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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / January 2005Followup on my cat
... that I posted about the other day (age 14, severe weight loss, constant defecation inside and outside the box, high liver enzymes, lymphoma suspected, horrible traveler). We are seeing the internist in the a.m. Before I posted here and got some input, we had about decided to go ahead and have him put down, because even though he's not outwardly showing signs of pain, etc., he's pretty much wasting away before our eyes even though he eats enough for three cats, and a life of nothing but eating and defecating can't be any fun. However, after the input I got and upon further reflection and discussions with my wife, we have decided to see the internist and have an ultrasound and maybe needle aspiration tests done. I spoke with the internist on the phone and he was very nice and cooperative about answering my questions. The first one was as to how much we could sedate the cat for the 80-mile trip down there ... I detailed his traveling problems earlier ... and he said that his rule of thumb would be not to sedate him to the point where he couldn't lift his head up, so I got with our regular vet and we came up with the right dosage of Valium to do that. Also, I let him know about the decision that my wife and I had already committed to, that if this cat does have lymphoma or any other kind of cancer, we're going to go ahead and have him put down and not subject him to treatment that would be costly for us and uncomfortable for him and would only be buying him a little time, would not cure him. I was concerned that with our having taken the initiative and gone through the trouble of getting the cat down there, they might give us the hard sell to do chemo, etc. However, the internist was again very nice and said that given the cat's age, he was completely supportive of our decision there. So everyone is on the same page along those lines and we're prepared if we have to put him down ... but at the same time, we are not losing hope that it might not be cancer and could be something treatable that he could recover from and still enjoy a few more good years. I'll let everyone know what happened ... wish us luck. > So everyone is on the same page along those lines and we're prepared if we > have to put him down ... but at the same time, we are not losing hope that > it might not be cancer and could be something treatable that he could > recover from and still enjoy a few more good years. > > I'll let everyone know what happened ... wish us luck. I absolutely wish you the best of luck. I hope your kitty manages the trip okay and that you at least get some definitive answers.  Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > ... that I posted about the other day (age 14, severe weight loss, constant > defecation inside and outside the box, high liver enzymes, lymphoma [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > with my wife, we have decided to see the internist and have an ultrasound > and maybe needle aspiration tests done. Based on my own cat's experience, I would recommend doing the needle biopsy. It was done right along w/ the ultrasound, & didn't appear to stress her. She was perfectly relaxed, due to the muscle relaxant that'd been given to her prior to the procedures. And, & in her case it gave a definitive answer, re: liver cancer not a factor, and it allowed the internist to actually see a section of her liver, & then tailor a treatment regime re: what he found. Of course, it may also have gone the other way, but still - a definitive diagnosis, Vs. having no real clue about the origin of the problem. Would still, IMO, allow one to make a decidsion, re: treatment options Vs. euthanasia an easier/more clear-cut decision. Glad your discussion w/ the internist was a productive one. I hope the appt. proves to be helpful, no matter what the internist discovers. Cathy > I spoke with the internist on the phone and he was very nice and cooperative > about answering my questions. [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > I'll let everyone know what happened ... wish us luck. > I'll let everyone know what happened ... wish us luck. You bet. I really hope you can have a few more good years with your cat. > ... that I posted about the other day (age 14, severe weight loss, constant > defecation inside and outside the box, high liver enzymes, lymphoma > suspected, horrible traveler). > > We are seeing the internist in the a.m. Wonderful! I think you made the right decision! > Before I posted here and got some input, we had about decided to go ahead > and have him put down, because even though he's not outwardly showing signs [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > with my wife, we have decided to see the internist and have an ultrasound > and maybe needle aspiration tests done. I would also have his thyroid checked again by the Free T4 by Equilibrium Dialysis assay. Its the most accurate thyroid test and very inexpensive, about $20-$25. I woiuld also have him tested for diabetes. Since he's so stressed by travel the routine glucose test might be inaccurate. Ask the vet to take blood sample for glycosylated hemoglobin or serum fructosamine testing. GHb will show his glycemic control over the last couple of months and serum fructosamine, over the past few weeks. GHb and SF are not affected by stress. > So everyone is on the same page along those lines and we're prepared if we > have to put him down ... but at the same time, we are not losing hope that > it might not be cancer and could be something treatable that he could > recover from and still enjoy a few more good years. I think you're doing the best thing and the right thing for your cat. I think you'll be pleasantly suprised. > I'll let everyone know what happened ... wish us luck. I wish you both the very best of luck. Phil Signature"It always gives me a shiver when I see a cat seeing what I can't" --Eleanor Farjeon Feline Healthcare: http://maxshouse.com > ... that I posted about the other day (age 14, severe weight loss, > constant > defecation inside and outside the box, high liver enzymes, lymphoma > suspected, horrible traveler). > > We are seeing the internist in the a.m. <snip> > I'll let everyone know what happened ... wish us luck. Fantastic! I think you have made the right decision. This way, you will have a definitive answer and will not be basing your decision on "guesswork." Yes, please do keep us posted...and thank you for taking this extra precaution. MaryL > ... that I posted about the other day (age 14, severe weight loss, constant > defecation inside and outside the box, high liver enzymes, lymphoma [quoted text clipped - 37 lines] > > I'll let everyone know what happened ... wish us luck. Good luck and please keep us posted. You'll be in my thoughts Gregory .... by the way, what is your cat's name? Kelly > ... that I posted about the other day (age 14, severe weight loss, > constant [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] > > I'll let everyone know what happened ... wish us luck. > ... that I posted about the other day (age 14, severe weight loss, constant > defecation inside and outside the box, high liver enzymes, lymphoma > suspected, horrible traveler). > > We are seeing the internist in the a.m. Hope it's something treatable. Best wishes and purrs to you all, -L. > ... that I posted about the other day (age 14, severe weight loss, constant > defecation inside and outside the box, high liver enzymes, lymphoma > suspected, horrible traveler). > > We are seeing the internist in the a.m. Please let us know what happened with your kitty. I'm still hoping for the best, -L.
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