From:
glenn_kelli@yahoo.com
Date: 2005-01-16 15:02:54 UTC
Subject: Need advice - When to let go?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4382675.1105887774739.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I have written about Loci in the past. I found that he is severely anemic. His RBC is as low as 8. His reticulacite (sp?) is zero, which means he has non-regenerative anemia. We had his bone marrow tested and found it is no longer working. We did a blood transfusion to see if that would jump start his marrow into making the RBCs. But to no avail. Loci has been living like this for over a month. I have him on meds, I am feeding him a soft food mixture twice a day with his meds (which he eats on his own, no force feeding), he is eating very little kibble on his own.
He is so lethargic, all he does is sleep. It breaks my heart to see him this way. His buddy tries to play with him, but he just lays there. I put him on the floor and he takes a few steps then collapses in exhaustion. It breaks my heart that the only time he is awake is to eat and take his medicine.
My dilemma is this. Do I take him in to have him put to rest? Or do I continue feeding him and giving his meds until his little body just gives out? His quality of life is very sad to me, but is this reason enough to help him cross over?
I would just like a litle advice from others who have been faced with the same situation.
Thanks,
Kelli