Kwanchais Journey (2011 2013) (a Sharing By Dr Veeranoot Nissapatorn)
AnimalCare 
Apr 10, 2013 
AnimalCare, NGOs 
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Kwanchai passed away peacefully of FeLV-related complications after a brave journey, supported with much love and care by Dr Veeranoot Nissapatorn.
Below is the story of little Kwanchai’s journey, as related by Dr Veeranoot.
We wish Kwanchai a happy rebirth in a good realm and to Dr Veeranoot, thank you for everything that you do with so much love, understanding, strength and wisdom. Kwanchai could not have asked for a more loving home.
Dear Sis Chan,
Kwanchai: from Temple to Nature
As a saying goes Life is uncertain, Death is certain. It has never crossed my mind that I have to pen down in loving memory of any adopted felines under my care. This memorial aims to share my experience/lesson learned from the first-ever adopted feline sonKwanchai.
Welcome Home!
Early January, 2011: Kwanchai came into my life because Kwanjai, one of the first-ever pair with Kwanta adopted in my life, went missing after been with me of more than a year. Kwanchai will be Kwantas new companion to play with.
Kwanchai was then about 3-months old and was born at the Thai Buddhist temple ground with other 3 of his siblings from a young beautiful mother. Kwanchai with beautiful and bright ginger color was then brought back to my working place and later to my house.
CNRM program and Vaccination
I agree with you that once adoption was made, it comes as a package for the adopter to take responsibilities throughout their lives span of this so called pet. In line with yearly vaccination, Kwanchai was then given the 1st, 2nd and 3rd vaccinations in March, April and May, respectively in 2011.
Also, I strongly agree with you that by controlling population of animals regardless they are on the street or stay comfortably indoor in order to prevent unfavorable circumstances that can anytime happen to them. In early April, 2011: Kwanchai was therefore brought to the clinic for neuter with a deep ear tip. I always tell others that I have a handsome son by looking deeply into his eye BUT not his ear.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
In July, 2011: Kwanchai was confirmed having FeLV after 3 episodes of flu-like symptoms with gum infection during previous months. Knowing that FeLV is one of the most contagious feline diseases, I have to take immediate preventive measures by taking Kwanta, Kwanjit and her 6 children for blood screening and fortunately their results were negative for both FIV/FeLV, Kwanchais foods, containers and activities have to be separated from the group, and most importantly, Kwanchai was given RetroMAD1 and vetri DMG as a prophylactic drug and an immune booster against this deadly virus. Since then, it has always been my beautiful memory to be Kwanchais playmate, seeing Kwanchai sits comfortably in his 3 units of bungalow and allowing me to pat and talk to him.
In 2012: Kwanchai had another 2 episodes of flu-like symptoms and went through with medical attention. He also received a yearly vaccination. The vet suggested to wean RetroMAD1 off and replaced with Vetri-DMG for Kwanchai under close observation. This was due to Kwanchai was keeping well all this while, inconsistency of RetroMAD1 supplier and reduce his dependency to anti-viral drug.
In March, 2013
7th March: After Kwanchais dinner, he was taken to the hospital during emergency time due to his clumsy in walking and loss of appetite. Blood test was shown severe anemia. His condition was primarily diagnosed having Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA) that could be life-threatening in feline with immune weakening like Kwanchai. Antibiotics were given and his critical condition was also scheduled for blood transfusion on the following day.
8th March: Kwanchai was received blood transfusion through Kwanta as a blood donor and kept under observation for an overnight of any complications.
9th March: Blood test result was less or more the same before blood transfusion was given. To rule out other possibilities, Kwanchai was also given the 1st dose of human EPREX for 3 consecutive days (9th to 11th March-1st cycle).
11th and 13rd March: Repeating blood test was done and found slightly improvement. Kwanchai tried his best to put himself up to fight against all odds. I promised him that I always look after him and make sure that he would receive all his medical needs.
15th March: Kwanchai was again started the 1st dose of human EPREX in the 2nd cycle (15th, 17th, 19th and 21st for blood test). In addition, stem cell stimulator (in powder form mixed with wet food) was also given to Kwanchai.
17th March: In the morning, Kwanchai was crying in agony, lethargy and restlessness. He was then taken to the hospital where 2nd blood transfusion was given and kept under observation. Repeated blood test was not encouraging. Since day 1 of his critical condition, Kwanchai was forced feeding through syringe of at least 1 can of a/d per day along with other supplements and mineral water.
18th March: Another blood test was done with no sign of improvement.
21st March: After completing 2nd cycle of human EPREX, it was shown slightly better result of blood test and his general health. Kwanchai was still continued for antibiotics, RetroMAD1, vetri-DMG and other supplements.
22nd March: The 1st dose of human EPREX in the 3rd cycle was started (22nd, 24th, 26th and 28th for blood test), however, Kwanchai became more quiet, apparently showed sign of wasting but surprisingly no dehydration and he tried to drink lots of mineral water with my assistance.
23rd March: Kwanchai was still alert, cooperative, still forced fed but very pale. He lied down, flip his tail and looking at others. At this stage, it was difficult to predict what going to happen.
24th March: Kwanchai showed sign of difficulty in breathing, more weakness, and very pale. He was taken to the hospital and was sadden to see that his blood level was drop very fast. At this time, the vet gave two options: 1.Kwanchai could try for the 3rd round of blood transfusion but there would be a high risk of liver impairment. I did not agree for this procedure due to the fact that Kwanchai was suffered from non-regenerative type of anemia through bone marrow destruction caused by FeLV and 2. According to the vet, I need to be well prepared for the worst to come when Kwanchai becomes more and more weak, he will be crying in agony from time to time. At this point of time, the vet suggested me to bring Kwanchai to the hospital and be given a small dose of drug to let him pass on peacefully.
To my knowledge, chronic anemia in FeLV cat is one of the most common causes of euthanasia. As a medically trained person, euthanasia is not a norm to practice in humans by ethic and most importantly by law even though we all heard from time to time that some critical ill patients request for this practice. Contrarily, this is found to be a very common practice in animals due to various reasons right from simple economic to medical intervention. I somehow wonder whether it is a humans right to practice upon other living creatures and also wonder on the role of euthanasia whether it is practically to be used as a specific or supportive treatment for animal cases.
Looking at Kwanchais condition, I agree with you that I am the closest human to him and the best way that I could do by being with him as much as I could, looking after him with all night round and alternate day round with my niece while I was in the working place during his last few days. Suffering is a part and parcel in life of any living being and that is no exception in Kwanchai case. I, however, went through this process with him and to let him knows that he would not be left alone in this last leg of his journey.
28th March, 2013: I received a piece of good news that 25 ml of RetroMad1 through its inventor group would be arranged for Kwanchai to be used as a prophylactic drug and under clinical trial by Kwanchais vet. Today was also the day that Kwanchai has to go to the hospital for blood test after completing the 3rd cycle of human EPREX. In late afternoon, few calls from my niece were shook me off knowing that Kwanchais life is coming to an end. I could not hold my tear knowing that Kwanchai holds his last breath waiting to see me. It is true enough, Kwanchai cried out loud when seen me opening the door. I carried him to the main hall, he gave a soft cry, Metta chant was on and I personally chanted verses to him. At 4.45 pm, Kwanchai passed on peacefully in my arm that holding him close to my heart and gently told him to LET GO.
29th March, 2013; Lunch to Sangha members were offered and sharing of merit to Kwanchai.
30th March, 2013: Kwanchais ash was bought back by Pet Memmorial Service at 1.45pm. It was a new welcoming him home even though this time is in different form and condition.
24th May, 2013: Kwanchais ash will be buried at Thai Buddhist temple where he was born and where his biological mom and family clan are there. This auspicious and holy Wesak day is chosen because I always tell Kwanchai to be reborn as a boy, become a monk and most importantly be free from the cycle of life and death.
Lesson learned
I absolutely agree with you that all living beings in this universe are interconnected and are here for a reason that to love and to be cared for. I wish I could do more for Kwanchai by putting him under RetroMAD1 clinical trial or letting Kwanchai goes for stem cell/bone marrow transplant (if there is). This is not only benefit for his well being but also it could serve as a case study for others.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Sukhi Hotu!
Nui
Kwanchai, as a young boy.
Kwanchai and his siblings.
Kwanchai, happily playing.
Kwanchai’s 3 units of bungalows.
At the hospital for treatment.
Semi upright position, to help in his breathing.
Kwanchai’s last days.
Life is impermanent.
The loving memory of Kwanchai and his brave journey will always be etched in Dr Veeranoot’s heart and those of us who are deeply touched by him. Yes, life is impermanent, but if Kwanchai’s journey and Dr Veeranoot’s strength and serenity in nursing Kwanchai and doing all she can and never giving up, can inspire others to follow suit and provide care for kittens or animals in a similar situation, then Kwanchai continues to live on in the lives of others, spreading the unconditional love that we all need so badly to restore hope to our society.
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