My cat is 15 years old. He stopped eating and tried to drink but just couldn't. So I took him to the vet. She

Question

said he had a ulcer in his mouth and gave him clindacure. I have to give him this twice a day for as long as it lasts. I am wondering how this is going to help when everytime I give him anything he starts to convulse for an hour. I feel this is too hard on him. My sister and I think he is on his way to the promise land and we are putting him through torture. Has anyone else had to give an old cat this kind of meds?

Answer 1

I'm giving the same stuff to mine, he's 16 and getting really adept at closing off the back of his throat and drooling it all out again. I have to be so careful not to get it down his windpipe.

The stuff does work on the ulcers. It's so painful for them to eat with open sores in their mouths, you do have to give the meds even if it seems like torture. It's the only way to heal up the stuff to get rid of the pain there. Keep up with the meds, the alternative is a whole lot worse since the condition gets worse in the mouth.

It does help to mush up the canned catfood with warm water to make it easier for them to eat. He's not likely to want to crunch down on hard cat food while his mouth is healing. I had to offer mine some meat baby food (he adores it!) to get him eating regularly. The little jars are 85 cents each.... but it did get him going again.

Answer 2

15 is old for a cat, but not ancient. He very well could have a few more years. If he's convulsing, then that seems like a different problem (not that he doesn't have an ulcer, too, but...). Diabetes, kidney failure, brain tumour or infection, etc... All could also cause lack of appetite and lethargy.

I suggest getting him back in, telling the vet about the convulsions (and if you already did and she didn't do anything about it, find a new vet), and probably getting a round of blood tests and maybe X-Rays if nothing shows up on the blood work.

It could be a very serious illness, at which point comes the task of weighing quality of life, life expectancy with the illness, risk of treatment vs. chance of benefits from treatment, etc... However, it could also be something fairly mild that could be cured with a round of antibiotics.

I'm not really a fan of euthenizing animals, especially for illnesses that you aren't 100% sure about and haven't run every test possible. I think it's cruel and irresponsible of people to do so. Basically, if you were kinda old and sick, would you want to be treated and cared for (if possible) and remain with your loved ones, or would you want to be offed because those caring for you don't really want to bother? Basically, for yourself, weigh the options... would you want to be treated and maybe live with a little pain (what people call "suffering" when talking about pets) but be with those you love, or would you want to die?

That's seriously a question, btw... some people would definitely prefer dying. But I think most would prefer being treated, even if the outcome isn't certain. I'm willing to bet pets feel the same.

Of course, in some case, euthanasia may be the best option. If the risk of the treatment outweighs the benefits, etc... But I think you should at least find out exactly what's wrong and what that treatment and its risks/benefits are.

Answer 3

I have given clindacure when mine have had dental work. It is a good antibiotic, but if it tastes anything like it smells...yuck.

Mine don't like to take it but have never had convulsions afterwards. Please call your vet as soon as possible and let them know the medicine affects him this way. Until them, divide the dose into fourths. You are giving 1 dropper twice daily? Try giving him 1/2 dropper at a time four times daily.

I hope this helps, it is so heartbreaking to see our furbabies ill.

Purrs and prayers to you and kitty.

Answer 4

My 21 year old Seal-Point siamese had exactly the same thing wrong with her as your cat. She had a HUGE mouth ulcer/growth and was losing a lot of weight due to not being able to eat properly. She'd try to eat, but would choke excessively on her food and liquids. Liquids were the worst, though. They'd come out her nose 95% of the time instead of going where they should go-her belly! I'm sorry to say this, but if you truly love him..you'll let him go. This is what I had to do. If you're too upset by this (as I was) you don't have to go in with him when he is put to sleep. Though, I will tell you that animals slip away more peacefully and without fear if they're being held by a loved one. I had to have my husband hold her for this, as it was just too hard for me. I sat in my car and cried :-( It was very sad, but I knew that she'd be in no pain afterwards. I still think about her quite often..imagining her romping through the clouds..catching mice and batting at birds flying by. Putting him to sleep would be the more fair to him. I will keep you in my prayers.

Answer 5

As a pet owner you have a responsibility to your friend to decide for them if there is still quality to their life. If not, then do what you can to make them comfortable and take them to someone who can end their suffering in a peaceful way. It's the hardest thing you'll ever do but deep in your heart you'll know you were a true friend to them. They can't ask you, so you just have to trust your instincts as to when the time is right. God bless.

Answer 6

checkers-
i have four cats, 17yrs, 15 yrs and two 13yr olds...all are indoor and are extremely healthy. The 17 yr old is slowing down alot....but i know when it is his time...i will not hold onto him...i will let him go peacefully (cradling him in my arms)...
I know it is a hard decision, and if he is having a hard time with his meds, then you may need to make the decision.

Be kind to your kitty - thanks for sharing your story ♥

Answer 7

I'm so sorry to hear that, Checkers. I had a13 yr old cat named Pandie. She was on the same med. She went blind and I'm sorry to say, I found her 2 days later, in back of the toilet. :-( Please, if he's going, let him be with you when it happens.. He knows you love him, keep him as comfortable as you can. Best of luck... Sadiemae

Answer 8

Poor kitty! www.greenpet.com.au is the best place to look for natural, herbal remedies. I don't use homeopathy or stuff like that, but I do like the herbs used and they have made a big difference for my animals.

Answer 9

I never have had to do that but I feel for you I have an 11 year old cat. I think you should consider having her put down to end the suffering.

Answer 10

we had to put our cat down a couple days ago because she was breathing hard and she was getting worst. she was ten. just make sure you dont make it suffer.