Cat 17.5: cardio and biopsy for already weak cat

[Masie24]

Cat 17.5 years. Been with us all his life. With the kids growing up and seen us through thick and thin. Best friend. Sudden deterioration from an aging but reasonably active and responseve cat a week ago to now. Lump just above lip with vet thinks may be a tumour. Getting bigger and I wipe blood away several times a day. Had an antibiotic and steroid injections in case it was simply an infection but it's not showing signs of clearing up. Increasingly passive, going out a bit but largely snoozing. Yesterday, I heard his tummy tumble and gurgle and today the vet said that he had a distinct heart murmur. Had bloods taken - results mid week.

She suggested an echocardiogram early next week followed by a biopsy to see if this lump is in fact a malignant tumour - if his heart shows he's strong enough to withstand an operation.

I've seen a canerous tumour before (on another much loved cat) and this is horribly reminiscent. But I can't give up hope. The last thing I want is for my cat to be in pain and of course I might not know it.

Weighing it up - don't stupidly have insurance and bill will be high but we'd do it. I doubt that the cardiologist will think he's well enough for the biopsy and even if he were and the result showed that he had cancer, could I put a 17 and a half year old cat through radiotherapy?

Anyone any experience of an older cat in this situation? I know no-one can really advise (including the vet though I'd like a bit more direction from her as to prognosis - maybe hard to give) but some support would be welcome! I'm very, very sad as I love that chap so much.

Sorry to hear about your boy.

I think at that age, quality of life is a big consideration. I would wait to see what the blood tests show but would be reluctant to put a senior cat through any prolonged or potentially painful treatment. Sounds like he's had a wonderful life and sometimes it is better to say goodbye before the cat is completely miserable and still has some good days.

I think you're very right. In fact, now thinking of gentle ways to approach things - he's clearly not the happy chap that he was even a week ago.
Was prescribed Betafuse, a steroid gel for dogs. Seems uncomfortable when I apply this.

Presumably on the assumption that this may be in infection rather than the tumour that I think it is. Gel for dogs? There must be a cat equipvalent. I ran the vets and they said that that was all that they had in stock.

Ours is about 13 so not as old but had an oral mass debulked yesterday. It's been sent away for histology but I've already decided that I wouldn't put him through any further treatment. He is doing really well today though. It's a hard decision.

Mine is nearly 11. I wouldn’t put him through anything. He has a habit of moving homes if he is not happy. So I wouldn’t do it. I think you know what is right. But hugs x

As mine got older I decided I didn't want to put them through anything major unless there was a good chance of recovery and decent quality of life. Everyone is different though and, of course, you know your cat better than anyone else and in your heart what you think is right. I know it's so hard making that decision, I've been through it with two of mine.

Alongside your decision, I'd also keep an eye on any further tummy noises. Could be he's not eating so much due to the lump, but could be something else. If you think he's eating less, try just wet food, cat milk and the odd Webbox yogurt/meat tube (sorry can't think of the name) but you'll find him in supermarkets, PAH.

Many thanks, all. Polka - I hope your chap pulls through. He's maybe got age on his side - I do hope so.

Vet this afternoon again. Lump, probably a tumour, bigger and bloodier and with white patches. I wish I knew if my boy was in pain. He's eating a bit and gently moving around - very occasionally - but mostly lying down. I know that if he passes away, I'm going to miss him so, so much. They get under your skin these cats, don't they?

Thanks, ifonly. This is good advice. He's having mashed up wet good (cat milk is a good idea for now) and I'm keeping a close listen out for tummy sounds.

Histology has come back for us as squamous cell carcinoma which I'm gutted about but not massively suprised. Reading about the prognosis online I'm not sure I would go for surgery in your case if the suspicion is the same. How are things now?

Polka - good luck. I hope that whatever happens, your dear cat finds some peace - and you, too.

Sadly, my dear boy was put to sleep on Saturday evening. He could barely move and had fitted that day. The vet felt that his cancer (it looked to her like that) had spread form his lip to his brain.

He was honestly my soulmate and I feel so, so lost. But keeping it together more or less for the sake of my (human) boys and our younger cat.

Thank you, all, for your advice and support. It was very much appreciated.

Oh Masie I am so very sorry.