Tika has slid a little more down hill, once again has rallied. However, I know with each slide down, the rally back won't be as high as before.  We've come to terms with that (I think?)

I didn't realize how hard end-of-life care is on the human.  I think I did better when my grandfather developed Alzheimer's, at least he could still tell me what's wrong, even though I might not have been the person he thought he was talking to at the time.

Tika's fever came back, she was coughing pretty good also, coughing up blood sometimes, other times just mucus.  I developed bronchitis due to change of season and allergies/asthma and boy, we were a cute pair.  We'd look at each other like: "You making fun of me?"

So with the fever, she stopped eating, and then she started refusing water, my husband was out of town so I started to panic, just a little.  I met with our vet, and we decided to go off metacam and start with Prednisone, Baytril (antibiotic for the fever), and for pain, Buprenorphine.  He gave injections of all three on Friday and for the first time, Tika FOUGHT her injections and I was just gone.

So Friday night was rough, Tim got home Saturday, decided to research Buprenorphine and really, really didn't want to give her anymore. The side effects are pretty harsh.  We didn't have to start the Prednisone until Monday so we thought we'd see how things go.

Well, sure enough, the Baytril knocked down the fever and Tika bounced back (mind you, not has high as before) and we spent the weekend riding in the car and taking walks in her favorite areas (nice thing about Kansas, even where we live we can drive about 15 minutes and be in an area that they can run off leash)

So, now we are just doing Baytril and Prednisone (the Buprenorphine is for emergency use only) and the Pepcid and Sufralcate for any stomach upset.  She is eating like a pig and pretty happy, Saturday night we watched Animal Planet (it was shows about dog breeds) just for Tika, she loves watching TV.

And the power of communication: Monday, hubby and I both gave Tika prednisone, I did it after a doctor appointment, he came home early and gave her another two hours later because he didn't read my email.  (Yeah, there was a BIT of a domestic dispute, however when I found out I was at the grocery store, I am not allowed at that grocery store anymore )

You can tell she's tired, she refused her walk today.  I did very good for once, I didn't start bawling!  I just took her back in and she laid down and Caya and I took a walk (Caya really, really needed the attention)

BTW--Prednisone and panting, you ain't freaking KIDDING! WOW!  She hasn't coughed, but WOW!  What were other side effects people were experiencing?

I am travelling next week, my husband is worried about me, but I hope Tika will be fine.  My job and coworkers have been more than patient these last several months, but I know their patience must be wearing thin. I do have an emergency plan to get my butt home if needed.

I just realized I'm rambling, it's been a rough week or so, the losses of our friends here at Tripawds and Tika's health have really hit me hard.  I also didn't want to deliver more bad news I guess, now I want to talk and yikes, thanks for listening?!?!!

I still think SUPER TIKA!  but I think she is starting to hear Tazzie and Yoda and Jerry calling to her (especially since I think Yoda is telling her about all the RABBITS!), that comforts me, I know she will be in good company and she will be looking out for all of us. 

Oh, Tika says: Wyatt Ray , if you happen to get in touch with your inner wolf, do not share your kill with your pack, the two-leggers aren't very appreciative.  Stupid humans.

My thoughts to you all, I am very grateful to be part of this community. You all help keep me somewhat sane!

--Kim and Super Tika

PS--My friend and I have actually thought that her 22-year-old cat (FOR REAL) and Tika might, just might, outlive all of us.