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Pawbly | 6 years ago
Sushi Is My 12-year Old Cat With An Inoperable Cancerous Tumor. Last Weekend She Stopped…

Sushi is my 12-year old cat with an inoperable cancerous tumor. Last weekend she stopped eating and was vomiting bile. At the vet’s, her bloodwork showed high kidney and creatinine levels. After three days on an IV, her kidney levels returned to normal, but the creatinine remained high, confirming her cancer diagnosis. While the vet said she had been eating well in the office, since she came home three days ago, she has not eaten at all. We’ve tried everything: k/d wet and hard food, chicken and rice, her regular food, baby food, tuna, and Fresh Pet, but she hasn’t eaten anything, although she is drinking water. Sushi is very lethargic and stays in her hiding place most of the time. We go back to the vet in the morning, but I hate to put her through another stay at the vet’s if the results may be the same. Can anyone give me advice as to what I should do? I cannot stand the fact that she may be suffering.

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning. I’m so sorry about your cat. I am sure you must be struggling with “what should I do? Can I do more? Can I do anything?” I think a truthful conversation with your vet this morning is important. We had to put one of our dogs down this past June because of cancer. He was a trooper and we made him comfortable as long as we could, but finally in June, he just told us it was time. He stopped eating, even when I tried to hand feed, he wouldn’t come off his bed unless he absolutely had to… I guess what I’m sharing is that our pets communicate with us. You know your pet best. Your vet knows the situation. I think a visit and a conversation about Sushi today will help you figure out the next step.

  2. Yetta Adams

    The vet gave us an anti-nausea/appetite stimulator and pain pills. I just pray that these medicines will make Sushi feel like eating agan. Thank you so much for your response.

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Lauren Hall | 6 years ago
My Cat Is An Approximately 7 Years Old, 13lbs, Tuxedo Male Who Has Always Been…

My cat is an approximately 7 years old, 13lbs, tuxedo male who has always been an indoor cat. He was popping a lot this summer but every time I called the vet they brushed me off till I brought him in. Then they were shocked and said they’ve never seen this in a cat before, and only in one dog besides. They said he’s subluxating in both of his shoulders and there was nothing they could do. I took him to another vet who also practiced animal chiropractic care hoping they would help, but now one shoulder is fully luxated and they could only suggest a type of glucosamine injection. I did what research I could on feline subluxation and know surgery is the only real fix, so I’d really like advice on a) if injections would be helpful or if I should go ahead with the surgery ASAP before he gets any older and b) if ANYONE knows a feline orthopedic surgeon who has experience with this. I’ve inquired around my state but no luck and I want someone knowledgeable since this is such a rare condition.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    The best advice I can give is to seek a boarded veterinary surgeon, or, ask for an appointment with a veterinary teaching hospital. Without knowing the degree of your cats condition, impact on daily life and an exam that’s about all I can say. I can add that this is very uncommon. I would also stress the importance of keeping your cat at an ideal body condition score (weight). If the condition is severe and it is affecting your cats ability to ambulated suegery is probably your best option. Although very likely the most expensive. Good luck. Please let us know what happens.

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Debbie Molnar | 6 years ago
If It Helps A Puppy To Grow Up With Another Puppy Does The Same Hold…

If it helps a puppy to grow up with another puppy does the same hold true for kittens? Will cats be happier and better adjusted if they have a sibling? Does it help to get 2 from the same litter or should they be unrelated?

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  1. Sarah

    We had a few “pairs” in our lifetime- meaning they were from the same litter. Never had an issue- all three times, they were really nice, affectionate and all around good pets. I have heard of littermate syndrome in dogs, which can prove to be a challenge, but I do not think the same holds true for cats. I will say that a kitten is a lot of work- box training, house rules, scratching, etc. so keep in mind that is all double duty when bringing two in at the same time. Best of luck!!

  2. Laura

    I’ve never had kittens, so I cannot speak to this part of your question. I do know quite a bit about dogs, however, and I would NEVER suggest getting two littermates in dogs. Ever. This causes some serious developmental issues – littermate syndrome and dog aggression are but two of them.

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
My Cat Has Squamous Cell Carcinoma Under And Behind Her Tongue. She’s On A…

My cat has squamous cell carcinoma under and behind her tongue. She’s on a feeding tube, and can’t use her tongue for lapping milk or grooming. I’ve been to the cancer vet, and I know she only has 4-6 months. (I’m trying to accept it, but it’s so hard). She sometimes ‘works’ her mouth, opening & closing it, moving her tongue as best she can – I think she knows things don’t feel right and she’s trying to rearrange them. Would it make her more comfortable to have some of the tumor & part of her tongue removed? Or would that just make distress her? Would it just re-grow anyway?

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  1. Sarah

    So sorry about your cat. I would discuss this with your vet. They know you, your situation and your cat the best. They would be able to tell you whether or not any type of procedure would be beneficial and you could talk you your options together. Me? I would make each day I have with my cat special and take all the time I have left with her as it is- a gift.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello, Without knowing what exactly you have done already and if you had a biopsy done, I will add that oral tumors in cats are often impossible to resect (remove surgically) cleanly and often return aggressively. They have a pretty dismal prognosis. I’m so sorry. I recommend you keep her comfortable and eating for as long as possible and talk to your vet or oncologist frequently. I’m so sorry. I know how impossibly hard it is to face these kinds of challenges I send you my warmest wishes and best of luck.

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
My Cat Ran Away For 7 Weeks We Found Her Extremely Malnourished And Dehydrated Displaying…

My cat ran away for 7 weeks we found her extremely malnourished and dehydrated displaying neurological issues. We rushed her to the vet but we couldn’t afford the hospitalisation so we took jer home with prescriptions and subcutaneous fluid replacement therapy. Jer liver enzymes were elevated they said it should get better as she eat very slowly in small quantities. Its been 5 days since we found her. The neuro issues have disappeared. She has been peeing regularly in increasing quantities and though week she can walk around. She is alerte. But she refuses any food in any form. I have tried wet dry kitten formula replacement. She eat a bite or two the first days and nothing since. What should i do?

3 Responses

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  1. Anonymous

    I would call the vet back, to be quite honest. 5 days with almost no food is a critical issue.

  2. Sarah

    I agree with Laura- she needs some nourishment. Ask your vet- perhaps syringe feeding us an option? I would also ask my vet about hospitalization costs, and discuss different affordable options as well as payment options. See if there is a way you can put s lump sum down up front and then pay the rest off monthly? Best of luck.

  3. Joe Johnson

    I suggest you check into how easy assisted feeding with oral syringes is once you and your cat get the hang of it. You’d have to go real slow at first – maybe 1ml per quirt and only 5ml every 1/2 hour or so, but it’s pretty darn simple once you get the hang of it. Almost any canned pet food can be turned into a slurry/shake with water and a blender or even with just a spoon and a lot of patience, if it’s pate style. I’d suggest going with food you know your cat loves, so that it’s easier for them to get comfortable with the concept. You must go VERY slow to begin with or you run the very serious risk of getting liquid into their lungs, which can be deadly. There are decent videos on You tube going over all of this in detail and I assume your vet would be more than happy to show you first hand how it’s done.
    First and foremost though, please go see the vet.

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Kari White | 6 years ago
Looking For A Healthy Dry Food Brand To Feed 2 One Year Old Cats. We…

Looking for a healthy dry food brand to feed 2 one year old cats. We we’re using Rachel Ray Chicken and Brown rice then their Indoor complete – Chicken with Lentils & Salmon. 1 likes it and the other tolerates it. I also feed 1 small can of Fancy Feast Medleys per cat in the evening as a treat. Thanks

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I should preface al of this by stating that I am not a nutritionist and all feeding plans should be discussed with your vet ans they know you and your cats best. Here’s what I do for my cats. I like science diet adult dry and I often give RR as a treat. I also lean more on the canned food as a better weight loss food for overweight indoor cats as it can be diluted with water and is higher in protein. Cats can have a hard time with dry food as it is often higher Ion carbs and they often don’t get enough exercise. Let me know a little bit more about your cats or better yet ask your vet for guidance. Thanks for the question.

  2. Kari White Post author

    Hi Dr. Magnifico it is Tom and Jerry I adopted from your office last year. Prior Doc and Happy. Jerry is getting big but not overweight. Jerry loves food so I cut nohim back to the package recommended amount of 3/4 cup dry. Tom is one I had to syringe feed and is smaller than Jerry. That had the outbreak around his mouth..totally cleared up. He likes the wet food and will nibble the dry but doesn’t eat much of it. Both are active. Tom much more than Jerry.

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Delaney Donelson | 6 years ago
My 9 Year Old Cat Is Peeing On Bath/ Kitchen Mats. However, He Also Uses…

My 9 year old cat is peeing on bath/ kitchen mats. However, he also uses the litter boxes. I have heard of surface preferences in cats but im not sure if this applies since he uses the litter box as well. My mom seems to think hes mad at me because i left him for a day and a half (with more than enough food and water). However, its not the first time this has happened. And unfortunately, i only adopted him about 3 months ago so i dont know his history on litter box use. And i added a picture of him because hes just too cute to be mad at, but the peeing is slightly frustrating. So, if anyone has any ideas or advice or helpful tips it would be much appreciated!

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  1. Anonymous

    I’d head to the vet, to be quite honest. If he’s clear of any illness, make sure he has two VERY CLEAN litterboxes in different parts of the house.

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Vicky Lowdermilk | 6 years ago
I Have A Cat 16 Female Have Trouble Laying Down On Her Belly Female Private…

I have a cat 16 female have trouble laying down on her belly female private parts has red spots

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judy cook | 6 years ago
Does Anyone Have Experience With Chemo Drugs Used For Feline Intestinal Lymphoma, Small Cell Type…

Does anyone have experience with chemo drugs used for feline intestinal lymphoma, small cell type? I’m anticipating having to decide next week to pursue a course of chemo -or not- for my Oak. Oak is now 11 years old, rescued by me as a kitten from a shelter, but never adopted out due to the eosinophilic granuloma that became apparent when he was about 4 months age. He is such a sweet kitty, I call him my ‘circus cat’ because I can train him to do almost anything. Sadly, I’m now training him to happily take gel capsules so we’ll be ready if the time comes. I would appreciate any insight you have on how well your cat(s) tolerate chemo (if you can include the name of the drug, that’s a bonus!). Thank you so much, judy

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  1. Shiria

    I know this is a year old by now, but did you do the Chemo for Oak and if yes how did he manage it?

    1. judy cook Post author

      Hi Shiria, I has not been a year, but Oak is doing fine. He continues with the prednisolone, and we added chlorambucil 3x per week. The chlorambucil (trade name= Leukeran) is VERY expensive in the states, and if you can make a trip to Canada, it MUCH cheaper. Take your prescription, and call the pharmacy ahead of time so you only need to pick it up. Hope this helps. Oak has had two blood tests so far to see if the clorambucil is overly suppressing his bone marrow, and he hasn’t had that problem. I give him B12 shots anyway monthly or every two weeks if he seems tired.

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Delaney Donelson | 6 years ago
2 Days Ago I Noticed A Big Black Scab On My Cats Chin, I Am…

2 days ago i noticed a big black scab on my cats chin, i am familiar with cat-ne (feline acne) and i have not noticed it on him previously. The scab was pretty large and when i looked at it today, he allowed me to touch it so im assuming it isnt causing him pain and it kinda just fell right off. However, now there is a big raw spot where the scab was. Its rather pink and i think i saw some clear and possibly some yellow fluid coming out of a couple spots. But at this point, he was uncomfortable and ran away so i couldnt get a better look. Anyone have any ideas? It just seemed like too big a scab to be acne..

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning? Years ago we had a very similar situation. We were advised to switch feeding bowls to ceramic or stainless steel instead of plastic, and that solved the issue. Hope this helps!

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I see lots of these. usually it is acne or allergic reaction to bowls/water dishes. Keep the area clean, ask your vet for a topical antibiotic scrub that can be used around the face a mouth and follow up with them for antibiotics or allergy meds if it doesnt resolve.