I've been in what's typically called a "funk" today. As I told a friend of mine, I believe it's a combination of things that includes my sadness for Gimli's loss - and yes, we still miss him terribly - my being behind in my job due to this constant and never-ending distraction, and what seems like a wanning of interest (it's been two months, time to move on, right?).
Not that simple - can't move on; I'm stuck, you see. Even with the enrichment of our two new little Sphynx girls - Lily and Rose - there is a pervasive need (compulsion) to push on in this quest for validation of the Ketamine (or Ket/Val) link with deaths in our breed. I can't stand to think of another family going through the misery we are due to vets being unaware or, uncaring.
and then...
Later this evening I had an email that came in from our breeder (grandmother to our kittens, Bilbo and Gimli) that she kindly forwarded to me. A vet she knows from somewhere in the world (I don't know specifics yet) wrote to her about finding this blog (I'm glad you did!).
She wrote, in part:
"Would you please let his owners know that I am so sorry and that there are veterinary professionals out there who know about the risks involved with ketamine in cats. Our clinic does not give ketamine (or drugs like Telazol with tiletamine) in cats for induction of anesthesia, period. Any breeds. I also read their frustration about not being able to get access to VIN (Veterinary Information Network). I am a member and I cannot give out my login information but I am more than happy to save and send them copies of all the info I can find on the subject.
I spoke to Dr. _____, our medical director & practice owner, about Gimli and she asked me to send her a link to the blog so she can formulate an informative and compassionate response. She wants to help spread the word and be an ally to the rex cat community. If Gimli's people would like to email me, let them know they can. I can't imagine the pain they feel right now but it might help to know there are some of us out there advocating for these little guys and who have adjusted their protocols to provide the very best possible care available. Because as they said, a cat is not just a cat and it's high time *some* vets (not all, because there are a lot of great ones out there) stop performing these 'cookbook' recipe sedations for *routine* procedures. No procedure is routine in the first place. There is always a risk and owners should be informed. It makes me sick they told them there was no alternative."
I can't adequately describe how uplifting this email was for me tonight. I cried when I read it - tears of gratitude for the kindness of strangers, and for the hope that this new "door" may open up more avenues to continue this quest for confirmation on Dr. Houard's article, and on the link between Ket/Val related deaths in our breeds. What this all may ultimately do is save countless felines from death or the advancement of HCM, and save countless pet owners the heartbreak of loss through ignorance or ethical research done on behalf of their patients.
One particular thing that struck me was that this vet's medical director wanted to send us condolences. Neither of these people know us or Gimmie - but they *care*.
We have NEVER YET received any personal note of sympathy or apology from the vet who caused Gimli's death - not one single, solitary word. Of course, we - and many who know us and our story - believe that act alone depicts guilt.
As an aside to this wonderful news I had another email yesterday from a Sphynx owner who had a scheduled dental cleaning for her Sphynx. She printed out the information here and presented it to her vet (who was planning on using Ketamine) and due to that they have opted for the Isoflurane gas as an option. News like that is so bittersweet (although that is selfish to admit). I can't help but wish that someone could have warned ME about it before Gimli had to die.
Really... he was just the most wonderful and marvelous little thing. I wish I could describe him better. He was special, and he is most sincerely missed.
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1 comment:
I truly feel your heartache over poor Gimli. Samantha, my lynx-point siamese, went in for a dental cleaning last week and went into respiratory arrest. She did not recover. She was also given ketamine, and it is devastating to know that this was completely avoidable. Thanks for writing this blog - it's a small comfort to know that I am not alone.
--Alison
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