My 9year old Milo he is still as sweet as can be and never stops purring. However, last month I found a lump under his left arm and noticed he had lost some weight as well. After the first vet visit, the cytology came back positive for cancer cells. Next step was a punch biopsy to see what kind of cancer. Two weeks later he went in for he biopsy and they decided to take a lung x-ray given he lost 2 more pounds in just 2 weeks! Then the bad news - its metastasized to his lungs! At that point, in the nicest way possible, the vet said, I am sorry but now you have to decide when its time. But how do I do that when he will still eat out of my hand, he still cuddles all the time, and never stops purring. Outside of the weight loss I wouldn't know he was that ill! My biggest concern of course his quality of life. So this is where I am stumped. If I can try and keep him from losing anymore weight then why jump to putting him down? Then I think, am I just prolonging the inevitable and if he has lost so much weight can he really be comfortable?
My whole family says why wait until he is in pain and begins to wither away. Listening to their advice makes me feel like I am ending his life too early. The doctor seems to think she would consider letting go, otherwise give him steroids to possible reduce the size of the tumors as well as stimulate an appetite...but for how long? Do I just do it until I see he is uncomfortable? That sounds awful too!
I have never had to put down an animal before and I am so confused and my heart is breaking for my little man. I don't want to make him hold on for me, I want to do what is best for Milo!
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Ash - a very confused and upset mommy
My whole family says why wait until he is in pain and begins to wither away. Listening to their advice makes me feel like I am ending his life too early. The doctor seems to think she would consider letting go, otherwise give him steroids to possible reduce the size of the tumors as well as stimulate an appetite...but for how long? Do I just do it until I see he is uncomfortable? That sounds awful too!
I have never had to put down an animal before and I am so confused and my heart is breaking for my little man. I don't want to make him hold on for me, I want to do what is best for Milo!
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Ash - a very confused and upset mommy