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I recently posted about my 8 yr old cat being sick. I had taken him to the vet and they did bloodwork and x-rays, all coming out fine. The vet suggested I take him in for an ultrasound which I did last week.
My cat went from 11 pounds in June to 8 pounds recently which prompted my taking him in to get checked. (Side note: I had noticed the weight loss but thought it was due to the Prozac he had been on for territorial marking and he was eating fine but his appetite did diminish, again, I contributed it to the Prozac since it sometimes causes weight loss). Anyhow, The place where I took him for the ultrasound is one of the best in New England (VESCONE). My veterinarian has been in practice for 23 years. When she told me of the ultrasound findings she said that the abdominocentesis or exploratory surgery would be a 95-98% way to get a "name" and I'd be putting my cat through a lot for just a name when the outcome is going to be the same. She also said that she doesn't even know that she can get any fluid from his belly and if she couldn't, she'd have to go right to exploratory surgery. Also, I don't know if the masses within the mesentery can all be removed without some major complications. She also said that he is already sick (although sometimes he doesn't look it) so why put him through all that. By the way, she suspects either FIP or cancer - most likely the latter.
As mentioned, I've been doing a ton of thinking and reading about the situation and came to the conclusion that I'd make him as happy as possible and not put him through all the poking and prodding he'd be subjected to. I don't know if I have the heart, and if he has the strength, to go through surgery, possibly followed by chemo if it will only prolong and not cure. She told me to keep an eye on his eating and when he no longer eats then I'll know it's time. He is eating okay and I've been giving him Hills a/d and Nutrical.
I guess the nature of my posting is probably out of guilt that I feel by not doing the abdominocentesis. I'm certainly not doubting my vet but sometimes I'm in denial and feel like I need to hear from others that it's "not good" and that I am doing the right thing. I feel like I am but certainly get my moments where I feel I could do more but…when I see my cat happy and purring at home, I want to leave him that way. I know what my heart is telling me to do but it really doesn't come without guilt - very tough to deal with at times.
I'm sorry if this message seems rambling. My mind has been going in circles since last week. Sometimes I feel fine with my decision and sometimes I can just about feel my heart breaking and get a pit in my stomach. I appreciate any insight if anybody has gone through the same thing. Thank you.
My cat went from 11 pounds in June to 8 pounds recently which prompted my taking him in to get checked. (Side note: I had noticed the weight loss but thought it was due to the Prozac he had been on for territorial marking and he was eating fine but his appetite did diminish, again, I contributed it to the Prozac since it sometimes causes weight loss). Anyhow, The place where I took him for the ultrasound is one of the best in New England (VESCONE). My veterinarian has been in practice for 23 years. When she told me of the ultrasound findings she said that the abdominocentesis or exploratory surgery would be a 95-98% way to get a "name" and I'd be putting my cat through a lot for just a name when the outcome is going to be the same. She also said that she doesn't even know that she can get any fluid from his belly and if she couldn't, she'd have to go right to exploratory surgery. Also, I don't know if the masses within the mesentery can all be removed without some major complications. She also said that he is already sick (although sometimes he doesn't look it) so why put him through all that. By the way, she suspects either FIP or cancer - most likely the latter.
As mentioned, I've been doing a ton of thinking and reading about the situation and came to the conclusion that I'd make him as happy as possible and not put him through all the poking and prodding he'd be subjected to. I don't know if I have the heart, and if he has the strength, to go through surgery, possibly followed by chemo if it will only prolong and not cure. She told me to keep an eye on his eating and when he no longer eats then I'll know it's time. He is eating okay and I've been giving him Hills a/d and Nutrical.
I guess the nature of my posting is probably out of guilt that I feel by not doing the abdominocentesis. I'm certainly not doubting my vet but sometimes I'm in denial and feel like I need to hear from others that it's "not good" and that I am doing the right thing. I feel like I am but certainly get my moments where I feel I could do more but…when I see my cat happy and purring at home, I want to leave him that way. I know what my heart is telling me to do but it really doesn't come without guilt - very tough to deal with at times.
I'm sorry if this message seems rambling. My mind has been going in circles since last week. Sometimes I feel fine with my decision and sometimes I can just about feel my heart breaking and get a pit in my stomach. I appreciate any insight if anybody has gone through the same thing. Thank you.
