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My baby Kuri was vaccinated in July.
In August, I noticed her limping. When I picked her up, I felt a small lump in her right front armpit. By the time I got her in to do a CT scan, it was the size of a small orange. By the time of the surgery, the lump was the size of my hand. Her right front leg was amputated, and the tumor was removed. However, the intubation created tracheal damage, and as a result, she had to spend 4 nights in the ER as she couldn't breathe. I even rented a 02 chamber and purchased the 02 cage (because you must) to bring her home. I'm in debt up to my eyeballs now.
It's been over 6 weeks since her surgery. While she no longer needs the 02 cage to breathe, she has stopped eating completely. Even the smell of food near her makes her visibly gag. Today, I gave her Pedialyte in a syringe because she wasn't drinking water. She immediately got up and went to her water fountain but just stood there, watching me sideways, pretending to drink. When I refused to leave, she finally relented. I think she did it just to please me. She's the most intelligent and loving animal I've ever had. I rescued her from Japan and brought her home to the US. We've been through so much together...
So, I am tapped out, over 15k in debt from the vet bills, and can't afford Oncology treatments. My question is, how do I know when she has given up? I don't want her to suffer anymore, but I don't want to give up on her!
I feel so guilty forcing her through all of this pain and anguish, being butchered and damaged just to suffer and die? She hasn't eaten in four days. This happened before, after the surgery, and when I took her to the vet, the vet shot her up with some valium and fed her half a can of Fancy Feast. The vet called this a "Kitty Party." Apparently, cats get the munchies on valium. Well, I can't afford to drop 200 bucks for this little trick. I don't know what to do.
The Osteosarcoma could have metastasized to other areas, but I have zero funds to throw at finding this out. I would greatly appreciate any information if anyone has any experience with Cat Osteosarcoma and post-amputation recovery times, expectations, or even failures. I am in the dark here and have no idea how to help her.
Any at-home remedies or homeopathic ideas are welcome!
Thank you kindly in advance.
4:36 pm
Team Tripawds
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Helpline Hosts
26 April 2007
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Hi Susanne and Kuri, welcome. I hope you don't mind I moved your post here but I wanted to make sure Kuri gets her own topic so we can help you better.
I'm sorry things are so tough right now. Tell us a little more like:
- What is your vet's plan for helping her get her appetite back, other than the "kitty party"?
- Is she on any pain medications?
- How is her mobility otherwise? Is it only her appetite that is the problem or is it her ability to get around too?
- Is she using the litterbox?
- Did she have other health issues before this?
Generally, cats with osteosarcoma usually don't succumb to it, it doesn't behave as aggressively as it does in dogs.
Here are some appetite tips and medication tricks you might want to try.
5:21 pm
Moderators
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Bucketeers
22 February 2013
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One thing for sure, Kuri could not have a better advocate than you. You clearly love her and you have given her care far and above what many could, or would, do.
Can you get your Vet to give you some anti-nauseua med? I know for dogs Cerenia is often prescribed.
Actually, Jerry has asked all the questions that can help us help you more.
You did what needed to be done to give your sweet Kuri a chance at a quality life. You would have regretted it more of you didn't try. You have not "butchered " her, you have given her the sirgery she needed.
Is it possible you could fet a second opinion and, at the least, maybe get her started on subQ fluids at home to help perk her up and maybe pique her appetite.
A trick I think I read here was to put a dab of chicken baby food (or something yummu) on her fur. She will naturally groom herself and maybe the taste of the food woild entice here to eat from a plate....maybe?? Maybe syringe a bit of baby food in the side of her mouth.
Getting fluids in her is important. So good for getting her to drink a little. Also try truna water if you haven't already.
Read the links Jerry gave you and give us your feedback when you can. We'll help you and Kuri in any way we can. Hang in there!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Thank you so much for your responses and the links.
I've ordered some products from Amazon that aren't delivered for two days. Tomorrow (today is Thanksgiving, so stores are closed), I will get some chicken baby food and try to syringe feed.
I have tried every food at Petco. She had been eating the salmon mousse by Tiki for a while but now gags at it. I even went to the Asian market to get her dried Katsuo, dried fish, a product she ate a lot in Japan, and she gags. So, I think the syringe is my only shot (no pun intended) at getting her strong again.
In answer to your questions.
Yes, I tried an appetite stimulant from the vet. It did nothing. After my last visit to the vet, I won't be returning. There really is no "plan" for recovery. All the vet said was, "We can refer you to oncology." Unfortunately, I can't take on any more debt. (tldr; we are facing homelessness if I can't find work in a month. Returning to America has been brutal after 13 years in Japan. I'm baffled.)
Kuri can walk, but she is very weak. She mainly sleeps curled up on my bed but will move to the floor or other favorite places when the sun shines through the window during the day. I stopped pain meds the second week after the surgery (Gabapentin) because she wasn't eating. Then she started eating a little bit, and I thought she was on the road to recovery. But starting this week, she has taken this turn. She has stopped grooming as well. But so far, she is still using the "tripawd" litter box I made for her.
After the surgery, the vet said he got the entire tumor, and the X-rays of her lungs were clear. She isn't showing any signs of pain or trouble with her lungs. I think she is just nauseous, the way she gags when I put food in front her...
I will definitely keep everyone posted on the effectiveness of the three supplements I ordered when they arrive.
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