Muffin - Bad news vet visit today

 My *PRAYERS* going up for sweet Muffin, and for you, of course, to be guided to make the best choice for him.  This has got to be a difficult time for your family, and I have been in these situations so many times, so I empathize.

As for your wonderful work for the elders, if you can do it, it would be wonderful not only for them, but for Muffin and for you.  Positive energy can't help but flow to everyone you deal with and everything you do; and having had relatives in assisted living, I know how very much it means to them to have caring and talented visitors.  

Keep us updated.  

Whollycat and Tara's girl.  I so appreciate your prayers.  Thank you so much.  Thank you all for your words of encouragement.  This afternoon my hubby stopped at the vet's and got a tube of Nutrical and a prescription for an appetite stimulant.  I am hoping this will help Muffin keep going.  He is not eating as well as he should although he is eating.  He is beginning to look gaunt.   

blueyedgirl5946 said:

Whollycat and Tara's girl.  I so appreciate your prayers.  Thank you so much.  Thank you all for your words of encouragement.  This afternoon my hubby stopped at the vet's and got a tube of Nutrical and a prescription for an appetite stimulant.  I am hoping this will help Muffin keep going.  He is not eating as well as he should although he is eating.  He is beginning to look gaunt.   

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Not saying you're at this point yet, but perhaps when he refuses food you might consider assist-feeding (if the appetite stimulant doesn't work)? This involves a small syringe (no needle attached! ) with pureed food (Hill's A/D puree's nicely in a blender, but any food will work) in it and small amounts slowly fed from the side of his mouth. You will need to water this down a bit to get a good consistency. Sometimes syringe's can be hard to not give too much at a time (darn plunger!), so I prefer a baby dropper--some kitties will lap the food from a dropper. Ideally, you should feed smaller meals spread out over the day, for example 6 feedings of 15mL/cc per feeding, giving a couple mL/cc at a time so he has time to swallow (the number of feedings can be less if he is eating on his own, just not enough). This can also sometimes help to stimulate their appetite and they start eating on their own.

Other things that may help is to raise his food bowl by putting it on a small box or whatever is handy (could have a little nausea going on), or hand feeding--some kitties love this pampering and will eat from your fingers. Aw...

Prayers still coming Muffin's way--and to his mommy and daddy.

He eats prescription kibble with some wet mixed in.  That has been working since March. I gave him the pill from the drugstore for his appetite.  He was finally acting starving, but when I mixed his food, he ate practically none.  For lack of anything else I fed him some wet meow mix to justs get something in him.  This is the first time he has done that.  Our vet doesn't open on Thursday until four. l  will call him then and see what he suggests.  I had to feed Speedboat two years ago when he got sick, so I have been there and done that.  Just wishing this was not happening.

blueyedgirl5946 said:

He eats prescription kibble with some wet mixed in.  That has been working since March. I gave him the pill from the drugstore for his appetite.  He was finally acting starving, but when I mixed his food, he ate practically none.  For lack of anything else I fed him some wet meow mix to justs get something in him.  This is the first time he has done that.  Our vet doesn't open on Thursday until four. l  will call him then and see what he suggests.  I had to feed Speedboat two years ago when he got sick, so I have been there and done that.  Just wishing this was not happening.

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Do you think he would eat some meat baby food (without any onion in any form in it)? Beechnut and Gerber are two brands that come to mind that don't contain onion--but check the labels to be sure.

Hmmm...maybe his sense of smell is a bit out of whack because he's feeling poorly? Could you try warming his food a little bit to bring out the aroma more?

So he did eat a bit of the wet meow mix? If so, this is good, even if it's not his prescription food.

Maybe the pill hadn't fully kicked in yet? What is the name of the pills?

When you talk to your vet, maybe ask him about B-12 injections for his inappetance. Most vets use the Cyanocobalamin form of B-12, but Methylcobalamin form is safer and better absorbed--which you could get a prescription for and give yourself if need be. Or order try to find some Pure Encapsulations B-12 Methylcobalamin 1,000mcg, which comes in capsule form, that can be mixed in his food.
 

Take a deep breath, honey--you can do this. I have faith in you!! Still sending lots of prayers!

Simka said:

I just put my utterly beloved Sam through a two-hour surgery (major dental) knowing full well that she might not make it, but knowing that her quality of life would be much improved if the surgery was done.  She has had CRF for nearly 3 years and was within days of being euthanized for dramatic weight loss when I decided to foster her from the shelter. She's gone through a bloody diarrhoea virus which nearly killed two other fosters and had the vets stumped, blood transfusion, Epogen treatment and was recently diagnosed with being borderline hyperthyroid. The tech told me her heart sank when she saw Sam and that her heart rate was high.  The vet (who I've been seeing for 30 years) called me that morning and went through all the problems and bad scenarios to make sure I understood the risks, although he was glad when I told him to go ahead, that I understood.  I couldn't wait at home and so sat in their waiting room for hours in case something happened and I could be there right after she died. Sam came through it, rather to the surprise of all of us, and her quality of life has been improved - for however long she has.

I only say this to indicate that I agree that when you have developed a strong relationship with your vet, and you have great trust in him/her, then you listen and make the decision together. Sometimes, you have to roll the dice, no matter that it might break your heart, because it's the wisest decision for your companion.

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Thank you for this very encouraging post.  It is so appreciated.  The vet gave Muffin a tube of Nutrcal and also a pill that is an appetite.  Last night and both feedings today, Muffin ate his full amount of prescription kibble, undecorated with anything else to entice him.  Yeah.  I am so happy.

blueyedgirl5946 said:

Thank you for this very encouraging post.  It is so appreciated.  The vet gave Muffin a tube of Nutrcal and also a pill that is an appetite.  Last night and both feedings today, Muffin ate his full amount of prescription kibble, undecorated with anything else to entice him.  Yeah.  I am so happy.

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What awesome news!!! I'm literally grinning from ear to ear and celebrating this milestone with you.

Never thought I would be so happy that a kitty would eat kibble, but dang, it's better than nothing.

Still sending prayers and also lots of cyber cuddles for your little Muffin.

Yay very happy that Muffin seems to be rallying! Fingers and paws are crossed that it will continue!

And hugs to all of you  , I know how hard this is both emotionally and physically on everyone in your house

My wishes that it will all work out

Absolutely, and they continue!  There is another liquid dietary supplement for cats who aren't eating that is (I think) only obtainable from your vet -- it's called CliniCare Canine/Feline Liquid Diet.  You might want to ask your vet about this.

Good evening friends.  First, Happy Mother's Day to each and every one.  I feel that I need to express my thanks for the kind words and support I have received from you.  Cat Mom, even though you gave no advice, you sent prayers.  I believe in the ability of prayer to change circumstances and open the door for miracles.  Thank you.  Simka,your sweet words make me feel stronger.  Our vet did say that sometime cats develop breathing issues as a secondary thing caused by the tumor.  He is hoping that will change.  JCatl, you have always been an inspiration to me ever since I can remember.  Thank you for that.  Oriental Slave, the reason our vet didn't progress with anything else was because we were not leaning in the direction on number one.  Thank you for that observation and suggestion.

MrsGreenJeans, BarbB,k MomofMany, LDG, Simka, WhollyCat, and Tara'sgirl, thank you for the kind words.  Kind words and support are much appreciated.  To those of you who sent hugs, vibes and prayers, thery are blessings to me.  Thank you my friends.  Hubby and I will get through this somehow, and we pray that Muffin will too.

Awww... my heart goes out to you and Muffin.  You are in a nearly impossible situation and I'm sending vibes
 

Just sending you lots of good thoughts.

Has anyone ever heard of sodium dichloroacetate to treat cancer in cats.

UPDATE ON MUFFIN.  He is in surgery this morning.  The vet just called and said the mass is on Muffin's liver.  There is no evidence anywhere else of any more tumors, and he believes he can get all the tumor.  That is all we know at this stage.  I am not sure if Muffin will spend the night and what the follow up treatment will be.  I thank all of you who have expressed positive thoughts and prayers on behalf of me and my husband and most of all Muffin.  You are great friends.

That sounds like very good news. We will be on tenterhooks waiting to hear from you if the vet got all the tumor.

I'll bet they will want to keep him overnight. There have been a number of times when I've grovelled to take my cat home, saying that it's safer because I'm there to rush her/him to emergency whereas they are closed, but it's only worked a few times.

I guess what happens next depends on the biopsy results.
 

Oh wow, I didn't know he was going in! But that does sound like good news, all things considered! Sending just HEAPS of vibes, and will be waiting for an update! :heart3:

Our vet says Muffin's tumor was on the very end of one of the liver lobes.  Because of that he was able to remove it all.  He removed 75% of that liver lobe.  The tumor was about the size of a racquet ball, two and a half inches in diameter.  They will send it to the lab for a histology report so we can know what we are dealing with.  He usually sutures everything, but because he didn't want to leave Muffin under the anesthesia any longer than necessary, he stapled him.  Muffin was given antibiotics during the surgery.  When he was waking up, he was given a healthy dose of a pain killer.  He is currently still at the vet's office, is on an IV.  The girls are putting hot water bottles with him to keep him warm.  They will keep him there overnight and someone will be there with him until closing time.  My vet only lives a mile from his office and will probably go back later to check on him.  I wish I could bring him home, but I haven't asked that yet.  He has a seven inch incision.  That is because my vet wanted to be able to see his spleen and abdomen to make sure there was no other tumor, and there is not.  Also, his lungs are clear according to last week's x-ray.  I really didn't post early about his surgery because I didn't want any more negative stuff to deal with here.  I do so appreciate all of you who have spoken encouraging words to me.  Thank you so much for that.  Muffin is not out of the woods yet, but my vet says he is cautiously optimistic.  Everyone who prays, please pray for him.  The rest who can send some postive thoughts and real concern, please keep it coming for our sweet little Muffin.  He is 12 years old, but we believe he is going to recover and have some more time with us.

Oh that's GREAT news! I'm sorry he'll likely spend the night, but it's probably for the best. :heart3: And at least it's just one night!

for a COMPLETE and QUICK recovery! And for the even more wonderful news that the tumor was benign. :nod: :heart2: :cross:

 *PRAYERS* for Muffin's surgergy to be 100% successful and for his speedy recovery.  My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.  

I'm so glad they were able to remove the tumor and that they could get all of it! I am praying that he will recover from this and that there will be nothing more wrong with him!

They probably need him to spend the night so that he can stay on the IV for painkillers and fluids. It is probably a good thing for you to get some rest while Muffin heals. I am so glad he is doing ok!