Category: Animal House
Hi, all. just had to post here, because I'm worried about my cat, Shadow. I took him into the vet yesterday, because he's been behaving differently lately. He's been meowing a lot more, and I don't mean just the standard meow. I mean this really deep-throated crying, that sounds like he's in pain. Yesterday, the vet found that he's lost nearly a pound, even though I free feed him. She also discovered a mass in the back of his mouth that she needs to biopsy, and his white-cell count is elevated. I'm scared for him. He's my baby, in a manner of speaking. They're doing the biopsy this morning. Any thoughts and prayers for Shadow would be appreciated.
Hey girl,
I know I've already talked to you about this, but I'm definitely pulling for you and Shadow. I'm going to send him Reiki, and hopefully, with you and I both doing it, we'll be able to help him. Keep your head up, and try your best to stay optimistic. I know at times like this, it's very hard to do, but it's something we have to try to be strong enough to do. definitely keep us all posted.
Agree with the last post. You're right. They're like our children. Take care, and hang in there.
Thoughts and prayers,
Lou
Poor kitty. I hope everything turns out okay. I'll be thinking of you and Shadow.
Hi, all! Thanks so much for the replies, Reiki, thoughts and prayers. Shadow is home from the vet now. They have to send the biopsy to a pathology lab, so they think they'll have the results mid to late next week. Shadow is very calm and quiet, mostly just wanting to lay around and sleep. He doesn't mind being petted, but he doesn't seek it out, either. He's been drinking water, but not eating food, probably because his mouth hurts. I'm putting out fresh wet food for him every little while, and he nibbles at that. I figure water is most important, but I want him to get some nutrition into his system, too. Any ideas to help coax him into eating again? Thanks again, guys!
I'd talk to my vet if this keeps up. They can give you some apetite stimulants that you can ad to food. I'm betting you can buy them at a pet store, but without knowing if Shadow has any other health problems, I'd be reluctant to offer suggestions. Good luck, and keep us all posted. Your on-line family, and his on-line family are concerned.
Lou
That's so sad.
I hope everything works out for you and shadow.
Bob
I wouldn't try to coax him into eating. You shouldn't force that upon him. Like you said, he could be hurting, so you don't want to make him feel worse. However, if it does continue, I'd definitely call the vet and see what she says. I hope the biopsy comes back okay. Like I told you, I did some Reiki on him yesterday. I'll continue to do it, to do what I can to help.
Lianne what's riki or what ever you said you were doing on him? I'll pray for you and Shadow! God bless!
hope this works out. kittys are cute.
Reiki is a type of energy healing. A lot of people think it sounds weird, but it's really not. It's amazing how a simple touch can be so benificial. I didnt' learn about it until I was in massage therapy school, but I'm glad I learned about it. There's three levels that you can get attuned and certified in. There's actually a fourth, but that's just for people who want to go on and teach it. The second level, allows you to use Reiki on someone/something, even when they're not around for you to actually touch. It's absence Reiki. anyway, I think it's neat, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to learn it.
Hi, folks. No, I'd never try to force Shadow to eat. I'm putting down the wet food that he likes best, but he mostly just nibbles at that. I will call the vet tomorrow morning, see what she has to say. Thank you so much for the posts. It really helps comfort and encourage me. LeAnn, thanks for the Reiki. Talk to you all soon, and I'll let you know what the vet says.
Well, here's one bit of good news. Shadow is eating again! Wahoo! I was up about 7:45 this morning, waiting to call Dr. Jones (that's his vet) when they opened. And then Shadow goes in the kitchen to his bowls and starts eating his dry food like he hasn't eaten all weekend, which he basically hasn't. I wanted to go hug him right then, but of course I let him eat for as long as he wanted, then petted and praised him. So, I'm holding off on talking to Dr. Jones until either I need her, or she calls me with the results of the biopsy. I'm still worried when I think about that, but for the time being, I'm taking the joys as they come. The fact that Shadow is eating, and actively seeking out being petted again, and purring like his old self makes me happy. Thanks for all the thoughts. Please keep them up, as I wait for the biopsy results.
Yea! I hope the news from the vet is good too.
Yay! I'm glad he's eating again. Hopefully the biopsy will come back with good news too!
That's good news.
Bob
Hi, everyone. Well, I have gotten the official biopsy results, and they are not good. Shadow has cancer. It is called "Feline Squamous cell carcinoma." Dr. Jones got all of it that she could, because she removed all of the tumor she could reach when she biopsied. However, there is more cancer that extends under his jaw line, and that, of course is inoperable. Dr. Jones told me she wanted 24 hours to do some detailed research into his specific kind of cancer, and the drug she has in mind to treat it. That's fine, I'd rather she take her time and be accurate than rush things. However, I have done my own internet research, and from everything I'm seeing, it's not good.
Of course I want to treat Shadow and have him with me for as long as possible, but there is also the quality of his life to think about. Any drug they give him is going to have side effects. So, please keep sending thoughts and prayers, for shadow's comfort and maybe his healing, and for my decision-making in the next few days. I have vowed to myself that whatever happens, I won't let him suffer needlessly. No matter how much it messes with me, I will do whatever I have to to prevent Shadow from suffering.
Thanks for your support, guys.
Sister Dawn I'm so sorry! I lost my Dad to cancer! Thanks for your info Lianne! As a Christian woman Riki does sound wierd to me lol!
Sister Dawn, I'm so sorry about the news. I honestly know the decision that's facing you. Our first cat who will always be my favorite died of cancer and feline aids. My wife and I faced the same decision. I'm tearing up as I write this, because I loved Samantha, and didn't want to see her suffering. There are times when the most kind, the most merciful, the most loving thing we can do for our animals is to put them to sleep. You have to make that decision, and I pray you have the strength to do so. Thoughts and prayers are with both you and Shadow.
Lou
I am so sorry Shadow has cancer. I know you will put his quality of life first as you consider what to do. A cat I had four years ago died, and I honestly feel I waited too long and let her suffer needlessly because I hated to have her put to sleep. The poor thing died one night alone in the living room, and I found her in the morning. I felt so guilty. But I'm sure I also would have felt guilty if I had taken her to the vet and had her put down. So it's a hard decision either way.
Good luck, and my thoughts are with you.
I'm so sorry. I think you are right to think of her quality of life, not just your own desire to have her with you.
Our thoughts are with you.
Bob
Thanks for all the support, guys. I really appreciate it. I'm a little confused right now, and seeking a second opinion regarding Shadow's treatment.
I have recently moved, so the vet who made this diagnosis is new to Shadow's case. However, she has his old vet records. When I first adopted Shadow a couple years ago, he had a pretty serious heart condition. He defied the odds then, and survived, even made really dramatic improvements.
So now, Dr. Jones, his vet here in Nebraska, wants to put him on a drug called Piroxicam. It's a human drug, which we'd give Shadow in miniscule amounts, of course. So I was doing Internet research today, and the first counter-indication for Piroxicam is, "Do not give to patients with a history of heart trouble, can cause fatal heart failure." I know Dr. Jones is aware of Shadow's history, or should be, since she's got the records. So why in hell would she give him a drug that says this kind of thing?
So, I called Dr. Lloyd, Shadow's former vet in Iowa, who has been with him from his adoption. The biopsy results have been faxed to Iowa, and Dr. Lloyd is calling me in the morning. I hadn't thought to get that second opinion till I saw that about the heart thing. Should be interesting to see what happens.
Sister Dawn I'm so sad! My guinea pig Emma got a tumor when my Dad was having chemo! I was worried for both my Dad and Emma! Emma's tumor was removed a few months after my Dad died! Emma didn't have cancer! I told my Mom that if Emma had cancer I'd rather have her go on chemo! My Mom said that would be a mean thing to do! I would hate to put any of my pets to sleep! Good luck!
Sister dawn, I don't know how long you've been in Nebraska/away from your first vet, but you are wise in seeking out your first vet's advice, particularly if you feel confident in his/her opinion. Good luck.
Lou
Hope, I, too, am a Christian, and believe me, there's nothing strange or weird about Reiki. The concept of it, is to help heal, and you're using God's spirit, will, etc., to help you do that.
SisterDawn, I'm so sorry about Shadow. This is completely heartbreaking. I pray for the both of you. I hope you both can find the strenght to do what you need to do. I'm glad that you are seeking a second opinion. Who knows what it will bring. My thoughts continue to stay with you, and as always, I will keep sending Reiki. You keep doing yours too.
Hi, folks. Well, I have good news and bad news.
Lou, I have been in Nebraska about two months. Dr. Lloyd has been Shadow's vet for over a year and a half, since I adopted him, and I trust her opinion very much.
So, the bad news first. Dr. Lloyd does agree with the diagnosis, it is squamous cell carcinoma. And, her findings are consistent with everything I have seen. The survival rate for cats with this cancer is 30-60 days. There are treatments to try and extend life, but no cure. This cancer doesn't spread into other parts of the body as quickly as other cancers do, but it does grow very quickly where it's at. In the case of Shadow's mouth, it makes it painful for him to eat and drink. So, as I thought, it's not a matter of if I have to put him down, but when.
Here's the good news. Dr. Lloyd recommended a pain-killer drug that will be safer for him. That way, he can eat better. She also recommended a new food for him. It's actually designed for cancer patients, or for cats recovering from surgeries, etc. It's extremely soft, almost the consistency of pudding. However, apparently packed with nutrition. It's a prescription food you can only get from animal hospitals. Dr. Lloyd said that when a cat won't eat very much, you have to pack as much nutritional punch into the smallest amount of food you can.
So, I had two of my closest friends pick up the food from Dr. Lloyd, and travel from Iowa over here to Nebraska this evening to visit me and Shadow.
They've brought the pain medicine and food over. And now, the really great news! Shadow is actually eating! Wahoo! I'm warming the food up a bit, cuz apparently that makes it more apealing for a cat. The pain medication seems to have helped, and he's eating the new food pretty well.
I'm so glad! I'm sure your thoughts, prayers, and Reiki are helping!
Selina Fan, I'm a Christian too, but I also believe and practice Reiki. Thanks for listening to my babble, guys.
Wonderful! I'm so glad he's eating, and at least for now, you can enhance the quality of his life for awhile. You are truly blessed to have friends like that. You might talk to your current vet about what you're doing in case you need some emergency therapy for Shadow. either that, or ask your previous vet if they know anyone in your area who practices similarly if that's your choice.
Good luck, and keep your on-line family informed.
Lou
Good luck, and you are indeed lucky to have such good friends. Enjoy your short time left with Shadow. And who knows, maybe there will be a Christmas miracle.
Hi, all. The weekend has been very touch and go so far. Friday night, when I last posted here, Shadow was eating and drinking, almost normally. Unfortunately, as of yesterday afternoon, all he'll do is drink water, and very little water at that.
His moods seem up and down, too. There are times when he seems to have energy. He'll come over to one of us to be petted, he'll purr as loud as he used to, I even got him to play a little yesterday. Of course it wasn't a cat toy he played with. Shadow has always had a fascination with jewelry. I have a necklace with a cross on it that one of my friends had left here a couple weeks ago. My friend considers it a talisman, Shadow considers it a toy. Ordinarily I wouldn't encourage him to play with jewelry, but I thought, what the heck? The chain of this necklace is thick and strong, and he won't hurt it. I got him to play with it for about five minutes. He pounced on it, tried to bite at it, etc. Then afterwards, he went and curled back up in a tight ball, which has been his favorite position lately.
then, on the flipside, he has quite a bit of time where he acts very weak. He has no interest in the world around him. If I try to pet him, he only curls up into a tighter ball and tucks his head deeper into his tail and paws. There are times his breathing has sounded fairly labored. If we show him food and or water, he just sniffs and turns away from it.
Like I say, it's very up and down. I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm just enjoying every moment I have with him, and my friends are snapping about a zillion pictures with their digital cameras. Thanks for listening to all my babble, guys. I really appreciate it.
He might be in pain when he curls up tight like that. It sounds to me as if he doesn't want to be pet at those times. Poor baby. I'm so sorry you are going through this. I'm sorry both you and Shadow are suffering.
I agree, Becky. When I start to pet him and he curls up even tighter, I quit petting immediately, then leave him alone till he seeks me out. I feel very protective, and of course I want to pet him, but not if he wants to be left alone.
I must extend my sympathy to you and Shadow. It's a shame that we must go through things like this. I know that words can't completely help, but I just want you to know that I'm very sorry about all this, and hopefully, a shimmer of hope will somehow shine through.
Agree with the last twoposts. We don't have children, but it is so had to watch an animal (who is like one of our children) suffer.
I know this isn't necessarily a spiritual board and I appologize in advance for anybody who may be offended by this post,but I need to expand a little on Sister Dawns post from this morning. The jewelry she was refering to belongs to me. As she mentioned, it is a cross on a chain and yes, it does mean a lot to me. It is a gift by a special family member and it has been blessed by a Bishup. It is something tangible that serves to remind me how awesome and amazing God our Father truly is. As Sister Dawn is my girlfriend, I have spent a significant amount of time at her house and thus grown close to Shadow. We kept each other company when she was at work and I was working from her house. I considered it an accident at the time, but it may be fate that I forgot this cross at her house the last time I was there. As Sister Dawn stated, Shadow played with this toy when he would play with nothing else. I know that if I were in his situation, suffering from an incurable disease and feeling the affects of it, I would be clutching at this cross as well,as it would give me comfort in knowing that the Lord was waiting for me. So, when Alicia told me about this, it touched me on a level I can't begin to explain. I feel that Shadow knew the significants of it and by playing with it and pouncing on it, he was drawing it close to him and drawing comfort from it. If ever their is a spirit that deserves the richness of the Lords kingdom, it is most certainly Shadow. He is, without a doubt, one of the gentlest and most peaceful creatures I have ever known. Please remember him in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow as he journeys in to the land of ever lasting love.
Hi, folks. Just thought I'd give you all an update. Shadow passed away yesterday morning. We journeyed with him over to Iowa, so that his former vet could do it. He didn't seem to mind the two-hour car ride, purring, going from me, to my friend Alan who was driving, to my friend Amy.
The doctor examined him to make sure of what we were doing. Apparently the spot where the biopsy had been done was growing again, with a hole in the middle of it where part of the tumor had been removed. It was very red, swollen, and Shadow didn't much care for the vet looking at it. Apparently the cancer was also beginning to spread farther back into his mouth and jawline. I'm nearly certain the pain was why he wasn't eating. We discussed options such as a feeding tube, or stronger pain medication, but in the end, I didn't want to go with either one. It seemed so inhumane, and wouldn't actually cure him, only try to relieve pain temporarily. No point in that.
I stayed in the room when they euthanized him. It broke my heart, but I refused to leave him at any time during the process. It was quick, and from Shadow's reactions, or lack thereof, I'd say painless.
There is a pet funeral home a few miles away that we took him to. He is buried now beside Precious, who was a very special kitty to my friend Alan. I'm glad Shadow could be buried so close to her.
My heart is still breaking. There is this huge, empy hole now where Shadow lived. I was frightened to return home to Nebraska, to encounter all the things that are his, his bowls, his toys, his litter box. My friend Amy is staying with me for a few days, as I attempt to make the adjustment.
I think I will adopt another kitty, or maybe a pair of them, fairly soon. No one will ever replace Shadow, but I miss having someone to love, to take care of. Anyway, thanks for all your support, guys. I really appreciate it.
I'm so sorry. This made me cry. I know how excruciating it is to lose something you love and hold so dear. I wish you all the strength in the world to get through this. If you ever need to talk, you know I'm here. Try to keep your head up, and just always remember that he's not hurting anymore.
I think you did the right thing by having him put down. And it was so nice of your friends to take you back to Iowa.
I got my current cat just two months after my last cat died. Although he did not take her place in my heart, it certainly is possible to fall in love with a new kitten, and it does ease the pain of losing the other cat. And there are so many unwanted cats in the world that adopting another one I think is the right thing to do.
Hugs
That is so sad. I'm really sorry.
I'm not a cat lover myself, cats and I are indifferent to each other, but I am sorry for your pain and loss.
You are a very courageous person.
Bob
Sister Dawn, I'm so sorry about your loss. I think you did a very difficult thing, but it sounds like you're at peace with it. I believe you did the kindest, most human, most living thing, and the most honorable thing for Shadow. I think you're making a good decision to adopt a new cat soon. I couldn't bring myself to do it after we had Samantha euthenized for several months, but I wish we had. Cats are incredibly intuitive, and I'm betting your next one will pick up on your grief, and help you through it. Advent was wonderful in that way. He'll never replace Samantha in my heart, but I wouldn't trade him for a minute.
Thoughts and prayers,
Lou
Hi, folks. Well, I did it. I adopted a new kitty. part of me worries that I did so too soon, but I just needed someone to take care of, and love. Nothing and no one could ever replace Shadow, and my heart is still grieving for him. I do love my new kitty, but I still feel the huge empty spot where Shadow was.
My new cat is also all black, like Shadow was, only this one is a girl. She's short-haired, and has bright green eyes. My friend Amy and I were trying to come up with names for her. The Humane Society had named her Tulip, but I didn't like that at all. Amy suggested Emerald, because of her green eyes. We decided that was too long, so we shortened it down to Emma, and that seems to fit. So, my new kitty is named Emma.
She was brought to the Humane Society in October as a stray, malnourished and dehydrated. The Society actually had to pump IV fluids into her to rehydrate her. However, she just wasn't getting adopted. The adoption folks at the Humane Society say that's because they often have trouble adopting out cats who are all black. I don't understand it. Apparently there are people who still cling to the old superstition that black cats are evil, or represent evil. that's such crap. They didn't say it, but I got the sense that Emma's time to live at the Society was growing short. My instinct to protect and nurture her kicked in, and prompted me to adopt her.
Anyway, she seems to be adapting to her new home quite nicely. It's taking me a bit longer to adapt to her, and love her for who she is, not for Shadow. But I am getting there.
Thanks for all the support, guys. This board has kind of followed me through this entire process, and I really appreciate you all being there to share it with me.
I think you will come to love Emma just as much as you did Shadow. I still find myself mentally comparing Smokey to Lizzy and other cats I have had in the past, but it doesn't make me love him less.
How old is Emma? Is she still a kitten or a few years old?
Good luck, and have fun getting to know her.
Congrats on your new arrival. Emma sounds like a wonderful kitty. You can't help compare, but after you see her personality take shape, you'll grow to love her for who she is. Sounds like God helped give you a Christmas present to yourself. If you want to rent your wonderful friends, let me know.
Lou
Congrats! It's great that you adopted her. I think it's absurd for people to believe in the old superstition that black cats are evil. I have a completely black cat named Salem, and he is the most loving cat you could ever meet. I'm glad you adopted Emma and saved her. There's a lot of animals out there who need loving homes, and it's great that you are strong enough during this time, to open your home and heart to one. Of course, she'll never replace Shadow, but she'll most definitely find a special place in your heart.
I forgot to tell you that we had a cat when I was younger who was all black. She was the most beautiful cat I'd ever seen. Her fir had little red and brown tints to it that glistened in the sun.
Lou
Hi, all. Lou, Shadow had red and brown tints to his fur as well. He got them especially after his first summer of sun-bathing in the window. Grin.
Emma is an adult kitty. The Humane Society estimates her to be about four or five years old, but they aren't totally sure. She was just under five pounds when she arrived there. I'm not sure what she weighs now. The good news is that she's eating and drinking well, so I'm hoping she'll grow some more. Right now I can count her ribs and vertabrae, but I bet she'll fill out. I can definitely tell she was starved for attention. She especially has a thing with rubbing her head against me, and falling over on to her side or back to be petted more. She has also taken to sleeping on my pillow. She's small enough that for now, we can both share the pillow comfortably. LOL.
Thanks for the support. I have some friends who believe I acted foolishly in getting Emma this quickly. They act like it was a disservice to Shadow. As one person put it tonight, "Well, you didn't hardly let the grass grow over Shadow, did you?" I've felt a bit guilty about that myself, but I think Shadow would have been happy that I helped one of his sisters, so to speak. He knew what it was like to be in her position before I adopted him.
Anyway, talk to you all later.
Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. You will never forget or stop loving Shadow, but that doesn't mean you can't love and take good care of a cat who needed you. Emma sounds sweet.
Dont' let anyone make you feel guilty or angry with yourself. You saved another cat in this world, who needed a good home, and love. You're not replacing Shadow. No other cat could ever do that. all you're doing is opening your home and heart to one of his fellow kitties, who needs a home and someone to love her. I, personally, commend you for this. It's obvious the poor thing needs love, and to be fed and taken care of, and I'm glad that you opened up, and are strong enough to take on the task after what you went through.