn7 said:

I hate to say it,but it sounds to me like the end is near.....

Don't let your friend suffer in way shape or form.

17is a good innings for any pet.

I know, I just don't know how to make the decision. At what point do you make that decision? It's 1-2 times a week at the moment. I am going to try Bex's recommendation and see if that makes life easier.

I just can't face losing her, she is so beautiful and kind and trusting.

oooh made myself cry.

[Turn7]

Lady Muck said:

Turn7 said:

I hate to say it,but it sounds to me like the end is near.....

Don't let your friend suffer in way shape or form.

17is a good innings for any pet.

I know, I just don't know how to make the decision. At what point do you make that decision? It's 1-2 times a week at the moment. I am going to try Bex's recommendation and see if that makes life easier.

I just can't face losing her, she is so beautiful and kind and trusting.

oooh made myself cry.

Having just been through it myself this week, I can only say that you will know when its the time. Its also the hardest thing Ive ever had to do in my life. Sorry I cant offer much of a positive note.

[ali_kat]

Mabel will let you know when her quality of life is suffering, until then, all you and the Vet can do is make her as comfortable as possible.

Pictures please??

[Jasandjules]

Lady Muck said:

I know, I just don't know how to make the decision. At what point do you make that decision?

Having the made decision myself just over a week ago, I can tell that what people say is true. The animal will let you know when they wish to be free. It is the last gift we give them.

But in terms of her legs, have you considered glucosamine (http://www.grandmalovesthedog.com/glucosamine.html) or cod liver oil? (perhaps talk that over with the vet?)

[Lady Muck]

She doesn't like her photo being taken. She always squints so she looks grumpy! sorry about camerphone.

But anyway, this is my bestest furry friend Mabel (Proper name Mavis Jumble) Better more recent photos are at home. this was last November when she had started to lose weight.

[Lady Muck]

In her favourite place with "Crispy Willam" her favourite pal. Sometimes if you ask her where Crispy Willam is she will go and bring him to you.

[bexVN]

Jasandjules said:

Lady Muck said:

I know, I just don't know how to make the decision. At what point do you make that decision?

Having the made decision myself just over a week ago, I can tell that what people say is true. The animal will let you know when they wish to be free. It is the last gift we give them.

But in terms of her legs, have you considered glucosamine (http://www.grandmalovesthedog.com/glucosamine.html) or cod liver oil? (perhaps talk that over with the vet?)

Glucosamine would be better than cod liver (though she is already on this) but it takes several weeks to get into the system and usally by this age the damage is too much however it is worth a try but I'd still see if the vet thinks a more immediate approach would be the metacam (or similar)

[Lady Muck]

bexVN said:

Jasandjules said:

Lady Muck said:

I know, I just don't know how to make the decision. At what point do you make that decision?

Having the made decision myself just over a week ago, I can tell that what people say is true. The animal will let you know when they wish to be free. It is the last gift we give them.

But in terms of her legs, have you considered glucosamine (http://www.grandmalovesthedog.com/glucosamine.html) or cod liver oil? (perhaps talk that over with the vet?)

Glucosamine would be better than cod liver (though she is already on this) but it takes several weeks to get into the system and usally by this age the damage is too much however it is worth a try but I'd still see if the vet thinks a more immediate approach would be the metacam (or similar)

I have arranged to pick up a prescription of Metacam on my way home tonight. I think she needs immediate pain relief. Ill speak with him about the glucosamine as well. The cod liver oil (Or whatever it is) doesn't seem to have done anything but will continue as I want her to have the best shot at a happy life.

Feeling less teary now, I hate being at work and imagining her at home in pain. Luckily she has company so not alone.

[R300will]

Lady Muck said:

bexVN said:

Jasandjules said:

Lady Muck said:

I know, I just don't know how to make the decision. At what point do you make that decision?

Having the made decision myself just over a week ago, I can tell that what people say is true. The animal will let you know when they wish to be free. It is the last gift we give them.

But in terms of her legs, have you considered glucosamine (http://www.grandmalovesthedog.com/glucosamine.html) or cod liver oil? (perhaps talk that over with the vet?)

Glucosamine would be better than cod liver (though she is already on this) but it takes several weeks to get into the system and usally by this age the damage is too much however it is worth a try but I'd still see if the vet thinks a more immediate approach would be the metacam (or similar)

I have arranged to pick up a prescription of Metacam on my way home tonight. I think she needs immediate pain relief. Ill speak with him about the glucosamine as well. The cod liver oil (Or whatever it is) doesn't seem to have done anything but will continue as I want her to have the best shot at a happy life.

Feeling less teary now, I hate being at work and imagining her at home in pain. Luckily she has company so not alone.

Has the vet done any x-ray images of her hind legs to prove arthritis is causing them to 'stop working'? Because if she literally can't move them for a short period that doesn't sound like a result of arthritis, it seems more of a nerve issue. But if it's pain that stops her using them or she just has very limited movement if she over reaches or something then that sounds more arthritis related.

The metacam is certainly a good idea and there are risks like stomach irritation but it's long term use that tends makes this apparent so if it does work and you want her on it for a longer period then you and the vet will be able to discuss proper treatment options.

[ali_kat]

She is beautiful

Fingers crossed you can lessen her pain & spoil her for a while yet

[Turn7]

I kept this from here a while ago I think.....

someone else on Ph said:

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close,we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears

Its torment I know, but sometimes life is hard.......

[Superficial]

Lady Muck said:

Mabel my fluffy feline friend is suffering. Well I think she is.

I have been to the vets three times now and the problem is getting worse.

Mabes is about 17, has hyperthyroidism, struggles to take her pills but takes about 2 in 3 so it's partly managed.

I am worried about her as about twice a week her back legs simply stop working. She is taking medication to ease the joints (I think it is like cod liver oil) but it is not stopping what is happening. The Vet seems to be at a loss and just says it is arthritis.

Last night I had to held her upright to help her to the toilet, she was purring away so I don't know if she was distressed or in pain.

It's breaking my heart and I am terrified to leave her on her own in case she falls through the stair bannisters. She leans against the sides when her legs go and tried to make it to wherever she is going anyway. I don't live in a house where you can simple shut a door to keep her safe as it is all open plan.


Anyone witnessed this? Are painkillers the next step? I hate taking her to the vet as she gets so distressed and scared. Even me cuddling her doesn't seem to stop her shaking.

It's worth remembering that cats purr not only when happy, but also when stressed to reassure themselves. Generally, I think body language is a more accurate sign of their general mood.

Is there any way you can create a safe pen for her in the day while you're out? I had a huge fabric playpen for my kitten when he was young which folded up really small when not needed. It was great for peace of mind to know he was safe when I was out and about.

You said you don't know what to do, no-one on here can advise you truly because it's a judgement call we have to make for our pets ourselves. For me, the fact you mentioned the problem isn't being solved by medication and is getting worse is really upsetting but possibly a sign that it may be time to consider other options. When the time comes it will be heartbreaking, but you will know it's the right time. It's far better to make that decision a day too early than a day too late. I hope Mabel has some relief soon, in whatever form it takes x

[King Herald]

Lady Muck said:

I just can't face losing her, she is so beautiful and kind and trusting.

oooh made myself cry.

We had to do it ten years ago with one of our dogs, because of canine distemper. Utterly heartbreaking.

Poor little Fozzy was in such pain and misery we knew we were doing the right thing, but it made it no easier on us.

[bexVN]

If the above pics are very recent, they do not depict a distressed/ suffering cat, that bottom one is of a contented comfortable cat, I really hope the Metacam helps her legs.

A cat that purrs due to illness/chronic pain does sound different to a cat purring for pleasure but it's true the body language can help tell if it a pleasure purr or a suffering purr.

[Lady Muck]

Not recent I am afraid. last night she had a moment when none of her legs would work. she has stopped eating and will only lick jelly. I can't get any pills in her now.

Off back to the vets tonight.

It is flipping heartbreaking to watch.

[Victoria VW]

Nothing to add except to say I'm sorry she and you are going through this. I hope you get some positive news at the vets, I'll keep checking back here x