Please HELP Miss Kitty is dying and i need some advice on her blood test results.. Im losing faith

My cat is 14 years old now, I have had her since I was 14-15 years old and im turning 29 this year..   Her brother is healthy as an ox and until recently she was too..  She was a normal weight and acting normally just 1-2 months ago, and I noticed the last few weeks she just sleeps 24/7 and doesn't come to me anymore, I decided to go to her and pet her and see what was wrong and she was bones.. I didn't realize she was skinny.. her nickname is Miss Piggy because she has always had a little bit of fat on her.  So I told my mom and we brought into the vet and he did a physical exam on her and said she has a mass in in tummy that's like an inch or two big...

He suspected she had FELV or FIV because she had a sore in her mouth and bad breath but both of those tests came back negative..  She we did a full blood test, and thyroid test and her thyroid is ok, but her Neutrophiles, Lymphocytes and monocytes are all elevated..  By ALOT.. the main he pointed out was the neutrophils the main white blood cells I geuss, and the range he said was suppose to be 2500-8500 and hers are 54,450..  Which is 5-6x higher in fact he went on to tell me in his 30 years as a vet he has never seen this before in a cat and that her immune system is going absolutetly crazy..

 He said he had to call the lab to talk to them about the possibilities of what is causing her immune system to go crazy like this and it could be a number of various infections, but because she has a mass. Its either two possibilities..  That its a very large Abscess or its a Tumor, most likely cancerous he said, and because of the size its probably malignant and that the tumor is dying from the inside causing necrosis hense the high blood cell count..    But what made me confused when I asked which would be worse..  He claims the abscess would be worse because its hard to remove them in surgery...  Now my dad died from cancer so I know a thing or two of this disease and to me a malignant cancer or any kind of cancer would be hell of a lot worse then a abscess infection...

My faith in this doctor is going down fast because of his vast 30 years experience and him having to consult because hes never seen an immune system going so hard like hers..  And the fact that he thinks an abscess is worse then cancer...

Today we are getting an Ultra sound done to find out what it is...  I don't know what to "hope" for because he seems to be confused or something..  Im considering telling my mom to get a second opinion after this ultra sound is done.. She wont like that though because my mom is thick headed, and we have had this doctor for over 20 years now..  But he doesn't sound like he has a clue

Can anyone help me and gives me advice?  A 54,000 neutrophil count is that an unheared of number like he claims..  To me that gives me hope that her immune system could be fighting this off as for winning I don't know.. What should I do ?

Oh and the test results also noted there is a sign of Lymphocytosis and that she may need a bone marrow sample to be taken..  I guess that's caused by cancer

Oh my. This does sound very serious.     Sometimes these things are hard to figure out, but you're taking the appropriate steps - exam, blood work, diagnostic imaging. Did he say anything about addressing those neutrophils? Is the ultrasound being done by an experienced board-certified radiologist? The ultrasound is only as good as the person performing it. I hope you get some more answers. Whatever it is, it shouldn't be there. I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Well the ultra sound came back and it showed multiple lumps in her and enlarge liver and enlarged lymph nodes, and he said its inoperable and most likely cancer lymphoma ....  

WOW this sucks...  So I can do anything to my kitty !!! Had her 15 years...  Im going to try some herbal medicine im looking up this stuff called Life Gold I got it today and gave her some it has reviews on amazon.com and all over the place and people claim their cancer in their cats went away or shrunk or at the very least it helped them live a better life before they passed.

So I guess this is all I can do for her..  He gave me some pain meds and steroids to help shrink the tumors and meds to help make her eat...  He was hesitant on giving them though because he kept saying we should put her to sleep..  I refuse to do that right now, she is walking around eating, drinking, pooping and still her self, just a little weak she isn't showing signs of pain to me..  She wants to go outside all the time still..

So I dunno what to do..  I want to get a second opinion but I don't have the funds to keep jumping doctors..

See how tired she was after the vert visit she went in my lap as I was driving home and fell asleep with her chin on my left arm..  She always sleeps with me every night in my bed and nalways has her chin resting on my arm like a pillow..

Sorry to hear about your cat. Cats and dogs (dogs more, I think) all tend to develop cancers in old age. I am a nurse, not a vet, but what I have noticed over the years with my cats and their illnesses is that many of their signs and symptoms of illness mimic that of humans. That said, if your cat has an abscess she would likelynot only  be critically ill but also  have a high fever along with the high white count. Although I have seen very high white counts in humans with infection, it is rare. Usually the very high white counts indicate leukemia in humans, and chances are it is the same in animals. Although leukemia is not the same as a tumor, it wouldn't surprise me if a vet ever told someone that that can happen. The problem with treating an abscess (and yes, I think I would rather be dealing with an abscess) is that routinely (in humans) that part of the surgical intervention is not only to rinse out the abdomen but also to place a drain or two to allow for the remnant irrigation fluid and any remaining pus or any new pus can drain. A cat will make every effort to pull out the drains, dressing changes would have to be done at least daily and, of course would require antibiotic therapy, which all can be challenging, especially after a few days and the cat decides he/she doesn't want that kind of attention anymore.

It is possible that it is a metastatic tumor that has affected the lymphatic system, causing a very high white count. Another possibility is that there is more than one thing going on with the cat. I find that the vets are usually right, but if you are that unsure, definitely take her to another vet for a second opinion.

Good luck to you, I understand your heartache.

I'm so sorry about the ultrasound results - I just saw your update. You will know when it is time to put her down.. Enjoy her while you still have her and don't feel guilty about that despite what the vet thinks. If she's not acting poorly then it's not her time yet.

You are being given a tough choice and I really do feel for you and your kitty.  Is there a Veterinary School in your vicinity so you can consult them?  Where are you BTW.  In Florida, we have the Veterinary School at the University of Florida, and we have some very capable vets in Jacksonville.  If it turns out that you are in Florida, I may be able to refer you.

You may be able to qualify for help from a local humane society that has an emergency pet fund.  You may also be able to qualify for starting a GoFundMe account.  Those are dangerous.  People have found that scammers are using this crowdfunding site for their own nefarious ends.

Sending my very best wishes and healing Karma your way! 

I'm so sorry .  If you wanted a 2nd opinion,they shouldn't have to run the tests all over again.  I would think you could take all the test results you already have, including the ultra sound results,and have another Vet review them, possibly even without having to drag your cat down there. What's her name, anyway (your cat ).

Also, how does she like the Life Gold?  Did she give you any trouble taking it?  I'll be curious as to whether or not she improves on it....you may not get updated bloodwork for awhile, but even if she SEEMS better, that's what counts. 

Well the lifegold stuff comes with a dropper and I just measure it to the 25ml mark and hold her and lift her head up and squirt it in her mouth she doesn't like it but with a liquid she cant spit it out and she has to "eat it"  

Im also stopping the Prednisone the doctor gave us, its suppose to help with swelling and shrink the tumors to make her feel better, but I didn't realize it also comprimises the immune system..  My goal is to boost her immune system and hope her body can fight it off..  You know doctors claim that people everyone gets cancer in their lifetime you just don't know it because your body destroys it before it goes out of control.   Like for breast exams some doctors said they are too good at finding cancers even super tiny ones that the body would naturally get rid of, so some people are getting meds they don't need.

I've read stories where boosting the immune system in people or animals can get rid of cancer..  and Life gold is suppose to do that so well see..   My mom got mad at me for saying im not giving her the steroids anymore but why would I give Miss Kitty something that hurts the immune system.. 

Im a little worried about her right now though, I told my mom to stop letting the cat outside because of her condition and she let both out cats " both are brother and sister been together since kittens" last night..  And its 6am now and iv been calling her and she isn't coming.  I hope she comes back later today..  Im probably being paranoid because it isn't like shes crippled...  But still I think she needs to be inside and resting.

I know it's a catch 22 on the Pred.  From what I've heard, it DOES help shrink tumors and give relief, especially if there is pressure on internal organs.  But you're correct in that it compromises the immune system. 

I didn't realize she went outdoors.  I thought she slept with you every night, so her not being back by 6 a.m IS worrisome.  Did her brother come home?  A sick cat IS somewhat like a crippled cat in that other cats can sense their weakness and attack them.  But since she is so tired, maybe she's just curled up somewhere, fast asleep, or better yet, she's home be now, since you posted several hours ago .

Candymancan said:

Well the lifegold stuff comes with a dropper and I just measure it to the 25ml mark and hold her and lift her head up and squirt it in her mouth she doesn't like it but with a liquid she cant spit it out and she has to "eat it"  


Im also stopping the Prednisone the doctor gave us, its suppose to help with swelling and shrink the tumors to make her feel better, but I didn't realize it also comprimises the immune system..  My goal is to boost her immune system and hope her body can fight it off..  You know doctors claim that people everyone gets cancer in their lifetime you just don't know it because your body destroys it before it goes out of control.   Like for breast exams some doctors said they are too good at finding cancers even super tiny ones that the body would naturally get rid of, so some people are getting meds they don't need.

I've read stories where boosting the immune system in people or animals can get rid of cancer..  and Life gold is suppose to do that so well see..   My mom got mad at me for saying im not giving her the steroids anymore but why would I give Miss Kitty something that hurts the immune system.. 


Im a little worried about her right now though, I told my mom to stop letting the cat outside because of her condition and she let both out cats " both are brother and sister been together since kittens" last night..  And its 6am now and iv been calling her and she isn't coming.  I hope she comes back later today..  Im probably being paranoid because it isn't like shes crippled...  But still I think she needs to be inside and resting.

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Please be careful with stopping the prednisone (or any steroid). It needs to be tapered off rather than stopped abruptly. Check with your vet (or a new vet if you're not going back to the same one) to find out how to wean her off of it.

Please do NOT stop the Prednisone! It WILL help her in the short term, even humans with cancer take it. If you do stil stop it as someone said you must taper it off slowly. I suggest you look into getting her Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). You can join the Yahoo Group called LDN for Pets...look for the name as LDN_4_Pets . The people are very supportive and get you info and how to get it.  Ask your vet about Google LDN for pets and you will get most of the info you need or facebook me. Hope this helps. Regardless of how you treat her at age 15, which is almost 90 in cat years, and with a malignancy, you must realise that you are only buying her more time. Eventually you will lose her and to prepare for it.

I  feel your anguish. Right now I have my 15 year old Muffy boy in hospital with Pancreatitis. He also has Diabetes,Kidney Failure, and now IBD. he has not been himself for over a week not eating, drinking, just very weak and laying around and hiding. Like your Miss Kitty, Muffy's favourite place is to sleep by my side. I  miss him terribly while he is in hospital even though I go see him twice a day and he is begging me with his eyes to come home. I have cried buckets over him already and also have to face the reality that he may not be with me longer than a year at this rate. But I also am hoping for a miracle, and when I  bring him home, I  will start giving him LDN which has helped some cats with Pancreas inflammation, etc. Hope this helps and good luck.

A year ago  I lost Franny at 12 years old and her brother Lemmy is still here and very strong too. I feel sad that you are going to go through what I did.  The same things happened to me. When I noticed Franny was skin and bones it happened so fast.  She also had Lymphoma.  A tumor in her stomach and all the same listlessness you have.  Heres whats important.  I got the second opinion and that Vet started his own program and started hydrating her every day, She seems to rally for a few days then started wasting away. I tried to syringe feed her, and it just got harder and harder, this lasted about 8 days. At night she would not sleep with me anymore and started hiding.  I knew it was the end and I hoped she would pass on her own.  Instead after one more really bad night, she had peed herself and now could not lift her head I knew I had to make the hard decision for her. I am crying even now a year later when I write this.  My vet came to my house and I spent the last 6 hrs of her life with her.  It is never easy but you need to do this for your Miss Piggy so she does not suffer as Franny did thru a entire night.  Take video and pictures if you can, I even took some pics and videos of her resting just before the vet came.  I have not looked at them in a year but I am glad I have them.  OK I know this is not what you want to hear but as our pets age this is what happens to all of us.  If we love them, we let them go.  Keep us posted. 

BTW the picture is Franny 4 days before she left me.  She made it out to the living room to see outside for a few minutes.  I got this very special shot of her.

Awww, Franny was beautiful.

I'm really sorry about your cat.. Hope she gets better.. If not enjoy her and make her comfortable..she no you love her and you are trying your best to take care of her.. I send you my best wishes and good energies ..

I had a similar problem a few years back with Cleo...a stray/feral cat that grew into the best cat possible. We noticed her breathing a bit faster than normal and the Vet found a large mass inside that was pressing on her organs, making it difficult to eat or breathe. We put Cleo on steroids and it helped her greatly, at least it made her more comfortable and boosted her energy and eating/drinking. If it is a type of cancer, not much can really be done short of surgery or chemo. As much as I hate to say it, just about anything that claims that it can cure cancer is snake oil that takes advantage of your emotions because of Miss Kitty's problems. Miss Kitty is getting up there in years also. Its not unusual to have a cat live to be 20 or more, but when they get Miss K's age their systems aren't as strong and resilient as they once were.

     Infections are difficult to work with but they can be cleaned up unless sepsis (Blood Poisoning) sets in. I don't think poor Miss Kitty's problem is an infection though. My Cleo went thru the same decline, losing a lot of weight and having difficulty getting comfortable. I knew what I had to do with Cleo and I was hoping the world would end first, so that I didn't have to do it. Treating an older cat that has cancer can be terribly expensive, and you certainly don't want Miss K to suffer any more than she has. My recommendation would be to resume the Prednisone/steroids and enjoy the precious time that the two of you have together. I saw a message about low dose Naltrexone (Narcan), but I'm unsure how that would benefit anything as it is an anti-pain med. It is used by emergency responders who use it to revive addicts that have overdosed. Perhaps it was confused with a similar type of pain med, such as Stadol or buprenorphine.  Having to face the end for a lifelong friend like Miss Kitty is one of the hardest and painful things you will have to do in life. You must also realize when it is time to say goodbye to prevent suffering. Enjoy Miss Kitty and do what you need to do to keep her comfortable. If it is an abscess, then hopefully it can be fixed up with medicine or light surgery. If it is more serious, find a vet or two that you feel you can trust. Older vets know the difficult times that pet owners go thru...the newer "chain store" vets, such as Banfield, seem to be focused more on ordering expensive tests and procedures and less on dealing with the patient and owners. This is just my opinion, but I've had many kittys over the last several decades. Do your best for Miss K...otherwise you will feel that you could have done more years down the road. Enjoy your time together and pay attention to make sure it is quality time you spend together. You will both enjoy it and feel better about it. I wish you and Miss K the best.

Jim

JMarkitall,

FYI, please do some more research. While you are correct that at regular doses it is used for addicts, etc., what research has shown is that at a very low dose of between 1mg -4.5mg, it is helping greatly in treating autoimmune disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBD, etc.and many more as well as cancer, or other ailments where inflammation needs to be reduced. Many people have attested to having their tumors shrink when rescanned, depending on how far the disease had progressed.

MY neighbor takes it for COPD and she has VASTLY improved that she is no longer on oxygen, and is down to one inhaler only, and off prednisone and is able to go out and walk. My other cat Puffy has been diagnosed with IBD, I started giving it to her a year ago, she is like a new kitty, no more diarrhea, has put on weight, her fur is so much silkier again, and her latest Ultrasound of her intestines show that her lining is no longer as thick as it was. I was skeptical of it at first too, but the ultrasound showed the improvement. Even her Vet was surprised.

The problem is because it is a very old drug and generic, big pharma will not do research on it, because there would be no money to make. Yet at least one company is using it in a new dual med drug for obesity called Contrave, which was FDA approved just last year,  because it has shown in clinical trials that it also helps suppress appetite in people.

You might also try subcutaneous fluids.  I had a cat who became ill with multiple health issues (diabetes, epilepsy, and chronic loose stools)  and he was on multiple medicines.  I took him in for fluids a couple of times a week and they seemed to help "perk him up."  If your cat hates going to the vet, you can even give him fluids at home.  It normally takes 2 people though.  I tried, unsuccessfully, to give my cat subcutaneous fluids by myself.  My vet also suggested a Vitamin B-12 shot.  I tried a few of those for my cat but I saw no improvement....so I discontinued those. 

I wish you guys the very best of luck!