Conference misery::feline_v1

3277.0. "Doobie has passed on" by GENRAL::BALDRIDGE (Fall has fell) Wed Jan 24 1990 14:43

	Sometime back, I noted that our 14 yr old, Orange & White Shorthair,
Peaches and our 16 yr old, Black & White Longhair, Doobie, had been diagnosed
as being HYPERthyroid.  They were both put on a medication called Tapazole
to control the thyroid.  They both did well on it, but about 2 months ago,
the manufacturer, for whatever reason, stopped producing the drug and the vet
changed them over to Propylthiouracil (Whew). Their thyroid counts seemed to
be holding O.K., but last Saturday (1/13) we noticed that Doobie seemed to be
very listless and lethargic and that both Peaches and Cassandra (The Flea)
seemed to be considerately avoiding Doobie. When we examined her, we noticed
red spots in her ears and in the skin in the somewhat sparse fur between the
eyes and the ears. Called the vet and she had us take Doobie right over.

	When the vet examined Doobie more closely, she found very large
bruises all over her chest and stomach areas.  The vet said she was bleeding
internally and had Hemolytic Anemia.  The vet immediately discontinued the
thyroid medication and put Doobie on a strong steroid to hopefully reduce the
inflamation.

	Early Sunday morning, I found that Doobie had thrown-up a fairly
large quantity of dark blood, indicative of massive internal bleeding.
The vet had us bring her right in, where the vet initiated an IV, 30cc
blood transfusion and injected some additional steroids.  The vet called
us later in the day to tell us that Doobie's temperature was back up to
100 deg and that the hemocrits had stabilized around 13% to 15% (Still very
low). Sunday nite, Doobie had another 50cc blood transfusion, still on the
IV and on a heating pad, hemocrits still at around 15%.

	Monday and Tuesday passed with no improvement, but no degradation
either.  The vet kept hopeing that Doobie's natural system would kick in.
This morning (1/24), the vet called about 9:00 AM to say that Doobie's
temperature had dropped to 96 deg and it didn't look good, so we should
get over right away.  While I was driving from work to home, about 15
min, the vet called again, indicating Doobie was in the final stages of
death.  We drove to the vet's, about 20 min, but when we arrived, the vet
said Doobie had just expired.  We spent a few minutes with Doobie to say
our goodbys and appreciation for the love she had shared with us for the
past 16 years.  Her body was still warm. 

	We have had many cats and dogs over the past 36 years and have had
to say similar goodbys, but we've never had an animal as sweet as Doobie.
In fact, we used to joke about the fact that the whole family ought to have 
diabetes from being around so much sweetness.

	Goodby, Doobie, we will miss you terribly.


	Nancy DC:  Please add Doobie Ruth to the Silver Lining Memorial
and we will send a donation in Doobie's honor.

Sadly, Chuck, Jane, Peaches and Cassandra.

    I am so sorry about the passing of Doobie.  Certainly, you and your
    vet did everything you could to help her through this.  I was in
    a similar situation last February, Jesse was in the final stages
    of death at the vets, and I just couldn't get there in time, it
    was a 30 minute drive.  I know how you must be feeling.  Doobie
    knew how much you loved her, and she is now out of pain, and happy
    with all our other kitty friends who have passed on.
    
    Take care of yourself,
    
    Jo

    Sorry to hear of your loss
    
    	Kirk
    

    I am so sorry to hear of Doobie's passing. Doobie gave so much
    pleasure in your life, and it is a great loss.
    
    Pat

    I so very sorry to hear of your loss.  Take comfort in all the love
    and pleasure you shared with Doobie over the 16 years you were
    together.  Our babies live on in our hearts.
    
    Giudi -  Pippin, Gino & Stitch

    our sympathy, too, is sent your way.  sounds like doobie had a good
    life with you, as she enriched your life as well.
    
    .4 is right; our babiez live forever in our memory.
    
    diane, stella & stanley
    

    Our sympathies.  Doobie had a good loving home.
    
    ed, Calvin and Hobbes and Spook

    
    We send out sympathies and love with warm fuzzy hugs.
    
    		Scruffy...........
    
    	Stripe - Grey Boy - Blacky Boy - Bright Eyes - Hair Lip - Tuxedo
    	Smuck Mouth 2 & 3 and Little One 2
    
    						Do take care of yourself
    
    

    
    	So sorry to hear about Doobie.  You did everything you could,
    and provided a good life and tenderness.  Our condolensces,
    
    	Bob, Smoke, Sneakers, & Nova
    

    My sympathy too.  So sorry about Doobie.  You were a wonderful owner.
    
    Flo & Oliver

    Doobie left this *plane* knowing that you loved her/him and was doing
    everything you could.  At the *higher plane* there is no sickness or
    pain.
    
    Our condolences,
    
    Sandi, Black Thunder, White Lightning, DejaVu, Storm and Patches the
    Stray.
    
    

    My sincere sympathy over the loss of your beloved Doobie.
    Unfortunately there are situations of which we have no control,
    regardless of how much we do.  You and your Vet did everything possible
    to help Doobie.
    
    It's very important now for you to take care of yourself during
    this time of grief.  Your feelings over Doobie are real.
    
    Hugs from Nancy, Snuggles and Orphan Annie