Long time lurker, first time poster. Not sure if this is the right forum to ask for veterinary care/advice (to clarify I'm not asking Dr. Google anything here...) but I'm blinded by where else to ask (someone @ me to boost where I need to go if necessary).
I feel silly asking this. I was in the veterinary field for 15 years, given advice to countless owners, but when it comes to my furry homies I just can’t think straight (or logically). I look at my baby kitty and all the knowledge that I have just floats into oblivion somewhere.
Long story short: I have a 17-year-old cat who has some bad teethies. She's a senile old biddy, but I love her and want to keep her comfortable. Had some bloodwork done for her yearly (and also cuz her attitude has been off). Bloodwork is okayish. A few increased values that come normal with age (kidney, liver, high white blood cell count). She's on antibiotics for potential infection. I know her teeth aren't great. She needs a dental, but at her age I just can't foresee putting her under.
She's happy, chatty, and lovey. But she also has moments where I can see she's not all there (intuition, coupled with sooooo many years of seeing the same look in senior pets I assisted with).
I don't want her to be uncomfortable (she's not grooming quite as well as she used to and I see the way she is when she chews her hard food), but at the same time I don't want to put her through something so major. She stresses so damn easily. It's also really hard to tell what's from discomfort/pain and what's from old age.
I don't know what to do for her. Where do you draw the line? Do I put her through the procedure or just try to keep her comfortable? Should I see how the antibiotics do and go from there? Do I discuss long-term pain management with her vet given I know her teeth hurt? Am I an asshole for not wanting to put her under at her age?
I would do anything for my animals. I ran into a burning building to save this cat (and I'd do it again). She’s been my companion for 17 years (seeing me through the loss of my other animals). I love her with all my heart.
I just don’t know what’s right for her.
It's ironic. I used to tell owners, "you'll know what's right for them" and here I am...and I have no effing clue.
Help?
[link] [comments]
from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/mrv7pc/advice_for_old_kitty/
No comments:
Post a Comment