My cat is dying - need advice

My beloved Chutney has lymphoma. An apparently rare case where it is subcutaneous along her spine. I think it's all over internally. Paid for bloodwork twice - "your cat is fine". Then, I pointed out the lumps along with a huge weight loss and loss of meow. Finally, a biopsy and the official bad news.

My Vet says "don't do anything, just enjoy the time you have left". I agree that Chemotherapy is not a valid option - I won't do it for me and I won't wish it on her. So, her time is getting short but she's still eating and having some fun.

I've seen ads for a product called ES Clear Cancer Support. Something that (supposedly) would give her more time and more well being. Does anybody know if this product is real or do you know of another product I can administer myself.

I tried calling Homeopathic Vets but they're just like regular Vets. Bring in the cat and gimme, gimme, gimme $125 to do nothing for you. She hates going to the Vet and I won't waste her moments of happiness on being ripped off as usual.

Anybody?

Im really sorry about Chutney.  I dont know anything about the product you mentioned.  Maybe someone else here can help you with that. I just wanted to offer you some mental energy and vibes towards you and your kitty. I had a dog pass from lymphoma in 09.  It sucks.  There are a lot of good people on this site, with a lot of good knowlege, so hopefully someone will have some advice.  I think you are right in wanting to make her time left as good as you possibly can.  So sorry and sending good vibes.

I've never heard of the product but I googled it and it seems to have gotten good reviews on several sites. That could be for one of two reasons. Either the manufacturer is going around posting reviews themselves or it really does help. At this point you don't have much to lose. I'm usually not a believer of things that get such rave reviews. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. But I've been proven wrong regarding the treatment for one of my cats for his stomatitis. I heard a lot of stories of how great it was before I tried it for my cat but I was very skeptical. But a few weeks into the treatment Ziggy started to feel better, started to eat better and was no longer acting aggressive towards the other cats. He's not 100% but he's so much better. I don't know for sure what's in the cocktail (the vet office that makes it won't say) but several of the ingredients are supposed to be natural. There tends to be a distrust in "natural" products made from plants but the fact that it's made from plants doesn't mean at all that it's not effective. Our most potent pain killers are made from a plant - the opium poppy. I

I'd say give it a shot!

Thanks for the responses. I also felt skeptical f the reviews, they had a similarity to them that made me suspicious. Even though it looks easy to administer, it's going to annoy her when I shove it down her already constricted throat and I hate to do that to no avail. I'm trying to make every moment joyous for her now - I bought bags of dried shrimp and other stuff I would not have given her in the past (she weighed 14 lbs. - now she's under 10).

This seems like a popular site so I'm hoping that a referral or a confirmation will appear soon. I'll order the ES Clear in the morning just in case but I really wish I knew more. In America, everything is a lie or a scam and it's hard to know the truth. Normally, I'm used to and philosophical about being ripped off but this is so important because it's the next to last thing I can do for my furry friend. 

I had to pts one of my cats almost a year ago due to breast cancer.  She is live longer than what was predicted but I didn't really buy any special products.  Towards the end she was loosing weight and her appetite so I fed her whatever she tolerated like ice cream and cheese.

I would suggest if you buy this product to post your review of it so your response will help others.

First of all, I'm very sorry that you are going through this. I've lost more than a few cats (and dogs) to cancer over the years and there are rarely clear answers on what to do for them.

I had not heard of it so also googled it and found the rave reviews. Like you, I'm always suspicious of products like these, but in all honesty, unless Chutney stresses when you give it to her, will it cause her harm?

When I find myself in your place (terminal cancer with no good treatment options), I fall back on my "Love and Cheese Danish" treatment plan. Give them all the love in the world, and give them anything they want. If that means feeding them cheese danish (insert Chutney's favorite food here), then put it on your best china and serve it to her on the dining room table, if that is what will make her happy. I discovered this when my dog Ellie Mae was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given 30 days to live. We happened to buy some cheese danish from a bakery and discovered she really loved cheese danish. We found a lot of new things that she loved over the next 18 months. Ellie Mae was so happy about life that she didn't want to leave us.

If you are stressed, your babies will pick up on it. We kept stress out of our heads, decided that every day with Ellie Mae was a bonus, and gave her anything in the world that she wanted. When she finally crossed 17 months later than the prognosis, it was not from cancer but a stroke. My vet was stymied. I've been able to turn around very sick cats with this treatment.

So when I see a product like this, my thoughts turn to "what does Chutney like?". If forcing it into her mouth causes her stress, she doesn't want it. While it might boost her immune system physically, does it cause her harm emotionally? Emotional stress, IMO, reduces immunity as much as physical illness in many cats.

If you use this product, please pass along what you find about it. We'll share what you find with others.

specklebang said:

My beloved Chutney has lymphoma. An apparently rare case where it is subcutaneous along her spine. I think it's all over internally. Paid for bloodwork twice - "your cat is fine". Then, I pointed out the lumps along with a huge weight loss and loss of meow. Finally, a biopsy and the official bad news.

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Oh Specklebang, I am so very sorry for you and Chutney.  I don't know much about the product either but like Ziggy'smom, I'd say give it a try if she will take it willingly.  Momofmany suggested not giving it if it will stress her out.  I agree with her completely too.  Just enjoy the time you have with Chutney and give her lots of love.  It's the one thing we can do for our friends that will help both you and her.  My very best to you both.

I went ahead and ordered the ES Clear. I figure she'll probably cooperate. She seems aware that things are different, she's more passive than before.

I'm still looking for suggestions and of course - hopefully - some confirmation on this ES Clear stuff. I will write a full report on it after I have a chance to use it.

Yes, Chutney's diet is all treats all the time at this point. I think her time is in months, not minutes at this point but her ragged breathing is very sad. 

When she was adopted in 1998, she was the first of many. I had one who died abruptly from unknown causes at 4.5 years of age and it devastated me for years. Chutney is 14 and I understand that she has had a life full of love and stability. Still, it's hard not to weep. 

Responses are doubly appreciated because each response moves the thread back to the top. I still have hopes for more information and I hope I will be able to recommend the products suggested by anyone because it actually works.

I'm sorry that I don't have any advice to offer, but just wanted to add my prayers to your situation

Reading this has put a lump in my throat, as it reminds me of the fact that this day will come for me as well, as with all of us at some time.

(I dread it)

So, so sorry for what you are going through. This is all I can offer you, plus as you said it makes this thread stay close to the top for others who might be of some help regarding your question.

Many years ago I lost my first best friend, a Great Dane from bone cancer.

I had many months to mourn losing her, and when the time finally came, yes it was devastating, but I realized that most of my mourning was done before she actually went.

Be close and comforting to her, she knows your love and trusts you.

Please remember this, animals do not fear death, it is us. Our hearts ache for them, they do not ache for themselves, but are very aware when we are hurting.

They suffer physically themselves but not emotionally for their death, only us.

To them it's natural, and they accept this, they don't fight it.

Oh, I've learned never to cry in front of your cats. My boy cat, Specklebang, will hide if I cry. So, I'm doing the stiff upper lip routine with Chutney although I think she's figured it out. 

We give good hugs on this site. If all you need to do is vent, we are here to listen.

I've been recommended NutriCal (?) and kitten milk. Anybody have any thoughts?

I'm open to anything. Suggestions are appreciated.

My heart goes out to you and Chutney! It's quite a journey to share life, and then ultimately death, with our furry companions. A heavy responsibility, to be sure. But also one filled with so much love and devotion and spiritual connection. Hard not to be overcome by sadness, but try to think of it as a special opportunity to help your friend transition out of this life wrapped in the warmth of your love. 
 

specklebang said:

I've been recommended NutriCal (?) and kitten milk. Anybody have any thoughts?

I'm open to anything. Suggestions are appreciated.

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Not a fan of Nutri-Cal - it's basically just sugar and oil. But if Chutney likes it, then hey, let her have it. It's not worth forcing her to eat it though. Maybe she'd like something like plain chicken baby food or lightly boiled chicken breast?. CatSip is good to help with hydration (Whiskas Cat Milk will also suffice, but again, it contains sugar). One of my standby's to help boost a cat's appetite is low sodium canned salmon (wild-caught), especially with lots of the juice. 

Big squeezy hugs to you. 

Thank you Sugar Cat. I guess I'll buy a tube of Nutri-Cal and see if she likes it. I've never had any of my brood like Cat-Sip but I am going to try that high-end Kitten substitute milk. I won't force her to take anything except the ES Clear and that should be easy enough (5 drops twice a day on-label).

I've sat with her for the last 2 hours and she's subdued but still active. She ate some dry food.

Because of her weight loss (I think) of 4 pounds, her skin is very loose and she has developed a number of matts around the throat area. Does anybody think that matts are painful? I think not and I'm planning to ignore them unless otherwise advised.

I have a paid phone consultation with a "famous" herbal physician at 11:30 AM Tuesday. This is my last effort other than on the web. I'm just getting crazy from all this and I can't keep adding endless solutions. I will report back to this thread with any useful information I garner in case someone ever has to deal with this devastation in their own furry family.

Kitten formula is a pretty good substitute if a cat won't eat. If you're going to try it though I recommend getting the canned version, not the powder. For some reason they don't like the powder as much but most of my cats will kill for the canned kind, any brand. If I recall correctly you can buy a big carton of Just Born fairly cheap. If you get a lot getting a tray of canned KMR is not that bad either. If your cat likes the formula you can try mixing in some wet kitten food in it to make it a bit more nutritious (remember that kitten food has more calories which is good when a cat is eating less).

I actually like using Nutrical. There is more to it than sugar and oil. There are a number of nutrients and calories too. I use it quite a bit when I have cats with URI that are not eating enough. Sometimes I give it to them straight if they will eat it or mix it in the food. If they won't eat it I give it to them in a syringe. If you do want to give it in a syringe you have to put it in through the "back" of the syringe since it's too thick to draw up. You just pull the plunger out and squeeze the Nutrical into the syringe and reinsert the plunger. You don't have to spend the money to get brand name Nutrical. You can get generic versions online that are just as good. There is one called Forti-cal and another called Nutri-stat. As mentioned baby food is also a good idea. Just make sure there is no onion in it. My cats will kill for baby food too. Even the very picky one who hardly eats anything.

Please let us know how the ES stuff works for you. It does sound a little too good to be true and I would think if it worked as well as they claim every vet would be selling it. But then again it could just work. Weirder things have happened. I really, really, really hope it does. I do think you're doing the right thing by trying it.

New matts don't hurt, just a knotted up hair clot, but the longer they are present, they get tighter and tighter to the skin.

If you can, take scissors and carefully cut into it, like cutting it in 1/2. Not too close to the skin, then in 1/4's, just take a bit gradually. This is tricky though since their skin is just a snip away.

UPDATE

I just spoke to an Eastern Medicine specialist and other than being $80 poorer, I'm not very confident I learned much. She's a fan of "natural death" which I don't agree with. To me, euthanasia is the ultimate gift of love I can give Chutney when it's time). But here is her advice:

Use steroids (Cortisone) for pain

Get chicken livers and put into boiling water for 30 seconds as a food but just 1/2 teaspoon per day

Buy "Real Water" alkalized water

I'm now going to the store for:

Nutrical

Kitten milk (despite negative advice from above Dr.)

Kitten food (thanks Ziggy)

Real water (nothing to lose)

Chicken livers (nothing to lose)

I'll drive by the Vet and see if he'll give me liquid Prednisone (sp?)

Thanks everyone. I'll continue reporting.

I am sorry you and Chutney are going through this. Sending prayers to you that you can gat Chutney to eat any of that stuff. I would honestly try feeding anything at this point if my baby was not really wanting to eat.

Hugs to you.

I am so sorry for you and for your dear Chutney.... I will share a short version of my experience with "Holistic" remedies. My dog, Wilbur, the love of my life - litterally - was on death's door last August. He has many health issues that I won't get into. He was on "cheese and danish" - just anything I could do to get him to eat. I went Holistic with him in the hopes that at least he quality of life would be improved until it was truly his time. WELL - it is now seven month's later and he is rallying on with life and has a better quality of life than before using Western medicine. He is on a few different remedies each day and I have to still hand feed him at times - but he is eating well now and eating from a bowl again :bigthumb: The Holistic vet was not very expensive either comparatively speaking.

Also - the Pred IS often used when all else fails in the end-of-life stage. AND when all else fails with Wilbur - I will stop all remedies and he will go on Prednisone. Sending you loads of hugs and vibes. We are here to help you and support you through this with Chutney anyway we can....

p.s. You could also try Hill's A/D canned food (from the vet) It is highly nutritious and for cat's and dogs and helps to get the pet's appetite going. It is also the perfect consistency for syringe feeding. Good to have on hand with an ailing pet. OH and :bigthumb: on the alkalized water.....