Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone, it's been a while. Sebastian is doing great, still kicking butt on 3 legs! But once again I come bearing terrible news about our furry family. I can't believe how unlucky our little guys have been. So, again, since you are all always so helpful, I come here to ask for any advice you may have.
Barney is a 9 year old kitty. He became very lethargic and started having breathing problems over the weekend. The vet removed 10oz (A LOT!) of fluid from his chest and said he has a mass in or near his heart. We will get more information on Friday, including results of blood work and I think they run tests on the fluid they removed. The dr said his heart showed some signs of damage already, indicating that it's been a problem for a while but just now got bad enough for us to notice.
We are preparing for the worst. Have any of you ever encountered this before? Are there any questions that I should ask my vet?
He had two ideas of what the mass could be...in one case, there's not much to be done. In the other case, the next step would be a cardiology consult and surgery to remove the mass, but not many would be willing to perform that surgery. And a cardiologist consult will be very expensive, more tests, etc. I'm leaning heavily toward not putting him through all that since the prognosis would still be so poor. I mean, open heart surgery on a cat?? I've never even heard of it. Granted I hadn't heard a ton about cats with bone cancer doing so well until Sebastian came along.
For now Barney is on a diuretic to hopefully help him pee out the fluid that will continue to build up. His heart may not be able to take it though, so we're keeping a close watch on him.
Thanks in advance
So sorry to hear your sweet Bar ey is having health challenges. I remember a member said thst it seems like we all oight to get a "free pass" if o e of our furbabies had to deal with this liece of crap disease. Unfortunately, as we see too often here, that's not the case.
It's awfully hard not to jump to wlrse case scenarios. But try a dd hold tight u til you find out exactly what you are dealing with. Then you can ddetermine how to proceed.
Right now having that fluid removed a d having him on a diuretic will definitely make him feel better. It should also keep things stableso he can continue soaking up all that loving and spoiling he's getting.
As I know you are already doing, continue to make every moment count and give him ANYTHING he wants to eat, starting with junk food!!
A d we would looooove to see pictures of Barney and, of course Sebastian (so glad he's doing well)!
Lots and lots of love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS Our kitty experts will chime in a d offer advice. Wondering if prednisone is an option to keep tne Inflammation down from the tumor?
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!
Glad to hear Sebastian is still kicking cancers rear! Keep it up Sebastian!
Im sorry you have another fur crisis now with Barney! Sounds like you are in good hands and they are doing all they can to determine whats going on.
I have no wisdom or advice to share ,the diuretic will help with the fluid accumulation and help Barney breathe.
We are keeping our paws crossed you get some answers as to what you are dealing with, you can then make your best informed decision.
Thats the thing with cats they are masters of disguise! They dont show us until they can no longer hide it.
Questions I would ask are what would the surgery accomplish? Is it curative or? Would Barney be a healthy enough to undergo surgery if it is a option? What other options do we have?
What can we do now to keep Barney comfortable if surgery is not a option. Can we keep Barney comfortable with whatever they decide on meds and there still be quality of life. What is the mass and etc. To name just a few questions.
Please let us know what they determine is the cause.
Hang in there!
Give Sebastian and Barney a chin scratch from us.
Hugs to you!
Holly & Purrkins
Thank you for your support. We had another vet visit on Friday and are certain there isn't anything to be done except keep him comfortable and loved. The dr isn't 100% sure but thinks it is likely a thymoma. The bad part is that it's huge (over 1" in diameter, pretty big in a cat's chest) and his heart shows damage. There was a word for what is wrong with his heart, I just don't remember it, but the vet believes he wouldn't survive even if the tumor were removed. So, it would likely be a lot of pain and risk for no reason.
We have him on lasix to get rid of the fluid in his chest and it was working pretty well. His chest xray on Friday showed minimal fluid. I asked and there isn't really anything else non-surgical that would be safe for prolonging life in his situation. Unfortunately, he seems to be feeling pretty bad today so I think there might be more fluid now.
It breaks my heart. He's my baby (they all are!) and he was supposed to be with us longer, but these things happen.
Thanks again,
Jenn, Sebastian & family
Oh Jenn, I know this is such a rough time. All you can do is stay in the moment, and take one moment at a time. You have always done, and will continue to do, what's in Barney's best interest. Your love for Barney IS strong enough to carry you through. Barney knows you love him enough to give him the gift of release of his Soul when he tells you his earthly body is no longer serving him. And as you know, and as Barney will show you in time, the Soul continues on and he will ALWAYS be with you.
We can't be with you physically, but we are surrounding you with our loving energy. We are here for you and will be holding you in our thoughts.
A d those ohotos of Barney....what a cutie pie! A very handsome boy!
Love and hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
We are so sorry you did not get better news on Friday!
Barney is adorable!! Love the picture of Barney and Sebastian cuddling on the sofa!
Maybe you could call the vet on the lasix dosage? That might be able to be increased ?
We never have enough time with our fur babies!
My heart breaks for you!
Sending you strength and big hugs!
Holly & Purrkins
I'm so sorry to hear about Barney's heart condition. I have no experience with this so can't be of any help in that regard. Of course Barney will be your guide and let you know what he needs. I'm sure it's be lots of love, spoiling and cuddles from both you and Sebastian.
You have a beautiful cat family. Hugs and strength to all.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
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