My cat has bone cancer

need sleep

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 16, 2014
Messages
9
Purraise
1
I took my cat to the vet because she was drinking huge amounts of water and lately her lower eyelashes were getting stuck to her eye. I expected that she may be having kidney issues or diabetes. She is nearly 13 & has never been sick. I knew there was a surgical procedure for her eye but couldn't understand why it was happening as that's usually something an animal is born with. She said it may be an infection in a tooth causing swelling & pushing up her lower lid. Fast forward...her vet calls and says the x-rays show a large boney growth. She could biopsy it but she's seen it so many times and coupled with the eye issue it is bone cancer. I will not be finding out about her kidneys, etc as she has been given approx 2 months to live. I went ahead and did the eye surgery even though as the tumor grows it will come back. I just want to make her a comfortable as possible. It's already pushing on her right sinus cavity. She snores really loud and sneezes. Her back end is also in pain. Could be related or arthritis. I decided to bring her home since she hates the vet....she's mean and they can't touch her without knocking her out. She was born feral & although I bottle fed her she still has the traits. It's almost impossible to medicate her. I asked if she would just die quietly in her sleep. The answer is no....she will suffer excruciating pain and no longer be able to eat due to the tumor in her jawbone. I have Val/Torn for pain...don't know how I can give it to her. She has a heating pad and when she stops being able to eat I will euthanize her. I will not put a 13 year old cat who hates meds and vets through chemo. She has had a good life and she's so stubborn it wouldn't shock me if she lasted much longer. She hasn't slowed down eating yet as she's pretty large. I expected a kidney or diabetes issue but never bone cancer. We adopted another cat a month ago as a companion for our bengal as he hates being alone. I just never anticipated things would play out this way. I knew she was I'll but had no idea she is dying.
 

denice

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Feb 7, 2006
Messages
18,839
Purraise
13,146
Location
Columbus OH
I am so sorry.  Bone cancer is one of the very painful cancers.  I know it is hard but you need to be aware of when it is time and let go. 
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #3

need sleep

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 16, 2014
Messages
9
Purraise
1
I should've previewed... The medication is Val/Torb. And I meant to say I knew she was ill... Not I'll.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

need sleep

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 16, 2014
Messages
9
Purraise
1
Denise....how will I know other than when she stops eating? I can tell it hurts her to walk. She freaks out and attacks you if you try to touch her rear legs and lower back. I figured this is arthritis. She is so mean when you try to give meds. I almost put her to sleep yesterday but my daughter said not to. That I shouldn't have her there scared & then put her to sleep. That I should wait & take her in so that she isn't in a cage all day wondering what's going on. We have 3 cats but she's my big, fat, white puffball that I've had a long time. I will not keep her around for me...that's selfish. I just hope I recognize the signs before she's in too much pain.
 

di and bob

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 12, 2012
Messages
16,583
Purraise
22,965
Location
Nebraska, USA
My heart goes out to you, you are such a caring person and doing all you can for your furbaby. Call your vet and see what they think about Prednisone. My cat was 100% more comfortable when on it, he had a huge oral tumor, and it reduced the size of the tumor and let him breathe better and he stopped drooling. My Hobo was on it for over a year, and I want you to know if they ever say anything about 'long term effects', say I know, but my cat is dying, and if it makes her feel better I would like to continue it. Hobo ate them fine inside of a Greenie pill pocket, or just stick them in the food your cat likes best and she will probably eat it.

   It always makes my heart ache to think of the pain these poor babies go through, but she knows she is greatly loved and I'm sure loves you for the help you are giving her. A heating pad will comfort her, and as long as she is eating and drinking a little she is still hanging on. You'll know when the time is near, I'll pray that she DOES go quietly in her sleep, after all miracles do still happen! Please know I'll keep you both in my prayers, God bless you for caring so much.
 

denice

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Feb 7, 2006
Messages
18,839
Purraise
13,146
Location
Columbus OH
I would try the Pred.  My kitty has been on it for over 3 years now for IBD with no issues.  The main issue that will happen with long term use is diabetes, some kitties have that issue others don't.  The steroid will also help with inflammation from arthritis.

I know it's hard to tell when it's time.  When the time comes maybe look into a vet that will come to your home.  I know here we have a vet that will come to the home for euthanasia even if the pet isn't one of his patients.   He does check with the regular vet before doing a euthanasia.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #7

need sleep

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 16, 2014
Messages
9
Purraise
1
Thanks to everyone for the advice & well wishes. I am afraid to try Pred right now as she most likely already has diabetes. The original reason I took her to the vet was her excessive water consumption and her eye. Since they found this they didn't see a point in sending in blood and urine to test for diabetes & kidney issues. I will ask though when I take her in to have her eye checked. She is still eating normally so that's a good thing. My friend says she is so stubborn & mean she'll probably end up living another 3 years. She is quite funny today...still coming down from pain meds and anesthesia.... wobbly and uncoordinated since last night.
 
Top