How Long?

My 15 year old cat had shots in December and now has been diagnosed with injection site sarcoma.  My vet won't operate--he said, in fact, "I wouldn't blame you if you put her to sleep today."  That was several weeks ago and she seems fine--in fact, eating more than usual since we are so glad she is eating we keep opening cans for her.  The only sad thing is none of the other cats sleep with her anymore.  How long do we have with her?  She is a semi-feral cat and we have opted not to take her to a specialist because it is so traumatic for her to leave the house.  I am so sad, I feel like I did this to her.  We have 8 cats and have always kept up with their shots.  We had 10 but one died of a heart disorder and another of cancer at age 11.  Otherwise all are age 14 and up and I know we are going to be saying good bye to them in the coming years but this one is so sad because I can't comfort her.

Oh I'm SO sorry!

We were just having a discussion about vaccinations, in fact. We always thought we were doing right by keeping up-to-date on shots too, until we saw a holistic vet for one of our kitties a couple of years ago. Now none of our cats get vaccinated, though I'd always have a kitten receive those first shots.

Aw....

Why won't he operate? Did he say it had already metastasized? I know it's traumatic for kitty to travel, but you may want a second opinion. :dk: You can use feliway on the crate, harp music in the car, cover the carrier, put a t-shirt in there that you've sweated on... all of these things may help calm your kitty for travel. :rub:

I just googled, and found this information. :heart2: http://www.swvets.com/downloads/Feline_Injection_site_sarcomas.pdf

Vibes for you and your baby girl....

Honestly, the only way to truly diagnose is to excise and do a biopsy on the tumor. Aspirating cells is not conclusive. My dog, Henry, has a necrotic granuloma injection site sarcoma on his hip from his last rabies vaccine which was five years ago. I will never vaccinate my pets after the initial kitten/puppy series and then the one year booster, ever again. Anyway, Henry is alive and well. There is a good chance that your cat will be fine. I agree with Laurie and would get a second opinion. As far as I know, the only way to truly get a diagnosis is to do surgery and get some tissue to send in. I also think it was sad that your vet told you to put the cat down. Loads of vibes to you and your dear kitty. :rub:

It makes me so sad to hear this. Sad that a vet would vaccinate a 15 year old cat in the first place. And sad the vet suggested putting the cat down... Good vibes for you and your kitty If I had any doubts before this confirmed that I am never vaccinating my kitties again. Especially my cat with FIV. 1 adult shot and they are done. Good luck with everything.