I want to thank so many of you for asking about Gussie, giving suggestions, and encouragement. We pet lovers know that next to seeing our children suffer, nothing is harder than watching a pet suffer. I don't think she's in pain, but she's frightened, disoriented, and I think, is realizing that the nightime has lasted too long, and would someone turn on the lights, please? She is spending most of her time under the bed, or in her little, round basket. At night, she does get up on the bed, and I go in and spoon with her...talking to her softly and petting her...she purrs like mad.
I took her to the vet, and she told me that due to hypertension, Gussie's retinas have detached, blinding her...the term is "blown retinas". Her blood pressure was way up, and I have meds to give her - very difficult to get them down her, even with the little, expensive "pill pockets"...I end up having to poke them down her throat, and now, she doesn't trust me. She comes out from under the bed (just now), but when I walk in the room and try to talk to her or approach her, she runs back under...I've lost her trust..sigh.
On the initial visit, they did labs for thyroid and kidney disease...trying to find out what is driving the hypertension. Turns out the thyroid is fine, and inconlusive on the kidney, so we go back tomorrow for more tests...How I am going to get her in her carrier is a dilema...Gussie may be blind, but she's a survivor, and she's very smart...
I sleep like a mother with a sick child, with one ear cocked at all times. At three am, she was on the foot of the bed, and she hissed...I think our Raisen startled her. So, have been up since then.
For those who are not cat/pet lovers, I know this sounds like just "high drama", but she's been my darling for fourteen years, and I just want her to be as comfortable as she can be. I won't consider the "final solution" unless she is in pain, or suffering....My vet says cats adjust to blindness very well...much better than I would, I know....
And so it goes....
Welcome back!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your Gussie. I bet she will trust you again soon.
I read all of your posts since you got back and I tell you the music box playing made goosebumps on me!
And, I cry in the shower too...I don't mean every day!!! Just when I need to. I like that my tears just get washed down the drain and don't leave their bitterness on my face or my life!
I am having a give-away, but it's over tonight. Come by!
Rhonda
Oh Sweetie...
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Gussie, but like you said she still has her senses just not her eyesight. She is a house cat so she is safe.
You may have to use her senses to get her in the crate. Try putting the crate on the floor, door open and putting one of her treats in there for her. Her little nose will guide her, and maybe she will go in and you can carefully close the crate. It is worth a try. Teach her to use her other senses like we do people.
Please keep us posted. I will be praying for Gussie to adjust and for you my sweet friend to guide her along on her new path, on life's journey. God Bless you Sweetie. Country hugs, Sherry
Thank you for the update.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Thanks to you all....I have been trying to clean the house, while also being on the computer...I feel "connected", and not so lost and alone during this time, when a cloud is passing over my life.
ReplyDeleteI found her in her basket a bit ago, and I spoke to her softly, and stroked her beautiful, grey face...I placed the basket in a puddle of sunshine in my bedroom, and she's content for now.
I think the trick is not to get too overbearing, but rather, reassuring. Of course, tomorrow, I must "betray" her again.
Love to all.
Jessica
I hope all goes well with the vet visit today. You know cats are healers and have the ability to heal themselves as well if we don't interfere too much. I have witnessed several cat and dog miracles after our vet suggested euthanasia so I'm a big believer in natural alternatives as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteGussie is a lucky girl to have such a sweet and caring mama...and vice versa.
Also, I have the coasters ready to mail out and all I need is your address.
Take care.
Angie, It did go well - in fact, her blood pressure is down, which is what was causing her blindness...hypertension- meds for that...kidney disease is what's causing the hypertension..managing that with diet, (we hope)..as long as she is not in pain (doesn't appear to be), and adapting to being blind..she's not going to be put down..not if I can help it.
ReplyDeleteI did send you my address via email???
XOXOX
Jess