Thank you so much for all your supportive comments. I can’t express how much they’ve meant to us.
Hobkin is back home again. Wasn’t sure if he was going to pull through this morning. When our vet listened to his breathing and lungs and heard how bad the wheezing was and how much fluid had built up, he actually suggested we consider euthanasia.
I had a total meltdown. I simply couldn’t accept that Hobkin was ready to go yet, but I was afraid, too, that my judgment was off. Maybe I was just being selfish and incapable of letting go when Hobkin wanted to call it quits.
The vet went to give Hobkin another Lasix injection as well as a couple other meds and some subcutaneous fluids, and Hobkin tried to bite him. Then I knew that Hobkin wasn’t ready to give up (this is the vet–Hobkin has two vets at the clinic we take him to–that he doesn’t get along with). If he was finished and ready to let go, he wouldn’t have cared who was doing what to him. Of course, I rushed to pick him up then, and immediately he quit snarling, clung to me, and let them do whatever they wanted to him without a peep.
Went into frantic brainstorming mode after that. Asked the vet to rig a face mask to administer oxygen so I could hold him. They keep trying to keep us out of the room when he’s in the oxygen box, but I know that he’ll be less stressed if he’s with me. I held him all morning and into the afternoon until the vet’s office closed, and between the drugs, the subcutaneous fluids, and being able to be with me, his breathing improved to the point of all the wheezing vanishing.
But we couldn’t take him home if he wouldn’t eat. I remembered when we were dealing with cancer in our ferrets that they would accept Nutrical when they wouldn’t stomach anything else. So I asked the vet if we could try that. It was a sticky mess, and it took some coaxing, but Hobkin devoured a large dollop of it. Huge knot of worry melted away right there.
Knowing there was still a good chance we’d end up having to take him back to the emergency vet this weekend, fosteronfilm and I decided to take him home. I also asked the vet to show me how to administer subcutaneous fluids. Did it with the ferrets, and it’s so much better if I can do it at home instead of having to make a trip to the vet’s.
Hobkin has been cuddled with me in his little oxygen face mask at home instead of being in the oxygen box, and I think that’s really made him happier and more comfortable. I sent Matthew to the pet store to pick up some crickets and mealworms. Hobkin actually pounced at those. Eww, but OMG-thank-all-the-good-spirits-that-watch-over-sick-critters. And I just got him to eat a little yogurt with healthy powder and half a hard-boiled egg.
Hobkin in his oxygen face mask–which is more like a dome or helmet than a mask. It doesn’t need a tight seal since we’re only trying to increase the percentage of oxygen he’s breathing, not administer 100%.
This has been an utterly grueling emotional roller coaster, and we’re definitely nowhere near out of the woods. As we saw yesterday, Hobkin could backslide without warning. We’re taking it hour by hour. But he’s still fighting, and we’re still hoping.
I’m so, so sorry Hobkin is having such a rough time of it. He sounds like such a brave little guy.
You and your husband are definitely brave. ::HUGS::
More love and healing energy for Hobkin, and much love to you.
Please let me know if there’s anything I can do *hug*
Wish I lived closer so that I could come and take care of you and Matt while you take care of Hobkin. You’re all very lucky to have each other; I know that no one of you gets or gives more than any other in your relationships with each other.
You know your baby, so keep doing what seems right based on what you’ve learned over the years. Intuition is practically magical.
Sending every bit of hope and good wishes to your furry little one.
This is one time we are glad he bit the vet, that’s for certain!
*HUGS*
Saying a prayer for the wonderful Hobkin. I know how much he means to you.
Love & Hugs,
FahKingNut
I’m calling him the Little Skunk That Could. And waving black and white pom-poms for him. (And you!)
Thank god. I came home after errands and such and decided it was time to check, but was afraid of what I’d find.
But Hobkin is a fighter. That’s good. And he loves his mom and dad and wants to stay with them. Even better.
You all keep working together like that, and he’ll make it.
He’s a fighter, all right!
Oh, Eugie! *big hugs and positive vibes coming your way* We just lost one of our kitties, I know how hard this is. I was trying to think of every which way that we could keep her home, and then going through the same self-doubt you mentioned. You and your sweet dear Hobkin are in my thoughts. *hugs*
Oh, I hope he continues to get better.
*HUG* Much, much love to Hobkin and I pray you have an easier time of it soon.
Kudos to that courageous little fellow! You — and he — are in my thoughts.
Sending good thoughts and healing energy to you all.
Poor little guy. It sounds like you’re being the best possible mommy. Keep fighting, both of you.
George and I pulling for you. (All of you.)
🙁
Hob-kin! Hob-kin! Hob-kin!
*hugs* I’m so glad he’s getting to cuddle with you now. That makes such a big difference.
All of my best hopes and wishes for your little guy.
*fingers crossed^
go Hobkin!
Keep at it Hobkin!!!! Do as mommy says!!!! get better!
Good on you for not giving up. *hugs*
Poor little guy. Hope he continues to improve! I don’t know Hobkin, but I love reading about the little guy’s antics.