Foo - Kitty Health Problem

Last week I noticed that my cat has lost a lot of weight, and so I scheduled a vet appointment.

Well, today was the appointment, and indeed Tinder has lost about 4 pounds from 16 pounds to 12 pounds.

All the blood tests showed up pretty normal, with a slightly elevated sodium level, and slightly high white blood count.

The xrays showed the problem, and it is that the walls of the descending colon are extremely thick compared to what they should be, almost to the point of forming an obstruction. The doctor thinks it is probably cancer, so I have an appointment for an ultrasound an hour away in Allentown on Wednesday morning.

I cried for a while, since Tinder has been a companion for 6 years, even when my life has been in the toilet... then I went for a short ride, which helped. I hope that it is operable, but the vet didn't sound very optimistic. It is worth it to me to spend the money if he has a good prognosis.

Thanks for listening.

awww poor kitty :( sorry to hear

Darwin,

Our cat, and yard guardian of about 11 years now, Catnip, has slowed way down, and we are not naive enough to think the end is not nigh. She eats about triple what she used to, and is very light (maybe 4 pounds). We're fine with keeping her comfortable, and catering to her desires. The decline is one which we realize we would be powerless to reverse. We imagine that being the supreme huntress she has been, that if she could express her wishes, she would elect hospice care rather than being kept on life support.

Obviously. I'm neither wishing for, nor pronouncing Tinder's demise, and I realize how difficult it is to come to terms with the death of a loved one (whether human or not), but I think it does help to realize that we each have our appointed time. I realize that not everyone has faith or belief in life after death, but that could help provide some comfort as well.

I hope there is a recovery in store, but even if not, you'll have fond memories to hold on to.

Thanks for the supportive messages.

I know that Tinder will always be a part of my life, and in a way it may be a blessing to know that he is on his way out... But at another level, I think what makes it easier is just that the pain of loss is experienced a little bit in advance.

I will be sad when he dies, but actually in ways that is secondary to wanting to make the right decisions about the time he has left.

I'm so sorry Little Darwin. I lost Magic cat to the same thing; I must tell you that they can hang in there for quite awhile, but he'll let you know when it is time. In the meanwhile, get some NutriCal (http://www.millpledge.com/preparations/nutrical.htm) and start feeding Tinder (of course verify this with the Vet).

It's great tasting to them and easy to digest, so he'll lick it right off your fingers or his moustache. Keep him hydrated. Learn how to inject him with fluids under the napp of his skin (of course check with the Vet also).

I'll get the kitties to say a special prayer!

:( sorry to hear .... but am glad you're on top of it. May it all work out!

That's so hard to read, LD. If the prognosis was indeed good I would have no objection to spending money on any of my cats. But if it's as unfavourable as your vet is indicating, the best thing is probably just to learn how to make life as easy and comfortable as you can for him until he lets you know that it's time for him to go.

I will hope for the best for you and Tinder.

East Hill

Very sorry to hear. Touches near home too. Very similar to my D.C. just over two years ago. I don't mind spending any amount of money if the prognosis is any good at all. They tried to save D.C. but we ended up losing him. It still hurts. You have my deepest thoughts and prayers.

I'm sorry, LD. Just let all of your love for him pour out right now. I'm sure he feels you. And you will feel it back, too. ((hugs)).

I extend my best hopes for poor Tinder, nothing worse in life than a sickly kitty. The real descision comes when the pain starts. I had to put Wiggle the cat into an early grave, the poor thing was a rescue cat with a tumor the size of a golf ball in her chest. Ive never forgiven the humane society.

If it makes you feel better, it could be that the cat has a condition like feline ciliac disease, an impaction, or an inflammation of some variety. Dont hop to the worst until you know for sure.

Oh and snuggle the hell out of that monster for me.

Sorry man, thats sad.

Please don't take this wrong--but don't let the sadness and sense of loss cloud your judgment. The vet's will run you in circles trying out all their new shiny expensive machines and new treatments to give an animal with a 10-15 year lifespan an extra 6 mths or a year - and all the while the animal is suffering.

However that being said -- it is your money and your pet -- but IMO the world has gone kind of crazy with pets - there's actually a full blown oncology clinic for pets in our city.