Off to the vets to see how our old man is getting along

[2kidsintow]

Or to make the decision to have him PTS.

He has a lump in his abdomen. He's too old for a biopsy. They suggest scans (£400+) by a specialist next week followed by perhaps chemo (£unknown!).

It's not a money issue for us, but I'm loathe to put him through treatments he doesn't need. But I don't want to have him poorly either.

[SecretWitch]

Ohh, poor old boy! So hard on the heart when our feline friends become ill. I'll be thinking about you..xx

[cozietoesie]

Poor old lad. Take care - people will be thinking of you all.

[2kidsintow]

Thanks. Vet didn't seem to think the scan was a good idea anyway in the long run. He's given Bruce a short term and a longer term steroid injection. We've brought him home while they kick in (hopefully).

Bruce is currently sunbathing in the garden, but still not eating or drinking. It could be a looong weekend and unless things pick up, we will be back at the vets on Tues.

Basically we've been told we've got a last few weeks with him. At most.

[cozietoesie]

Poor boy. Take care and let us know how things go.

[RubbishMantra]

So sorry, you must feel awful. If I was in the same position I reckon I'd be of the opinion that he only has a few weeks anyway, why subject him to stressful trips to the vet's for scans/treatment. Hopefully the steroids will make him more comfortable.
Make the most of the time you have left with him, whilst he does the things he loves (like sleeping in the sunshine)
(hug)

[Gileswithachainsaw]

If he's only got a few weeks don't put him through it :(

Spoil him rotten this weekend, let him sleep on beds and swipe food off your plates if he wants to at all :(

Thinking of you and your darling kitten :(

[2kidsintow]

We're of the same opinion. The prognosis is only a few weeks from diagnosis of a lump apparently and any chemo after a scan will only drag things out for him.
We are happy we have decided to give the steroids a go, but will keep a close eye on how happy he seems to be.

The pic is of him now, mooching in the flower beds. He's always had runny eyes since having cat flu as a kitten before we got him from the rescue centre.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Aw he's sooooo cute.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the time you have with him and remember that he's had a loving home since you had him and will go happy and loved.

[2kidsintow]

Awwww, Giles. You just made me cry.

Thankyou for all the lovely replies.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Sorry x

[Birdsighland]

I went through this with my boy recently. With mine, the steroid injections were better than the tablets. The effect was stronger and it lasted longer. However, it would only work for a couple/few days and then wear off. The tablets weren't so good. Are you on 5mg per day total or 5mg in the morning and 5mg again in the evening (10mg per day)? I wish I had started on the latter earlier as he deteriorated rapidly on just 5mg. When the last injections kicked in (he got vit B12 as well for appetite), I cooked some salmon for him. He really enjoyed it. Bruce may just recover enough to enjoy something like this.

Although the prognosis is wretched, the time left is precious. This really is a memory that will comfort you.The injections should bring him over the weekend in comfort. Best Wishes.

[DulcetMoans]

It is so so sad and I am sorry to hear you are going through this. I ha the same last year with my old boy. No illness as such, just old age and some ongoing health issues. He was given the steroid as he wasnt in pain and I was told it was my last bit of time with him. He lasted about 10 days but that time was precious. We hugged everyday and it gave me time to get used to him maybe not being around. I was grateful to not have to make the decision to PTS.

Just treasure the benefit of the extra time and hug Bruce all you can.

[2kidsintow]

He's just been given the injections, Bird. So perhaps on the last stages already. A vit B one, a quick acting steroid that should show results in the next day or so, then a longer one that should help him for the next month. No tablets to wrestle down him. Although he does have thyroid meds - but will only be able to have them if he will eat the treat they are offered in.

Thanks again, all. xx

[Birdsighland]

sorry 2kids, I see you didn't mention any steroid tablets. You are spared that altercation.