17 Year Old Cat with Health Conditions and Major Surgery

Mercurial123 · 2023-08-18T04:33:56+00:00

My cat has been doing reasonably well for the last few years. She was diagnosed with kidney and thyroid issues but was still enjoying life, maintaining weight, loving her food, and playing. Unfortunately, she jumped and landed badly. Initially, the vet thought it was a fracture as she was in agony, but after an X Ray found she had arthritis and the fall has made this worse. She's at the vets getting the care she needs. She may need to get her back leg amputated. But the vet has questioned, considering her age and health issues would it be too much for her. I'm back on Monday and will have to make the decision. Do you think it's cruel to put her through surgery? I need to do what's best for her.

Bananas1350 · 18/08/2023 05:37

I wouldn’t put an old cat through that. I just wouldn’t. I would be surprised to find any vet who would think that was a good idea. I’m so sorry for what has happened.

CurlewKate · 18/08/2023 06:01

Sorry, I'm afraid you can't put her through this. It's time to be brave.

Words · 18/08/2023 06:18

I really don't think you can put her through that at that age. Surprised the vet has suggested it as an option. I'm so sorry.

Original poster

Mercurial123 · 18/08/2023 06:19

Thank you. I know it's the right thing to do. I am supposed to be bringing her home on Monday. The vet said I could collect her. Would it be cruel to have her home for a few days and then return to the vets? Or just let her go sooner? I have no idea. My other cat died peacefully at home in her sleep.

OP posts:

NewYorkFirstTimer · 18/08/2023 06:24

Take her home for a day and spoil her rotten with all her favourite treats and as much fuss as you can give her ❤️

CurlewKate · 18/08/2023 06:26

Honestly? As soon as possible. Today if you can. I'm surprised at your vet to be honest.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 18/08/2023 06:52

I'm amazed your vet would even entertain the idea of surgery, I guess they're hoping you'll make the right decision.

Honestly put her out of pain, arthritis is horribly painful. Give her beautiful hugs and let her go x

Nevermay · 18/08/2023 06:54

Mercurial123 · 18/08/2023 06:19

Thank you. I know it's the right thing to do. I am supposed to be bringing her home on Monday. The vet said I could collect her. Would it be cruel to have her home for a few days and then return to the vets? Or just let her go sooner? I have no idea. My other cat died peacefully at home in her sleep.

you can arrange to take her home and have her put down at home, this is what I am doing for my cat, It costs £300-£400 through Cloud Nine, and we a re borrowing it, but I think it will be worth it, and we owe it to him

Original poster

Mercurial123 · 18/08/2023 07:10

Nevermay · 18/08/2023 06:54

you can arrange to take her home and have her put down at home, this is what I am doing for my cat, It costs £300-£400 through Cloud Nine, and we a re borrowing it, but I think it will be worth it, and we owe it to him

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Thanks. Sounds the best situation but unfortunately I'm not in the UK and my vet doesn't offer this service.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to call the vet now and discuss when I should come into say goodbye.

OP posts:

Nevermay · 18/08/2023 07:23

sending you lots of love xxx

Original poster

Mercurial123 · 18/08/2023 07:29

Nevermay · 18/08/2023 07:23

sending you lots of love xxx

Thanks, waiting for the vets call. Xx

OP posts:

FormerlyPathologicallyHappy · 18/08/2023 08:00

I’m so sorry, 17 is a really good age you’ve done well to get her to 17.

Stickytreacle · 18/08/2023 08:10

Id wamt it done as soon as possible, bringing her home to face a stressful and probably painful jouney home not once, but twice is unfair for her.

Nannyfannybanny · 18/08/2023 08:15

Lots of sympathy,done it too many times over the years (January last time with little dog 18) don't take her home,too much stress. I think vets are frightened to give opinions,in case you complain later. I've been with mine over 25 years. I've never had an animal PTS at home, I wouldn't want to live there after that. Always wondered,do they then take your animal away with them. You cat has had a lovely very long life ♥️

WhyAreAllTheGoodUserNamesUsedUp · 18/08/2023 08:27

It sounds like it’s probably time to let her go but I do want to add that we had a 3 legged cat who lived happily and healthily until 21. He was younger when he had his leg amputated ( due to a complex fracture which wasn’t healing), but the surgery and recovery time was easier than I had imagined. I think he was home the next day and seemed instantly happier and relieved from the pain of his fracture. He adapted pretty much straight away to being on 3 legs, and still somehow managed to climb over our fence, get on top of our shed etc. they generally find it easier to adapt to loss of a back leg.
I don’t want to confuse your decision but I did want to add this perspective.

Stickytreacle · 18/08/2023 19:30

WhyAreAllTheGoodUserNamesUsedUp · 18/08/2023 08:27

It sounds like it’s probably time to let her go but I do want to add that we had a 3 legged cat who lived happily and healthily until 21. He was younger when he had his leg amputated ( due to a complex fracture which wasn’t healing), but the surgery and recovery time was easier than I had imagined. I think he was home the next day and seemed instantly happier and relieved from the pain of his fracture. He adapted pretty much straight away to being on 3 legs, and still somehow managed to climb over our fence, get on top of our shed etc. they generally find it easier to adapt to loss of a back leg.
I don’t want to confuse your decision but I did want to add this perspective.

It can be feasible to amputate, however it is arthritis not a fracture causing the pain in this case and the cat also has other health issues. I think the op has made the right decision in letting her go.