I have sad news to share

vene · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 4251

I took Pumpkin to the vet yesterday morning because she seemed dehydrated. I didn't see her eat the night before and when she refused treats, I knew something was wrong. She most likely has inoperable cancer. She lost 3 pounds in 3 months. She had a nasty ear infection 3 months ago and it cleared up with antibiotic ointments. But now her vet is telling me that due to her frail health, she would not be a candidate for surgery and she most likely has cancer. The vet felt a mass between her throat and her left ear. She seemed fine a couple of months ago and now they are telling me that she's dying. Crying or Very sad

All I can do now is to make her comfortable and live out her last days abe it days, weeks, or months. As soon as her quality of life is no longer there, meaning difficulty in breathing and in pain, I will bring her to the vet and put her to sleep. I opted not to do any invasive tests on her because of the stress on her and even if we do find out what it is, the vet said she is not a good candidate for cancer treatments. Her heart and lungs sound good and she has no URI's. I asked them to give her some fluid treatment and brought her home.

Once home I was able to mix her regular canned food with tuna so she'll eat something. Now she's pooping pellets all over the house. At least she's still eating and going to the bathroom. I'm going to try to find some foods that is pallatable like baby foods that Sunset recommended for me and maybe I should give her some furball treatments to help her eliminate better. What is odd is that her eyes are dilated all the time.

I never thought I would be walking down this path together with Pumpkin so soon. She's only 13 years old and has been an indoors cat for many years.

Thank you for listening to my ramblings. I'm open to any suggestions or advice that you might have.

Chessmind · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 10:43 pm Post subject:

Oh Vene I am so sorry for Pumpkin. Crying or Very sad

That is just so sad. I feel like I know her too and now I'm sad. Crying or Very sad

I hope she doesn't suffer very much. Poor girl. She is lucky to be with you.

halaroo · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 11:42 pm Post subject:

I'm so sorry, Moni. You are both lucky to have had 13 wonderful years together. I wish you both peace. I'm always here if you need to chat.

sunset05 · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 12:34 am Post subject:

Hi vene,
You know how sorry I am to hear that Pumpkin is ill. I know you are doing the best you can for her.

Keep us posted on how she is doing.

vene · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 4251

Thank you Chessmind, Halaroo, and Sunset! She is doing well right now. She is eating more dry than wet foods here and there but not as much as I would like. She really looks scrawny and likes to sleep most of the day away. I won't force feed her. She will give me the cues of what she wants. I have purchased many different types of foods for her. As long as she is still eating, I'll take it. Thank you so much for your support.

Chessmind · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 5:06 am Post subject:

Poor girl. I am so sad for her, you and your family. Crying or Very sad

vene · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 4251

You are a good friend Chessmind! The kids being 4 and almost 2 have no concept of what death and dying is. My son asked me if she is dead yet and if we were going to replace her. His questions just breaks my heart. My husband and I are in acceptance that her death is inevitable and we are prepared.

Pumpkin is more energetic today. She actually went up the stairs to greet me this morning. I spent over half an hour petting her. Her purrs are not so erratic either. Unfortunately I can feel her bones too easily. She's almost all skin and bones. Sad

At least she's comfortable right now.

I was just thinking maybe she had a bloody ear infection months ago because something ruptured in her ear (pressure of the cancer perhaps). It all makes sense now. Sigh.

Bente · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 7:46 pm Post subject:

Oh Vene, I'm so sorry to hear this Crying or Very sad

It's so incredibly sad when theese things happen to our loved ones, but I'm glad you're handling it so well. My best wishes to Pumpkin, and big hugs to you!

Mary_NH · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 11:13 pm Post subject:

sorry to take so long in sending you well wishes vene.....been very busy.
hugs to you and songs for pumpkin
will she eat canned pumpkin if you mix it in with her food? That would help keep her from keeping overly constipated.
I've been having to feed one (why I've been busy) of my new current fosters a mixture of AD wet food mixed with Pedialyte and NutraCal. This kitty has horrible dental issues and won't chew anything. As long as she can lick the food up she's okay. Perhaps that would work with Pumpkin?

coppersmom · Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:59 pm Post subject:

Vene,
I am so sorry to hear about Pumpkin. She is very lucky to have you to take care of her in her final days.

Chezza · Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 5:01 am Post subject:

Im really sorry Vene, my thoughts and heart goes out to you and your family and pumpkin Sad

Thinking of you all.

vene · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 4251

Thank you Bente, Mary, Coppersmom, and Chezza. Pumpkin is doing better. She seems more spirited but is still not eating a whole lot. She is very content with all the extra attention showered upon her lately.

nern · Moderator Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 5042 Location: NY

I'm so sorry to hear about Pumpkin. Glad that she seems to be doing better. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Crying or Very sad

bellack1 · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2007 6:00 am Post subject:

Oh Vene I'm so sorry! I know how much you adore your babies. I'm sure youre making her as comfortable as a queen. I'm praying that she gets through this as least painful as possible. You're such a good furmom. I can't believe this either and again I'm soo sorry. You and your family are in my prayers. Stay strong

vene · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 4251

Thank you Nern and Bellack! Pumpkin looks really scrawny today and threw up a few times. She is still walking around so she's not too sick yet. She may have caught a cold bug.

vene · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 4251

Her cold is better but she's stopped eating solids that I can see. She may be eating the dry food when I'm not around. I really don't know. She won't eat the soft foods anymore. All she does is lick the sauce. At least she's drinking plenty of water. She's still following me around the house so all is still good.

halaroo · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 7:50 pm Post subject:

Still thinking about you and Pumpkin.

sunset05 · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 3:14 pm Post subject:

I remember my one kitty who was very ill would only lick the sauce, too. I remember watering down the baby food chicken or beef and she would lick that some.

vene · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 4251

Pumpkin is not doing well. She is very weak and has not eaten solids for a few days now. Her 3rd eyelid is showing and we have decided to put her to sleep tomorrow night (after my husband gets out of work so he can say his last good-bye) because she seems to be suffering. Our 4 year old son is taking this the hardest. Please pray for her to be pain free and for a gentle crossing to the Rainbow Bridge. Crying or Very sad

halaroo · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 1:54 pm Post subject:

I'm so sorry. It's such a hard thing to do. Your family is in my thoughts today. Hugs.