Idiopathic Chylothorax & Rutin

My 13yr old very healthy female cat named Tigger was recently diagnosed with Idiopathic Chylothorax. Chest x-rays showed that there could be a mass so I took her 2hrs to a vet specialist to have an ultrasound done. Nothing was found. It was suggested that their vet perform a Pericardiectomy on her, that this should resolve the problem. My vet said that Tigger is pretty healthy for her age and highly suggested that I have it done. My husband, who is not cat friendly, has told me that I can't have it done because it costs $2,000 to $2,500. He won't even let me put it on Care Credit! grrr So far, 200cc of fluid have been removed twice and I think she will need to have another tap done tomorrow. I've been reading that Rutin has worked well in many cases, but there are no given amounts as to how much. I've read anywhere from 250mg every 8 hrs to 2,000mg. Does anyone know how much is safe? How long does it take to start seeing results? Has anyone had a Pericardiectomy done on their cat and was it worth the expense? I'm so frustrated right now. Tigger is the most sweetest kitty I've ever owned and has helped me thru some recent deaths in the family including my sister and is a comfort for me when my son deploys with the Marines. I know she has more good years in her and hate to see it being cut short. She still purring and trying to be herself even though it's a little hard to breath. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. Is there an organization that could help with costs?

Oh God, I am so sorry... I have no idea what that is, but I feel for you...

Have you tried to negotiate with the vet/specialist? I had a problem with a cat of mine, and because I am in no shape to pay a high bill due to unemployment, they cut over 60% of my bill and all the meds and follow ups will be free... Never assume that you will pay full price... ASK them... talk to them... Don't assume anything...
Also, IMO, you should do what is in your heart ... As you said... She has been there for you through so much... Now it is your time to be there for her... Sometimes not everybody will be on the same page as us, but we have to speak up for these little creatures... We are their voices, their advocates... I am sure you love her very very much, and you will follow your heart... Don't give up


Here are some places to try, in case that doesn't work:

US Animal Assistance Programs


* American Animal Hospital Association’s Helping Pets Fund (AHMA) http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/
* Brown Dog Foundation, http://www.browndogfoundation.org/home
* Canine Cancer Awareness, www.caninecancerawareness.org
* Cats In Crisis http://www.catsincrisis.org
* Cody’s Club (Radiation treatments) http://codysclub.bravehost.com/
* Diabetic Pets Fund http://www.petdiabetes.net/fund/
* Feline Outreach, www.felineoutreach.org
* Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program, www.fveap.org
* Good Sam Fund, www.goodsamfund.org
* Help-A-Pet, www.help-a-pet.org
* IMOM Inc., www.IMOM.org
* Orthodogs’ Silver Lining Foundation (Orthopedic Cases and Service Dogs), www.oslf.org
* The Perseus Foundation (Cancer specific), www.PerseusFoundation.org
* The Pet Fund, www.thepetfund.com
* United Animal Nations LifeLine Fund www.uan.org

UK Animal Assistance Programs

* PDSA UK http://www.pdsa.org.uk/
* Pet Lovers Online UKwww.petloversonline.co.uk/financial.htm
* RSPCA UK (Local Branches Only) http://www.rspca.org.uk/

Canada Animal Assistance Programs

* Pet Program (Toronto PWA Foundation), http://www.pwatoronto.org/what.htm#pets
* The Farley Foundation http://www.farleyfoundation.org/welcome.html



Breed Specific Assistance Programs

* The Boston Terrier Rescue Net, www.bostonrescue.net
* CorgiAid, www.corgiaid.org
* Disabled Dachshund Society, www.ourdds.org
* Dougal’s Helping Paw (Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers and other small, short legged terriers), http://www.welcome.to/dougalsfund
* Labmed, www.labmed.org
* Labrador Harbor, http://www.labradorharbor.org/
* Labrador Lifeline, www.labradorlifeline.org
* Special Needs Dobermans, www.doberman911.org
* Westimed (West Highland White Terriers), www.westiemed.org

State or Locality -Specific Programs

CANADA

* Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society Lucky Moffat Memorial Fund, www.actssalberta.org/lucky/lmmf.asp (Alberta Canada Only)
* The Farley Foundation, www.farleyfoundation.org (Ontario Canada Only)

CALIFORNIA

* Actors and Others for Animals, www.actorsandothers.com
* SF/SPCA Animal Hospital, http://www.sfspca.org/hospital/index.shtml
* Animal Health Foundation, http://animalhealthfoundation.net/

COLORADO

* Max Fund, www.maxfund.org

CONNECTICUT

* Connecticut Humane Society Fox Veterinary Clinic, http://www.cthumane.org/site/PageSer...name=About_Fox

MARYLAND/WASHINGTON, D.C.

* Washington Animal Rescue League, www.warl.org

MASSACHUSETTS

* Alliance For Animals Metro Action Clinic, http://www.afaboston.org/clinic.htm
* Massachusettes SPCA (Provides financial assistance for pet owners receiving services at one of its three medical centers, http://www.mspca.org/site/PageServer...ial_Assistance)
* Angell Memorial Animal Hospital-Boston, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130, 617-522-7282
* Angell Animal Medical Center-Nantucket, 21 Crooked Lane,Nantucket, MA 02554,508-228-1491
* Angell Animal Medical Center-Western New England,171 Union St.,Springfield, MA 01105,413-785-1221
* The Sampson Fund, PO Box 1756, Orleans, MA 02653, www.sampsonfund.org The fund is to benefit companion animals of Cape Cod and the adjacent Islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.

MICHIGAN

* Michigan Humane Society maintains three veterinary clinics: www.michiganhumane.org
* Detroit AREA:MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care, Veterinary Center: 7401 Chrysler Drive Detroit, MI 48211 313-872-0004
* Rochester Hills AREA: MHS Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care, Veterinary Center 3600 W. Auburn Road Rochester Hills, MI 48309 248-852-7424
* Westland AREA: MHS Berman Center for Animal Care Veterinary Center: 900 N. Newburgh Road Westland, MI 48185 734-721-4195

NEVADA

* Shakespeare Animal, www.shakespeareanimalfund.org.

NEW YORK

* NY S.A.V.E Inc., http://www.nysave.org/index_2.html
* ALL 4 PETS, www.all4petswny.org (Limited to Western NY)

NORTH CAROLINA

* Ashley’s Angel Fund, http://www.ashleyfund.org/

OREGON

*

The Bearen Foundation, http://www.bearenfoundation.org/funding.htm

PENNSYLVANIA

* The Animal Rescue of Western PA, http://www.animalrescue.org/Clinic.htm

TEXAS

* Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine "The Capper and Chris Save the Animals Fund," http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/capperchris/index.shtml

Organizations Offering Assistance Programs for Senior, Disabled or Ill Pet Owners

CALIFORNIA

* Voice for the Animals Foundation, Helping Friends Program, http://vftafoundation.org
* AniMeals Helen Woodward Animal Center ,http://www.animalcenter.org/animeals/
* SF SPCA Animal Hospital, http://www.sfspca.org/hospital/index.shtml
* SHARE Marin Humane Society, http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Pr...ces/SHARE.html
* PAWS San Diego, http://www.pawssdc.org/
* PALS – Pets Are Loving Support, http://sonic.net/~pals/index.html
* PAWS Los Angeles, http://www.pawsla.org/
* PAWS San Francisco, www.pawssf.org

CONNECTICUT

* Manchester Area Network on AIDS AID-A-PET, http://www.mana-ct.net/Aid-A-Pet.html

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

* PETS-DC, http://www.petsdc.org/

GEORGIA

* PALS – Pets Are Loving Support, www.palsatlanta.org

HAWAII

* Hawaiian Humane Society: PALS Program, http://www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs/pals/

MASSACHUSETTS

* Phinney’s Friends (MSPCA) http://www.mspca.org/site/PageServer...iends_HIV_AIDS

MICHIGAN

* Pet Support Services, http://www.petsupportmi.org/

NEVADA

* Shakespeare Animal, www.shakespeareanimalfund.org.

NEW JERSEY

* PetPALS of Southern New Jersey, http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NJ151.html

NEW YORK

* Humane Society of Lollypop Farm, http://www.lollypop.org/orgMain.asp?...5&orgID=14&sid
* Pet Emergency Fund (Buffalo metropolitan area),P.O. Box 2846Buffalo, New York 14240-2846 (716) 883-8544

PENNSYLVANIA

* Pittsburgh PAWS (Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force), http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/natashat/PAWS/

RHODE ISLAND

* RIVMA Companion Animal Care Foundation – Assistance for low income families in Rhode Island to pay for veterinary care

TEXAS

* SPCA of Texas, http://www.spca.org/site/PageServer?...2004#petomeals

WASHINGTON

* http://www.seattlehumane.org/services/services/lowincome-senior


Suggestions from HSUS on other ways to pay for veterinary care.

• Ask your veterinarian to submit an assistance request to the American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) "Helping Pets Fund." In order to qualify, your animal hospital must be AAHA accredited. To learn more about the program visit the AAHA web site. To find an AAHA accredited hospital in your area, search online at www.Pets911.com.

All of it is over my head. That being said, I send you hugs and peace. I know how it feels to love a cat and feel helpless. I wish for you that all works out somehow.

I was sorry to see how much pain you are in with your little one.
I am sending vibes and hugs to you and your kitty. I know how it is to love so very much.

I pray it all works out for you.

Is your husband the only one employed? Even if he is chances are when everything is added up the surgery would be less expensive than not having it done. If he isn't then is there any way you could attempt to pay it off with what you earn?

I just pray this all works out for you and Tiger.

Taryn

Brought Tigger into vet today. X-ray showed more fluid. They took out another 280cc of fluid. I was told that Rutin works 25% of the time and the surgery is successful 80%. Needs it soon to avoid lung scarring. Dang husband! grr I am so tempted to just drive her to Spokane to have it done! Got her more Hills diet. Called the vet in Spokane to see if they would lower the cost. Nope! How nice!

Originally Posted by TysMom

Brought Tigger into vet today. X-ray showed more fluid. They took out another 280cc of fluid. I was told that Rutin works 25% of the time and the surgery is successful 80%. Needs it soon to avoid lung scarring. Dang husband! grr I am so tempted to just drive her to Spokane to have it done! Got her more Hills diet. Called the vet in Spokane to see if they would lower the cost. Nope! How nice!

Click to expand...

I would just do it... 80% successful rate? No way I would pass on that... The consequences would be what? a fight with the husband? Over the loss of my best friend, who has been with me through so much? Meanwhile there you are spending money with the other vet and getting mad at the husband anyways...

I hope you are able to do it somehow. I know we couldn't without a miracle, but I'd be praying for a miracle if it were mine and will for yours. lots of hugs.

Any updates on this kitty?

Hello?? Updates?

Sorry, for not updating you all. Tigger had 250cc of fluid removed last Tuesday. She has been able to go from 5 days to 7 days with out a chest tap. I saw the main vet and he is still hoping my husband will change his mind, but he won't. My Mom has read that Colloidal Silver might help. I know it's good for infections and it may help her. Added some to her water. She seems to like it. All I can do is believe that this will resolve on it's own. Thanks for all the well wishes! I appreciate it!

Taking Tigger to the vet in the morning to get another chest tap. She has been sleeping a lot this weekend and not very hungry. Her chest area feels very full! I keep thinking that I am putting off the inevitable and extremely depressed about it! She my only friend and I dread the thought of losing her. She trusts me so much. I know when that time comes that i will make bad Daddy take her to the vet as I don't think I'll be able to do it. I told him that he has placed me between a rock and a hard place and this really hurts. I'm such a mess right now.

Originally Posted by TysMom

Taking Tigger to the vet in the morning to get another chest tap. She has been sleeping a lot this weekend and not very hungry. Her chest area feels very full! I keep thinking that I am putting off the inevitable and extremely depressed about it! She my only friend and I dread the thought of losing her. She trusts me so much. I know when that time comes that i will make bad Daddy take her to the vet as I don't think I'll be able to do it. I told him that he has placed me between a rock and a hard place and this really hurts. I'm such a mess right now.

Click to expand...

Well... I am not sure what to tell you.... She does trusts you... is your only friend... and you CAN make it all better. IF it was my cat, I would do the surgery. ABSOLUTELY no question about it. It is a surgery with 80% success rate... But then again, I already said that...
Please, don't take this as being mean, but really the reality is: you have 3 choices.... One, put her to sleep; Two, keep her suffering while you avoid a confrontation with your husband; three: Stick up for your girl and yourself and do the surgery.
Do you have anything to sell? Jewelery? Anything of your own? Now it is the time to sell... If this was a lost case, I would be the first one to tell you to do the right thing and end her suffering...
But IMO really that is not the right thing to do... She can be saved by this surgery, and judging by your posts, the only thing stopping you from getting her better, is the fact that your husband doesn't want it...
It seems you do have the means to do it (credit card, carecredit, and such)... But the problem is the confrontation with your husband...
Sometimes (like this) we need to take a stand, because our pets have no voice... Nobody will fight for them, protect them.... We need to.... You need to. You need to take a stand for your baby, and the time is now.
I am huge believer in Colloidal Silver, but it won't do a thing on this case... And I would be very careful using it on her... It might do more harm than good... I would urge you to stop using it...

Courage!

I have to agree with Carol, because the cat is priority. We get so many members who aren't as lucky as yourself to have a credit card, and the vet visits alone must be costing you as well?.

What would happen if you went ahead and put it on the credit card?

I am so sorry for what you are going through with your cat and your husband.
I wish Speedboat would have had an 80 percent chance. He would still be here. Can you get a part time job maybe and help out with the expenses.
What a tough spot to be in. I don't envy you. Prayers for your cat, that he won't have to suffer.

I have to agree with the others saying get the surgery. I am not a feminist, but the days of "letting" a spouse do something are IMO a thing of the past.

You are under so much stress it could affect your health as well. Indecision is a terrible thing.

If she were mine, I'd take a deep breath, say a prayer, and get the surgery done. That is why we have care credit.

God Bless you and your kitty, it's such a sad situation. I think you already know what you should do. So clear your head, sit down and make a decision. It is hard to advise someone to go against a husbands wishes, but if it were me, I would.

Paul kicked his wife out of the house for kicking his dog. It was one of the (many) reasons he divorced her arse.

I would rather have a fight with my husband than sit back and watch her die. If this happens to Attitude or Nuts I won't be able to afford it, it seems like you can.

I would tell your husband to shove it and get the surgery done. Either she needs to have the surgery or she needs to have her suffering ended. Personally I would get it done and tell my SO to shove it where the sun don't shine. If I had to choose between an animal and my husband I'd chose the animal. If it was between Paul or Attitude and Nuts I would take Attitude or Nuts. There is only one person I would choose over an animal and that is my 7 year old son Bobby, but as he has no say in financial matters it wouldn't be like this.

If Attitude or Nuts or Maude had an 80% chance of something I'd do anything to have it done.

Taryn

Originally Posted by Taryn

Paul kicked his wife out of the house for kicking his dog. It was one of the (many) reasons he divorced her arse.

I would rather have a fight with my husband than sit back and watch her die. If this happens to Attitude or Nuts I won't be able to afford it, it seems like you can.

I would tell your husband to shove it and get the surgery done. Either she needs to have the surgery or she needs to have her suffering ended. Personally I would get it done and tell my SO to shove it where the sun don't shine. If I had to choose between an animal and my husband I'd chose the animal. If it was between Paul or Attitude and Nuts I would take Attitude or Nuts. There is only one person I would choose over an animal and that is my 7 year old son Bobby, but as he has no say in financial matters it wouldn't be like this.

If Attitude or Nuts or Maude had an 80% chance of something I'd do anything to have it done.

Taryn

Click to expand...

Taryn you are funny, and I agree 100% with you...
I am afraid of knowing the answer for this thread, but I think I already know... For some reason I don't think this poor kitty's future is very good, if she is still around
For both mommy and kitty

I am so sorry to tell you that I cannot put a 27yr marriage on the line. I just can't. Vet has been continuing to remove fluid every 3-7 days. She has lost a lot of weight. He is remaining hopeful that this will resolve but I also asked him to let me know when she's had enough. Should I just put her down without giving the Rutin a chance to work? Don't be so flippin heartless! This is extremely hard on me, you have NO idea. If people really care, then they would offer to help with cost of surgery like a friend of mine did, but was just a little to go towards current vet bill. The vet in Spokane who is the only one in the area and is 2hrs from me that can do this surgery, will not cut the cost at all. I've asked! Next time you post about this THINK before you do or don't do it at all!

Originally Posted by TysMom

I am so sorry to tell you that I cannot put a 27yr marriage on the line. I just can't. Vet has been continuing to remove fluid every 3-7 days. She has lost a lot of weight. He is remaining hopeful that this will resolve but I also asked him to let me know when she's had enough. Should I just put her down without giving the Rutin a chance to work? Don't be so flippin heartless! This is extremely hard on me, you have NO idea. If people really care, then they would offer to help with cost of surgery like a friend of mine did, but was just a little to go towards current vet bill. The vet in Spokane who is the only one in the area and is 2hrs from me that can do this surgery, will not cut the cost at all. I've asked! Next time you post about this THINK before you do or don't do it at all!

Click to expand...

Sorry.... But We are the ones being heartless here? I am sorry you are in this situation, I truly am, but IMO we are far from the ones being heartless here. You have carecredit for goodness sakes, and yet you are putting this cat through a huge deal of suffering because you can not stand up to your husband of 27 years?
This cat has lost a great deal of weight, has been getting constant fluid taps.... If you are not going to do anything about it, PLEASE let her go, FREE her of her suffering. Do the right thing.

Here is what I am going through right now: I have 2 cats going no surgery next week... I have NO husband, NO job, NO money, NO carecredit... Yes, I do found a vet who will work with me, but, I am also selling my things. We do what we need to do. It is as simple as that.

I am not going to tell you to divorce your husband... But IMO, if you can not even stand up to him to save the life of your best friend, and he is putting you through so much suffering over that little money that will go on care credit, interest free... I would be really taking a deep look into that relationship just about now, to say the least.

One more thing about putting your marriage on the line: Your husband WILL forgive you for using the card... It might be a fight, but eventually he will get through it, it is only money... But I tell you something... I would NEVER EVER be able to forgive him if I had to put my kitty to sleep on a similar situation to yours... You might want to think about that... Your kitty dying might be the end of you marriage too.... because I doubt you will forgive your husband so easily.

As far as your kitty.... Please, from your fist post to this one it is clear that she is only getting worst... I am not sure how your vet thinks she is going to get better.

Please please do not let her stay here for yourself.... Be kind to her.... If the decision is set on stone that the surgery is not going to happen, just please do the right thing out of your love for her, and set free of her pain. She at least deserves that.