The vet thinks my Maine Coon boy may have cancer.

[MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday]

I am beyond devastated.

I posted here a few months back when I was very worried about him.. he had been withdrawn for a few months (he is usually a big in your face , drooped all over you softy) and then he took to hiding under my bed. The vet found a slightly swollen hip and thought he might have had a glancing blow from a car, or humans as he was so withdrawn. Many pills later, he seemed slightly less scared of everyone but still very withdrawn and just tired and sad.

Pain meds finished a week ago, and the difference has become obvious.. he can't crouch normally to eat.. his right leg has to slide out (like the splits) he can't jump up, and he lies down very carefully on his left.

Took him back tonight and now the joint was obviously swollen. Vet aspirated fluid off it to make Morphy more comfortable (and gave him more pain meds) and was not happy with how the fluid looked.. it's going off to the labs but he said it could be bone cancer ..it's the most common spot. It could be something bacterial, but given that he has been withdrawn and that the meds have only helped a little.. it's looking bad.

He is the love of our lives.. like no other cat we have ever had.. I don't even need a basket to take him to the vet, he just sits on my lap there. He has brought so so much love to my family and he is only 12. We will get the results next week and if it is cancer, I will keep him just long enough for my brother to come home from holiday abroad as he will want to say goodbye too, and I will have him put to sleep.

My heart is breaking because inside I think it IS bad.

Please hold my hand...

[chockbic]

Sorry to hear this.

He's a beautiful bundle of fluff isn't he?

[Fluffycloudland77]

He's gorgeous. You already have a plan though which is good.

I imagine he's eating like a king right now?

[timtam23]

What an absolutely stunning cat. I remember your earlier post - I'm so sorry to read the update & I hope the diagnosis is not as bad as you fear.

I agree that having a plan is good. We did similar when my old cat was obviously terminally ill, and in a small way it was a comfort to know that we'd pampered him & made a massive fuss of him at the end of his life.

Thoughts are with you

[chockbic]

Any news, Medusa?

Whatever it is, we are here.

[MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday]

The jury is still out :/ Initial bloods revealed massive inflammation of his hip joint, and he has pain killers and antibiotics..which have given him epic runs, so more pills to bung him up a bit. Vet thinks it is probably cancer and we have to wait for the rest of the tests or do an xray.

He's such a good boy and is allowing me to poke pills into him, but he is still limping and just sleeping lots. He is just so sad..lies there all limp and hides away in our wet room, but he is still eating (he has always been a greedy boy and is naturally a huge cat) but has lost a lot of weight.. he was always 22 pounds (he is dog sized) but now down to 18.

We are back to the vet this week when his pills run out...they DO help with the pain but both the vet and I suspect it is not going to get better.

I feel so worried that we are treating his pain but not getting him ANY better.. the antibiotics are not doing anything for him and he is more withdrawn than ever. He did want a cuddle last night but I had to lift him onto the bed :/ he can't jump up any more.

It's like watching a much loved family member fade away. We are away for 2 weeks in august and I can't image how we can put him a the cattery if he is still like this... I suspect we will have to make a decision before then and it will break my heart.

[cozietoesie]

I'm so sorry, Medusa. Seniorboy is on pain meds also (extra help for his arthritis) but he's started to fade also and there's nothing to be done about that. I take comfort from the fact that he's also not in distress through pain and still enjoys a cuddle.

[chockbic]

Its horrible when they fade like this and their character changes.

Am going through a similar thing with my old girl.

Cherish the time you have, much love.