Talk Cancer

Question:

snip I would opt for the same approach for my pet as I would for myself.

snip Me too … as long as there is sensible hope for a good outcome and for Rux and that he will be able to enjoy life again, keep on, but if not then let go. It works both ways … I’ve seen dying people who should have been put to sleep .. but that’s not an option for us. Once again, good luck .. I know everyone who read your post is rooting for Rux… Jim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family What you want done if it were you? I would want to know for sure what the possible underlying problems with me could be before I opted out on treatment. Don’t let anyone tell you an old animal isn’t worth saving. I had on old bengie-type mutt for almost the same length of time. He got heartworms when he was twelve. The vet tried to discourage me from giving him the treatment, but I knew that old dog deserved a chance. He pulled through, and never even acted like he was sick, not even for a minute. Then, a year later, he got into a fight with two of my neighbor’ dogs… they ripped him open until his guts were hanging out. It was on a Saturday night, and I lived way back in the country then. A long way from help. But the way the little guy looked up at me, still wagging his tail with his guts hanging out… I just couldn’t let him die. I took him some distance to the all-nite vet. He said the dog was very old and wouldn’t it be better to just put him to sleep. I never even considered it. Timmy wanted to live. And he did. And he spent the last days of his life happy.  The point is, if there is a chance, shouldn’t you be in the most educated position possible? Find out what else could be wrong first. Maybe a biopsy?  I would opt for the same approach for my pet as I would for myself. After all, they values their lives as much as we value ours.

Sometimes it is better just to let go.

Response:

Between yourself and your vet you should be able to make the right decision. It sounds like he had a good, long life with you so far. Best wishes.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

What you want done if it were you? I would want to know for sure what the possible underlying problems with me could be before I opted out on treatment. Don’t let anyone tell you an old animal isn’t worth saving. I had on old bengie-type mutt for almost the same length of time. He got heartworms when he was twelve. The vet tried to discourage me from giving him the treatment, but I knew that old dog deserved a chance. He pulled through, and never even acted like he was sick, not even for a minute. Then, a year later, he got into a fight with two of my neighbor’ dogs… they ripped him open until his guts were hanging out. It was on a Saturday night, and I lived way back in the country then. A long way from help. But the way the little guy looked up at me, still wagging his tail with his guts hanging out… I just couldn’t let him die. I took him some distance to the all-nite vet. He said the dog was very old and wouldn’t it be better to just put him to sleep. I never even considered it. Timmy wanted to live. And he did. And he spent the last days of his life happy.  The point is, if there is a chance, shouldn’t you be in the most educated position possible? Find out what else could be wrong first. Maybe a biopsy?  I would opt for the same approach for my pet as I would for myself. After all, they values their lives as much as we value ours.

Response:

I do agree thet you may want to rely on your vet for what to do.  You might be more comfortable with a second opinion.  I do hope all works out okay. Barb

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

I can’t offer any advice, unfortunately, but am sending good thoughts and purrs your way. Karen

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound. In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital. However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

Oh, I do wish I could help, but I don’t have enough knowledge to offer advice.  I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you, your family, and Rux.  I think you can only rely on you vet at this point, and accept her best advice. My thoughts and prayers for Rux… — Regards, Thierry… – You can’t have everything, where would you keep it?

Response:

How very sad.  I think this is smething only you can decide. It might help to say that when our old cat came to the end of her life, she was given her final injection while on my partners knee,a nd she did literlly just "go to sleep". If you’ve ever had a general anaesthetic, I guess that’s what it feels like. I hope you get good news, and that your cat "perks up",  but if not, remember the pain will be all yours, your cat will be free. love Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

Response:

Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

Response:

snip I would opt for the same approach for my pet as I would for myself.

snip Me too … as long as there is sensible hope for a good outcome and for Rux and that he will be able to enjoy life again, keep on, but if not then let go. It works both ways … I’ve seen dying people who should have been put to sleep .. but that’s not an option for us. Once again, good luck .. I know everyone who read your post is rooting for Rux… Jim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family What you want done if it were you? I would want to know for sure what the possible underlying problems with me could be before I opted out on treatment. Don’t let anyone tell you an old animal isn’t worth saving. I had on old bengie-type mutt for almost the same length of time. He got heartworms when he was twelve. The vet tried to discourage me from giving him the treatment, but I knew that old dog deserved a chance. He pulled through, and never even acted like he was sick, not even for a minute. Then, a year later, he got into a fight with two of my neighbor’ dogs… they ripped him open until his guts were hanging out. It was on a Saturday night, and I lived way back in the country then. A long way from help. But the way the little guy looked up at me, still wagging his tail with his guts hanging out… I just couldn’t let him die. I took him some distance to the all-nite vet. He said the dog was very old and wouldn’t it be better to just put him to sleep. I never even considered it. Timmy wanted to live. And he did. And he spent the last days of his life happy.  The point is, if there is a chance, shouldn’t you be in the most educated position possible? Find out what else could be wrong first. Maybe a biopsy?  I would opt for the same approach for my pet as I would for myself. After all, they values their lives as much as we value ours.

Sometimes it is better just to let go.

Response:

Between yourself and your vet you should be able to make the right decision. It sounds like he had a good, long life with you so far. Best wishes.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

What you want done if it were you? I would want to know for sure what the possible underlying problems with me could be before I opted out on treatment. Don’t let anyone tell you an old animal isn’t worth saving. I had on old bengie-type mutt for almost the same length of time. He got heartworms when he was twelve. The vet tried to discourage me from giving him the treatment, but I knew that old dog deserved a chance. He pulled through, and never even acted like he was sick, not even for a minute. Then, a year later, he got into a fight with two of my neighbor’ dogs… they ripped him open until his guts were hanging out. It was on a Saturday night, and I lived way back in the country then. A long way from help. But the way the little guy looked up at me, still wagging his tail with his guts hanging out… I just couldn’t let him die. I took him some distance to the all-nite vet. He said the dog was very old and wouldn’t it be better to just put him to sleep. I never even considered it. Timmy wanted to live. And he did. And he spent the last days of his life happy.  The point is, if there is a chance, shouldn’t you be in the most educated position possible? Find out what else could be wrong first. Maybe a biopsy?  I would opt for the same approach for my pet as I would for myself. After all, they values their lives as much as we value ours.

Response:

I do agree thet you may want to rely on your vet for what to do.  You might be more comfortable with a second opinion.  I do hope all works out okay. Barb

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

I can’t offer any advice, unfortunately, but am sending good thoughts and purrs your way. Karen

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound. In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital. However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

Oh, I do wish I could help, but I don’t have enough knowledge to offer advice.  I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you, your family, and Rux.  I think you can only rely on you vet at this point, and accept her best advice. My thoughts and prayers for Rux… — Regards, Thierry… – You can’t have everything, where would you keep it?

Response:

How very sad.  I think this is smething only you can decide. It might help to say that when our old cat came to the end of her life, she was given her final injection while on my partners knee,a nd she did literlly just "go to sleep". If you’ve ever had a general anaesthetic, I guess that’s what it feels like. I hope you get good news, and that your cat "perks up",  but if not, remember the pain will be all yours, your cat will be free. love Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

Response:

Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

Response:

snip I would opt for the same approach for my pet as I would for myself.

snip Me too … as long as there is sensible hope for a good outcome and for Rux and that he will be able to enjoy life again, keep on, but if not then let go. It works both ways … I’ve seen dying people who should have been put to sleep .. but that’s not an option for us. Once again, good luck .. I know everyone who read your post is rooting for Rux… Jim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family What you want done if it were you? I would want to know for sure what the possible underlying problems with me could be before I opted out on treatment. Don’t let anyone tell you an old animal isn’t worth saving. I had on old bengie-type mutt for almost the same length of time. He got heartworms when he was twelve. The vet tried to discourage me from giving him the treatment, but I knew that old dog deserved a chance. He pulled through, and never even acted like he was sick, not even for a minute. Then, a year later, he got into a fight with two of my neighbor’ dogs… they ripped him open until his guts were hanging out. It was on a Saturday night, and I lived way back in the country then. A long way from help. But the way the little guy looked up at me, still wagging his tail with his guts hanging out… I just couldn’t let him die. I took him some distance to the all-nite vet. He said the dog was very old and wouldn’t it be better to just put him to sleep. I never even considered it. Timmy wanted to live. And he did. And he spent the last days of his life happy.  The point is, if there is a chance, shouldn’t you be in the most educated position possible? Find out what else could be wrong first. Maybe a biopsy?  I would opt for the same approach for my pet as I would for myself. After all, they values their lives as much as we value ours.

Sometimes it is better just to let go.

Response:

Between yourself and your vet you should be able to make the right decision. It sounds like he had a good, long life with you so far. Best wishes.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

What you want done if it were you? I would want to know for sure what the possible underlying problems with me could be before I opted out on treatment. Don’t let anyone tell you an old animal isn’t worth saving. I had on old bengie-type mutt for almost the same length of time. He got heartworms when he was twelve. The vet tried to discourage me from giving him the treatment, but I knew that old dog deserved a chance. He pulled through, and never even acted like he was sick, not even for a minute. Then, a year later, he got into a fight with two of my neighbor’ dogs… they ripped him open until his guts were hanging out. It was on a Saturday night, and I lived way back in the country then. A long way from help. But the way the little guy looked up at me, still wagging his tail with his guts hanging out… I just couldn’t let him die. I took him some distance to the all-nite vet. He said the dog was very old and wouldn’t it be better to just put him to sleep. I never even considered it. Timmy wanted to live. And he did. And he spent the last days of his life happy.  The point is, if there is a chance, shouldn’t you be in the most educated position possible? Find out what else could be wrong first. Maybe a biopsy?  I would opt for the same approach for my pet as I would for myself. After all, they values their lives as much as we value ours.

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I do agree thet you may want to rely on your vet for what to do.  You might be more comfortable with a second opinion.  I do hope all works out okay. Barb

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

I can’t offer any advice, unfortunately, but am sending good thoughts and purrs your way. Karen

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound. In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital. However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

Oh, I do wish I could help, but I don’t have enough knowledge to offer advice.  I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you, your family, and Rux.  I think you can only rely on you vet at this point, and accept her best advice. My thoughts and prayers for Rux… — Regards, Thierry… – You can’t have everything, where would you keep it?

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How very sad.  I think this is smething only you can decide. It might help to say that when our old cat came to the end of her life, she was given her final injection while on my partners knee,a nd she did literlly just "go to sleep". If you’ve ever had a general anaesthetic, I guess that’s what it feels like. I hope you get good news, and that your cat "perks up",  but if not, remember the pain will be all yours, your cat will be free. love Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

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Hello, Our 14 year old cat, Rux, has been experiencing some degree of kidney dysfunction for a few months now.  He lost a lot of weight before this was diagnosed a month ago.  In the past month he lost nearly a pound.  In the past couple of days we have noticed him seeming a little more sluggish and not very motivated to eat.  Today he got hit by a car in our driveway at around 5 pm. Usually he springs out of the way (not that he was seen nor was the car moving quickly), but for whatever sad reason he didn’t move in time. Currently, he has a pelvic fracture which in itself is not life threatening. He was in mild shock after getting to the hospital.  However, xrays also reveal a suspicious shadow in his lungs which could be a tumor or air "something".  Everything else in the xrays looked fine.  His blood tests revealed a very high globulin level which the vet said wasn’t related to the car accident and could be the result of, for eg., cancer or some contageous cat illness such as FIT (FIP??)  As of 8:00 the vet said he was dangerously anemic, but she didn’t know if that was or was not a result of the accident. Blood tests at 12:30 showed the same level of anemia. His kidney tests showed moderately high levels but we don’t know yet how they compared with the levels last month. We need to decide if she should give him a blood transfusion if he needs it, for eg., in the middle of the night. I am trying to decide what the best thing to do for Rux would be.  I don’t want to traumatize him further, but I wish I understood better what his underlying illnesses are and how much we should try to get him through today’s crisis. Thanks, anyone, for your advice. -a very sad family

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