So a week has gone by since our world was turned upside down again. The update…
Rusty the Bunnyman is still holding on. We have been back and forth via phone with the vet. We thought we were going to have to take him in to help him along to rainbow bridge. The vet said increase the frequency of the Lasix. He hasn’t really eaten anything, so the vet had us pick up a transdermal cream for appetite stimulant. They are not ready to give up on him yet.
with that being said, he did tell us to make sure Rusty didn’t start panting and having labored breathing. Not to be too concerned about the belly breathing as long as the breathing rate is down.
They recommend we keep track of the good days versus bad days so they can help us if we need to make a final decision.
I am grateful we’ve had this extra week with him and don’t know how many more we will have. This is exhausting from the human standpoint. We don’t know what to feel what to prep for. We don’t know if this is just the new normal for a while. I know there is no right or wrong answer right now. Every time we talk about putting him down, he does something else that shows he’s not ready to leave. A simple example… He wasn’t eating or drinking anything for over 24 hours. This was him five minutes ago.
I continue to pray that we can do the best thing for him.
wishing you all a very happy Easter. Hoping you are all staying healthy and your for babies are doing well.
With love,
Gina and Nick
Hoppy Easter to all of you 💖💖
Indeed, Rusty seems to know when you need answers and he is not giving up yet. I know this is an awful stress. Each day that you have had is a gift, and Rusty could not have better people to serve and care for him.
Thank you for the update, continuing prayers for strength and healing.
Jackie and Huck 💖💖💖
Thank you. Just praying. He is weak but hasn’t eaten so there could be the reason. The first dose of the appetite stimulant has been given. Hopefully he starts getting some food and therefore some strength. Without the nutrition, he won’t be able to fight.
Thanks so much for checking in. Knowing Mr Rusty the BUNNYman is with us is…..especially on EasterBUNNY DAY is a good sign!.
I love how yoiu Vet is helping you, not only evaluate Rusty, but process everything in your mind, and heart. The steps you are taking, that you have taken, will never, ever leave any doubt in your mind that everything possible was done for Rusty. And then some!!
So, maybe this will help. I’ll just kinda’ play back what I’m “hearing” you “feel”. So maybe rather than agonizing about “when is the right time” (easier said than done),, you know that, from this point forward, any time about “when” is the right time. You’ve gotten some extended time that has meant the world to you, and Rusty too. Even though you’ve certainly been on the verge of a crisis (or maybe in it a time or two), you’ve managed to avoid the worst case scenario. And that’s what we all would want . Not that we always have a choice in the matter though. Bmmer!
I love that Mr Bunnyman decided to eat and drink! He continues to give you good memories to hold onto! Such a gift. He is an amazing little Soul!❤
Extra love, prayers, hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Thanks! Awesome analysis of everything. Trying to take one moment at a time.
It’s soo good to see him eat! What an Easter bonus! That’s a pawsitive sign, and definitely one that says “Hey guys, I’ll go when I’m good and ready, got it?!” He’s living life on his terms as always, and you guys are doing amazing work at being his loving slaves! 😉
Whatever it is that you’re doing, keep it up. Try to focus on the here and now, and know that your smart boy is still in charge.
Lotsa love coming your way.
Goal:
Loving him without smothering him is my goal right now. Give him space to do whatever he needs. Just make sure he knows he is treasured.
Hoppy Easter! Wow animals are just amazing, they tend to surprise you even when you start to lose hope. How great to see him eating and drinking in that picture! He’ll let you know if and when it’s time, for now you’re doing amazing and he’s a fighter. All just enjoy each day, as I’m sure you are. Sending love to you all (:
Thank you.
Hoppy Easter!
So glad to see Rusty was able to come home. That is a huge blessing! Prayers continue for you all and that Rusty will rally for you.
They make Lasix in chewable treats and flavored liquid. I know why you are choosing the transdermal, but not all drugs absorb & work the same way in a transdermal form. Lasix is one that does not perform the same —something to speak to your vet about, please.
Here are reference links –
https://www.winnfelinefoundation.org/education/cat-health-news-blog/2018/11
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30339054
Each day each minute is a gift we know this when we join and hope for as much time as pawsible. Keep it up, Rusty, and let your Mom and Dad know what your plans are ok, buddy.
Eating, more spoiling, some meds here and there, K!
Give Rusty an extra smooch from us, please.
Big Hugs!
Holly & Purrkins💝
Thanks for the heads up! Unfortunately transdermal is the only choice I have right now. He is not touching food overall. He is not eating treats, every few days he’ll lick up some wet food. When I had to rely on that, he went 36 hours without. That’s probably why the vet said OK for this and ordered it for us. He really hasn’t had substantial food in over a week.
If he happens to pull through this, I will work on getting other forms for him.
I understand and know you are in contact with your vet. I mention it hoping the appetite stimulate will help Rusty eat . Whatever Rusty wants to do and by no means am i wishing for you to struggle to medicate. Saxton gets a liquid compounded script he thinks is a treat and laps it right up.
Food is number 1 as your Vet and Sally has said. I know nothing is simple right now, some food tip reminders, just in case – Gerber Stage 2 baby food turkey & gravy baby food, Chicken & Gravy, and Ham & Gravy. Tuna, tuna juice on kibble. Kitten food. Warming wet foods. Hills A D Vet food. Lickable treats i know you are aware of. Sprinkling food with parmesan cheese, forti-flora are some more ideas to try.
Prayers continue!
I’m so glad your Vet is working so closely with you and open to all options, as long as Rusty is. And even before the Bet said to try the gel, she basically said not to worry about getting the lasix in him…it was more important to get yim to eat first. So no worries there. And about that time he started eating some!!
So, just like so much on this journey, what we try sometimes is just a crap shoot. Maybe the gel is helping, maybe not, maybe some. Regardless of “why”, he is eating some and that’s what she wanted you to focus on.
Obviously you do have a clue why he’s eating. Think about it!! Just get on the phone with your Vet, talk all depressed and sad….and then Mr Rusty the Bunnyman will eat!!! 😉 Silly boy!!!
❤❤❤❤
Great point!! Rusty does do that!!
He is definitely doing this all on his terms. 🥰
Good food tips from Holly. Have you had a chance to try any of them? Or maybe you already did. Can’t remember.
(((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))
Tonight’s selection of food included baby food, gravy lovers wet food, Fancy feast creamy broth, rotisserie chicken, and shrimpy shrimp Temptations treats.
He did back away when these were offered to him. However we did leave them where he’s laying.
He has a lineup of b0wls so he has choices if/whenever he decides to eat if the Mirataz kicks in!
He did lick a little bit of gravy lovers food earlier today. 🤞