I have a neutered male cat of around 11/12 years. Always in good health until becoming diabetic a couple of years ago. No problem - we got him stabilised, he is on twice daily insulin injections and is otherwise well.
A couple of weeks ago I noticed his belly looked distended - almost like he was pregnant! I took him to my usual practice, and was seen by a new vet, she was nice, very young and very keen. She agreed the belly was very swollen, so they had him in for the day to run tests and do an ultrasound.
So - the results of the ultrasound were that both his liver and spleen are enlarged. They cannot see any tumours however, but she did say that his liver looked 'unusual', that it was 'pitted'. I asked if this meant cancer, she said possibly? His blood tests however, came back within the normal range.
I ask what next? Bearing in mind that the bill with them currently was standing at £350, which she knew we would have to pay in instalments. She said she wanted to refer him to a specialist who could give him a better ultrasound and tell us exactly what was wrong. Ok says I, but how much? At least £600. And that's just for starters.
So at this point I say, look we can't afford the specialist. He seems fine, other than the swelling - eating, drinking, peeing and pooping all normal. She seemed disappointed but gave us the ok to take him home and keep an eye on him. That was two weeks ago and he is the same. He has thrown up a couple of times, but he does that a lot anyway, due to eating too quick!
So, my question is, has anyone, (vet or otherwise), come across anything like this? Any ideas what we're in for? I have already lost one much loved cat to stomach cancer, so am well aware of the possible outcome
Another reason I am reluctant to go down the road of invasive treatments, surgery etc is that he absolutely HATES going to the vet, he was a feral kitten when we rescued him, and has never been fully trusting of humans. The visit to the vet to have the tests resulted in him having to have a sedative just to have his belly shaved, and when he got home he cowered under a bed for nearly two days, so I don't want to put him through it if the end result is going to be the same regardless.
Please don't think this is just about the money - it's not. It's more we don't know what we're dealing with, so it's hard to make any decisions for him. We love him dearly, and don't want him to suffer - physically OR mentally.
Thanks for reading, sorry for the mammoth post!
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The litter tray
Any vet's around? Could do with some advice.
Theresadogonyourballs · 06/11/2013 21:12
Hi Lonecat, thank you for replying. He's not particularly big, average sized I'd say. I'll research the two conditions you mentioned - funnily enough my old pony had cushings, but I believe it presents differently in cats? My pony was just madly hairy and a bit pot bellied. We lost him to severe colic before the cushings got too bad.
I think my vet, lovely though she was, could take a leaf from your book with regards to the wishes of the owners - she was so keen to order every test she could think of, and looked quite crestfallen when I put the brakes on. We wouldn't put him through surgery unless it was going to cure him, I couldn't cause him that much stress just to extend his life by a couple of months.
Many thanks again 
Thank you so much for your kind words, it means a lot. Am trying not to cry at work! (Unsuccessfully!)
Even though I know his time had come, it doesn't help the pain
ElectricalBanana I am so sorry for your loss too. Xx
Theresadogonyourballs any chance you can get the afternoon off? Or tomorrow perhaps?
I know it can be difficult and work colleagues don't always understand, but you are going through a bereavement.
I am so sorry to hear about your darling Olly. It won't be much consolation now but what a happy life he had with you. Not many people would take on a feral kitten, and you took him in, cherished him, loved and cared for him right to the end.
I lost my two oldies this year too
Sorry Thebuns, I meant to say I am so sorry for your losses too. My other girl is 15, with diabetes and hyperthyroidism, so I'm terrified she's going to leave us as well .
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