Ketamine... is your time almost up? Are people finally learning they have options?

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the day we lost Gimli. We lost him during a routine dental cleaning due to the use of Ketamine. Gimmie suffered a heart attack on the table, not twenty minutes after we left him in their "care". As stated in this blog previously, I asked questions, we did a blood panel, I specifically asked about the anesthesia, I thought I had covered all bases and left both Gimli and his brother, Bilbo, with our vets thinking they were in good hands. It didn't turn out that way. We lost him there in his physical form but he is with us and fighting for others in his "spiritual" form. I do not mean that in a religious way. But his spirit lives on in my determination to share his story with others through this blog. I thank those of you who have stopped for a while to read and consider - or better yet - reconsider the use of Ketamine. For three years I have tried, in a very small way, to bring attention to the potential dangers of the drug, Ketamine, used to anesthetize Sphynx. This drug is of potential danger to all pets but my platform is not *all* pets, it is all Sphynx. Even the heart healthy ones could be at risk, why? Because even confirmed clear hearts - free from HCM - can become at risk for HCM. Your Sphynx that scanned clear this year at age x,y,z could scan positive the next year or year after, etc. Until the genetic marker is found (Sphynx Research through Dr. Kate Meurs) all of our breed is at risk for the disease. But, we all understand that. We scan, or most of us do, now. We monitor them, we medicate them if they have scanned positive, we rescan them .. yearly for breeders (reputable ones, I should say) ..or at intervals that our vet cardiologist suggest, if we are pet owners. Scanning is a must. Ketamine, in our breed in particularly, can prove fatal. It may not happen the first, second or even third time used, but if your Sphynx has an undiagnosed case of HCM then this drug can kill. It can also kill for other reasons as well. On a public Sphynx forum one member, who is also a breeder of cats, writes:

"An injectable like Ketamine is far slower and harder to quickly reverse than gas. That has been confirmed by every vet I have spoken to that uses either/or both drugs. Being in the bloodstream, vs. an inhalant is an obvious difference. An example is that different people taking Ketamine often have very different reactions. One person may tolerate Ketamine well but not get the desired effect, another may have side effects or adverse reactions that make Ketamine intolerable, and yet another may get the desired effect with no side effects. These variations in response and side effects are caused by many variables, but genetic variation and metabolism-based drug, herbal, and food interactions are among the most common Drugs are metabolized by the body in much the same way as food, herbals, and environmental pollutants; they are broken down by liver, kidney and gut enzymes or other mechanisms so they can be absorbed and eliminated in the bile and urine. Enzymes are available to metabolize specific substances- a medication is referred to as a substrate of the enzyme that can metabolize it. Often an enzyme will be capable of breaking down more than one substance, but sometimes if two or more drugs that use the same enzyme are taken (and metabolized) at the same time, an interaction can occur. Enzyme-related drug interactions can be brought about because some drugs, called inducers, increase the activity of an enzyme and others, called inhibitors, reduce it. Additionally, genetics can determine your inborn ability to create many of the enzymes in the liver or gut, and the amount of an enzyme that is available can dramatically alter how you process medication. In humans (so it seems likely in pets too) approximately 50% of individuals have inherited DNA alterations that can affect how they process the majority of the most commonly prescribed medications. Don’t forget that Ketamine is a respiratory depressant (though can also act as a stimulant) Also its psychotropic properties must be taken into account. People have reported vivid hallucinations, "going into other worlds" or "seeing God" while anesthetized, and these unwanted psychological side-effects have reduced the use of Ketamine in human medicine. All drugs are metabolize through the kidney, and one of the things a vet wants to do a blood test for is current kidney function, and, from what I understand, if it is compromised they choose a different med. This tells me that there are clear issues/risks in using Ketamine. Gas is, from every source I have seen, a much preferred choice of forward thinking, current vet practices. The reasons for this as I have been told by vets and have read from AVMA sources, are the reasons I have questioned." The following is the warning from the manufacturer: Adverse Effects/Warnings - In approved species the following adverse reactions are listed by the manufacturer: “respiratory depression....following high doses, emesis, vocalization, erratic and prolonged recovery, dyspnea, spastic jerking movements, convulsions, muscular tremors, hypertonicity, opisthotonos and cardiac arrest. In the cat, myoclonic jerking and/or tonic/clonic convulsions can be controlled by ultrashortacting barbiturates or acepromazine. These latter drugs must be given intravenously, cautiously, and slowly, to effect (approximately 1/6 to 1/4 the normal dose may be required).” (Package Insert; Ketaset® - Bristol) Seizures have been reported to occur in up to 20% of cats that receive ketamine at thera­peutic dosages. Diazepam is suggested to be been used for treatment if necessary. Pain after IM injection may occur. To reduce the incidence of hypersalivation and other autonomic signs, atropine or glycopyrrolate is often administered. Interesting reading: Vet Anesthesiology - an except on Ketamine WebMD - Risks or Complications No one wants to lose their pets. No breeder wants to put their cats or kittens at risk? Why do so because a vet caters to the use of the cheapest anesthetic? They're watching their bottom line. They already have vet techs trained to assist with Ket/Val. Iso and Sevo are more expensive and involves more training time and equipment. They don't want pet owners or breeders to "shop around" for a better price. So many reasons that this drug is still used in many vet clinics. BUT... the tide is changing. People are taking note, educating themselves, networking on forums to share experiences they've had. While there still is not sufficient documented research on Ketamine deaths in Sphynx there are sufficient anecdotal instances that are known and shared. Many breeders and owners now have their vet denote that Ketamine will not be used on their pet. If their vet balks about offering options many are leaving and finding another clinic with progressive and up to date practices. Leave the archaic behind and do so now, for the benefit of your "Gimli". Much love, my little boy.

Missing you on your 6th

As you are today, and always, in my thoughts and loved. Happy Birthday, Gimmie.

Remembering Gimli on the Anniversary of his Death

I woke up this morning not intending to dwell, but the memories of last year - on this day - came flooding back fresh and raw. As I lay in bed trying to wake up, reflect on my feelings, and try to move past them, Bilbo (Godz Bilbo Bombadil - our 4 year old cream point & white Sphynx boy, and Gimli's litter mate) came bounding upon the bed, pawed me on the head (so I would raise up the cover), climbed inside and into my arms, settled comfortably, and began to purr. He was followed closely by his own little shadow, Rosie (PR Godz Rose of Sharron - our 16 month old dilute calico girl who is Gimli's niece).

Both nestled warmly against me and - unbeknownst to them - gave me exactly the kind of comfort that I needed more than anything in the world. Rose's sister, Lily, (PR Godz Junipurr Lily - our 16 month old red & white girl who is also Gimli's niece) tentatively came to see where Bilbo and Rose had gone and, after allowing me to hug her without squirming away (she's a daddy's girl wholeheartedly) she settled into a warm spot by her two favorite non-humans.

I wondered, this morning, if Gimmie would've liked the girls, especially since Rose is so much like him.



I wonder if he'd be pissy over the way Bilbo now tries to take his place (I'm betting yes on that one). I love these sweet little creatures so very much. They're all different and very loving, but there's a part of my heart that will always be Gimli's - my special boy.

Our loss was not forgotten by friends today or yesterday. In fact, over the last several weeks, and inparticularly right after the SBEN's issue #2 was released - where my story along with an issue dedication to Gimmie offered others a chance to remember with me - I have had numerous emails from all over the States, Europe and Africa. So many kind souls who deeply understand this sort of pain, loss, and love... and some, like myself, who have experienced unnecessary loss through the ignorance or apathy of a trusted vet.

This past weekend my husband and I attended a CFA show where Lily was shown in Open Premiership and Rose, already a Premier, worked on her Grand points. Bilbo was along as their moral support. I was benched by a Sphynx breeder that I know from online and from seeing at shows. He brought two little kittens to show and we had time, during the lulls, to talk about many things "Sphynx". I mentioned today's upcoming "anniversary" and how I was still angry about the use of Ketamine by the vet. He told me that he'd had two Sphynx (whole cats used in his breeding program) that were killed due to Ketamine use. One was pregnant and needed to have a C-section to deliver. She was given Ketamine and it killed her, along with all her kittens. He had her necropsied and the pathologist declined to say the cause was Ketamine although all signs pointed that way. Another of his cats had a medical issue and the same vet needed to put it under and gave it ... guess what... Ketamine. It also died, was necropsied. The pathology report stated that its heart was enlarged (pointing to HCM), but it was enlarged, not from the disease, but from a "chemical". This cat was a particularly beloved cat and we both shared our vivid, unforgetable memories of having to place these loves in our refrigerators and ice chests as we prepared to go, or were enroute, to a pathology lab.
Like us, he also changed vets and banned the use of Ketamine on his cats... and like us, he experienced an apathetic response from his vet in regards to the deaths.

At the show this breeder sold one of the little kittens he had brought to a very nice looking couple. I heard him tell them that he would have the kitten spayed but that he did not use Ket/Val and did not want it to be used on the kitten in future. He said that he included instructions on anesthesias in the adoptive parents Take-Home kit. How I wish the breeder we used had either known, or advised us that way.

I have to hope that these horrible experiences that some of us have shared though the ignorant and unnecessary loss of life will help someone else, some other beloved Sphynx, and most certainly our own. Never again will what happened to Gimli happen to any of my cats. I can be grateful for that, at least.

So, on this sad anniversary date of my Gimmie's death I dedicate my day to happy memories of this incredible, wonderfully loving and beguiling little Sphynx boy.

From my friend, Jeanette, in South Africa:

Just so you know I have never forgotten you, altho I post very very seldom... I have several photos of Gimli, since you started posting them and he is also stuck in my mind. He was a special special baby and I feel your pain....across the ocean! You stay strong!!!!! and know your angel boy is with God..and in God's hands he is safe and loved, and he will be waiting at the gates of heaven, to welcome his mother home!!! He will never be forgotten as far as South Africa.

Thank you to all who have written and remembered my sadness and loss this day, this month, this year. I am proud to be a member of such a loving community, especially proud to be a part of the Sphynx community. Special cats, special people.

Memories of Things Much Treasured Still

No new spongy balls, no special treats.
No hugs or kisses, no standing on mommy's feet.

No chirping at the birds, no watching down the street.
No happy little boy, so proud, so cute, so sweet.

What's left but memories of things much treasured still.
What's left but fighting to prohibit this drug that kills.

Happy, Would've-Been, 4th Birthday, Gimmie. We miss you sweet boy.

Thank you Dr. Kelly Kirkpatrick for destroying this life so needlessly and with the enormous lack of remorse or ethics that you displayed.

A Christmas without our ReinDear...

Gimli... our little precious, sweet, and very irritated reindeer. What a face, and how we miss him!


Gimli loved any events that involved a chance for him to show-off. Christmas and Thanksgiving were major events for our Gims.


This year we had new little friends in our lives -- Junipurr Lily and Rosie Rosebud (Rose of Sharron), and of course our darling Bilbo.
The girls enjoyed every single aspect of the holidays and gave us so many laughs as they experienced one "first" after another.

But through it all there was one missing and one that was missed.

After "the curtain fell" in late October I will admit to having a need for a time-out. A time to regroup and reaffirm. That's OK. I know my resolve will return.

What isn't known by some is how much resolve I actually have.
I'll not forget, Gimli, and I will not allow your death to be in vain.


We love you! Mom & Dad, Bilbo, Lily, and Rose.

Our seasonal card - FRONT

Our seasonal card - INSIDE

Message on Gimmie's photo reads:
In memory of Godz Gimli-GilGalad who was defeated in life by Ketamine and HCM.
Please support the Winn Feline Foundation.