The Mozart Report and other Updatery

[rolanni]

So, Mozart's triumphant return home from the vet on Thursday segued into a Friday in which he would not eat, and would not drink.  Two tongue-laps of tuna juice was all that we could get into him; he was clearly miserable, and spent a good bit of the morning and early afternoon Under Things.  I called the vet to give the follow-up report, fully expecting to hear; "Bring him in; it's time."

But the vet had one more trick up his sleeve -- prednisone, which, he said, would calm Mozart's stomach, and also increase his appetite.  Asyouknowbob, it's also a steroid and very hard on the kidneys, and Mozart is in kidney failure.  Steve did go into town to pick up the medicine, since the run of treatment is seven days.  He may, says the vet, become seduced back to eating in seven days.

So, we're doing it, but I worry that we may have crossed a line.  We have, when confronted with The Choice in the past, always erred on the side of No Suffering.  We do everything we can during their lives to be sure that our cats live in a place where Nothing Bad Happens To Cats.  We try to be sure that they cross when they are ready; we haven't ever tried to prolong their stay into the place where there's no joy, just because it's hard to say good-bye.  In retrospect, I think we kept Socks with us a little too long.  Had we had the cancer diagnosis sooner. . .but the vets were -- as they should have been -- looking for horses instead of zebras, and we could only do the best we knew how.

Mozart. . .is fading.  We know he's not going to "get better."  I just wish I had a better handle on where he is, and how he feels.

So, that. . .

Writing is happening; and a book is taking form, a surprising book in a number of ways.  It always amazes me how logical my backbrain is, in its own chaotic fashion.

In Archers Beach news:  This is a Distant Early Warning for those folks who want to have a signed or signed-and-personalized copy of Carousel Seas to go with their signed or signed-and-personalized copy of Carousel Sun:  Uncle Hugo will again be taking preorders for signed books.  This is a DISTANT EARLY WARNING, not a Call to Action.  Actual pre-ordering will not open until after Labor Day.  We'll tell you when.

And?  I think that's all the news that's fit to print.

Comments

[martianmooncrab.livejournal.com]

its hard at times to have pets, and you and Steve will make the right choice when the time comes. Mozart is a lovely cat and Feline Overlord...

[bandicoot.livejournal.com]

Fingers crossed for Mozart. Having just had to go through that, I feel for you. It's damn hard.

[lagilman]

It's a tough place to be. But you'll give the steroids a few days, and see what Mozart tells you. The felines here send there best to the felines there.

[kalimeg.livejournal.com]

I hope Sprite will keep Old Daddy Mozart comforted, along with Mozart's people.

[catlinye-maker.livejournal.com]

I know you'll do whatever's best for Mozart. I'm sorry to hear that he's failing.

[attilathepbnun.livejournal.com]

Oh no!!*is upset for all involved*
Perhaps the steroid will work! One worked for our dog, why shouldn't it work for a cat?
*ear scritches and hugs to all*

[starrcat.livejournal.com]

Sending healing thoughts to you all!

[kk1raven.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry that Mozart isn't doing well. It is hard to know where the line is but you can only do your best where that's concerned. Sometimes there just isn't a clear answer.

[6-penny.livejournal.com]

From my own experience with Prednisone (given for a mega allergic reaction) it was an upper... although I only slept for 4 hours a night while I was on it. So if human reaction is anything to go by Mozart may be less uncomfortable.
Yes I also ate anything that didn't bite back, or run away very fast.

Mr Mozart

[capricchio.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry. Give the steroids a shot but follow your heart for when it is time to take Mozart in. Tell him his favorite story or sing his favorite song and send him on his way with joy when the time comes. I hope the steroids get him eating and you get at least one solid day to share with him.
Jeanne T

[difrancis.livejournal.com]

What a hard call it is for pets, made all the harder for the hold they have on our hearts. *hugs* are all I can offer. Be well.

[arkessian.livejournal.com]

Chino, who has kidney disease and pancreatitis, needs anti-acids, anti-nausea drugs, appetite stimulants (such as mirtazapine) *and* painkillers (a must for pancreatitis as it's very painful) before he will consider eating. He turned 18 last week and is currently fat and happy, but he was in the same case as Mozart just 6 months ago... the painkiller was what helped him turn the corner... so you may find you can keep Mozart without Suffering for a while longer yet. But you're experienced Cat Servants -- you'll do the right thing when it is time.

ETA: Can't believe I forgot to mention the sub-cutaneous fluids that he gets every day!

[grassrose.livejournal.com]

I feel like the "can they be persuaded to eat" is a decent yardstick - at least, for dogs. We lost our Jessie in February to lung cancer. There came a time when we couldn't get the Prednisone into her (we weren't going to manhandle a 17-year-old dog twice a day, or drag her to the vet for shots). Two things influenced our decision to say goodbye. The first was when she refused bacon. We had been feeding her wet food, fresh cooked or even raw food, and finally handfuls of Zuke's treats. When even bacon didn't pique her interest...
The second thing was when, after a short wheezing session, she came over to me and just looked at me sadly. She may have whined a little. She didn't want to cuddle. She certainly didn't want a treat. All I could conclude was that she was asking for me to make it stop, Our vet made a house call, and we said goodbye to her while she lay in "her" chair.

I think that having lived with Mozart for all these years, you'll be able to understand, when he tells you he's had enough.

Good thoughts, prayers, and virtual hugs headed your way - grab whichever helps.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

I have seen Prednisone give literally years of extended life to a cat, so let's see how Mozart does. Merlyn is on two meds plus potassiumn right now, and seems pretty chipper. But I know it is all borrowed time, and am grateful that he hydrates himself so well. I know he is too wiggly to put up with subcutaneous fluids as his brother did.

It is so hard how they carve their own place into our hearts, and finally go ahead to wait for us. Hope Mozart has some good days ahead.