I need advice or have you experienced anything like this

My cat is sick, it all began with what sounded like bronchitis, first treated for asthma with pred, no help, then inhaler, after the first inhaler his health went dramatically bad. The vet says he is in critical condition with his main problem being respiratory. She doesn't know if it is cancer or fungus or ? He is dehydrated and barely eats.Prognosis is grim, and the treatment is taking cells from the trachea which is very dangerous because he can't breath very well. But before that the treatment to get him up to a point where he can have the cell removal is very extreme. This is of course costing thousands and not knowing if he'll even make it or recover.

My idea is to make him comfortable, but is there a way to know if I could do more without doing everything the doc says I need to do, which is feeding tube and so much more. He sleeps all the time, got him eating baby food, doing what the doc says but doing everything she suggests seems like torture for a cat or human.

I'm at a loss sorting through what the doc says and doing the most humane thing for something unknown and then the cost will be ongoing.

Thanks for listening. Any thoughts on making decisions for complicated medical problems I would appreciate.

I've cared for cats with feeding tubes several times, one cat had one in for over a year, and they get used to in within a few days. They stop gulping and gagging and, if they feel like it, start eating. They can even eat kibble if they wish and it goes down fine.  They adjust to it and live with it whereas we humans would be forever thinking about it, worrying, being miserable, etc. It's not a nice thing for your cat to go through, but it's not the worst kind of treatment by any means. Fluids are a breeze. My Sam gets them twice a day and has for years. She even climbs up onto the bathroom counter when she knows it's time.

If your vet truly believes there is a reasonable chance of saving your cat, then consider going through with the preliminary treatment. How easygoing is he?  I have had a few cats over the years who wouldn't be able to cope with the tube and fluids, but dozens more cope well. You will need to feel comfortable with it all or your cat will respond to scared or negative feelings from you. From your description, it doesn't sound like torture to me, but you know far better how your cat might cope.

Can you really afford this surgery? We all have to ask ourselves that question.
 

Thanks for the input. This cat does not take medication well at all. He was getting the pills in a mini piece of shrimp and one day decided he didn't like shrimp and would not eat anything but his dry food, he's not a good patient, even now in his poor state he wants nothing to do with what I want to give him.

I would like to feed him the baby food and hydration and see what happens.  I think the doc thinks it has gone too far already, just my impression.

The doc wants him in 24 hour care to build up his health to get the tracheal cell removal which she says is very dangerous in his condition. He could pass on just getting treatment. The cost is something I can't do right now, it is a huge concern so I will go the distance in keeping him comfortable.

Poor kitty! I bet that's very stressing for you as well to see him like this.

Can't the vet test for fungus and/or for cancer (ultra sounds or an x-ray)? With no diagnosis, it's pretty hard to decide how to continue. Have you considered getting a second opinion from another vet?

BTW I deleted your other thread in the Cat Lounge because of the topic and it being a duplicate of this thread. If you want to add any information please use this thread. Thank you!

Anne said:

Can't the vet test for fungus and/or for cancer (ultra sounds or an x-ray)? With no diagnosis, it's pretty hard to decide how to continue. Have you considered getting a second opinion from another vet?

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Seems like a 2nd opinion might be worth it. I have to wonder if there are non-invasive diagnostic options here. They may not provide a DEFINITIVE diagnosis without the biopsy, but they may give a vet a darn good idea. :dk: When our cat was diagnosed with cancer, it was apparent from the ultrasound it was cancer. The biopsy was necessary only to determine (confirm) the type.

It seems there have been x-rays. But given the asthma treatment didn't work.... is there a reason not to treat for fungus? What are the side-effects? I'm not sure, but I think most fungal infections are treated with oral fluconazole. :dk: And if that would be the treatment - what happens if it's given and there isn't a fungal infection? But if that's what it is - then if there's no harm in trying it..... I'd at least ask, I think. :nod:

As to the feeding tube, especially if she needs meds and she resists taking them, I'd consider doing it. Unless because of the breathing problem, it's contra-indicated? But the procedure requires VERY little anesthesia, a VERY small incision (that typically doesn't even bleed), and about 10 minutes. And then you have stress-free feeding and medicating. My vet is of the opinion that if it's the difference between potential treatment or not, and an animal is likely terminal without it, there is simply no reason not to do it. Of course, I'm sure there are exceptions.

But at this point, I'd ask some questions, and I'd consider a second opinion, I think, depending on the answers. :rub:

Vibes for you and your kitty. :heart3: