Adopted Cat 2 Months Ago - Mass in Abdomen

saltymeow

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I adopted my beloved Salty about two months ago (I posted previously because I was struggling to get him to eat) from a shelter in Kentucky that brings the cats up to Maryland to be adopted. The past two months, while full of snuggles and love, have been incredibly stressful (and expensive).

Poor Salty had fleas, worms, an ear infection, and a URI when he first arrived home. We were able to get him feeling better and upon my vets recommendation, he had a dental cleaning. The cleaning resulted in 3 extracted teeth and a $500 vet bill. Overall Salty seemed to be doing better, but I had noticed that he had lost the weight he had put on the previous month and generally had a lower appetite.

At his follow appointment the vet expressed concern about his change in appetite and recommended an x-ray. Another $200 later, we found out that Salty has a golf-ball sized mass in his abdomen. The vet was certain it was nothing he had consumed because there was no gas bubbles and his system seemed to be otherwise working. We are headed to the Advanced vet center in Rockville for an ultrasound on Friday (another $600).

The vet also pointed out that Salty had two microchips. I knew that the shelter I got him from had put an Avid chip in him (that was registered to me), but the vet found a HomeAgain chip. Upon calling HomeAgain I learned that dear Salty was previously known as 'Bearcat' and lived in Kentucky. I have not heard back from the previous owners, nor do I know the circumstances of his arrival at rescue.

The rescue had told me that he was about 3-5 years old, which was immediately put in question when the vet saw his teeth. The most recent vet estimated him to be 14-15. However, HomeAgain said he had a registered birthday in June 1994...although he didn't get a chip until 2009.

I am completely torn up and an emotional wreck. I fear that given Salty's age, I have very little means to help him. While I love him to bits, I never imagined putting myself in a situation that I would have to face heartbreak so soon. Salty is the first cat I have had on my own, as I just graduated from university in December. I feel selfish wishing I had rescued a younger car, knowing that Salty deserves a happy end to his life. After all of this I am financially and emotionally strained.
 

margd

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Oh, wow. What a horror story. You are Salty's angel, that's for sure. It's really awful his age was misrepresented to you, even if it was unintentional. My heart goes out to you. Taking care of a senior cat can be a real emotional and financial roller coaster but it is also so rewarding. Hoping for good news from the Rockville clinic. I live in Maryland too - in Rockville a long time ago.!
 

riley1

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How totally awful!!  I work at a shelter & I can't believe they gave you a cat with this many problems that could have been taken care of.  Not the mass but fleas, worms, ear infection & Uri.  Also how could they misjudge his age by that much.  You are so kind to take such good care of him.  If he turns out to be 15 or older hospice care may be your only option.  Good luck!
 
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