Please could someone advise me

[CookieLady]

It's looking more and more likely that my kitten has Key Gaskell Syndrome. Spoke to the specialist vet jus now and they're going to d a couple more tests today to confirm. The vet mentioned that if we decide not to put Cookiekitten to sleep then he'd need a put in a feeding tube and a catheter, there is also no known timescale of how long he'd remain alive for. Survival rate is less than 25%. I guess, my question is that if it is confirmed then is it kinder to put him to sleep sooner rather than later?

I'm really not an animal lover but he's really gotten under my skin.

[cozietoesie]

I'm so sorry for him and you both, Cookie.

I haven't had a cat with this before but I understand that the prognosis for him, if he has it, is pretty bleak - and that even if he's among the small percentage that recover, there might well be residual neurological issues for his whole life.

What sort of quality of life would he really have?

[CookieLady]

Just spoken to the vet again. She said that if we decided not to put him to sleep that he'd need a feeding tube and catheter. He's only eight months old.

[Wolfiefan]

I'm so sorry. Any idea how long these tubes would have to be in place?
It does sound pretty bleak.

[CookieLady]

Indefinitely.

[cozietoesie]

Poor wee stick.

Nobody else can make a decision for you but I would say that this is one of those times when you have to try to ignore your own emotions and focus on the cat, its needs and its quality of life. It's a hard hard point for every animal owner who faces such a decision even though it may be made in love.

[CookieLady]

cozie, I know you're right. It's so fucking hard. I can't stop crying. I think he's given up as he's now refusing to eat.

[RubbishMantra]

What a very sad situation. Bless you both.

[Fluffycloudland77]

This is awful news, poor cookiekitten.

Have you been so see him? He might eat if moms there.

[CookieLady]

Went to see him today. He looks worse. Poor kitty just curled up, he didn't want to be held. I've now been told that they won't know the results until tomorrow.

[cozietoesie]

Let us know how things go. Take care.

[CookieLady]

Thank you.

[CookieLady]

They've confirmed it this evening. Putting to sleep tomorrow. Devastated.

[GreenEyedMonster14]

I'm so sorry cookie, poor cat and poor you.

I'll be thinking of you xxxx

[GreenEyedMonster14]

Will you be going to see him tomorrow?

[cozietoesie]

Cookie

My Darling Twoago died of his own accord but he was very ill and I've always wished that I had had the steadfastness to have him put to sleep a little earlier so that he didn't have to go through his last week.

It will feel awful but it's a loving decision to make.

Thinking of you.

[CookieLady]

I've asked if they can wait until tomorrow so that I can be there. I don't want him to die with strangers.

[chockbic]

So sad

[SalvatoreGirl]

My Whisky developed Key Gaskell - I nursed her for 10 days feeding her with a syringe 3 times a day and then putting the eye drops in so the muscles would contract and washing her fur.
Tried so hard but I couldn't save her - she kept losing weight, it broke my heart but we had to have her pts after 10 days but there was no quality of life left for her.
It was years ago but I still remember I spent all the night before sitting on the floor nursing her and sobbing, telling her I was so sorry.
Unless they have better meds that will give Cookiekitten a good quality of life I wouldn't put him through it. Sending you both (((hugs)))

[Wolfiefan]

I'm so sorry to hear this. You are truly doing the kindest thing and saving him from suffering. He will be at peace.
Most un MN but HUGS xx

[CookieLady]

Thank you to everyone. I said goodnight to my beautiful boy earlier this afternoon. I held him whilst the vet administered the overdose and it's been by far the hardest thing I've had to do.

[juneybean]

So sorry you had to go through this, your boy isn't suffering now xx

[Fluffycloudland77]

You did what you had to, I'm so sorry. It's not meant to be like this at all.

[cozietoesie]

So sorry.

[Archfarchnad]

So sorry Cookie, have only just seen this thread. It must have been so difficult for you, but I think you've really done the right thing, and at the right point. He wouldn't have had much quality of life if you'd let him go on, and as it was he was able to drift away with no pain held by the person who loves him and who he loved. You did everything you could, but that doesn't stop it hurting.

[RubbishMantra]

You loved him and held him, at a time he most needed it.