((hugs)) for both of you ~ wrap her up in ‘home love’ and cherish each day ~
((hugs)) for both of you ~
wrap her up in ‘home love’ and cherish each day ~
Actually, I think that is the Cleveland Clinic of Case Western University and if a human and animal trial. --not Cincinnati.
Thanks for the support. It is very disappointing news, of course. She in only seven.
She is not in any pain, and is still eating well.
He gave a thorough examination and found several lymph nodes that had become enlarged and even more that were just barely enlarged. What we had expected was a complete removal of all mammary glands and some lymph nodes. He was thorough and discussed the pattern of the glands and lymph nodes that were involved. He knew we were ready, willing and able to do this surgery and follow up surgeries if necessary.
He said it was not something that would benefit her. So, we’ll watch for changes in her, especially respiratory changes.
Thank you all.
I’m so sorry. I would also recommend a third opinion with an internist. As much as I like vets who “specialize” in cats, they are not actually specialist vets. Having an opinion of an oncologist or internist may give you others ways to palliate or potentially surgically resetc. As much as the signs are pointed towards metastasis, enlarged peripheral lymph nodes do not automatically mean cancer. Although saying that, it’s not wrong to do nothing either until it’s her time. Just wanted to let you know there are more advanced treatments and metronomic therapies that an oncologist or internist may be able to advise if you choose to go that route. Jingles that your kitty remains comfortable for a long time.
So very sorry about the diagnosis. Here’s hoping she surprises you and lives a long time as a happy kitty.
Very sorry…was something I was wondering…My parents cat went pretty fast…She seemed fine for awhile, but…So sorry
He actually is a cat specialist rather than just a vet who limits his practice to cats - the only one in my state. I guess one could argue that “specializing” in a type of animals is different from specializing in a type of medicine. He isn’t an oncologist. He did mention an oncologist, but said that he was sufficiently confident in his examination that an oncologist’s opinion would not be beneficial. He was more interested in patterns and relationships between the tumors, and between the involved lymph nodes, than other aspects. He was very confident that there were no effective chemotherapies, and said that without equivocation. I can talk with him again - well, will definitely be talking with him again - and can enquire further about the oncologist, but he did address that as an option in some cases, but felt it was not something worth pursuing. I’ve rarely seen someone as confident, unequivocal, and articulate about his position. Thanks for that suggestion.
Thank you sunwhinnies.
I just now saw this. I’m so very, very sorry about your kitty. HUGS
Kim
Jingling for you both. And ((((((Hugs)))))
I am so sorry you are going thru this, especially with a young cat. Please remember that cats don’t realize you’re trying to save/prolong their life. All they know is they don’t feel good ever anymore. If there aren’t any curative treatments, please consider doing the humane thing before she gets too bad.
Thank you all.
CindyCRNA - as the specialist says, she only knows how she feels, and right now she feels fine. I have my local vet on board also, so we’ll be keeping close tabs on her well being physically, as well as keeping in contact with the specialist and following up on Squish the bunny’s ideas above. I do not believe in premature euthanasia, but you do have to pay close attention.
Thank you all.
I’m so sorry to hear this - I was hoping it would turn out better.
Wrap her up in love and spoil her rotten and enjoy every minute. ((((hugs))))
to you and kiss for kitty.
Thanks you.
I want you all to know that right now, she feels great. She eats well, cuddles, and plays - just a happy cat. Hopefully, that will last for awhile. Thank you.
Well, the cat specialist called and is sending a new article from Cornell. We’re in search of clinical trials. We will continue to try to find something beneficial for her. This is another one-in-a-million vet.
I’m so sorry to hear this bad news Coyoteco. I hope your kitty has a few happy years left in her. It sounds like you adore her. Best wishes during this tough time.
Even in cases in my practice where I am pretty sure I know what chemotherapies/etc treatments are available, I would still send you and this kitty to the oncologist. That field is evolving so rapidly that I can’t possibly keep up with the newest and best stuff out there.
Even if you go, and pay a consult fee, and they tell you there’s nothing to be done as well, at least you got all the opinions you could. Personally, I would send you if you were my client and I would go if I were you.
I’m sorry for you and for your kitty. 
I found lumps on the abdomen of an 12 year old unspayed female cat that my husband and I took in from an extended family member that couldn’t keep her. We had a consultation with a vet before we had her spayed. He “couldn’t possibly tell us what it was” without sending the mass out to the lab, even though my background in veterinary technology screamed mammary cancer. When I asked about life expectancy if the masses were cancer, he seemed to think lots of pets had them removed and went on with life. So we had the surgery- she was spayed and had all the tumors removed and I believe even had a chain of teats removed. It was close to $1K total, and I chose not to send out the mass for biopsy since it would not affect her treatment plan. A year later, the lumps had regrown, and it was time. We went to a different vet to have her PTS. I won’t be going back to the vet that hemmed and hawed and I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone else.
So hug your vet and your cat and I am sorry you are going through this. If I had known before the surgery it would be over in a year I would not have put her through that. I’m still a little angry with that vet for that- he seemed to think there was unlimited options to what a 12 year old unspayed female cat would have growing around her teats. The only reason I even went there was because they had a low-cost spay clinic, and I thought for a charity case they would be more affordable and helpful. Not so much.
