Stanley's breathing

[mamarat2]

Sadly I may be taking Stanley in to be euthanized later today. Have been keeping an eye on him. He has been on aminophylline for the last two months along with antibiotics, and his respiratory herbs. Like his brothers Lou and Larry he is following the same route of having COPD.

Today I noticed that he is borderline agonal breathing, literally the effort of breathing takes over his whole body and although he is not gasping, that always seems to be the next step.

Sadly I think the next step is pts. If he can't breathe I don't want to prolong it for him.

 

[jorats]

It's really hard when it gets to this point.

 

[lindsayfawn]

aww that's so sad, hard when they get to that point. Will be thinking of you and your rattie boy

 

[Godmother]

Yes, that is so hard. I agree with you that having him pts is likely your only option.

Pats and kisses to him.

 

[mamarat]

:cry: I'm so sorry.

 

[SQ]

Sounds like having him humanely pts would be the best you can do for him.

 

[lilspaz68]

Awww Stanley, and yes I agree with everyone else. I am sorry Jen

 

[LA]

I'm sorry Jen.

 

[ashana]

I very sorry *bighugs* sometimes the hardest things to do are the kindest.

 

[mamarat2]

I've got him back on his prednisone for the night.

I've always been willing to pts when they need it, I can't let these kids suffer if there isn't anything to be done.

He just doesn't seem like he is ready to go....yet. He may be tomorrow. We have a good er vet we can take him to anytime, not a concern there.

He ate some baby food and drank some water. Very much enjoying his ratty scritches at the moment and returning lots of kisses and licks in response.

 

[Godmother]

What a relief it must be, knowing that you could take him in any time if you needed to! That gives you the freedom to keep him with you as long as he is enjoying life.

 

[lilspaz68]

Yeah it doesn't sound like Stanley's quite ready yet.

 

[papercrow]

You'll know when it's right. Enjoy your little guy all you can. It's so hard to see them struggle.

 

[mamarat2]

He's still hanging in there. Seems a bit more tired tonight, but came right down out of his cube at dinnertime and ate with quite an appetite. Giving him lots of easy foods for him to eat at this point.

 

[Moon]

Poor boy. At least he's eating and enjoying all the love you're giving him.

 

[Melissa]

Aww, what a strong boy.

 

[mamarat2]

MMMmmm some good news. Or perhaps hopeful news.

Since Stanley was put back on his pred, he is also getting antibiotics and he seems to be responding in a positive way to them. Could just be the pred helping too but I can be somewhat hopeful at least.

He is still holding his own and was at the door to meet me tonight when I got home from work, last few days I have had to scoop him out of his cube and wake him up.

 

[mamarat]

That's great news, sending healing vibes to Stanley.

 

[lilspaz68]

Awww Stanley!!! :heart:

 

[jorats]

Sweet Stanley!!