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Cat not responding to medication

7 replies

MysweetAudrina · 26/11/2020 18:03

I have an 8 year old male cat who I have had at the vets 6 times in the last 6 months. There is noticeable wastage in his hind legs and he is unable to walk at them moment.

When we first brought him to the vet he was given a steroid injection and a course of antibiotics.

There was a noticeable improvement but as so as he finished the course he started deteriorating again.

I brought him back and got X-rays and blood tests. No broken bones or anything really much showed up. Another 10 days antibiotics and again noticed improvement in his mobility and ability to toilet outside.

Finished the course, he went downhill again so brought him back. He has since gotten 2 more steroid injections and another long course of antibiotics.

Last treatment was 10 days ago and he is just lying on the sofa all day and I have to bring his food to him ( his appetite is fine, he would eat your hand) He is having accidents and using the litter tray sometimes when he can.

He was a very active outdoor cat before this who used to just use the house as a b&b.

My dilemma is what to do next and how long do I give him. I don't want him slowly dying in pain but I don't want to take his life from him either. My kids go nuts every time I suggest that it might be kinder to let him go and I do feel that this would be kinder but the thoughts of him trusting me to bring him to the vet and then having him put down is something I am struggling with. I don't think he is going to get better and I'm not sure how bad I should let him get before I make the decision.

Grateful for any views or advice please.

OP posts:
MrsTwitcher · 26/11/2020 18:17

Poor kitty. Has he had an mri to see if he has nerve or spinal damage.

yeOldeTrout · 26/11/2020 18:22

If it were an infection, he should have fully responded by now.
Sounds like something progressively neurodegenerative, organic inside him.
Steroids can sometimes address that but you've tried steroids.

sounds like he can enjoy life, but you can't clean his mess daily for next 8+ years. What does vet suggest?

MrsTwitcher · 26/11/2020 18:24

I would ask for a second opinion. It could be completely treatable but might be expensive. Do you have pet insurance.

MysweetAudrina · 26/11/2020 18:27

Vet is very much saying it is up to us. I just fed him there now and he gobbled down 2 pouches. He was never the type of cat to seek out affection but would enjoy it when you gave him some. He purrs like an engine even now when you put your hand on him so he is still able to feel pleasure.

OP posts:
MysweetAudrina · 26/11/2020 18:30

Sorry the only options vet gave us were steroids or antibiotics but even with those he is still not able to walk. His hind is very bony with no muscle whereas the rest of him looks fine. He is a tabby and we don't have pet insurance.

OP posts:
yeOldeTrout · 26/11/2020 20:29

They persistently purr when in pain or distress though, too. It's a way of self-comforting. I don't understand, what does your vet think is wrong with him?

Yarnivore · 27/11/2020 12:25

Has he had any pain meds?

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