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Barnyard Buddies:  Think I've got to make a tough decision, cat ill  |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
 Posted - May 13 2009 : 06:53:21 AM
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We have a 13 year old cat that has been losing weight for the last month, and now I feel a tumor or some type of cyst on his spine, and under his chin. He still continues to eat, but he sleeps more often, and seems to want to be left alone. I've found him in closets, and in the basement, and "hidden" under furniture, just sleeping.
I'm thinking cancer...and I feel terrible about this because it's almost like since we've had our little girl, that the animals might feel betrayed and unloved--but it isn't at all the case. I can't just see him suffer and waste away. Whatever it is, it's rather quickly taking hold of him and I think--well, I know that I need to make the decision soon.
Gosh. I just hate how quickly time passes. When I felt the lumps on him this morning, I had to think when I'd first rescued him and, counting on my fingers, could not believe it's been 13 years.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 07:09:32 AM
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Jonni, the hardest thing is making that final decision to put the poor thing down. Can is very spendy to treat if it is a treatable kind, and it usually just seems to make them last a little long. I hate to be a downer, but I'm trying to be honest. The other thing that these could be are cysts or benign tumours. All you can do is take it to the vet and find out...sorry I hope that it isn't cancer. I have a 15 year old cat, Mystra that I love dearly and am dreading the point when she becomes too feeble to go on or becomes critically ill.
*hug* it's so hard to see them sick. Euthanizing him may be the kindest thing if he is suffering. Sorry for the gloomy post, I know that you love your kitty and that this is a hard choice.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 08:04:27 AM
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Thanks, girls. You're right, Annika, cancer can be very costly and sometimes it's just not worth the suffering they go through in treatment..your post isn't gloomy, but truthful and candid--I know how much you love animals by your other posts and like you, it isn't at all in my nature to prolong suffering when it can be rememdied humanely. I will struggle with the decision, but in the end, like when I had to do the favor for my 14 year old Husky (and love of my life), after a few years to grieve, I will know that I did the right thing.
Annika, would he lose weight and be lethargic with cysts or benign tumors? My husky had hip dysplasia and my mother's cats have all had kidney issues, so I've never had a possible cancer problem and don't know symptoms to cue me in.
I will call the vet and see what (if) there is any good news.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 08:37:58 AM
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Losing weight and being lethargic usually doesn't mean anything good unfortunately. I'm hoping for good news for you and the kitty. *Hugs*
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 10:01:29 AM
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I feel for you. I had to put a cat to sleep a couple years a
ago. It brokie my heart, but he was barely hanging on. I wrapped him in his quilt with his favorite mouse toy and buried him next to
Abe, my daughter's kitty who got in the road and got hit.
It is the kindest thing we can do for our furry friends, you know when it is a no-hoper
Karin.
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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CherryMeDarlin
True Blue Farmgirl
602 Posts
Cherry
Odenville
AL
USA
602 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 12:11:23 PM
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{{{{Jonni}}}} I'm so sorry.
~~Cherry~~
"A thing is as simple or as complicated as you make it." --TT Murphy |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 12:18:20 PM
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Thanks, Karin and Cherry. I've called the vet and we have an appointment on Friday...we have a funeral to attend, so I sure hope that's not an omen. We have quite the menagerie, so the gal at the vet knows me well enough that we've become sortof friendly, and she didn't sound to hopeful when I told her what was going on....the circle of life, I guess. Bummer.
Sigh. Thanks again :)
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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knittingmom
True Blue Farmgirl
665 Posts
AnneMarie
Edmonton
Alberta
Canada
665 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 12:46:24 PM
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I'm sorry that you have to make that difficult decision. He had a good life and was much loved. :(
Anne-Marie
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 12:57:52 PM
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| Poor kitty. I haven't had to make that decision yet, but I'm sure it will come someday. Good luck at the vet on Friday, there's always a chance it will turn out to be something innocuous. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 1:43:33 PM
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Oh you girls are making me tear all up...thanks so much for the support. I sure do hate it and I'm just hoping for the best. If not, then we will do a few big hurrahs, and eat some wonderful meals and say a good goodbye to Professor Pumpkin (so named because he showed up on Halloween) and is an orange tabby. He's been a wonderful friend to me (and later to Jus and now Vi), and is the best foot/hip/head warmer a girl could have.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 2:38:09 PM
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Oh Jonni, I hope for the best, here's a hug *HUG* I'm hoping that they are just cysts or fatty benign tumors and all will be well. No matter what, you know we'll all be here for you.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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yasmine
True Blue Farmgirl
173 Posts
yasmine
wappingers falls
ny
USA
173 Posts |
Posted - May 17 2009 : 07:42:25 AM
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Oh Jonni, I am very sorry to hear this news. It is very hard to put an animal down, but sometimes I think it is better than letting them suffer. The good Lord will take care of him in heaven don't worry.
*hugs* as well!
God Bless, and I'm praying for your cat!
-Yasmine |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2009 : 06:35:43 AM
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| How did Professor Pumpkin do at the vet? |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2009 : 06:37:58 AM
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We are awaiting test results, Amie...the vet thought the weight loss suspicious, though. But, just like these animals to break your heart over and over, he's "righted" himself over the weekend, eating a lot, talking a lot, making sure he's in the room with all of us and being ever present. It's like he's totally aware of what might be in the wind. They're just too smart and it's going to make my decision all the more difficult if he continues to "act" happy...
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2009 : 06:39:16 AM
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Thank you so much, Yasmine. You are absolutely correct, though--heaven has a special place for him and all our furrier friends.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2009 : 08:50:23 AM
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You know, Jonni- if he continues to "act" happy- you might be able to let him be for the moment. We had an old cat that got skinny over the years but she loved life and was always on the front porch waiting for me to get home from school. When it was her time- it was a fast down hill ride but she had been looking kindof scruffy for a few years! She enjoyed her life right up until the day she had to go "home". *hugs* whatever you decide- I know it will be the best for your kitty.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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yasmine
True Blue Farmgirl
173 Posts
yasmine
wappingers falls
ny
USA
173 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2009 : 09:03:57 AM
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Jonni-
I love the good Lord and I know he will take care of your dear little furry friend in his kingdom. Pray that he will get better or that that he will go to heaven in peace with no suffering whatsoever.
Yasmine
P.S. I'll keep your kitty (cat) in my prayers! |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2009 : 10:44:19 AM
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Thank you, Yasmine! The tests for cancer have come back "inconclusive" but he does have elevated liver enzymes and a high white blood cell count. But, as I mentioned earlier this week, he's been very snuggly, talkative and eating again. We go in spurts, but at least he's in a good place this week. Keep thinking of us!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2009 : 2:03:41 PM
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Sounds like things have gotten better. He's using one of his 9 lives, huh? I'm glad he's having a good week.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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yasmine
True Blue Farmgirl
173 Posts
yasmine
wappingers falls
ny
USA
173 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2009 : 10:07:02 AM
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Oh my goodness, thats pretty good news that he is more normal again!
Praise God!
I will definetly keep thinking of you guys!
God bless!!!!!!!!
-Yasmine |
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Barnyard Buddies: Think I've got to make a tough decision, cat ill |
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Think I've got to make a tough decision, cat ill
