factual not morbid
@sallypup (65503)
Centralia, Washington
August 4, 2025 10:02pm CST
Beau Teak Siamese's Doc just sent me a lengthy email. I took him to her because he was coughing. She told me his heart was not working well. X Rays showed tons of fluid pushing on his heart. She gave me a bottle filled with diuertics- water pills as many of you think of them. So twice a day Beau gets a teeny pill tucked into his kitten soft food.
The email: keep giving Beau little canned kitten chow meals. Keep an eye on his breathing and energy levels. We could do a centesis test- that means insert a needle into his chest to draw out fluid so he can breathe easier. And that would give fluid for a test to see if the fluid is infected. Could do an EKG. More X Rays?
All the tests raise questions in my mind. How does a cat or a dog know that what is being done to them isn't just a way for humans to torture them?? Is that quality of life?
I think I will call the Doc in the morning and set up a follow up visit. Maybe in three weeks. By then I will be able to see if the water pills are helping Beau. I'd like the Doc to evaluate his breathing for herself. They probably are too busy for the visit but I will push the idea.
Nobody lives forever. At least animals can be released from pain. Humans are put on morphine until their body gives out. And Beau has had a good life. I hope he has forgotten his dark Shelter days.
Thanks for listening! I am a bit rattled even as I try to be level headed.
11 people like this
9 responses
@AmbiePam (101189)
• United States
5 Aug
When a pet’s life is so full of love and care, I don’t believe a moment is spent dwelling on any form of a sadder past life. No one loves him like you, and with all the information you’re getting, plus your wisdom with animals, I believe you’ll know what to do if further action needs to be taken.
I’ve got some tears in my eyes, and I hope you know I may not be there to hold your hand in person, but I’m right next to you in spirit and support. 
3 people like this
@sallypup (65503)
• Centralia, Washington
5 Aug
@AmbiePam Thank you for your sweet thoughts. Daughter thinks the aspiration of fluid is a good idea and she thinks the Vet would administer pain meds first. This is not my first rodeo as some smarty said. I have been in this position too many times. It's never easy doing the merciful path.
3 people like this
@allknowing (151115)
• India
5 Aug
Poor Beau. Hope those pills will work and he will stop coughing Yes It is better to take him to the Vet so that she can see for herself
A hug is on the way
3 people like this
@sallypup (65503)
• Centralia, Washington
5 Aug
@allknowing Thank you very much. I hope the fluid is lessening.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (165189)
• United States
9h
I think it would depend on how distressed he gets going to the Vet. It did no seem to bother Pedro a bit, but most of my kitties have been stressed about the whole process. Withdrawing some extra fluid sounds pretty straightforward and practical. You will get a sense of what is right.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (120352)
• Marion, Ohio
16h
It's always sad to know the end is coming. Only you can decide what to try for him. You have gave him a good life.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (196825)
• United States
17h
I'm sorry to hear about Beau Teak Siamese kitty. He doesn't remember the shelter. All he remembers is the love and care you've given him. I know you will do the right thing and give him the best care.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (87694)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
8h
I have been luck to have had two cats one lived 12 and the other 13 years with no problems, Then of course, this March I suddenly lost two cats that shocked me, No I am thinking of getting another cat in September but I wonder how it will all work out,. I will put in a prayer for Beau,
1 person likes this
@sallypup (65503)
• Centralia, Washington
4h
Thank you very much. @RasmaSandra Its shocking how full the animal shelters are.
@MarieCoyle (46903)
•
5 Aug
I had a rescue dog who was getting up in years, and developed water around her lungs. She was lively, but coughing. They suggested drawing out the fluid to see if it would help. Like you, I wondered if I was just delaying what may have been ''her time'' but I took a chance. It honestly did buy my little girl another year of good quality life. It is a hard choice. Sometimes treatments of this sort work well and sometimes, not so well. When we love them deeply, it's really hard. We want what is best for them, the decisions can be so heart wrenching. Like Amber says, you will know what feels right. 
2 people like this
