Blockage - Please Help

[CtTortoiseMom]

I am so upset for you. It sounds like Herman has had a wonderful life with you. Whatever you decide will be the right decision. I am very sorry that you are going through this, we are all here for you.

 

[Torty Mom]

Sending great big giant hugs your way! I am here if you need anything!!! I'll be home at 9:30. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

 

[DesertGrandma]

So sorry that you are going through this hard time. (((((((MORE HUGS))))))))

 

[Roxie]

I am so very sorry. Losing a beloved pet breaks my heart, no matter how much or little time they have spent in my care. Herman had such wonderful care with you; I hope that consoles you somewhat. At least he didn't spend the end of his life cramped in a small box. We don't know each other, but even more {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

 

[coldskyline]

I really appreciate everything you guys have said and all the advice you've given me... Even though Herman is dying I know all that I did and the tips I got from you guys made him more comfortable. The vet couldn't believe that he was even still alive because of his labs, I'm sure that the only reason he's made it this long is because with your help I've been able to make him as comfortable as possible.

I'm outside with him now and he doesn't look good. I called the vet to see if he could get him tonight but he didn't answer. If Herman makes it through the night I will probably put him to sleep tomorrow. I don't think he's going to want to go into his home tonight so I will wrap him in towels to make keep him warm and cozy. He's still been digging in his home and covering himself every night but last night he didn't (I covered him with towels though).

He keeps opening his mouth... Not to throw up I don't think but maybe he's trying to get air??? I am so upset I really don't want him to not be able to catch his breath. He seemed happy just a few hours ago...

 

[Tony the tank]

My heart goes out to you..if in fact the end is near..why not let nature take it's course...is there any proof that the animal is in pain?? If not do what you can to make the remanding time more comfortable for him at his home with his loved ones..you can alway prepare for the worst and hope for the best..

I believe there is always a chance

 

[lynnedit]

I cannot say how much I am touched by your loving care for him, and he has had a wonderful life with you, quite probably far longer than he would have had otherwise.
There is nothing else you could have done.
You must be exhausted, but you are thinking of him first.
We will all be thinking about you both, whatever the outcome.

 

[ascott]

I am so very sorry and my heart is heavy for you dear. I must say that this heavy decision has been given to you. I believe that my heart is in line with Tony....maybe allow him to be comfortable and spend some calm quiet tortoise time with your buddy. God and nature may step in and do what is in their powers now, what ever that may be..... my heart and love is with you two.

 

[EricIvins]

There are a few things here that I'm shaking my head at -

Never ever feed an animal that is going through Renal/Liver failure........By doing so, you push the Organ failure that much quicker.......You also make the blockage that much much worse.......Waste produced by failing Organs will tend to bind up because the Renal system is drawing out and trying to conserve the moisture in the waste, leading to very hard, unpassible waste and Urates.........

All the mineral oil in the world can't help that, so I really don't know why everyone was pushing that........Renal failure is a death sentence, but it is a secondary condition caused by something else.......You really need to find a better Vet......

My first thought would be Oxalic Acid buildup, which will cause Kidney infections........If those infections aren't caught in time, Renal Failure will result.......Some Tortoises are really sensitive to it........

Chalk it up to a lesson learned.......We all go through it unfortunately.....

 

[coldskyline]

A lesson learned? You have got to be kidding me...

 

[ascott]

Wow...., I am sitting here now hoping all have a sensitive approach to what is a very sensitive situation here. Can we please be supportive in lieu of harsh? Please.

 

[coldskyline]

Herman went down hill really fast today and was having difficulty breathing. I had the vet come and I rode with Herman in the back to the hospital. They let me lay with him on the floor till he fell asleep. It was really hard to make that decision but I think it was best for him. The vet said his kidney failure was so bad that he wasn't even absorbing any of the water he was drinking anymore. Thanks again to everyone for their help and advice...

 

[ascott]

Oh dear, I am so sorry. May you rest your beautiful head in peace Herman....

 

[Jacqui]

No words will really make you feel better at this time. It's easy to say, as I sit here far away from there, those familiar lines like, "you did your best", "you will feel better in time", "it's good he went so quickly", and so on. Those lines may be true and I could say them with every bit of my heart, but right now your still in the pain moment, the "I can't believe he is gone", and the "would of, should of, if only I had ofs". *hugs* Take time to cry, to morn, to take a long hot bath, to get some sleep. Today's fight is over and sadly we lost, but in a way we all won, too. Because in these last few days, we came to know a very determined tortoise and his caring owner. Perhaps next time, with the lessons we have learned, another tortoise will be saved, who knows. We can't change past mistakes, no matter who made them, we can all only move forward.

RIP Herman

 

[CtTortoiseMom]

R. I. P. Herman. My deepest condolences.

 

[coldskyline]

Thanks Jacqui, your words do help. I know I did all I could have for him and I know he had a very good life... I don't think there was anything I or anyone else could have done. I don't think it mattered what vet I had or what I did or didn't do as Eric felt the need to point out... I think I made him as comfortable as he could have been the past 2-3 weeks and I am at peace knowing that he died in his sleep instead of not being able to catch his breath, which is what appeared to have started. Thanks again for everything...

 

[dmarcus]

Very sorry for your loss...

 

[Hauntmom]

So very sorry for your loss. I think you went above and beyond with everything you did to make him feel loved and well taken care of, in his last few weeks. If he was in pain think of how much happier he is now. I know it's cliche to say "He's in a better place" but I'm sure he really is. You were a great mommy to him and you made him as comfortable as possible. It was very brave of you to do the right thing. Your much stronger then I would have been. You are in my thoughts.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

I have gone thru what you are going thru right now. So I know that no words will make you feel any better. I am so sorry. BUT...if there is any good to come from this, please know that you have made some pretty good friends here and that we are there for you now and we will be there with you in the future when it come time for laughter and friendship. I know we are all in tears with you. I'm sorry, just so sorry, I really had high hopes that he was just gonna poop and be fine. I really never expected this ending. Each time I logged on to read this thread I thought he was going to get better. I really am at a loss for words now, and can't see the keys anyway. Water and mascara don't mix. Please don't leave us tho, stay here and be friends with us...I am just so sorry

 

[lynnedit]

I am so glad Herman died peacefully. You never knew if his kidney issues were primary or secondary, so never doubt you did all you could.
And never look back, except to remember what a great tort he was.