I'm sorry it has taken so long to update and reply to all the kind messages.  Our sweet Ivy Jean rallied so well, but had a bite mark on her stump when it healed up, so we think her brother was hassling her as well.  It's possible there was infection from that.  We tried to keep them apart, but there were occasional wrestling matches.  She did okay and then had another sick spell, lost weight, and then rallied again.  In March, she faltered again and went downhill so badly that she wouldn't eat, hid in the basement, and wouldn't drink any water.  When she tried sleeping in the litter box and wouldn't even walk any more, we knew she was telling us she was all done. The vet agreed and on March 23 they helped her cross over the Rainbow Bridge.  

She gave us 10 years of laughter and joy, snuggles and warmth, attitude and curiosity.  We tried to give her every chance to recuperate and then gave her the gift of release from her pain.  It still breaks my heart. 

Thank you all for the compassion and information we needed to get through the eight months of her being our little Hopalong Catssidy.  

jerry said
 

I hope her brother is coping OK? 

  

He's doing fine - he has been a lot better since she left us because the entire time she was injured and then recovering, he was stressed out and sensed all the anxiety and tension in the house, and kept getting shooed out of rooms to keep her safe.  The agitation level in the house has dramatically decreased and he seems happier, but does sometimes seem to be walking around looking for her.