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Lightning-Strike Pet Loss Support Forum _ Pet Disease and Sickness Support _ Shelter Kitty Not Doing So Well

Posted by: mosmommy Feb 2 2007, 08:20 PM

Hi All,
My shelter cat Huey has suddenly become lethargic tonight. There are no emergency vets to call, so I am reaching out to all of you.
He is showing symptoms of Pica, lethargy, and stunted growth. I have had him on a nutritional supplement called Nutri-Cal from Evsco for 5 weeks, and 2 days ago, he didn't want any. He loved it up until then. He seems weak and cold, and did spit up some clear-whitish foam this morning twice, and he doesn't want to eat or drink much water. Also, he wanders a bit from time to time. He doesn't seem comfortable.
Based on some conditions I have read about, it could be a few different possibilities and hard to narrow down, some lead to sudden death, so I need help right away!!!!
I should mention that the symptoms of Pica have been apparent for a couple of months, and that was the thought of vitamin deficiency, therefore we started the Nutri-Cal. He has been stunted since I brought him home, which I attributed to being in a shelter. He ate good from day one and started to bulk up a bit, but that slowed right before he started Nutri-Cal, which should have supplemented his nutrients and calories. The shelter says his birth time was at the end of February 2006, which puts him at about a year, but his size looks like he's 4-5 months old max. They tested and vaccinated him for FLV, FIV, and Distemper, and the Rhino virus thing ( don't feel like looking up the exact virus name), and he's been neutered.
Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Peace, Love, and Prayers,
Michelle

Posted by: Leighann Feb 3 2007, 05:41 PM

My only thoughts is that he ate something that has his intestines blocked. Does he eat everything or just certain things?

Sorry I can't really help. Hope Huey gets better!
Keep us updated
Leigh-ann

Posted by: mosmommy Feb 3 2007, 06:24 PM

Thanks Leigh-ann,
I took him to the Vet at 8:30 this morning and they wanted to keep him so I asked them to do their best to run the blood work and let me treat him at home. They said they'd be there until 3:00 this afternoon and to call at 2:00 if I didn't hear from them. I left at 1:00 to do a couple of things to get my mind off, then drove to the vet at 1:50.
She had actually called my home at 1:05, but I had already left. When she came out, I saw it on her face, Huey had passed away an hour before!!!!!!!!!!!
I retrieved his body for buriel.
He died from acute liver failue, and based on tests and her opinion, it was probably genetic because there was no infection and he was young.
His values were so low that they didn't even show on the blood tests, and his temp was 98.4.
This explains alot about his pica and stunted growth.

I really miss him bad right now, don't want to say more.

Thanks,
Michelle

Posted by: Moose Mom Feb 3 2007, 07:18 PM

Michelle

Oh dear god honey. I'm so so sorry to hear this. Huey was such a doll, I just wish I had words. He was so young, you did your very best, he had a great life with you.

Thinking of you and little Huey.

Posted by: Muffins Feb 3 2007, 10:19 PM

Dear ((((((((Michelle))))))))

I am so very, very sorry to hear about your precious Huey's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time!

Peace, love & comfort,

Denise

Posted by: Simba's Daddy Feb 4 2007, 06:43 PM

I am very sorry to hear about Huey. It hurts to see our furkids leave us. You showed Huey what it was like to experience a good loving home by saving him from the shelter.

Posted by: AlleysMama Feb 5 2007, 09:49 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about Huey. He was such a pretty boy. I know that you did everything you could and you did make sure he had a loving home for his last weeks.

Rest in peace little Huey.

Posted by: Leighann Feb 5 2007, 01:16 PM

I am very sorry to hear about little Huey. At least you can take some comfort in knowing he had a wonderful life the short time he was with you, and he didn't have to pass on at the shelter, thanks to you.

Leigh-ann

Posted by: Ken Albin Feb 5 2007, 10:26 PM

Michelle,

I am so deeply sorry about Huey. You have been so supportive on this board that I'm frustrated that we could do nothing to help you save him. If it was genetic there wasn't much that could be done in any case but it is still so sad to lose a young furkid under any cir%%stances. You still did the right thing in rescuing him from the shelter situation even if it was for a short time. He was able to feel the love of a good home before leaving you.

Take care,

Ken Albin

Posted by: Furkidlets' Mom Feb 6 2007, 12:18 AM

Oh, this is so sad, Michelle! I just can't imagine.....But if Huey was showing symptoms like that so early in life, it may very well have been genetic, so I agree that at least he got to spend his short life with someone such as yourself as his mom. The shock must be terrible, though and I wish I could say something profound to ease your pain. I'm just so sorry for this sudden loss of little Huey. (((((hugs for you!)))))

Posted by: mosmommy Feb 7 2007, 09:38 AM

Hi All,
I wanted to give a quick thank you to you all for your words of support and understanding. I still can't really deal with this right now, and so I have not posted in death and dying.
18 deaths since May 2004, and I think I am in shock and a bit despondent. Don't really know how to move right now.
I miss him VERY MUCH!!!!!
I just wanted you all to know that I have seen your posts, and I appreciate them.

Peace, Love, and Prayers,
Michelle

How can he not be "here" anymore?

Posted by: Moose Mom Feb 7 2007, 11:27 AM

Michelle

Oh honey, 18 deaths? It's just to much, to hard. We understand that you cannot talk right now, but I hope you do when you can.

I was just thinking it seems like just yesterday we were talking about how cute he was and how well he was fitting in at your house. How can he be gone? My heart is breaking too. Poor little guy.

I'm just happy he had such a great life with you, even if it was short. He deserved it. All your babies are just so beautiful.

Love