Cat PTS today. should it be so traumatic?

catzooo

snowman2 wrote: »

Sorry to hear your bad news but let me reassure you, it wasn't a normal experience that you had but it was one that can happen to even the best vets. Trying to find a vein in a high pressure situation with upset owners is a difficult task, made easier only by practice and experience. Every vet will want it to be as simple and calm as possible but nature has its own way sometimes. To miss a vein from time to time happens and is not the vets fault - it is how they deal with it and approach it that makes the difference between an average and a great vet. Your vet will likely be feeling really bad about what happened - if they aren't, find a different vet. I was pleased that she was a rescue cat that you gave a second chance - I am sure she appreciates all the care and love you gave her.

Thanks snowman2, made me feel a little better. The vet was one I hadn't seen before, a young girl. She did handle it well - put her thumb over to stop the blood. She did explain that this sometimes happens, and that sometimes the pet panics and leaps up.
We wrapped her up in her blanket, put her back in the carrier and I left, in tears. I really hope they don't mind me leaving like that - I will go back tomorrow to pay up.

hostertlady

like others have said, it must have been so traumatic for you.... my cat was PTS last month.. i couldnt go in with him but my hubby did and by the time i had found my way to the car through all my tears he was out again with him...... so quick and so peaceful.................. he looked like he was asleep....
i am crying as i write this..... still so painful:(

puddle96

I share your pain and crying as I type. I had to have my 15.5 year old lady PTS tonight( I've been her slave since she was 8 weeks old) She was fine when I got in from work tonight at 6.15 - I fed her and she came sat on my lap for a fuss. At 6.50 she suffered a saddle embolism. By 7.05 we were in the vets and the deed was done. i came home with an empty basket to an empty house. I can't believe I won't be purred to sleep tonight nor prodded awake at some unearthly hour in the morning. I'm distraught but it was so very peaceful, the kindest thing I could do for her and the vet was wonderful to me. Held he to the end. wish we could treat humans the same way. bill will follow

catzooo

puddle96 wrote: »

I share your pain and crying as I type. I had to have my 15.5 year old lady PTS tonight( I've been her slave since she was 8 weeks old) She was fine when I got in from work tonight at 6.15 - I fed her and she came sat on my lap for a fuss. At 6.50 she suffered a saddle embolism. By 7.05 we were in the vets and the deed was done. i came home with an empty basket to an empty house. I can't believe I won't be purred to sleep tonight nor prodded awake at some unearthly hour in the morning. I'm distraught but it was so very peaceful, the kindest thing I could do for her and the vet was wonderful to me. Held he to the end. wish we could treat humans the same way. bill will follow

Gosh thats awful puddle. At least I had time to get used to the idea, as I could see how poorly she was, plus the vet 2 weeks ago said it was a matter of time. Had to go check on her every morning to make sure she was still with us - she was deaf so didn't hear me come into the room! Am happy I did the right thing - got to spend last couple of weeks with her to say goodbye.
Its a beautiful sunny day right now, so going to go bury her in the garden.

bugslet

Sorry to hear that puddle, such a shock when it's so sudden. Try and console yourself that at least it was all very quick for her - not much help, but you have to take comfort where you can.


That isn't usual, but I guess sometimes it doesn't go easy. maybe I have been very lucky, but the dogs I have had PTS have been very straightforward and quick.

spike7451

I'm so sorry catzoo & puddle for your losses.I couldn't read half the posts & only skimmed over them.The morning I was going to take my old mate Orbit to be PTS,he passed away at home after having a fit in the morning,little git always had to have the last word....It was very hard after he passed away & it took a long time to get over his passing.

bugslet

Heck it isn't a good morning for pet owners on MSE. Sorry to hear about orbit, spike - I guess it's as 'nice' as it can be to have him pass away at home, rather than have to take him to a strange environment.

spike7451

bugslet wrote: »

Heck it isn't a good morning for pet owners on MSE. Sorry to hear about orbit, spike - I guess it's as 'nice' as it can be to have him pass away at home, rather than have to take him to a strange environment.

Thanks,he passed away in Sept 2009 after a long illness (renal & heart failure) at the age of 17 (I think)
I was constantly being told PTS,but he wasn't in pain & had a good quality of life,it was only when he went downhill fast over a week I decided it was time.
However in Orbit's passing I gave Daisy her forever home,she's currently snuggled up on my lap asleep.

mrdignity

Dear Catzoo

I'm so sorry to hear about Gloria and your experience. I take it that Gloria wasn't given a sedative first as that calms pets down before the final injection? I have had clients come to me after similar experiences - the reason why it happens varies from case to case and so it wouldn't be fair to your vet (or you) to try and give a definitive answer on here. Do talk to your vet about your experience if you feel up to it (or write them a letter) as it is so important that the final moments are as peaceful as possible for both you and Gloria. I hope Gloria's reaction was purely instinctive and that she wouldn't have known anything about it. Just remember that the decision you made to step in for her was the right one and out of love for her. She is at peace now and hopefully smiling down on you.

Here is a poem that we give to clients (it's also available via Amazon as a little book)

Weep Not For Me
In Memory of a Beloved Cat
By Constance Jenkins
Weep not for me though I am gone
Into the gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long,
Upon my soul’s sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest,
There is no need for tears;
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not;
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath,
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.

My thoughts are with you x

hotcookie101

mrdignity wrote: »

Dear Catzoo

I take it that Gloria wasn't given a sedative first as that calms pets down before the final injection?

I'm sorry to hear about your cat catzoo. Its horrible when PTS doesn't go as smoothly as it could. I always try to avoid sedation however, as I find that it can roughen things up even more (I had a list of all the problems that you can see with a euthanasia post-sedation, but deleted it as I felt it could be distressing to others)

Even the most experienced vet can miss a vein. However, to be fair in this case it sounds like she got the vein but the cat jumped unexpectedly, which is horrible when it happens, but it does sometimes-some cats do not like the feel of a needle going to the vein. They rarely need the full amount we give them, so her only needing half the dose is normal. I wish all euthanasias were smooth, but unfortunately they aren't, for any number of reasons. (to be honest, I wish I never needed to perform them, but they are one of the most important parts of my job, but even with over 10 years experience, I still get sad)