I posted in the Cat Lounge an Ode to Teddy, my 12 year kitty who I fear is nearing the end. I figured I’d also post in here to see if there is anything more I can do. Here’s a recap of recent events:
I brought Teddy into the vet about 2.5 weeks ago since I’ve been noticing weight loss, but an increase in appetite for people and even the dog’s food. His back looked bony, but just stomach became rounder and firm. Initial bloodwork had elevated levels for his liver and slightly low blood sugar. Nothing was too alarming and the vet suggested repeat bloodwork in 6 weeks or an ultrasound to further explore. At first I said we’d wait, but I had this sinking feeling and called back to schedule the ultrasound. Teddy went in last Monday and they found a tumor on his liver and a mass in his lungs. His abdomen was filled with fluid that the xrays were nearly all white. Given his age and severity, we made the choice to make him comfortable with medication (Predinsolone and Lasix) to treat the fluid and inflammation and the vet said he might have a few months. Chemotherapy and/or surgery doesn’t seem to be worth putting him through since it wouldn’t change much of his prognosis.
Over the weekend he seemed to lose interest in food. I brought him in for a follow up today and he lost 2 lbs in the week since his last appointment. (Young and healthy he was 14 lbs, last week 10.8lbs, today 8.8 lbs) Vet said it could be a combo of not eating as much and some fluid loss. She gave me Cerenia for possible nausea and Mirtazapine to stimulate his appetite. I stopped and got some wet cat food hoping to get him to eat, but he didn’t touch it. (He’s been on c/d dry food for years due to urinary crystals) I’m going to get him some deli meat and fancy feast tomorrow morning... if that fails, another member mentioned KFC chicken. I’m scared to think about what happens if that fails as well.
Teddy isn’t in hiding, which is the only reassurance I have. His lungs sounded ok when the vet checked him, but I’m on the look out for labored breathing. I thought I had maybe a couple months, but I feel like it’s going to be less... way less than that. Any suggestions or ideas? Is there anything I can do? If I can’t get him to eat, when do I make the dreaded call?
I brought Teddy into the vet about 2.5 weeks ago since I’ve been noticing weight loss, but an increase in appetite for people and even the dog’s food. His back looked bony, but just stomach became rounder and firm. Initial bloodwork had elevated levels for his liver and slightly low blood sugar. Nothing was too alarming and the vet suggested repeat bloodwork in 6 weeks or an ultrasound to further explore. At first I said we’d wait, but I had this sinking feeling and called back to schedule the ultrasound. Teddy went in last Monday and they found a tumor on his liver and a mass in his lungs. His abdomen was filled with fluid that the xrays were nearly all white. Given his age and severity, we made the choice to make him comfortable with medication (Predinsolone and Lasix) to treat the fluid and inflammation and the vet said he might have a few months. Chemotherapy and/or surgery doesn’t seem to be worth putting him through since it wouldn’t change much of his prognosis.
Over the weekend he seemed to lose interest in food. I brought him in for a follow up today and he lost 2 lbs in the week since his last appointment. (Young and healthy he was 14 lbs, last week 10.8lbs, today 8.8 lbs) Vet said it could be a combo of not eating as much and some fluid loss. She gave me Cerenia for possible nausea and Mirtazapine to stimulate his appetite. I stopped and got some wet cat food hoping to get him to eat, but he didn’t touch it. (He’s been on c/d dry food for years due to urinary crystals) I’m going to get him some deli meat and fancy feast tomorrow morning... if that fails, another member mentioned KFC chicken. I’m scared to think about what happens if that fails as well.
Teddy isn’t in hiding, which is the only reassurance I have. His lungs sounded ok when the vet checked him, but I’m on the look out for labored breathing. I thought I had maybe a couple months, but I feel like it’s going to be less... way less than that. Any suggestions or ideas? Is there anything I can do? If I can’t get him to eat, when do I make the dreaded call?
