Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi again Mum
i am hoping that you are getting some much needed rest right now?!
The mass on Spirits lung is concerning because he has the added tumours on his toes that seem to be reoccurring, along with the loss of appetite, etc.
I feel like I am a bearer of doom, i don’t want to be!! I am wishing for any other diagnosis (than the one I was given) for you!! I am praying for you both!!!
We live in a very rural area and our small vet clinic is a half hours drive from us. The next available animal hospital is two hours away in any direction. They are a husband and wife team and we trust them impeccably.
When we took our Mojo in for a sore toe, we had no idea that within two days we would be considering amputation, never mind palliative care...
As I mentioned in my blog post, Mojo was a beautiful, long haired black cat, so due to the fact that his toe pads were also black, we couldn't see anything going on. We did an X-ray of his paw and it came back with an inconclusive mass in his toe, but definitely not an infection...
We figured that the next best route would be to amputate that toe and get a definitive answer as to cancer or not, so we said goodnight to our little man, so that he could have his surgery in the morning....
I will be eternally grateful to our Dr. Laurie. She had seen one case in her career of a cat with Feline Lung Digit Syndrome and so her first instinct was to ask us for an X-ray of his lungs. I was blown away, I couldn’t make the connection! When Dr. Laurie called us and said that yes, there was a mass on a Mojos Lung, I was more than shocked!!!
We were still going to go ahead with the amputation, but before the surgery, Dr Laurie did an X-ray on his other feet and there were more masses!!! She knew then for sure what we were dealing with and surgery was called off.
The tumours were never in Mojos bones. They were masses that felt like an abscess. Dr. Laurie told us that the lungs will probably never get affected, it would be the masses on his toes that would just keep growing and in a short while these tumours would push through his skin! Excruciating pain!!!
We couldn’t bare to say goodbye to my boy right then, none of us were ready... We put Mojo onto a regime of pills called Palliative Care!!!
We didn’t do any extra tests... from all the evidence presented to us, we knew in our hearts what we were dealing with.
Mojo persevered for almost three months, for the most part living his life by going outside and watching his birds. His hunting had stopped a while before. By the end though, he was not living life anymore, he was tolerating it for our sake!
Cats and dogs are masters at hiding their pain. Other than licking his paws and shaking them, people had no idea he was slowly becoming a cripple! It was so mind boggling to us that his mind and body seemed fine, a perfectly healthy 11yr old boy! Still in his prime right?! but we were going to lose our boy because of his poor sore feet!!! His Lung mass was the very least of our problems!
The tumours on his toes grew very quickly. I could see the difference week after week and it literally broke my heart!
Hi
Yes, the lung-digit-disease is something that we've been concerned about too - precisely what has me second-guessing amputation - not wanting to put him through that if there is more underlying that will crop up. But with no solid answers from x-rays/radiologists, and nothing in the lung x-rays changing over the past month with the new x-ray, it's so hard to know without a CAT scan. We had been prepping for CAT scan, as I mentioned, to determine if the lung mass was in fact a tumor or not, and considering lung surgery before the new paw tumor cropped up/ came back. It's such an "immediate threat" and affects his (and our) life, as you probably know with Mojo's multiple tumors - poor guy! 🙁 - that taking care of the paw before it does spread/takes over more toes has been the pressing issue.
I am so afraid to say that if this is FLDS, there is no stopping the spread! This is why we chose not to amputate Mojos toe once we discovered his back feet also presented masses!
I wonder if the x-rays for Mojos lungs had defined mass? More than one? Were they able to take a needle sample to know it was cancer/type? The big prob I have been having is no consensus on what is going on with Spirit's lung - radiologist who thinks it's nothing, one who thinks it's something! 😕
We didn’t do anything more than X-rays. I’m sorry I didn’t see the X-rays my self and so all I can say is that after being presented with all of our information and we trusted Dr. Laurie’s diagnosis and we knew that the prognosis was not good.
I just requested the new x-rays be looked at by a radiologist, so hoping there is some kind of conclusion that can be drawn. I should know more tomorrow about that. These were the clearest x-rays thusfar.
I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed and all paws are in prayer position!!!
In addition to the 3-view of the chest, they took a paw x-ray with the recurring tumor and I was able to see that. I'm no expert by any means, I could see the outline of the mass, and where the other digit was removed (which concerned me to see as I had thought surgeon #1 was supposed to have taken 3rd phalange as well, but it was still there - maybe why it spread???), but no bone issues. And the new doc did not mention nor point out that the bones were looking affected - yet...
FLDS affects soft tissue from what I understand and I think this is confirmed in the article that Holly presented.
Because there was no bone issues, maybe vet #1 thought it might be best to leave that phalange as a bit of extra support in the Paw? Just a thought.
My regular vet has pointed out that the disease is always ahead of what we're seeing too... which is why I wonder what the tumors appeared like in the x-rays for Mojo? Were tumors present on the outside too? I will strongly consider x-raying his other paws, but so far it seems like the only x-rays showing actual bone damage were of the first affected digit at the time of surgery.
I do know that a Mojo did not have a mass on the outside of his lungs. The tumours were never in his bones, they were all soft tissue masses.
In my opinion and that is all it is ... you would possibly have more immediate (& less expensive/stressful) answers with an X-ray on Spirits other limbs and/or digits. And after talking with your vet and radiologist, you can discuss what the next options are that are best for the both of you.
There was a bit about Mojo that stuck out to me especially - that he was a mouser... because the initial issue with Spirit was discovered shortly after he had caught a mouse (he doesn't ever kill them - he's a gentle soul... he just alerts me & I get a box, angle it in front of him, and tell him to put the mouse down, and he does - always, unharmed! And I take the mouse far away & release! Crazy, but true!),
This is crazy, beautiful and cool!!! What a truly gentle soul Spirit is!!! Sooooo smart for his Mum!
and I had noticed what looked like blood around his nail bed... and from there it was suspected as an infection, discovered it was scc, the x-ray with unidentified blur/mass in lung, etc... So it makes me kind-of scratch my head - if these are both cases of the lung-digit, which of course, I hope not - whether there is something carried by mice that might spread this? Just a thought...
I don’t believe that mousing has caused this.... I’m so sorry! This 💩 disease that got Mojo had its own set of rules!
We Are also Hoping Spirit eats well tonight! He is a very special kitty for sure!
Take care of yourself as well Mum, you aren’t much good to Spirit “Whitey” or Kiko if you’re sick!
Many hugs and best wishes
Petra and her thieves xxx
Remember...“live in the moment!“
Hi all, and thanks again for your responses, prayers & support! <3 It was a bit of a better day overall, and I have a feeling that you folks had a hand in helping make it so __/|\__ thank you! <3 I even slept a little!
Update: In the morning, the tumor had opened and was bleeding a bit so I had to carefully bandage it, as I had the first one, (cleaned with diluted iodine solution & applied a bit of 30 ppm colloidal silver first, used XXLarge bandaid folded over the front of the paw, then that sticky-wrap stuff to hold it on, trimmed to paw-shape :), and again re-bandage at night, after a quick soak in water & same cleaning process, but used a thin gauze in the "gap" where the amputated digit was/tumor is growing, then wrapped... The tumor is definitely growing rapidly and I can see/feel it now the top of his paw as well, though only the bottom is like an open lesion. Please, just slow down, tumor? 
Spirit had his 2 Clavamox 1 morning and one eve with meals, and I started him on the Burprenex mid-day as well, plus a full 20 mg CBD at night, which I went ahead & gave with a little regular coconut oil solid, and he promptly ate! So there's the delivery method instead of heating the CBD capsules, thanks for the suggestion to try again, Holly & Purrkins! ^_^. He ate pretty well, not 100%, but 75-85% of his meals, which seemed an improvement from the days before, and of course made me super happy, even 2 meals without having to add sardine/fish to coax him! He did have one coughing episode, and last night his purring had some crackling to it, but he otherwise seemed more upbeat and content. 
On the surgery/doctor level, after lots of phone calls back & forth between 3 hospitals & more debate over the latest radiographs, we've decided the best route is to postpone the amputation until we do a CAT scan next week - with surgeon #1. The (new) radiologist reported that the lungs looked clear, (and I don't think she saw the older radiographs) but, my regular vet looked at them with another doctor who has never seen the first radiographs and both concluded that a CAT scan should be performed. My regular vet first said that one view was taken poorly and they should have re-done it because the sternum and spine where overlapping (I think?), and that one needed to be taken higher up to show more of the heart area... but from these imperfect views, and having seen the prior x-rays, she felt strongly that the undefined mass looked worse/larger to her (which btw, you can see in that first link from Holly, it is not unusual to have mass with undefined borders and have it turn out to be lung cancer, which has been part of the discussion with what's been in question in Spirit's lungs). She also saw another couple of spots that concerned her, plus potential small amount of fluid on the outside of lungs (she said it was a very small amount). Surgeon #1 is currently out of state on vacation, but my regular vet called him on his cell and from what she said to me, he is on board with us and understands there was a miscommunication, and they talked about caring for Spirit first and foremost. My regular vet really loves Whitey, I know, thank goodness! So, as it is, we have a consult with him on Tues at 2 at the over-the-border office/his usual practice, and his office said it would potentially be possible, if surgeon #1 feels it necessary, to have us go to the sister in-state Specialist hospital the same day through Emergency, and do the CAT scan (and potential amputation depending upon results). Otherwise, we'd do the Tues consult and it would be likely Thurs or Fri with surgeon #1 at in-state hospital for CAT scan (over border/his regular practice does not have CAT scan machine), and potential same-day amputation, depending upon CAT scan results. The only variable now is if Whitey/The Tiny Loving Man/Spirit has any issues that get worse between now and then. In that case, we would be able to go through emergency at the in-state place and see a diff doctor for CAT scan, etc. Whew... Feels like a relief to finally have a game plan and to have some sort of resolve about surgeon #1, even though I have yet to actually speak to him.
Regular vet also concluded the same thing I had about instigator office manager at surgeon #1's after speaking with her today - that she makes mtns out of mole hills, has communication issues, etc... as she blew something out of proportion in their convo, plus got info wrong, and also oddly said I would probably have to get more x-rays (makes no sense if I'm doing a CAT scan, right?) with surgeon #1. I-O-M is also the person who said a CAT scan would be possible Tues if surgeon #1 thought it needed to be done asap, so, hoping she's at least right about that!
Petra dear, I had read your first reply before bed, & it made me sob a little, but also your words gave me strength, the Petra pillars of support! 
I'll reply in a bit after this to your longer response... It's been sooo sooo helpful! __/|\__ And did I see at the very end of the story of Mojo that you had a Keiko dog?!?! Pronounced like Kiko (Kee-ko) the bengal? 
Holly & Purrkins and Kerren & Mona - thank you so much for the the scapula affirmation, I'd seen pics of tripawds with some bit of remaining limb or upper muscle/bone there, so I was unsure what made the most sense. The potential amputation vet had said he'd take it, and I knew no better, so that was reassuring to know both it was removed on both of your tripawd kitties.
Btw, you ALL have such beautiful fur babies! Mona looks like a distinguished lady, Purrkins is a sweetheart, Hattie, your tripawd has such defined eyeliner, love it! Stu & Jerry are both gorgeous - I miss having a dog child... I've been admiring them in your avatars... is there a place in the forums where folks share just pics of their tripawds here? I guess I should post a few pics of the TLM & Keek!
Holly - both of those links were extremely helpful, thank you ever so! And even though the first uses lots of terminology that's way over my head, I was able to extract an important factoid:
"Of the 64 cats documented, all presented with a primary complaint of ‘painful digits’. A total of 56 cats had metastases of a pulmonary carcinoma in the digits, with many cats also having lesions within the skin and/or muscles. Only eight cats had primary squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the digit or multiple digits. Therefore, most carcinomas found within the digits of cats are likely to be metastases from a primary pulmonary carcinoma, and even SCC may arise in this fashion from a primary focus in the lung."
^That makes me feel slightly more hopefully because of the rarity of SCC, which is what Spirit has been diagnosed with from the aspirate/biopsy - and seeing that only 8 out of 64 cases involve SCC seems good...right? But yeah, there's still a chance.
Not sure if you read above, but I went ahead and started the Buprenex *thumbs up* Regular vet said it was best to too.
You made great points about being certain of the lungs before going forward, and I don't want to amputate now before I am SURE about the lungs. It's largely thanks to this THREAD, Mojo's story, all of what you folks all are sharing... I'm so grateful! It's definitely not a light decision to amputate, and never even was on the table except as a last resort, before I was told it was the only option with this new tumor's removal.
I'm looking forward to more sleep this weekend, and just keeping the food and meds going with Spirit, hoping the tumor gets the hint and chills out a bit! 😛
Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart & Spirit's paws! Much love, good health & longevity to you & your animal friends! We'll keep you posted as things happen here...
PS - Oh, and on that mouse tip again... Keek the sleek (Kiko) caught a mouse tonight! Annnnd... surprisingly, though he flung it around a bunch, he left it stunned/still breathing for long enough that I was able to put him in a box and try to take him downstairs... before I decided to take the box outside, I opened it, and poof! The mouse popped right out like a Jack-in-the-box and I shrieked like a teenage girl in a horror movie then laughed at myself! Clearly, I'm not afraid of this cute little mouse, and got him into the box, but was just frightened/surprised that he jumped out! He was on the floor catching his breath for a minute by the front door, (we're in an upstairs apt with a downstairs entranceway), and I figured I wouldn't be fast enough to get him in the box if I moved, so off he scurried, seemingly unscathed, to likely crawl back up into the walls and be hunted again by the bengal king! 
Petra - Hi! Thank you again for your kind words and for sharing more about Mojo's FLDS, this is definitely a site filled with people who truly care! I'm sorry to ask you to recall so much about what clearly was a very difficult time, but I hope you know that it means a lot to me to have as much information as I can about these possibilities we might be facing too.
I REALLY hope that FLDS is not the case with Spirit, and in the last reply I posted, I quoted the lower incidence of Squamous Cell Carcinoma associated with lung cancer, with strong hopes that it means that the radiologists who are saying "all clear" are the ones who are right... But not knowing for sure is it's own kind of torture!
This being tumor #2, I wince at this - "the masses on his toes that would just keep growing and in a short while these tumours would push through his skin! Excruciating pain!!!" and already know from the first tumor and how HUGE and awful it was, that... I just don't know how I would deal with his having multiple paws with bleeding lesions! Did you end up bandaging him? Using baby socks? With the last tumor, I had to keep him bandaged so as not to keep licking at it (open sore, it literally looked like he stepped on a landmine for a few days pre-op), and so it wouldn't bleed all over the place. It was quite a process involving 2-people needed to change the wrapping 2x or more daily, w/wash, iodine/colloidal silver and/or soak beforehand... and I even made an ointment because I thought it might help, with coconut & calendula, but having moisture in the bandage turned out to not be wise nor do much good... One time he ripped off the bandage while it was heavily bleeding and the house looked like a crime scene! Luckily I had paper towels already down in some areas in case... Spirit's been an indoor kitty for the past almost 11 years, but in his youth, we lived in a nice rural area where he was quite the outdoorsman, strolling the hillsides with his husky and cat brothers and sister, and getting himself stuck high up in trees a few times! 😛 Ahh... I could launch into origin stories and all sorts of other tales of dearness in the life & times of the Tiny Loving Man, but I'll reel that in... ^_^
I will keep in mind to ask about looking at other digits in CAT scan maybe? or even x-rays, although he's a short-haired guy and I'm monitoring his paws pretty diligently for any change... I was onto this 2nd tumor early, and surgeon #1 thought I was paranoid when I showed him pics of what I was worried about as this was just starting out, but clearly I wasn't paranoid! I suppose it would be harder to tell especially with a long-haired cat. The tumors have been pad/flesh-toned on Spirit as well, but pretty clearly not normal. The first began around the nail bed. This one cropped up in the crux of the removed digit. I still need to ask why 3rd phalange was not taken, when it was discussed as needing to go/being suspected to be infected. He had talked about it, and even was potentially taking 2 digits, and said that would be the max to leave his paw/foot stable for support/walking/use. So... it is a little odd that it was left, and I still think that might be why (if the lung is not causing this!) it recurred. I forgot to ask my regular vet about it.
Maybe I wasn't too clear before, but the x-ray taken at surgery time actually showed bone damage or Idk what the word would be... disintegration? of one of the bones in the digit which they ended up taking out - from the 1st tumor, which was why I asked about the bones. Perhaps it was the pressure of the tumor because it got so massive that it was crushing the bone? I don't know with any certainty why it was, I just know they said the bone was effected from the one pre-op x-ray, but yes, S.C.C. effects soft tissue too.
At the time of surgery, they also did some sort of test to see if the lymph node was affected, and it came back negative, so that was good. I'm sure they'll test again if it's in question.
It would be great to have conclusion from the x-rays, but with too many differing opinions and 3 different (2 sets, one singular) having been done thusfar, it looks like a CAT scan is the only way to "know for sure" about whether there is something going on in the lung or not. If they can, they will take an aspirate of the undefined mass area, (or if it shows up as a tumor, that) to pinpoint what it is... though that depends on if where it is can be easily aspirated/accessed by needle. We'll have to see at the time of the CAT scan. If nothing is there to aspirate, hallelujah!
You were very fortunate to have the well-versed, trustworthy vet couple to give you the answers you needed to move forward, especially considering the crazy vet ping-pong I've been subjected to! I'm so glad it was more cut-and-dry with Mojo!
I really am (obviously!) hoping for the least traumatic and most hopeful prognosis for my little Spirit man... but whether or not it turns out that he has the same disease that Mojo had, I want you to know that I truly am grateful for you sharing your experience & knowledge. It really helps to have people willing to talk about these things, despite how hard it can be. Hey, you could really be saving a life & limb here! Mojo would be proud! Thanks Petra!
Much love and joyous times to you & your fur babies!!!
Glad to hear you got some 😴 💤 I do hope you both can get some peaceful rest this weekend. Try not dwelling on what we don’t know and treat what you can, spoil and enjoy Spirit this weekend!
I’m sorry to hear the tumor has opened and bleeding. Glad you stared the Buprenex yes that has to hurt ! I think with the pain meds & Spirit in less pain you will see him eat better. That is my hope!🙏
I think you have a excellent plan going forward on this to figure out what is going on and go from there and we will continue to hope for NO FLDS and hope for the lesser of the evils. One you can treat by taking the leg. I know that sounds awful but it's the C💩 either way and we hope for something within our power to help our animals even if that means we take the limb.
If it means palliative care then we do palliative. I worry about the coughing and if it sounds liquidy you should be prescribed some lasix to get rid of the fluid. I wouldn’t hesitate asking your Vet about that in the meantime. I’m sure all that will be addressed at your appointment. You might want to record the cough on your phone if possible so they can see and hear it. That will show up in the CT!
I’m glad the links provided you some information & I know it’s too much information and in vet terms, but you did get some insight from them that is what I was hoping for anything to lead you and your vets in some direction. We are all for amputating the leg if it will help Spirit obviously we are all here with a tripawd animal for that reason, to provide quality of life however that may be. We just are not pro amputation we take the leg if needed YES.
We will continue to send out our Tripawd power & prayers for you both! As I said before we are with you no matter how this goes ok.
Hugs, & chin & ear scratches to Spirit which I never said I love his name of course !!
Holly & Purrkins ❤️
Hi there Spirit, Kiko and Mum
“Petra dear, I had read your first reply before bed, & it made me sob a little, but also your words gave me strength, the Petra pillars of support!”
Strength in numbers right?! We are all here with you because we care about both of your well beings. You are doing an incredible job of sorting through all the verbal debris and information overload!
I'll reply in a bit after this to your longer response... It's been sooo sooo helpful! __/|\__ And did I see at the very end of the story of Mojo that you had a Keiko dog?!?! Pronounced like Kiko (Kee-ko) the bengal? “
Yeah, My Freakin’ Keiko! She was my incredible chocolate Shar Pei who put up with me in my young adulthood! She was my girlfriend and best friend who helped me through a lot of stuff!
“Btw, you ALL have such beautiful fur babies! Mona looks like a distinguished lady, Purrkins is a sweetheart, Hattie, your tripawd has such defined eyeliner, love it! Stu & Jerry are both gorgeous - I miss having a dog child... I've been admiring them in your avatars... is there a place in the forums where folks share just pics of their tripawds here? I guess I should post a few pics of the TLM & Keek!”
We would love to see pictures of your boys! TLM (?) & Keek! Ha! You’ve gotta love the nicknames we give our fur babies heh?! What does the TLM stand for? (can’t wait to hear this one for “Whitey”! 😉 ) BTW I do love your little ears… ^-^ …! Hope you don’t mind if I use this?! Too bad we can’t add little dots for eyes!
“Thank you again for your kind words and for sharing more about Mojo's FLDS, this is definitely a site filled with people who truly care!
I'm sorry to ask you to recall so much about what clearly was a very difficult time, but I hope you know that it means a lot to me to have as much information as I can about these possibilities we might be facing too.
Thank you, yes, we do care, sometimes too much! Life can be full enough, with all the sadness and 
going on in the world, but if any of Mojo’s or Stewie’s journey can help others in any way shape or form, then I can say that their life was well worth it!
I wanted to write about Mojo on this site, not because he had any amputations, (he didn’t) but because sometimes amputation isn’t always the answer! Sadly, for him & us, it definitely wasn’t!
I REALLY hope that FLDS is not the case with Spirit, and in the last reply I posted, I quoted the lower incidence of Squamous Cell Carcinoma associated with lung cancer, with strong hopes that it means that the radiologists who are saying "all clear" are the ones who are right... But not knowing for sure is it's own kind of torture!”
I am praying for you and Spirit! Yes, this is torture… I’m sorry for you both!!! Here’s hoping that Spirit’s Cancer is as rare (a gem!) as he is!!!
“This being tumor #2, I wince at this - "the masses on his toes that would just keep growing and in a short while these tumours would push through his skin! Excruciating pain!!!" and already know from the first tumor and how HUGE and awful it was, that... I just don't know how I would deal with his having multiple paws with bleeding lesions! Did you end up bandaging him?”
Finding Mojo’s “extra” tumours in his other feet, was pure instinct on Dr. Laurie’s part!!! Because she had seen this disease before, she trusted her instinct and followed up with the extra X-rays. The cat that she had treated years ago with FLDS also had gotten to the point where the tumours had opened up… She didn’t want us to get that far with Mojo...
“I will keep in mind to ask about looking at other digits in CAT scan maybe? or even x-rays, although he's a short-haired guy and I'm monitoring his paws pretty diligently for any change... I was onto this 2nd tumor early, and surgeon #1 thought I was paranoid when I showed him pics of what I was worried about as this was just starting out, but clearly I wasn't paranoid! I suppose it would be harder to tell especially with a long-haired cat”
You are an excellent Mum for being so diligent with your boy and for pushing on with that 2nd tumour you found! We know our fur babies the best right?!?!
I had NO IDEA about the tumours on Mojo’s other feet! He did not show any indication of pain in those feet! Ever! Only one of his toes “opened up” after he knocked it on a table while jumping up… I can’t tell you how much this hurt me, never mind him! You know it right?!?!
I knew at that point that it had gone too far and we called our Dr. Laurie to our home, so that we could say goodbye to our Munchkin. So many tough memories!!!
“It would be great to have conclusion from the x-rays, but with too many differing opinions and 3 different (2 sets, one singular) having been done thusfar, it looks like a CAT scan is the only way to "know for sure" about whether there is something going on in the lung or not.”
I am very sorry for you in that you are getting sooooo many different opinions!!! This really must be hell on you!!!
“You were very fortunate to have the well-versed, trustworthy vet couple to give you the answers you needed to move forward, especially considering the crazy vet ping-pong I've been subjected to! I'm so glad it was more cut-and-dry with Mojo!”
We looked for many different conclusions… we begged for other conclusions, but the signs were all there to support what Dr. Laurie had seen before! We couldn’t ignore the slow decline in our boys health, demeanour and appetite for food and life! :(. Palliative care was our only choice! We couldn’t bare to say goodbye too soon!!!
“I really am (obviously!) hoping for the least traumatic and most hopeful prognosis for my little Spirit man... but whether or not it turns out that he has the same disease that Mojo had, I want you to know that I truly am grateful for you sharing your experience & knowledge. It really helps to have people willing to talk about these things, despite how hard it can be. Hey, you could really be saving a life & limb here! Mojo would be proud! Thanks Petra!”
I too am praying for you both!!! None of us want this 💩 disease in our fur babies bodies, but in this case I hope for SSC… this would be something you can work and live with! We Hoomans are a funny lot aren’t we….!!!
Thank you for understanding how difficult this is for me! But Spirit is the first kitty that relates to my Mojo in his symptoms, not necessarily (& please not!) the disease… I had hoped that his journey would be of benefit to someone, somewhere… Spirit has confirmed that Mojo’s life was not in vain. I mean, here we are talking about it right! Spirit is being given EVERY CHANCE in life and you are being given knowledge. Knowledge Is Power to move forward!
My Mojo Munchkin has been hanging out with me for the last few days…. thank YOU for that!!! -^-^- <3!
“Spirit's been an indoor kitty for the past almost 11 years, but in his youth, we lived in a nice rural area where he was quite the outdoorsman, strolling the hillsides with his husky and cat brothers and sister, and getting himself stuck high up in trees a few times! 😛 Ahh... I could launch into origin stories and all sorts of other tales of dearness in the life & times of the Tiny Loving Man, but I'll reel that in... ^_^”
And boy oh boy, would we truly love to hear them!!! Why don’t you start a blog? (Its free!) You can add pictures and tell your story and share it with the world! You can also add the pictures into the forums here, that you put into your media gallery.
“PS - Oh, and on that mouse tip again... Keek the sleek (Kiko) caught a mouse tonight! Annnnd... surprisingly, though he flung it around a bunch, he left it stunned/still breathing for long enough that I was able to put him in a box and try to take him downstairs... before I decided to take the box outside, I opened it, and poof! The mouse popped right out like a Jack-in-the-box and I shrieked like a teenage girl in a horror movie then laughed at myself!
Hehehehe, I am picturing it now! I have had a few of those moments myself?! Stories of Men & Mice… another blog maybe?! 😉
Clearly, I'm not afraid of this cute little mouse, and got him into the box, but was just frightened/surprised that he jumped out! He was on the floor catching his breath for a minute by the front door, (we're in an upstairs apt with a downstairs entranceway), and I figured I wouldn't be fast enough to get him in the box if I moved, so off he scurried, seemingly unscathed, to likely crawl back up into the walls and be hunted again by the bengal king!”
Me thinks that Keek the Sleek is saving this little fella for Spirit to play with… I kinda feel sorry for the little critter (kinda...), but boyz-de-boyz is the Bengal King having fun! (Yes, pictures are absolutely necessary! 😉
My darling… I’m sorry that we have met under these circumstances, but it is a pleasure all the same! Thank you for hearing me out and knowing that I am sharing my story with you because I care! I am keeping you in my thoughts and Spirit is already in my heart!
Take good care of yourself too!
Petra, Stewie and his Pride Of Kittens that he adores! -^-^-
I hope you and Spirit did ok over the weekend ?
We have been thinking of you, are we still on for the consult today?
All paws and fingers crossed, sending good juju positive thoughts and prayers acrosss the miles.
Update us when you can.
Holly & Purrkins❤️
Hi all,
Thank you sooo very much for the replies & support! I hope you all had a nice weekend with your dear fur babies.
I wanted to drop by and give a quick update - Spirit had a VERY good day yesterday - eating really well and acting energetic and alert! The weekend was more like 75-80%. I was really surprised to find that the tumor seemed to slow down in its growth! So it hasn't been too crazy on the bleeding/cleaning/bandaging end, which is great, and it's not swollen like a giant mitt as the first was (yet). It does seem to have moved up into the top of his paw/away from the toes more though.
We had the consult with surgeon #1 today, and it went ok. After lots of qs, the result is that cat scan is the next step and can happen soonest on Fri. He'll call me tomorrow morning after checking with in-state hospital to confirm for cat scan appt for Fri, and whether or not they would be able to do same-day surgery depending on the cat scan results. He also recommended if we do the amputation (lung being clear in that case), to take out the lymph with it. He said we could X-ray other toes but didn't think it was necessary if something is confirmed in the lung w/cat scan.
It was a nice coincidence/synch/sign that a lady was there with her sweet, little Westie dog at the same time that we were there with Spirit today. 3 years ago our Westie let go from her battle of 3 terminal illnesses and Spirit was in love with her. This little one seemed to have a very similar spark!
TLM = Tiny Loving Man 
I've researched some interesting new potentials for palliative care and would love to hear your opinions/thoughts on them.
Sorry I don't have a lot of time to reply more right now but will try to later, thanks again so much ladies for all of your help & care! *hugs*
-Crystal, Spirit & Kiko
Hi there Crystal, Spirit and Kiko
Lovely to hear from you. Thank you!
spirit333 said
Hi all,
Thank you sooo very much for the replies & support! I hope you all had a nice weekend with your dear fur babies.
Our fur babies had a lovely weekend here at Caribou Point, thank you!
I wanted to drop by and give a quick update - Spirit had a VERY good day yesterday - eating really well and acting energetic and alert!
It’s wonderful to hear that Spirit had a good day too! We take all of those moments and embrace them in our hearts right!
We had the consult with surgeon #1 today, and it went ok. After lots of qs, the result is that cat scan is the next step and can happen soonest on Fri. He'll call me tomorrow morning after checking with in-state hospital to confirm for cat scan appt for Fri, and whether or not they would be able to do same-day surgery depending on the cat scan results. He also recommended if we do the amputation (lung being clear in that case), to take out the lymph with it. He said we could X-ray other toes but didn't think it was necessary if something is confirmed in the lung w/cat scan.
Im also glad to hear that the visit with Surgeon #1 went reasonably well. He seems to be on the same page as you now and you are getting answers with a plan in place! Well done Crystal! You know Spirit loves you for all that you are doing for him right?
It was a nice coincidence/synch/sign that a lady was there with her sweet, little Westie dog at the same time that we were there with Spirit today. 3 years ago our Westie let go from her battle of 3 terminal illnesses and Spirit was in love with her.
I do love these little synch/signs your getting! These are all your spirit guardians surrounding you, guiding you and Spirit through this very difficult journey! Spirits little Westie Man was definitely there giving your boy some comfort!❤️
I've researched some interesting new potentials for palliative care and would love to hear your opinions/thoughts on them.
I would be interested in hearing what your options are? We were given Meloxicam for Mojo. It was used as an anti inflammatory and pain reliever. I’m sorry I can’t remember the dose that I gave him. If I had known then what I know now, I would definitely be looking into all options. I guess at the time, I didn’t think I had any!
Sorry I don't have a lot of time to reply more right now but will try to later, thanks again so much ladies for all of your help & care! *hugs*
-Crystal, Spirit & Kiko
Keeping you in my thoughts and praying for clear lung scan!!!🙏
Petra, Stewie and his Pride >^..^<
I wanted to drop by and give a quick update - Spirit had a VERY good day yesterday - eating really well and acting energetic and alert! The weekend was more like 75-80%.
Thank you for dropping by and updating us! Glad to hear Spirit is eating and more like himself that is a great sign!
I was really surprised to find that the tumor seemed to slow down in its growth! So it hasn't been too crazy on the bleeding/cleaning/bandaging end, which is great, and it's not swollen like a giant mitt as the first was (yet). It does seem to have moved up into the top of his paw/away from the toes more though.
Glad to hear the tumor settled down some, I don't like that it is moving but you will have the answers on Friday to move in a direction!
We had the consult with surgeon #1 today, and it went ok. After lots of qs, the result is that cat scan is the next step and can happen soonest on Fri. He'll call me tomorrow morning after checking with in-state hospital to confirm for cat scan appt for Fri, and whether or not they would be able to do same-day surgery depending on the cat scan results. He also recommended if we do the amputation (lung being clear in that case), to take out the lymph with it. He said we could X-ray other toes but didn't think it was necessary if something is confirmed in the lung w/cat scan.
All sounds great you have a plan to move forward that helps!
I understand what the surgeon is saying and yes it makes no sense to do X-rays when you are doing a CT. IF it is FLDS it will show up & whatever the unknown shadow or mass is in doubt will be known and you will have a direction in which to go. Hoping for the amp to follow. Get your questions ready for us on the amp we will be happy to help in any direction.
I've researched some interesting new potentials for palliative care and would love to hear your opinions/thoughts on them.
We would love to hear your research on palliative care potentials. Not something any of wish to think about the reality is we all have to think about it and plan for it for when that day comes. Love to hear what you found!
Sorry I don't have a lot of time to reply more right now but will try to later, thanks again so much ladies for all of your help & care! *hugs
Thanks again for dropping by we are happy to hear you have a plan forward & you guys had a pretty good weekend! We will keep sending pawsitive thoughts and prayers your way.
In the meantime keep enjoying the unknown and keep Spirit comfortable and cuddled! Extra treats too please;)
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins ❤️
When you get such incredible insightful feedback like you've gotten from Holly, Petra, kerren and Jerry,you are getting the best of the best!
All of this is waaay out of my field of knowledge, vut that doesn't mean I can't still send you love and support!
Your doing your research and you're developing a plan of treatment. Good job! Spirit is very lucky to have you as his advocate.
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!
Hi all,
Fighting off a migraine here but wanted to send a quick update... you've all been so kind and supportive! Your tips and prayers and care mean so much! <3
When we dropped off Spirit this morning we were led into the same room where Angel, his Westie girlfriend, had said her last goodbyes 3 years ago. (More synchs, Petra!) I'll spare the details on surgeon #1's sharp contrast from rude in the morning/unmonitored room to super sweet and nice in the monitored room when we picked up Spirit... (*spoiler alert* he's home now)
So, amputation was not recommended as two masses/tumors were found in lungs today from the CT scan. They could not get an aspirate of either because of where they were located - one near the heart and one that is either in lungs or lymph. I guess one is near his brochial tube so that might be causing his coughing. They suspect that if the tumors are cancerous, they would have traveled from the digits to those locations and not the opposite. Since we aren't sure what type the internal tumors are, it's not certain. So... Petra dear, I guess this was all a destined connection, as Spirit seems to have the same FLDS as your dear Mojo had.
They referred me to the Oncologist that's hours away, and we'll have a follow up and get to see the CT images early next week.
Spirit's been pretty excited/active since I picked him up and ate really well already at home & I guess in the hospital too! He had a banner day yesterday with eating and seemed to be happy/active/lively, moreso than the previous days. I kind-of felt like this would be the prognosis when I dropped him off today and like he was telling me not to amputate too. I actually felt my heart beat really fast and a sort of fear come over me around 11:11am today and found out that was when he had started the prep/anesthesia for CT. Crazy how connected we can be with our loved ones - furry or otherwise.
I've got more CBD capsules and also a full-spectrum liquid coming in the mail from my friend in CO, and will probably start the Immunity blend I had been waiting to try that has the chaga and so forth in it. My regular vet said it was ok to bump up the turmeric intake as well, so I'll do that... For the tumor on his paw, I'm planning to continue doing the soaks, cleaning and wrapping, and might try applying CBD topically to it as well. I started reading a story about a guy who had multiple cancers and went through the usual methods of treating them with Western medicine - chemo, etc... and finally had some real results with Rick Simpson CBD oil on his squamous cell carcinoma. I have to delve into that a bit more, and obviously humans and cats are different and unfortunately there is limited research avail on this treatment, but I'm open to it and hopeful! I'll see what the Oncologist says over the phone too on Monday & will ask about Meloxicam, Petra, thanks!
May you all have a blessed weekend with your fur babies!
Much love,
Crystal, Spirit & Kiko
It’s no wonder you have a migraine ! Yes, go lay down with Spirit and put a warm wash cloth on your face and rest! This was all too much for you even if you suspected it’s different now that you know.
We are so sorry we cannot take take the leg and help Spirit. That was all of our fear and we never wanted to be correct we were all hoping for a different outcome today!
I hate they couldn’t give a more definite answer! The main thing is you know the amp would not be helpful.
I will be interested to hear what oncology say’s! Spirit gets to keep his leg that is a good thing in this case it is.
Now it will be about keeping Spirit comfortable and hopefully oncology will have more answers.
I have no idea if this is a option and you would need a holistic Vet to do it.
We had a option of doing Neoplasene with Purrkins
http://www.buck.....asene.html
in our case we chose to take the cancer off but we were in a different situation then you are. If I were in yours shoes I would look at this asap! We were told we would have to work with our holistic Vet and traditional Vet to do it. I have no experience with it just know it was a option for soft tissue sarcoma. Take a look and see maybe contact Buck Mountain Botanicals, Inc. phone (406) 232-1185 or email buckmountainherbs@hotmail.com before seeing oncology. I'm sure they could direct you to a Holistic Vet that uses it. I hope it’s a option to help with the toes at the very least.🙏
Crazy how connected we can be with our loved ones - furry or otherwise.
No nothing crazy about that we are all joined here with the same connection and it’s not a coincidence that you joined. Hopefully we can still be of some help and we can always support you & Spirit!
Please let us know when you see Oncology and yep start the herbs and CBD give Buckmountian a call or email and see if they can direct you further. I’m glad to hear Spirit is still doing well and eating and energetic!
Take the weekend and rest and know you did the right thing today by getting the CT even if it's not the news any of us wanted.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers !
Hugs and chin scratches to our Spirit buddy!!(He sure knows how to make some calls;)
Holly & Purrkins
“So... Petra dear, I guess this was all a destined connection, as Spirit seems to have the same FLDS as your dear Mojo had.”
Hi Crystal, Spirit and Kiko
May I start by saying that I am Sorry!!! I’m sooooo very sorry that you didn’t see clear pictures of the lungs! My heart goes out to you! I had a good cry for you when I learnt of your news! I do know how heartbreaking all of this is!
“When we dropped off Spirit this morning we were led into the same room where Angel, his Westie girlfriend, had said her last goodbyes 3 years ago. (More synchs, Petra!)”
Crystal, there are many ‘synchs’ happening i think! Spirit has a whole bunch of loving souls surrounding the both of you and I think your Angel may have been the instigator in it all?!? She loves her boy too much and wants this journey to be well on the both of you!
When I knew that Mojos time on earth was being cut too short, too soon, I spent many, many hours staring into my boys eyes... they speak volumes! You are also listening to Spirit and I honestly believe that Spirit is telling you that he is okay with his condition too... after all he has called upon some pretty awesome powers and reached out to people across many miles! I think you would be amazed as to how many people Spirit has touched over the last few days! 😉
“...and finally had some real results with Rick Simpson CBD oil on his squamous cell carcinoma. I have to delve into that a bit more, and obviously humans and cats are different and unfortunately there is limited research avail on this treatment, but I'm open to it and hopeful!”
Stay Hopeful! You are doing an amazing job!
I hope that you find peace in the fact that you are doing everything in your power to get Spirit through this Crystal, you’ve searched for answers when nobody was giving you direction, you really need to give yourself a huge hug and say good girl!!! You have persevered through such a difficult time and you still don’t have the answers that you were searching for, but you sound to be okay with that! Do you know what kind of strength and fortitude you have shown over the very short time that we have met you?!!! And still you battle on for your strong Spirit boy!
I hope Holly’s suggestion of Neonasene is of some assistance! It may well be worth a try?! 🙏
“I'll see what the Oncologist says over the phone too on Monday & will ask about Meloxicam, Petra, thanks!”
This drug is apparently pretty hard on their tummies, so please do talk with your vet about that aspect of it too. I don’t think they want it being taken for too long.
“Crazy how connected we can be with our loved ones - furry or otherwise.”
Yeah, crazy, but so true! So much so it hurts right?! And all because we love them soooo much!!!
Spirit, my lovey, I am sending cuddles across the miles to you! You certainly are one very special boy! I had a visit from my Mojo today, I think he was telling me that he has been keeping a very close eye on you! He is telling you to soak up all of this loving attentions you are getting! Now that all of the nasty tests are out of the way, you are to concentrate on making the most out of every second that you have with your darling Mum! Keep up those Banner Days Spirit, your Mum is going to be needing lots of those!
Speaking for myself, but I’m sure everyone will agree, I would love to see pictures of Spirit and his brother Kiko?! I’m kinda jealous ‘cause Mojo has already met Spirit and tells me he is so much more than handsome! 😉
I’m going to leave you with a quote that my beautiful niece sent to me when my Mojo had passed over the 🌈 bridge...
“Life can be magnificent and overwhelming...
That is the whole tragedy!
Without Beauty, Love or Danger
It would be almost easy to live!”
(Author unknown...)
Love and many hugs to you and Cuddles and chin scratches to your darling special boys!
Petra, Stewie and his loving Pride >^..^< and very special spirit kisses from Mojo Munchkin! >>^..^<<
(just as an added fun thought... Crystal, Petra... 💎, ⛰... pretty solid names right! 😉
Hello again,
Thanks for the continued encouragement & well wishes! I hope everyone's week started off nicely & you have less snow (or none at all!) there than we do!
Here are some pics through the years of Spirit "Whitey" aka the Tiny Loving Man, etc. You can see his Westie love/sister, Angel, in one. I don't have any uploaded elsewhere online that include Kiko, (dropped off social media a couple years ago around the time we adopted him), so will have to upload them somewhere to be able to link them here. I haven't quite figured out how to quote other comments in multiple parts here in the forum, so hope my reply style is ok! I should know how to do this, I'm still considered a millenial! 😛
The past 48 hours have been rough - Spirit only ate 1 1/4 meals and threw up yesterday morning. I gave him Buprenex last night hoping it would help but he only licked a little wet food a few hours later. I've tried 7 different foods - 5 types of wet food, including his fave seafoods, and dry, even cooking fresh ground turkey - but he just sits in front of them, like he wants to eat but wants something else. Not even sardine juice helped.
I had a long cry to myself after giving him the smorgasbord last night to no avail. Of course Kiko was pretty disappointed that he could not partake in the 7-course feast, but I gave him a little extra of the cooked turkey along with his regular meal.
I called the vet and my regular is not in today, but they said I could pick up some Mirtazatine. I'm not fully into this option based on giving it to the Westie before and her having tremors and vomiting after, but it's an option. I tried to find some bone broth already made that didn't have onions in the blend (bad for cats, eh?), but no luck. I've made bone broth for the Westie in the past but it takes like a day to cook and is quite the process... not sure if it'd be worth it at that point? He hasn't had much of the CBD/coconut oil either, whereas before he would finish what was on the spoon, now he's had a few licks yesterday and today then just stops. I tried to syringe a little wet food into him mid-day today, mixed with warm water and he was really unhappy about that. I got a 1/2 dose of Buprenex into him around that time too. I may have to syringe feed tonight but could use a bigger syringe I think and another set of hands to help, so am waiting for Johnny to get in from work to maybe help with that. Spirit's been coughing a little again too.
I read up on the Neoplasene treatment, Holly, (that's my mom's name too btw! & if that is Purrkins in your pic, he's her fave color of cat), and discussed it with my regular vet over the phone on Sunday, thanks so much for the suggestion! I did not call Buck Mtn because I wanted to see if it was even something my vet would ok first. She hadn't heard of it but pulled up info while we were on the phone and saw a bunch of "gone wrong" cases and was very cautious about it. She said if we wanted it, she'd ok getting it, but did not get into administration - if I would have to do it or ? I probably will give Buck Mtn a call to find out more, though I know they are also trying to sell their product! From what I read, it might not work for where the tumor is located, as it's in the crux of the digits/where digit was removed and it looks like this stuff burns away the healthy tissue if you get it on healthy tissue too, which might be unavoidable in that location. I did put CBD in coconut oil on it for the past two wrappings and the tumor looks better overall/less bleeding/not growing significantly. I wonder if you wrapped Mojo's paws, Petra, or have any tips on tumor care/bleeding tumors of the digits?
I also ordered manuka honey after someone in a cat cancer group suggested it to me to put on the tumor. Looks like there is evidence that it can slow growth up to 30% alone, but 60% if combined with chemo. I did however, read an awful story of a lady in the UK I believe, who had her cat taken away and is not allowed to have animals because she was treating her cat's cancer with manuka honey! I think it might have been the same situation where the cancer was already internal, but perhaps she didn't see a vet to know for sure. Neighbors thought she was not treating the cat's cancer right, and maybe she didn't get to vet to diagnose and should have... but when they took the cat away and rehomed him, immediately a vet amputated the leg (I wonder if they bothered to x-ray the lungs?) but the cat had to be euthanized not long after bc of the cancer (prob because it was already internal!). I was pretty saddened by this, because essentially she was doing palliative care and the amputation clearly did no good, so the poor lady had her kitty taken and was punished for doing what she might have been doing if she had seen a vet/gotten x-rays anyway, and the kitty had to be separated from her and have his leg amputated even though it did not help!
I'm so glad I got answers before doing an amputation, although the surgeon said it's still an option, depending on the growth of the internal tumors... to help with quality of life if the internal is slow-growing... Idk. I just got the CT images in email today and a very brief description of what I was looking at. I feel like there should have been an official report attached or something (especially for the cost!) but I don't have that and was unable to reach the surgeon when I called today to discuss the images. I still don't know for sure if the lymph is definitely involved or if it's strictly the lung, so maybe if I can read a report it will tell. He had mentioned the bronchial area being compressed by one of the tumors, which might have caused coughing, when we saw him post-CT. I wonder too if that has something to do with him not wanting to eat... ?
I haven't been able to speak with an Oncologist yet either, but left messages for the one a few hours away to call me back.
Petra - Thanks again for the kind words! I'm happy you've been feeling Mojo's presence more through this connection and glad to know he's watching out for Spirit too. Yes, Crystal & Petra, solid names indeed! thanks for the quote from your niece... so very true! Gotta take the bad with the good, eh? It also makes me think of that George Carlin one, that buying/adopting a pet is akin to signing up for a future tragedy! I hear you on staring into the eyes of your fur baby... he has definitely been trying to communicate with me. But also I see he's been in pain lately and as a cat mom, that's super hard to see, as you prob know! It's truly a blessing to have connected with this group, and it means a lot to me to find others who have been through similar hard situations with their beloved animal friends. Even moreso blessed with the synchs of Mojo & Spirit's journeys!
I'm so lucky Spirit is such a loving guy and that I've been able to have such a true, dear friend as him besides me for so long. He's really one-of-a-kind. <3 (Aren't they all? >^_^< ) I'm hoping he'll come around and eat something tonight on his own. If not, syringe feeding it is...
Please keep sending the good vibes Spirit's way! Love & good wishes to you & your fur babies!
-Crystal, "Whitey" and Keek the sleek
Hi Crystal and your Stunning looking boy Spirit! Hello to lovey Kiko as well!
I have copied your post and am going to go offline, read it and send you a reply. I absolutely love, love, love the pictures you have posted!
Imjust want to touch on a couple of things before I run....
You can always start up the free blog to load pictures into the media gallery. You don’t necessarily need to start a blog. Although that is something you could also think about doing for your boy. Stewie and I have fun doing ours.
Stewie also suffered from “tremors” after getting into the compost box one day. We thought it was due to the onions that I had recently put in there! The vet couldn’t confirm what it was exactly that had caused the almost seizure like symptoms. Interesting that you made that point!
Also to quote a comment... in the top right hand corner of every post are 3 icons. Mail, quote and add. If you hit the “ quote icon it will copy a persons post into yours. You can do this multiple times in your post from different people. Then you can erase what you don’t want copied. If you want to put a quoted phrase into grey matter, highlight what you want quoted, go to the display bar at the top of the post your writing in and hit the “ quote button. It will put everything into “grey matter”
Anyhow, my dear, I am going to go and give Spirit a hug as I work on my reply to you both! ❤️
Thank you for keeping us up to date. You are on my mind. 💞
All the very best from Petra, Stewie 🐾 and his Pride >^..^<
p.s. do you like my new kitty signature, thanks to you 🙂 and an idea from a friend 😉
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