Only Palliative Not Curative

Last weekend when Dim Sum was diagnosed with FIP, she cannot stand up straight. When she does try to stand up, her legs would be heading for four different directions. Her head is hung very low and moving side to side. Her pupils were dilated.

Needless to say, I was sad. I was sad to see her reduce from a feminine, elegant feline to this rabid-like druggy. At the sametime, I was worried for the imminent weeks and months to come. How do I take care of her? Does she require special attention? What is going to happen when all her motor skills go down-the-hill? Can I manage all of this by myself?

Previously with Fudge, I was very emotional and unprepared. I did everything within my ability to make sure Fudge got the best, to a point where I was physically and emotionally drained. In the end, Fudge still died.

On hindsight, I was so caught up in trying make things right that I can’t see the big picture – that Fudge is dying from a incurable fatal disease, not a flu. What she needed from me was love, hugs, comfort & quality time together and not to be constantly syringed with medication, drugged out & needless trips to the vet to get poked at on the exam table.

This time, I remind myself not repeat the same mistake. I want to give Dim Sum the quality of life. I talked to the vet again on Sunday & he decided to put her on the prescription of Prednisolone. It is steroid but it seems to work for now.

Yesterday, Dim Sum is able to walk around the house although a little unsteadily, she managed to use the litterbox without falling over, her appetite improved & her fever subsided. She was even scolding Carma for standing in front of her! By the way, Carma is getting along with Junior now. They are cool. But She still has a way to go with Dim Sum. All good signs.

The vet stressed that this is only a palliative treatment not curative. He can’t promise how long the drug is going to work for her and she will succumb to the disease eventually. Sure, but it is better than nothing. The palliative treatment gives her the chance to have a few good, if not great turns before it gets bad. And when she finally succumbs, I will decide on the options available.

Meanwhile, we enjoy what we can.