Liver Disease, Force Feeding, No Bowel Movement

[IMstacie]

My male 10 year old cat has had a bad liver his entire life.  He gets constipated often.  About a month ago he stopped eating, losing weight.  Vet said not much he can do his liver is very bad.  I've been force feeding thru a syringe.  Although he is weak and very thin he still enjoys walking around, smelling, etc.  He uses the litter box but he is not having bowel movements - at least 3 days.  He does not seem to be comfortable when he sits.  

Do you think this is normal given he is not eating as he should?  Any suggestions for the constipation in his current state?

[IMstacie]

thanks to all for your kind words.

[CML2014]

Hi Stacie,

Sometimes prayers and all the good wishes just don't work. I am sorry mine did not help your kitty turn that corner back to your life.

It is so true that when it is meant to be , they know and make letting go a peaceful transition to freedom from their failing body. Now he is free to be a part of this special universe, and watch over you in this world.
I hope you and especially your husband find peace knowing your best friend will always be near you in spirit.

God Bless you , your husband and "kitty".
CML

[IMstacie]

Well today was the day.  My boy lost the battle but he is at peace now, no more pain.  Thanks Jade for the website, it was very helpful, especially for my husband.  He seems to struggle with this even more than I.

[IMstacie]

thanks, that is a good website.  I sent it to my husband to read tomorrow morning.

Today, we went to the Vet and got an enema.  He was very constipated according to the Vet but now he is even weaker.  I'm hoping tomorrow morning he will feel better.  The Vet said he doesn't have a lot of time left.  I felt horrible having to put him through that.

[Jade59]

Hi Stacie...I'm sorry for what both you and your sweet boy are going through.  I recently had to put my beloved Jade down.  We used a home euthanasia service which I'd like to share with you since you, too, are in CA.  It's on the expensive side, but worth every penny.  

Here is the link in case you'd like to use it.  I couldn't recommend it more.  The entire site is helpful, but most of all, I found the "Quality of Life" page hugely instrumental in making my decision.  Even if you don't use the service, I think you'll find the site informative.  

http://www.homepeteuthanasia.com/end-of-life-care/quality-of-life

[IMstacie]

He is actually eating a prescription Hills l/d (for liver disease).  I also offer him baby food which he licks about a tablespoon (chicken).  I give him Lactoluse but sparingly because of the dehydration factor.  I have to give him water from a syringe as he is not drinking much at all.

thanks for you thoughts.

[IMstacie]

I'm going to see the Vet tomorrow.  

I know he is not long for this world.  I've put cats to sleep before when they were sick but my previous companions had lived a full life, were very old at 17 & 18 years of age.  I knew it was time for them.  This one just seems so young at 10 years.  It seems harder when they haven't lived a full life.

Since he is still walking, smelling, using the litter box, at least for urination, I feel like I should give him the best chance of any recovery.

[opus88]

Im so sorry to read abt your kitty :( as CML says there does come a time when we have to think of quality of life rather than quantity...

can I ask what you are assist feeding him with, what type of food? the Vets have some high calorie recovery formulas avail or at least make sure it is a grain free good quality protien, not by product cat foods. if I remember right a 10 lb cat needs a min. of 180 calories per day

Have you talked to your Vet abt the constipation? the Vet should have recommended some products that would greatly help. while he wouldn't be pooping alot on the AF diet he still needs to be passing something everyother day at least.
The Vet can give you a product called Lactoluse its a stool softner, tho very sticky..and a cat needs alot of extra water when taking this..but it usually works
there is also Miralax an OTC product, I don't recommend this long term on any cat, but in terminal stages I would use it. I think its abt 1/4 teas. per day mixed with a bit of water...again check with your Vet on that.
I have a chronically constipated cat, because he has a stricture in his bowel and the stool sits too long in that spot, lately I've been using magnessium citrate...1/16 of a teas...abt 25mgs mixed with water that also works as a softner, but again PLEASE check with your Vet before using any of these...with his liver issues, need to know what is safe for him
good luck Stacie....we'll keep you both in our prayers, let us know how it goes okay♥

[CML2014]

Hi Staci
This is such a hard thing to give advice on. Your vet knows your kits medical history and probably should be the one you go to for this answer.

I know I would need to be sure my baby was not in any pain, and I was not force feeding him in vain. It can be very stressful for you as well as him. I always say as long as they are not in pain and the quality of their life is good, keep them with you as long as you can by any means......but if your vet tells you this is not going to improve only get worse, than it may be time to allow you best friend a pain free existence in letting him go. I know this is not an easy thing to think of , but your first consideration is always what is BEST for your baby. He has had a wonderful life being loved and cared for by you. He will always be by your side even in spirit.

Please have a good talk with your Vet, they are very good at helping you understand what might be the best .

Please keep us posted and I am sending many good wishes and prayers you way.
CML