I don't trust my vet???

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ursulastoneburner
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I don't trust my vet???

Post by ursulastoneburner »

My 14 year old male cat lost weight over the past few months, so I took him into the vet. She took his bloodwork; it came back normal. She did detect a new heart murmur. She told me that it could be lymphoma (which would not show up in his bloodwork), but that she didn't want to do the diagnostic test for lymphoma, because it is a surgical procedure and for cats his age there is no chance of recovery for lymphoma. But wouldn't you want to rule it out? In case there is something else that IS treatable going on? I mean, I don't want to put him through any unnecessary procedures, but I also don't want him to die because the vet didn't bother to look for the cause of his illness.

Anyway, I took my darling home. He lost more weight. I called the vet and she told me that it is probably lymphoma and my options were to start chemotherapy with a doctor in a different city even though he wont ever recover from the chemo or to have him put down. Now, I don't want to precipitously put my cat down. I also don't want to prolong his suffering.

His current state is that he will only drink about two sips of water a day. He's getting most of his moisture and calories from little servings of those pate pouches that he can lick up. He has no interest in chewing food. I am serving those to him in the bed. He jumps down off the bed about twice a day to use the litter box. I portion out the pate throughout the day as he won't eat much at one time.

I don't know if me nursing him like this is extending his misery or being a good cat mom. I don't know if I should take him to a different vet. This is a small city and I don't want to put anyone in an awkward position, but I'm not exactly thrilled with the care the vet has given my little baby.
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Mollycat
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Re: I don't trust my vet???

Post by Mollycat »

I totally understand you struggling to accept this diagnosis, I've been there myself a couple of years ago. We never knew if it was lymphoma or inflammatory Bowel Disease or something else. But I do know over 2 years my Raggy Boo gradually progressed from loose stool episodes to losing 800g in 6 days, from being fine after a vitamin B injection to forcing high dose steroids down his throat daily, and in the end after 24 hours on IV fluids with a fever and unable to pee, enough was more than enough.

IBD and intestinal lymphoma have very similar symptoms and not only is it impossible to tell the difference without horrible invasive surgery, but the treatment options are the same, steroids with horrible side effects, or if it is cancer then horrible chemotherapy with horrible side effects. There is no cure. We only gained a couple of months with the steroids and were never able to cut the dose. I don't regret the final two months, I don't even regret the last 24 hours, not so much for me and the rest of the family (human and furry) to understand and say our goodbyes, but to give Boo the chance to be ready to go. When really, he had been getting ready for two months.

You are his momma and you will know when he's had enough, we just have to put on our big girl/boy pants and be prepared to hear them tell us, because they do, loud and clear. We have to clear our human mind of all the what-ifs and if-onlys and really listen to them through our sadness at the idea of being left behind to feel all that pain and sadness without them. We have to do what's right for them. And until that time comes, giving care by offering food and water and comfort, but most important company and a watchful eye for signs the time has come when we have run out of things to offer, that is good kitty mommaship. You're doing great. Just be with him as much as you can.
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fjm
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Re: I don't trust my vet???

Post by fjm »

Perhaps for your own peace of mind it would be worth seeking a second opinion. If it is lymphoma then chemo can improve a cat's quality of life for months: it is only very rarely a cure, it just postpones the inevitable. But cats usually tolerate chemo much better than humans, and you may feel it is worth trying, or at least considering. This article might be helpful: https://vetspecialists.co.uk/fact-sheet ... act-sheet/
booktigger
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Re: I don't trust my vet???

Post by booktigger »

I Can understand the vet not wanting to go down the surgical route to check for lymphoma, but I'm surprised they didn't offer steroids if that is what they suspect. Out of interest, did the blood panel include thyroid (as it's not always included as standard)
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