He came home for lunch to find me in tears over Pretzel, and he said why not get a second opinion? I thought, I've already got to this place, I almost can't stand to have any hope (does that sound awful?). But he called another vet he'd heard about that was great and he is right now taking the cat to this vet. I need to add that dh is a farmer (cats are only good for what mice they can eat) and very, very practical. The fact that he is doing this on his own just blows me away! And, while I'm totally aware that the outcome may be the same, I will at least be able to say we are certain. (Angela...funny you should post what you did about your dh and your cat!)

By Vicki on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 03:22 pm:

Well, now isn't that sweet of him. You must have really pulled at his heart strings there. Please update us as to what this vet says. I am all for second opinions in situations like this one. I know you don't want to get your hopes up, but I am praying for you and your kitty!! Let us know!

By Angellew on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 04:12 pm:

See... sometimes they really do amaze you, don't they??

Hopefully, you'll get some good news!!! I'll be thinking of you, and Pretzel, and keeping me fingers crossed!

By Vicki on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 07:23 pm:

Any update on the second opinion? I have been thinking of you all afternoon!!

By Vicki on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 08:37 am:

Still thinking of you and hoping that no news is good news. Please update us when you can!! My good thoughts are still with you and your family and kitty.

By Janet on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 09:18 am:

It's the worst news...but at least I have no doubts now. Apparently, according to the 2nd vet, who did a blood test, Pretzel has some form of leukemia and her body is just shutting down. We seriously didn't expect her to live through the night, and prayed she wouldn't, but of course she did. It's been so draining on the girls and me to watch her die. I will be taking her in to be euthanized this afternoon, and I am so sad I don't think I can function at work. She is so sick, though, I know there's just no alternative. The vet said that even if we hospitalized her, she has a very slim chance of surviving. Just one of those weird genetic things, I guess. Thanks for all your kind thoughts.

By Tunnia on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 09:20 am:

I'm so sorry about your kitty.

By Vicki on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 09:30 am:

Oh Janet I am so sorry to hear this news. I will pray that you kitty can be in peace and pain free soon. I also think it will really help you that you do have no doubts about it. I will be thinking about you on this difficult day.

By Angellew on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 09:57 am:

{{{{Janet}}}} I am truly so sorry.

By Nicosmom on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 11:32 am:

Poor kitty, at least you know that you are doing the right thing. So sorry.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 12:40 pm:

{{{{{{{{{{{{Janet}}}}}}}}} My mom had twin Siamese kittens - a boy and a girl - the female died almost 3 years ago from feline leukemia. I'm so sorry.

By Christylee on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 01:19 pm:

I'm so sorry to hear that Janet, I'll be thinking of you and your kids today. ((((Janet))))

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 09:26 pm:

I'm sorry Janet. It's not easy to say goodbye. (((HUGS)))

By Pamt on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 11:24 pm:

So sorry Janet. Since we had to do this with our dog a few weeks ago I do understand the pain and loss. It honestly feels just like losing a human member of the family. (((Hugs))) to you all!

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 05:56 am:

I am so sorry, Janet. I have had to put many animals to sleep, and it doesn't get easier - you are saying goodbye to a loved family member. For what consolation it may be, you know you are ending Pretzel's pain, which is a blessing.

The sad and frustrating thing about cats and dogs is that unless there is an obvious injury, they tend to conceal illness until things reach a catastrophic stage. Don't feel guilty about not knowing sooner, Pretzel wouldn't let you know.

And, by the way, hugs to your DH for wanting a second opinion. He was thoughtful and caring, putting your concerns ahead of his own attitudes about the role of cats, and I congratulate him for this loving sensitivity.