I spent some time at the vet this afternoon and our choices are limited.
We can remove the tumor surgically and they will try to ‘get it all’, but wont know the percentage until its sent to the lab after the surgery. They will have to go down in his muscles and up, down, and around it, cutting down deep. He said its very common to NOT get it all because of this type of growth. It apparently grows with little tentacles down into the muscles.
Or we can amputate his leg, which is what the dr appears to be leaning towards.
He said that *if* it hasn’t spread through the rest of his body, that could be the end of it and he could live out his life. We can do ultrasounds to see, but that wont necessarily tell us if he has cancer anywhere else or if it will come back unless there is already a large tumor elsewhere in his body that will show up on the screen.
The tissues have been sent off to the pathologist (i think thats right) and that we should know by the end of the week or Monday what the dr recommends.
Ultimately the choice is ours.
He said they already did an in house look on the microscope and that he is sure its cancer from the rabies vaccination, but *just in case* he wants us to wait. The part in the vaccine that caused it has now been REMOVED from the future vaccines of pets, but not before my cat was a victim.
Really, our only option is to take off his leg and pray it heals and doesn’t spread any more from that. Taking a leg from a cat just seems so cruel, but its better then his life.
Its all I can do for him.
The Dr shaved all his hair around the tumor and its incredibly large and looks painful. Its bleeding from the biopsy today still.
Thanks for your support, I (and Sebastian) really apprieciate it.
He is resting right now.
~Trisha
oh Trisha! I’m so sorry! I know how much he means to you…
So very sad I’m sorry Hugs Prayers
Poor kitty
I hope they are able to get it all. My kitty is 6 now and I would be so said if something like this happens to her! (((Hugs)))
Oh poor baby. I hope the amputation is something that is a viable option for you.
Three legged animals seem to do just as well as four legged ones. LOL
Aw, Trisha, I am so sorry to hear this news. I know how shocking and sad it is to have that kind of a visit at the vet. We lost our beloved great dane to cancer a little over a year ago. He was diagnosed, surgery was not recommended and we treated him with meds for 4 months. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever been through. I’m praying for Sebastian and your family.
{{hugs}}
I’m so sorry you and Sebastian have to go through this. I’ve been there for 2 kitties and 2 dogs, all of which were my family! It’s never easy to make these decisions. I’m reading a book right now called, “Tell Me Where It Hurts” by Dr. Nick Trout, a veterinarian. It talks about all of the patients he has treated and how difficult such decisions are for him as well. I’ll be thinking about you.
i read that book, it was really good
I am so sorry for you and Sebastian. I remember when I lost Precious, it hurt so much to see her in pain and to let her go. I know none of my family members understood how much she meant to me. My heart goes out to you and all my best wishes for all of you to recover and continue to appreciate each other.
Poor baby
My 3 cats are my kids too, and we spent a ridiculous amount (um, you could buy a pretty decent used car) on my female 2 years ago to save her life. I don’t regret it for a second.
I guess my suggestion is to get the facts. Will he be in a lot of pain, even after the amputation? Is he otherwise healthy? This choice would be almost impossible for me too, and I’m tearing up just writing this. Just know that he loves you unconditionally and if the hardest choice is the best one, he will love you for doing the best thing for him.
Oh, your poor kitty. I’m so sorry for you guys.
It’s so hard to make a decision like that…good luck.
((HUGS)) I had a friend that had a 3 legged cat who lived a very long and happy life. I hope that’s what happens for your fur baby.
awww sweet little fur baby! My thoughts and prayers are with you all right now.
{{{ HUGS }}}}
Aw, that picture makes me sad. I’m sorry you’re in the position where you have to make such a tough choice.
This is so sad Trisha! My mom ended up having to put two of our cats down a few years back due to many issues, but mostly old age. It never gets easier, especially because they are part of the family. Ultimately you have to make the decision you feel best about. Although he’d be without a leg, I’m sure Sebastian would be happiest still being alive and able to live with you in such a wonderful, loving home!
so sorry to learn of this, Trisha. It is never easy for ANY member of the family to go through this kind of pain and suffering.
I know you and yours will do what you feel is right for Sebastian.
*HUG* Thinking of you and yours.
I’m sorry Trisha, I know that no matter what you choose, it will be right for you and your family.
Trisha, I’m keeping you, your family, and your poor kitty in my thoughts. I hope your little guy pulls through this okay. I had a pet rat in high school named Ray, and he developed a tumor the size of a golf ball (on a rat!). We had three surgeries for him, after it kept coming back. I know how you’re feeling right now, and I hope it all turns out okay for you guys.
I am so sorry to hear about your cat Trisha! ((HUGS)) Hope everything will be ok! Thinking about you!
I am sorry– we had to go through something similar with my dog Sydney, but hers was the size of my fist and on her side. We opted for the surgery, and 2500 dollars later, she still has cancer– she is feeling better without the tumor, but I know it’s only a matter of time before there is more issues.
It’s hard and we love out pets. Good luck with the decision.