hobbsie

[verbicide]

I took Hobbes to the vet today. He needed a checkup and a blood test. It's just so ...maddening. He's down a pound and his age has really started to show. He has definitely declined in the past six months. I always torture my poor vet by asking how much time I've got with him, and she's wonderful and always tries to answer as kindly and honestly as possible. It's looking like maybe a year if I'm lucky, but he could always suddenly rapidly decline.

He's about 17 years old now. He's got two major diseases (diabetes and asthma) and it's just taking its toll on him.

I'm trying to prepare myself as much as humanly possible, but I just can't bear the thought of losing him. But--I'm going to have to, because at some point--he's going to die. And if he's in miserable health and unhappy, I'm going to put him to sleep.

We had a long talk about dental care again. His teeth could use a cleaning, but with the diabetes, he's at a higher risk for dying on the table. And also, dental work is insanely expensive. I feel so defensive bringing that point up, because it makes me feel like I can put a dollar amount on how much I love my cat.

But realistically, he's a very old cat, his teeth don't seem to be causing him any apparent pain, and I'm doing the best I can, goddammit. I could do the dental work, and he could still be dead in 3 months, and that would be a colossal waste of money.

Dr. Henkle was very nice and went out of her way to say some very nice things about how well cared-for Hobbes is. And it really made me feel better, because well: DUH. Outside of age and some disease, he's in great shape. His temperature is great, his chest sounds great, he's happy, and just a delightful, loving animal.

We'll get the blood results back on Tuesday and see what the next step is.

Comments

[greyaenigma.livejournal.com]

Sending positive kitty vibes your way.

[verbicide.livejournal.com]

Thanks :)

[lietya.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

for what it's worth, it does sound like skipping the dental work is the right decision; it's risky for him, and the only real downside of not doing it is that his teeth will be tartar-covered. (Worst-case, he ends up in real pain from it, at which point you consider the situation. Best-case, it never bothers him at all, since tooth decay is a long-term problem, and, well....)

I'm so sorry. It's so incredibly hard to watch them grow old much faster than you do - 17 is a good long life for a cat, and you've obviously adored him and cared for him magnificently for all of it. That doesn't make it any easier, though.

(in terms of price, I'll just mention that if you ever end up with a younger cat, pet insurance is costing us $140/year per under-10-year-old, and covers any illnesses, surgeries, injuries, and teeth cleanings! Never needed it so far, but it's well worth it to me to know that I COULD authorize a $10K surgery without blinking.)

[verbicide.livejournal.com]

Thank you :)

The dental decay may be causing sort of a low-level state of infection--his teeth are pretty scrotty (but not falling out or anything)--and regardless, as you say--it's not worth it. And that's exactly it--no sense in treating long-term problems at this late stage.

And I am definitely going to get cat insurance when I have a younger cat some day-- that $140 is totally worth it, especially if it covers teeth cleanings and surgeries! I didn't know such a thing existed, thanks for that information!

[archaica.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Older pets are worrisome. But just make the most of the time you have with him.

[verbicide.livejournal.com]

I definitely will :)

[rolypolypony.livejournal.com]

*HUG*

I think you're making the best decision about the dental care. At worst something gets icky w/ his teeth and then you have to decide, but for routine care, I think he's better off going w/out it.

Good thoughts to Hobbes!!!

[verbicide.livejournal.com]

Thanks, roly *hug*

Hobbsie and I appreciate the good thoughts!

[delerium69.livejournal.com]

:-(

[verbicide.livejournal.com]

Yeah :(

[saavedra77.livejournal.com]

¡Oh, pobrecito!