Long post, I know. I apologize in advance. This is how I help myself think things through.
Anyone know how long blood transfusions are good for? and how long they work for? and how much they cost (not a big factor, but would be good to know before we make an appointment with the vet). I do have a much larger 15? pound cat who could potentially be a donor but he is diabetic which could be a problem and according to Tanya's website, a donor cat can only donate once a month. Cocheezie would be appalled. She thinks he's a galumph.
I noticed this morning that Cocheezie's tongue is quite pale. We've been managing well since May using a tincture and an upped dose. The vet said the upped dosage was the same as a B12 shot with the added benefits of the other ingredients.
She's currently taking 1.5 ml of Amino-BPlex (which contains potassium and amino acids as well). The dosage of everything but iron is larger (according to my math skills) than the Nutrived and Pet Tinic.
I've been trying to feed her good quality, high liver wet food. If she doesn't like it, she won't eat. If stomach acid is acting up, she won't eat. Basically, we've started feeding her what she deigns to eat (except for fish which is portioned out in tiny amounts because I know she will eat fish and I use it to hide meds in).
She's still free from pain, eating, demanding, has energy, and currently snoozing on a cushion enjoying a warm fall day on the balcony. She insisted on going outside yesterday even though it was very chilly. We are mulling over our options (which don't seem to be all that many). Do we go for blood transfusions? ESA? heavy duty iron? or let it be?
I'm assuming vet will most likely tell us that the cancer has entered the bone marrow, or the white blood cells.
I've read http://www.felinecrf.org/esas.htm which talks about the benefits and risks of ESA. I found the risk of antibody percentages very scary.
There is iron in her tincture. Adding more might cause constipation. She's already on miralax for severe constipation (which was our first indicator of this whole scenario).
A bit tough at the moment. My DH is at home recovering from surgery and I have my own chronic health issues which are being pushed to the max having to do everything involving cats, DH, and the house by myself. However, it should be her option, really. Any information or suggestions about treating anemia in a lymphoma cat are welcome.
Anyone know how long blood transfusions are good for? and how long they work for? and how much they cost (not a big factor, but would be good to know before we make an appointment with the vet). I do have a much larger 15? pound cat who could potentially be a donor but he is diabetic which could be a problem and according to Tanya's website, a donor cat can only donate once a month. Cocheezie would be appalled. She thinks he's a galumph.
I noticed this morning that Cocheezie's tongue is quite pale. We've been managing well since May using a tincture and an upped dose. The vet said the upped dosage was the same as a B12 shot with the added benefits of the other ingredients.
She's currently taking 1.5 ml of Amino-BPlex (which contains potassium and amino acids as well). The dosage of everything but iron is larger (according to my math skills) than the Nutrived and Pet Tinic.
I've been trying to feed her good quality, high liver wet food. If she doesn't like it, she won't eat. If stomach acid is acting up, she won't eat. Basically, we've started feeding her what she deigns to eat (except for fish which is portioned out in tiny amounts because I know she will eat fish and I use it to hide meds in).
She's still free from pain, eating, demanding, has energy, and currently snoozing on a cushion enjoying a warm fall day on the balcony. She insisted on going outside yesterday even though it was very chilly. We are mulling over our options (which don't seem to be all that many). Do we go for blood transfusions? ESA? heavy duty iron? or let it be?
I'm assuming vet will most likely tell us that the cancer has entered the bone marrow, or the white blood cells.
I've read http://www.felinecrf.org/esas.htm which talks about the benefits and risks of ESA. I found the risk of antibody percentages very scary.
There is iron in her tincture. Adding more might cause constipation. She's already on miralax for severe constipation (which was our first indicator of this whole scenario).
A bit tough at the moment. My DH is at home recovering from surgery and I have my own chronic health issues which are being pushed to the max having to do everything involving cats, DH, and the house by myself. However, it should be her option, really. Any information or suggestions about treating anemia in a lymphoma cat are welcome.
