Is my cat with PKD in pain? When should I consider euthanasia?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear about your little girl! When it comes to palliative care, it is all about comforting them as much as possible. There are really no medications perse that will likely improve her illness depending on how affected she is. You could consult with your veterinarian if the administration of subcutaneous fluids at home could be an option for her which will depend on how advanced her disease is. Otherwise, I would encourage you to feed her all her favorite foods and things like that to make the best out of those last moments. If her appetite is poor, you can check with your veterinarian to see if they can prescribe an appetite stimulant such as mirtazapine. I hope she feels better!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m not sure exactly what can be going on with Gracie, but just like people, cats are more likely to get sick with age. Thinking about euthanizing Gracie is not wrong, and is a responsible, albeit difficult decision. There is no “right” time to euthanize a pet, and this is different for every pet owner. Some people consider euthanasia once an animal can not eat or drink independently. I recommend considering what makes Gracie herself to you - what aspect of her personality makes her unique? Is there a window she always looks out of, or a favorite treat, or a meal she won’t pass up? If these things start lacking in her life, it may be time to consider euthanasia a little more. I’m happy to answer any other questions you may have!

If you feel Ella’s quality of life has declined and your veterinarian does not think this is a temporary setback it may be time. Fecal incontinence is concerning - in my opinion the ability to urinate and defecate in the right place is a part of a pet’s dignity and incontinence can affect quality of life. The decrease in appetite and weight loss may be progressive. You may want to schedule a consultation with your vet to discuss everything in more detail. This is such a difficult decision to make, but ultimately you will do what’s best for Ella.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your pet. I recommend euthanasia based on several factors. If there is an incurable or painful disease present, I do not want the pet to suffer. I want the pet to be willing to eat and drink on its own. I want the pet to have the mobility to make it to the litterbox or outside to be able to go to the bathroom. I want the animal to still experience joy in its life. This could be short walks, playing with toys or just happy to be with you. If these criteria are not being met, I will discuss euthanasia with the family. If you are still unsure, you can schedule a quality of life consultation with your veterinarian. I hope this information helps.

Hi and thanks for posting! The time each cat has when first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease does vary on the age of the cat and stage of the kidney disease. Cats that have this can do very well with great supportive and supplemental care. Kidney disease can be managed with prescription diets, certain kidney friendly vitamins, SQ fluid administration, and blood pressure medication if needed. While kidney failure is not typically painful, other secondary issues they can acquire may be, such as urinary or lung infections. Sometimes kidney disease can cause nausea which can be uncomfortable but not necessarily painful. Nausea is often treated in these patients with anti vomiting medications. Kidney failure patients may pass in their sleep, but not always. They can develop serious complications from compromised kidney function which can lead some owners to humanely euthanize them towards the end due to decreased quality of life. I hope this helps you and I thanks again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Yes, euthanasia is most definitely becoming likely, the main criteria being quality of life in an instinctively clean and independent cat who is becoming unable to exhibit normal behaviors. Acupuncture and physiotherapy may provide some options depending upon the severity of damage

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Jake. Your question is one that is frequently asked. I try to counsel clients that once a pet stops eating, drinking, and just basically lays around, it's time to start thinking about one of several courses of action. These would be a diagnostic workup or start considering euthanasia. You said that you don't want to do a workup so I guess you should start considering euthanasia. It is possible that Jake has something that is very treatable like hyperthyroidism, but of course, that would involve a diagnostic workup. There are many things that it could be and some of them are treatable, and of course, some are not. Liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or even cancer are just some of the possible causes. The problem with vomiting is that unless you intervene, he will just continue to get weaker and weaker from fluid/electrolyte losses. This will lead to extreme lethargy, shock, and even death. I learned over the years that this experience is different for everyone. Some people can not under any circumstances, make the irreversible call of ending their pets life. I counsel clients but never push them unless I truly think that the pet is suffering. I would just say go with your heart and remember, sometimes euthanasia is the last gift of love that pet owners can give their beloved companions. Please know that whatever you decide, it is the right decision. Again, I'm sorry that you are going through this with Jake.