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#11
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When should I put my cat down?
First--- Get a new Vet
Second---- Treat the diabetes Third----- Don't leave him outside when you are gone...... |
#12
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When should I put my cat down?
On Apr 2, 4:03*am, Brian wrote:
The vet thinks he should be put down as he has three things wrong with him. Ear cancer, kidney trouble and sugar diabetes so she is not treating him for sugar diabetes. Best advice I can give is the same as other people here- get a new vet. Diabetic cats can live happy good quality lives with treatment and it could be the diabetes is aggravating/causing kidney trouble (Human diabetics do sometimes develop kidney problems especially if their diabetic control isn't good-it was what killed one of my favourite authors) and cats with CRF also can live happy good quality lives. Your vet either doesn't know how to treat the problem and is too proud or stupid to admit to it and send you to a vet who knows what they are doing or is just making a value judgement that is not hers to make. Does she think you won't be able to maintain the regimen for the cat or something? True some people don't manage very well but Liz on RPCA recently took in an older cat that was about to be PTS for poorly controlled diabetes, she's handled diabetic cats before and in less than a fortnight the cat was a picture of health again. I seem to recall your cat has recently handled 2 surgeries for the ear cancer - if he can come through 2 anaesthesias in a relatively short space of time he must be doing well. By refusing to treat your cat, your vet is condemming him to a lingering death- for your cat's sake get a second opinion! And that recommendation is endorsed by Phil P and there is no higher authority than that! Lesley Slave of the Fabulous Furballs |
#13
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When should I put my cat down?
"Phil P." wrote in message ... "Brian" wrote in message ... "Phil P." wrote: "Brian" wrote in message .. . My cat has sugar diabetics, a Kidney problem, and cancer on his ear. The vet treated him for his kidney problem but did not think it was worth while treating him for diabetics as this is not his only problem. He has been operated on twice for cancer on his ear but it has appeared on his ear again after the second operation. The cat is 17 years 14 weeks old. The cat sits outside to enjoy the sunshine and likes sitting on someone's knee but spends most of the time in a certain location in the kitchen. He is still drinking (a lot) and eating but is loosing weight. Should I continue to let the cat live what life he has left and wait until his health is worst before considering putting him down? I think you can probably help him live a lot longer and improve his quality of life significantly by treating his diabetes. He should stop losing weight as soon as you start treating the diabetes. Its not that difficult or expensive or stressful for your cat or you. You can get a lot of help and info at http://felinediabetes.com and Is the cancer a squamous cell carcinoma on the ear flap? Is your cat white or light-colored or does he have very little hair on his ears? If the answer is yes to these questions the SCC might be solar-induced. If the SCC reappeared after surgery, its possible your vet didn't remove all of it and didn't send the tissue he removed to a lab for histologic evaluation of the surgical margins. He probably didn't think that was worth while either. As far as his kidney problem: cats with CRF can live for years after diagnosis with proper care. My cat with CRF died 6 weeks before her 25th birthday. She was diagnosed with CRF when she was 14. You can find a lot of help and support at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-CRF-Support/ But the first thing you should do is find a different vet. Keep the faith, Phil Thanks Phil for your help. He has some hair on his ears and is a mixture of white and other colours. He has been operated for ear cancer twice last year but it quickly grows back. Each time the vet has said that she tried to remove all of the cancer. Due to the invasiveness of this type of cancer, its impossible for her to see with the naked eye if she removed all of it. With this particular type of cancer its imperative to send the removed tissue to a pathology lab where the margins can be microscopically examined for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found in the margins all the cancer wasn't removed and another surgery must be performed or the cancer will return. If the margins are clean, the cancer shouldn't grow back. This type of cancer is locally invasive but very slow to metastasize (spread). Complete removal is usually curative. She also said that as the cat had white parts then it's common for cancer to occur and the cat should avoid the sun. There's some information about Solar Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma on my site: http://maxshouse.com/Solar-Induced_S...ma_in_Cats.htm He has had treatment twice for his kidney problem as he needs a monthly injection. I think the vet has given up on the cat now he has three things wrong with him and won't treat him for the diabetics. Is the cat likely to be suffering much with his current condition? He seems to have lost a lot of weight and lacks in energy. I've changed from dry food to wet food with a bit of dry food he likes this a lot and it has less sugar. I've also tried giving him colloidal silver water which he seems to accept. Regards Brian You should see a dramatic improvement in all areas once you bring his diabetes under control. If your vet doesn't support treating your cat, dump him. Your first loyalty is to your cat - not a mediocre vet. Good luck, Phil Howdy Phil How have you been and how is the colonies ;-) |
#14
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When should I put my cat down?
"Brian" wrote in message ... "Phil P." wrote: "Brian" wrote in message .. . My cat has sugar diabetics, a Kidney problem, and cancer on his ear. The vet treated him for his kidney problem but did not think it was worth while treating him for diabetics as this is not his only problem. He has been operated on twice for cancer on his ear but it has appeared on his ear again after the second operation. The cat is 17 years 14 weeks old. The cat sits outside to enjoy the sunshine and likes sitting on someone's knee but spends most of the time in a certain location in the kitchen. He is still drinking (a lot) and eating but is loosing weight. Should I continue to let the cat live what life he has left and wait until his health is worst before considering putting him down? I think you can probably help him live a lot longer and improve his quality of life significantly by treating his diabetes. He should stop losing weight as soon as you start treating the diabetes. Its not that difficult or expensive or stressful for your cat or you. You can get a lot of help and info at http://felinediabetes.com and Is the cancer a squamous cell carcinoma on the ear flap? Is your cat white or light-colored or does he have very little hair on his ears? If the answer is yes to these questions the SCC might be solar-induced. If the SCC reappeared after surgery, its possible your vet didn't remove all of it and didn't send the tissue he removed to a lab for histologic evaluation of the surgical margins. He probably didn't think that was worth while either. As far as his kidney problem: cats with CRF can live for years after diagnosis with proper care. My cat with CRF died 6 weeks before her 25th birthday. She was diagnosed with CRF when she was 14. You can find a lot of help and support at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-CRF-Support/ But the first thing you should do is find a different vet. Keep the faith, Phil Thanks Phil for your help. He has some hair on his ears and is a mixture of white and other colours. He has been operated for ear cancer twice last year but it quickly grows back. Each time the vet has said that she tried to remove all of the cancer. Due to the invasiveness of this type of cancer, its impossible for her to see with the naked eye if she removed all of it. With this particular type of cancer its imperative to send the removed tissue to a pathology lab where the margins can be microscopically examined for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found in the margins all the cancer wasn't removed and another surgery must be performed or the cancer will return. If the margins are clean, the cancer shouldn't grow back. This type of cancer is locally invasive but very slow to metastasize (spread). Complete removal is usually curative. She also said that as the cat had white parts then it's common for cancer to occur and the cat should avoid the sun. There's some information about Solar Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma on my site: http://maxshouse.com/Solar-Induced_S...ma_in_Cats.htm He has had treatment twice for his kidney problem as he needs a monthly injection. I think the vet has given up on the cat now he has three things wrong with him and won't treat him for the diabetics. Is the cat likely to be suffering much with his current condition? He seems to have lost a lot of weight and lacks in energy. I've changed from dry food to wet food with a bit of dry food he likes this a lot and it has less sugar. I've also tried giving him colloidal silver water which he seems to accept. Regards Brian You should see a dramatic improvement in all areas once you bring his diabetes under control. If your vet doesn't support treating your cat, dump him. Your first loyalty is to your cat - not a mediocre vet. Good luck, Phil |
#15
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When should I put my cat down?
Brian wrote:
My cat has sugar diabetics, a Kidney problem, and cancer on his ear. The vet treated him for his kidney problem but did not think it was worth while treating him for diabetics as this is not his only problem. He has been operated on twice for cancer on his ear but it has appeared on his ear again after the second operation. The cat is 17 years 14 weeks old. The cat sits outside to enjoy the sunshine and likes sitting on someone's knee but spends most of the time in a certain location in the kitchen. He is still drinking (a lot) and eating but is loosing weight. Should I continue to let the cat live what life he has left and wait until his health is worst before considering putting him down? Advice from others would be welcome thanks. Regards Brian Thanks everyone for your advice. There is a group called 'cats protection league' in my country so they may know of a different vet but I have a feeling that the vet I go to is recommended by Cats protection League. The main things I notice is a lact of weight A lack of energy (but then he's always been a slow cat) Staying in one spot, sometimes he will go outside. On the possive side he is keen to get food and water and demands it. He will play with his toy which is feathers string from a rod when I wave it in front of him. He also is able to walk back from the back section and will push on the door to get out attention. Maybe it's the cats age (17 years) and the fact that he has cancer on his ear (after two operations) is the reason why the vet thinks he should be put down. I think that the last operation might have been too much for him and caused these health problems. It's still warm and winter has not arrived so we don't have much choice than to leave him outside when we are away. The neigbour is not going to want to change his dirt box once or twice a day. Regards Brian |
#16
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When should I put my cat down?
He has lost a lot of weight which I think is caused by the diabetes. I've changed his food from dry food to canned food (and some dry food in his bowl. I've also tried giving him colloidal silver water which he is happy to drink. What are sub cutaneous fluids? Subcutaneous fluids are fluids giving via a needle just under the skin. Usually the needle is inserted in the scruff of the neck (where a mother cat would carry her kittens). With kidney disease, this is a common treatment that can easily and inexpensively be done at home. IMO I would stop feeding any dry food, even if it means giving him more canned. I agree with everyone else in saying get a different vet. You have to be your cat's advocate. Rene |
#17
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When should I put my cat down?
Brian wrote:
Brian wrote: My cat has sugar diabetics, a Kidney problem, and cancer on his ear. The vet treated him for his kidney problem but did not think it was worth while treating him for diabetics as this is not his only problem. He has been operated on twice for cancer on his ear but it has appeared on his ear again after the second operation. The cat is 17 years 14 weeks old. The cat sits outside to enjoy the sunshine and likes sitting on someone's knee but spends most of the time in a certain location in the kitchen. He is still drinking (a lot) and eating but is loosing weight. Should I continue to let the cat live what life he has left and wait until his health is worst before considering putting him down? Advice from others would be welcome thanks. Regards Brian Thanks everyone for your advice. There is a group called 'cats protection league' in my country so they may know of a different vet but I have a feeling that the vet I go to is recommended by Cats protection League. The main things I notice is a lact of weight A lack of energy (but then he's always been a slow cat) Staying in one spot, sometimes he will go outside. On the possive side he is keen to get food and water and demands it. He will play with his toy which is feathers string from a rod when I wave it in front of him. He also is able to walk back from the back section and will push on the door to get out attention. Maybe it's the cats age (17 years) and the fact that he has cancer on his ear (after two operations) is the reason why the vet thinks he should be put down. I think that the last operation might have been too much for him and caused these health problems. It's still warm and winter has not arrived so we don't have much choice than to leave him outside when we are away. The neigbour is not going to want to change his dirt box once or twice a day. Regards Brian Are there any boarding facilities wherever it is you live. I'd never go away and leave a cat alone outside if I truly cared for the cat. |
#18
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When should I put my cat down?
MLB wrote:
Brian wrote: Brian wrote: My cat has sugar diabetics, a Kidney problem, and cancer on his ear. The vet treated him for his kidney problem but did not think it was worth while treating him for diabetics as this is not his only problem. He has been operated on twice for cancer on his ear but it has appeared on his ear again after the second operation. The cat is 17 years 14 weeks old. The cat sits outside to enjoy the sunshine and likes sitting on someone's knee but spends most of the time in a certain location in the kitchen. He is still drinking (a lot) and eating but is loosing weight. Should I continue to let the cat live what life he has left and wait until his health is worst before considering putting him down? Advice from others would be welcome thanks. Regards Brian Thanks everyone for your advice. There is a group called 'cats protection league' in my country so they may know of a different vet but I have a feeling that the vet I go to is recommended by Cats protection League. The main things I notice is a lact of weight A lack of energy (but then he's always been a slow cat) Staying in one spot, sometimes he will go outside. On the possive side he is keen to get food and water and demands it. He will play with his toy which is feathers string from a rod when I wave it in front of him. He also is able to walk back from the back section and will push on the door to get out attention. Maybe it's the cats age (17 years) and the fact that he has cancer on his ear (after two operations) is the reason why the vet thinks he should be put down. I think that the last operation might have been too much for him and caused these health problems. It's still warm and winter has not arrived so we don't have much choice than to leave him outside when we are away. The neigbour is not going to want to change his dirt box once or twice a day. Regards Brian Are there any boarding facilities wherever it is you live. I'd never go away and leave a cat alone outside if I truly cared for the cat. or ask a vet for a pet sitter who will stop in once every day or two to empty the boxes and replenish food & water. a couple of litter boxes will last a single cat for a while. |
#19
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When should I put my cat down?
It's still warm and winter has not arrived so we don't have much choice than to leave him outside when we are away. The neigbour is not going to want to change his dirt box once or twice a day. IMO, with an elderly cat with multiple medical problems, I would not want to leave him outside while you are away. I would hire a petsitter (with medical experience!) or board him at the vets to make sure he gets the care he needs. Rene |
#20
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When should I put my cat down?
"Phil P." wrote:
"Brian" wrote in message .. . "Phil P." wrote: "Brian" wrote in message .. . My cat has sugar diabetics, a Kidney problem, and cancer on his ear. The vet treated him for his kidney problem but did not think it was worth while treating him for diabetics as this is not his only problem. He has been operated on twice for cancer on his ear but it has appeared on his ear again after the second operation. The cat is 17 years 14 weeks old. The cat sits outside to enjoy the sunshine and likes sitting on someone's knee but spends most of the time in a certain location in the kitchen. He is still drinking (a lot) and eating but is loosing weight. Should I continue to let the cat live what life he has left and wait until his health is worst before considering putting him down? I think you can probably help him live a lot longer and improve his quality of life significantly by treating his diabetes. He should stop losing weight as soon as you start treating the diabetes. Its not that difficult or expensive or stressful for your cat or you. You can get a lot of help and info at http://felinediabetes.com and Is the cancer a squamous cell carcinoma on the ear flap? Is your cat white or light-colored or does he have very little hair on his ears? If the answer is yes to these questions the SCC might be solar-induced. If the SCC reappeared after surgery, its possible your vet didn't remove all of it and didn't send the tissue he removed to a lab for histologic evaluation of the surgical margins. He probably didn't think that was worth while either. As far as his kidney problem: cats with CRF can live for years after diagnosis with proper care. My cat with CRF died 6 weeks before her 25th birthday. She was diagnosed with CRF when she was 14. You can find a lot of help and support at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-CRF-Support/ But the first thing you should do is find a different vet. Keep the faith, Phil Thanks Phil for your help. He has some hair on his ears and is a mixture of white and other colours. He has been operated for ear cancer twice last year but it quickly grows back. Each time the vet has said that she tried to remove all of the cancer. Due to the invasiveness of this type of cancer, its impossible for her to see with the naked eye if she removed all of it. With this particular type of cancer its imperative to send the removed tissue to a pathology lab where the margins can be microscopically examined for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found in the margins all the cancer wasn't removed and another surgery must be performed or the cancer will return. If the margins are clean, the cancer shouldn't grow back. This type of cancer is locally invasive but very slow to metastasize (spread). Complete removal is usually curative. She also said that as the cat had white parts then it's common for cancer to occur and the cat should avoid the sun. There's some information about Solar Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma on my site: http://maxshouse.com/Solar-Induced_S...ma_in_Cats.htm He has had treatment twice for his kidney problem as he needs a monthly injection. I think the vet has given up on the cat now he has three things wrong with him and won't treat him for the diabetics. Is the cat likely to be suffering much with his current condition? He seems to have lost a lot of weight and lacks in energy. I've changed from dry food to wet food with a bit of dry food he likes this a lot and it has less sugar. I've also tried giving him colloidal silver water which he seems to accept. Regards Brian You should see a dramatic improvement in all areas once you bring his diabetes under control. If your vet doesn't support treating your cat, dump him. Your first loyalty is to your cat - not a mediocre vet. Good luck, Phil Thanks Phil for the information. When the cat first had cancer on his ear his ear started to bleed as he was scratching at it. He was wearing a cone shaped collar to prevent him from scratching his ear while the stitches were in after his first cancer operation. about 2 weeks later after the stitches were removed his ear started to bleed again as the cancer had come back and he was scratching at his ear. At the moment he is not fully washing himself so there is no scratching at his ear but if he got better then he is likely to scratch his ear and cause it to bleed again. I'm disappointed that after two expensive operations to treat his ear cancer that I have not achieved anything as his cancer is back again and growing on his ear. The vet did what she could to remove all the cancer growth by cutting some of his ear. I understand that the cancer will kill him in the end if old age doesn't kill him first but now he has kidney and diabetics I think I'm losing the battle to keep him alive. He is also eating less food at the moment. Is he likely to be suffering with the health problems he has? If his diabetics was treated then how long would it take before the cancer kills him? Regards Brian |
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