Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

I think I have to put Lulu to sleep today.

15 replies

wonkytonkwoman · 18/02/2020 11:03

She has HCM and had gone into heart failure again. Was vommiting at the weekend and the vet picked up a new symptom of a heart murmur which she said is a disease progression. She was so lovely and gentle with Lulu but I felt the message was that this is not going to suddenly go into reverse.
This morning Lulu was panting, lethargic, didn't want to move, eat or drink. Just like she was when she needed emergency treatment in November when they did the scans and xrays which revealed HCM.

There is no coming back from this, the vet confirmed that whatever I do now to try and improve things, whether that's more meds, referral to the cardiologist (which may make no difference anyway), this is how Lulu's life will end.
I asked the vet to give her meds to clear the fluid and do another ultransound and xray but she said that unless Lulu can sit still and upright wihtout help (which she couldnt when I left her there) the xray is likely to be poor quality and they can't anaethetise. But they can do the ultrasound and give her oxygen if she does't respond to the diuretic.

I've had to sign a document allowing them to euthanase if she deteriorates and they can't get me there in time. I have to make a decision to continue treating or to PTS.
And I feel so very, very guilty. I don't want her to go. I asked her not to last night.

OP posts:
GoldLeafTree · 18/02/2020 11:06

I'm so sorry

wonkytonkwoman · 18/02/2020 11:12

The vet said all Lulu is thinking about is 'how can I breathe', she said she had to watch both her parents die in agony, without choices about when.
She said that people feel very guilty when they make these decisions and that's normal.

I bought lovely new ceramic bowls for her not long ago, they're so cute and I've got some lovely fresh tinned food arriving today, as she was given some by the vet last weekend and she really enjoyed it.

she's only 10 ffs.

OP posts:
Smilethoyourheartisbreaking · 18/02/2020 11:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Toddlerteaplease · 18/02/2020 11:23

My cat had severe HCM, but it was her Kidneys that went. We were lucky, her Heart failure never made her unwell at all. She had a beautiful peaceful death. It was really sad. But I took great comfort in how peaceful and dignified it was for her. I'd already planned how I wanted it to be and it was perfect for her. Hugs for you.ThanksThanksThanks

Toddlerteaplease · 18/02/2020 11:24

She was only 8.

nolongersurprised · 18/02/2020 12:04

And I feel so very, very guilty. I don't want her to go. I asked her not to last night.

The guilt Is just part of the grief though, you have nothing to feel guilty for. You have given her a lovely life.

TroysMammy · 18/02/2020 12:14

I'm so sorry Flowers. Troy had HCM too. He was diagnosed in the January and died on the way to the Emergency Vets in May, exactly 2 months before his 6th Birthday. It happened late at night, in 10 minutes from the time he made a funny noise, I had dressed, phoned Vets put him in a basket and just drove down the road and he was gone. In hindsight I would have loved to have held him as he died but I was driving. He was a very special cat and it took just over 3 years for the time to be right to get another one.

Toddlerteaplease · 18/02/2020 13:41

HCM sucks!

Want2beme · 18/02/2020 15:07

It is such a difficult time for you. So sorry that Lulu is so unwell Flowers

Igmum · 18/02/2020 15:18

So sorry OP 💐💐

nolongersurprised · 19/02/2020 02:14

@wonkytonkwoman are you ok? Don’t update if you can’t but I hope you’re alright.

wonkytonkwoman · 19/02/2020 18:27

I'm sorry, I have had a bit of a day.

I was able to bring her home this morning. She has responded to the treatment enough for me to care for her at home, with the vet available on the phone and more meds. Vet said she would treat from a distance as much as possible, because being at the vet is stressful for Lulu, which strains her heart. She seems happier to be at home.

We have a few weeks, maybe a bit more. That means I can prepare myself and get my head around what lies ahead when I make the decision that enough is enough. I'm glad I didn't have her put to sleep yesterday, I would've felt like I didn't do all I can. I've got time to say goodbye.

OP posts:
Prokupatuscrakedatus · 19/02/2020 20:10

I am so sorry to hear this - but it is good to be able to say good bye properly and make her remaining days as good as possible.

Toddlerteaplease · 19/02/2020 20:33

You will know when it's time. Glad she's home.

nolongersurprised · 19/02/2020 21:58

It sounds as though she is well loved and well cared for, and the end will be gentle. She’s lucky to have you.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page