KtCallista wrote:Well I don't have a big house, but I am very close to a very large National Park. Camping anyone?

Absolutely not. Been there, done that. No more sleeping on the ground or on cots or anything but I nice bed.

FenStar wrote:When you say "mushroom rock"... do you mean like a... you know?

Ahhhem, it is a rock that is in the shape of a mushroom. Large and kinda round on top with a narrower base, in case you aren't familiar with what a mushroom looks like. :P

pooflady wrote:Absolutely not. Been there, done that. No more sleeping on the ground or on cots or anything but I nice bed.

There are places you can park campers (and you can rent them only 2 hours from here). . . almost a bed.

KtCallista wrote:There are places you can park campers (and you can rent them only 2 hours from here). . . almost a bed.

Uh-uh, don't like that "almost." Have to remember, husband's 6'5 and I'm 5'11. The almost doesn't cut it. Motel/hotel nearby? B&B?

dontwantaname wrote:6'5"???? That is tall. Has he shrunk any with age?

Actually, yes, he's probably not 6'5 now. Part of the problem is his knees have kind of bowed out, which takes away a couple inches.

pooflady wrote:Uh-uh, don't like that "almost." Have to remember, husband's 6'5 and I'm 5'11. The almost doesn't cut it. Motel/hotel nearby? B&B?

Depends on the spot. But yes.

KtCallista wrote:Depends on the spot. But yes.

Depends on the spot? Also two hours away from you?

pooflady wrote:Depends on the spot? Also two hours away from you?

the airport is two hours from me. Get out a map and you will see that there is a lot of space between cities on this side.

killingtime wrote:How much would you pay?


I was talking to McGuffy & he said if there were ever an organized woot meet up that he might attend. Seeing as though I couldn't even get recipe calendar submissions, I doubt that I could get everyone together!

If someone had a nice large house & big back yard to act as hotel woot, it might work...

Otherwise, we'll just have to be satisfied with these small outcroppings...

I've got it all planed out, when I'm rich and I have built my giant castle I'll send helicopters to pick everyone up, and bribe employers to give ppl days off is needed.

KtCallista wrote:the airport is two hours from me. Get out a map and you will see that there is a lot of space between cities on this side.

My neighbor has 6-8 bedrooms, but someone is living in the house right now, and I think half of them are being used for storage.
Also, we only have a 2 seat (4 ppl) golf cart, although we should be able to rent a 4+ seater.

FenStar wrote:My neighbor has 6-8 bedrooms, but someone is living in the house right now, and I think half of them are being used for storage.
Also, we only have a 2 seat (4 ppl) golf cart, although we should be able to rent a 4+ seater.

Did you get my card, yet?

FenStar wrote:My neighbor has 6-8 bedrooms, but someone is living in the house right now, and I think half of them are being used for storage.
Also, we only have a 2 seat (4 ppl) golf cart, although we should be able to rent a 4+ seater.

If we are getting there by golf cart, is it safe to assume that walking would not be a problem?

Big kitty is in the hospital...

If anyone sees Lynnie, please tell her this info is here. I am looking for her opinion...

killingtime wrote:Big kitty is in the hospital...

If anyone sees Lynnie, please tell her this info is here. I am looking for her opinion...

Hey, KT, just looking at the numbers it looks to me like inflammation of the liver. When I read down, that looks like the diagnosis. The decrease in cell volume is a response to the decreased protein levels in the blood. Those levels are probably slightly decreased because of the liver inflammation, they're calling it 'fatty liver'.
The high levels of ALT, Alkaline Phosphate, and TOtal Bilirubin are the things that indicate liver inflammation- the high total bilirubin does so as well. Probably the low cholesterol is also a sign of that, though I suppose that might indicate a gallstones problem. edit:-prolly not, I'd say it is either from the dilute blood, or the liver problem.

So I'd say their diagnosis is the most likely from the test results. I hope Lynn can give you advice on how to fix it.

Josephus wrote:Hey, KT, just looking at the numbers it looks to me like inflammation of the liver. When I read down, that looks like the diagnosis. The decrease in cell volume is a response to the decreased protein levels in the blood. Those levels are probably slightly decreased because of the liver inflammation, they're calling it 'fatty liver'.
The high levels of ALT, Alkaline Phosphate, and TOtal Bilirubin are the things that indicate liver inflammation- the high total bilirubin does so as well. Probably the low cholesterol is also a sign of that, though I suppose that might indicate a gallstones problem. edit:-prolly not, I'd say it is either from the dilute blood, or the liver problem.

So I'd say their diagnosis is the most likely from the test results. I hope Lynn can give you advice on how to fix it.

http://cats.about.com/cs/healthissues/a/fatty_liver.htm

Geriatric cats are prone to a number of diseases and conditions, and one of the more common ones is Fatty Liver Disease, which is an accumulation of fats (lipids) in the liver tissue. Although the disease is presently considered idiopathic (no known cause), it is thought that it might result from the way cats metabolize proteins and fats. The disease progresses this way:

* A previously overweight cat stops eating for whatever reason
* Lacking food, the body starts sending fat cells to the liver to process into lipoproteins for fuel.
* Cats' livers are not terribly efficient at processing fat, and much of the fat is stored in the liver cells.
* Left untreated, eventually the liver fails and the cat dies.

Whatever the cause, the symptoms are common: A previously overweight older cat suddenly becomes anorexic (quits eating), loses weight, and may salivate excessively or vomit.

FLS is Reversible if Caught in Time

The treatment for Fatty Liver Disease is dietary, and works quite well in reversing the condition if diagnosed early. The idea is to force feed the cat enough nutrients to reverse the metabolic malfunction that caused the condition in the first place. This is usually done with a feeding tube which is inserted into the esophogas or stomach by a veterinarian. The cat's caretaker then mixes a formula in a blender and using a syringe, feeds a small amount down the tube several times daily. After a few weeks of the forced diet, the cat can be offered food normally, to test his appetite, although the tubal feeding may need to be continued for up to six or eight weeks, until the cat's appetite has fully returned to normal.

Some caregivers who hesitate to encumber the cat with a tube have been successful with syringe feeding directly into their cat's mouth. Extreme care must be taken to feed slowly into the side of the mouth, to prevent aspiration of the food. A formula can be blended with a soft palatable food such as Hills A/D, mixed with low sodium broth or water.

heya KT

briefly, supportive care and getting the cat to eat again are the best ways to deal with it. The cats liver is a funny creature - gets cranky w/o food but will turn around once ya start feeding again. Eating whatever she wants - as long as she eats.

Will post more when I get home .....crazy day here....just leaving work

FenStar wrote: That seems a little suggestive...

FenStar wrote:I've got it all planed out, when I'm rich and I have built my giant castle I'll send helicopters to pick everyone up, and bribe employers to give ppl days off is needed.

looks like i should become my own employer so you'll have to bribe me for me to get time off...

FenStar wrote:I've got it all planed out, when I'm rich and I have built my giant castle I'll send helicopters to pick everyone up, and bribe employers to give ppl days off is needed.

I'm not sure I would trust Mr. FenStar's fleet of black helicopters.

sorry your cat's ill kt

Good luck with Misty, KT.

FenStar wrote:My neighbor has 6-8 bedrooms, but someone is living in the house right now, and I think half of them are being used for storage.
Also, we only have a 2 seat (4 ppl) outhouse, although we should be able to rent a 4+ seater.

hmm. that is suggestive.

Lynnzoi wrote:heya KT

briefly, supportive care and getting the cat to eat again are the best ways to deal with it. The cats liver is a funny creature - gets cranky w/o food but will turn around once ya start feeding again. Eating whatever she wants - as long as she eats.

Will post more when I get home .....crazy day here....just leaving work

You mentioned to me that she was eating last night - did she continue eating today? If not, then you will have to try force-feeding or having a feeding tube put in. My sisters cat got really jaundiced (methinks she waited a tad too long before taking him to the vet) but he actually responded to force-feeding. I have also worked with cats that have feeding tubes. I always say try anything to get them to eat - any type of canned cat food, tuna juice, baby food (strained meats and gravy) - anything! was talkin to one of the vets as we were leaving and she said the same thing - if the cat wants lobster and shrimp, so be it! As long as there isn't a concurrent pancreatitis, then try anything. One hosp I worked at kept whipped cream in the fridge for finicky kitties.

Of course, this all goes with the caveat that there isn't an underlying condition - have they done the ultrasound?

Lynnzoi wrote:You mentioned to me that she was eating last night - did she continue eating today? If not, then you will have to try force-feeding or having a feeding tube put in. My sisters cat got really jaundiced (methinks she waited a tad too long before taking him to the vet) but he actually responded to force-feeding. I have also worked with cats that have feeding tubes. I always say try anything to get them to eat - any type of canned cat food, tuna juice, baby food (strained meats and gravy) - anything! was talkin to one of the vets as we were leaving and she said the same thing - if the cat wants lobster and shrimp, so be it! As long as there isn't a concurrent pancreatitis, then try anything. One hosp I worked at kept whipped cream in the fridge for finicky kitties.

Of course, this all goes with the caveat that there isn't an underlying condition - have they done the ultrasound?

I thought that the vet had palpated a fatty liver, and that led to the blood tests.
do they still need the ultrasound?

Josephus wrote:I thought that the vet had palpated a fatty liver, and that led to the blood tests.
do they still need the ultrasound?

Dr. J, is fatty liver something the vet can feel?

Is Ms. Time asking for Ms. Zoi's opinion on the diagnosis or on the estimate of charges?

Josephus wrote:I thought that the vet had palpated a fatty liver, and that led to the blood tests.
do they still need the ultrasound?

According to the statement they charged her for an ultrasound, I hope they did it already!

Josephus wrote:I thought that the vet had palpated a fatty liver, and that led to the blood tests.
do they still need the ultrasound?

I don't know that the vet palpated the fatty liver - firstly, because she is a bigger kitty and second, the vet may detect what they think may be an enlarged liver, but the diagnosis usually comes from the labs, xrays, u/s. Usually the history is often enough to put hepatic lipidosis on the rule-out. And any elevation in a kitty liver values get our attention. Kitties livers are very touchy creatures.

I will still proceed with the u/s to rule out any underlying issues.

zea3 wrote:According to the statement they charged her for an ultrasound, I hope they did it already!

I know it was on the estimate, just not sure whether or not it has been done yet.

heya KT - call or text me with an update, k?

Meant to give ya a call last night but fell asleep as soon as I sat down.....I'm sorry

Oh, KT, I am sorry to hear about your kitty!! Poor sweet baby. <big hug to you>

KT, I'm also sorry to hear about your kitty. I know how difficult this is and my thoughts are with you.

Lynnzoi wrote:heya KT - call or text me with an update, k?

Meant to give ya a call last night but fell asleep as soon as I sat down.....I'm sorry

Got a call on the ultrasound that they performed this morning. Kitty has a mass that is 5-7 cm in her intestines, which is cancer. Her liver is also poor.

I have to make a very difficult decision. I will go to see her tonight.

My two choices are:

1. Try Prednisone for the cancer. This will allow me to bring her home and possibly live 2-6 weeks longer. But the downside would be how hard it would be to see her fail.

2. Put her to sleep which I hate to do because what if she is able to live a few weeks longer or bounce back (unlikely).

I don't want her to suffer and I am probably being selfish for wanting to keep her here longer with me.

Besides, I've always had 3 cats, 2 is just weird...and the 2 remaining don't get along as well. They are already looking for her...

What to do?!?

killingtime wrote:Got a call on the ultrasound that they performed this morning. Kitty has a mass that is 5-7 cm in her intestines, which is cancer. Her liver is also poor.

I'm very sorry to hear this, Ms. Time. You have my sympathy.

killingtime wrote:Got a call on the ultrasound that they performed this morning. Kitty has a mass that is 5-7 cm in her intestines, which is cancer. Her liver is also poor.

I have to make a very difficult decision. I will go to see her tonight.

My two choices are:

1. Try Prednisone for the cancer. This will allow me to bring her home and possibly live 2-6 weeks longer. But the downside would be how hard it would be to see her fail.

2. Put her to sleep which I hate to do because what if she is able to live a few weeks longer or bounce back (unlikely).

I don't want her to suffer and I am probably being selfish for wanting to keep her here longer with me.

Besides, I've always had 3 cats, 2 is just weird...and the 2 remaining don't get along as well. They are already looking for her...

What to do?!?

All my sympathy, KT. Really an awful time for you.

killingtime wrote:Got a call on the ultrasound that they performed this morning. Kitty has a mass that is 5-7 cm in her intestines, which is cancer. Her liver is also poor.

I have to make a very difficult decision. I will go to see her tonight.

My two choices are:

1. Try Prednisone for the cancer. This will allow me to bring her home and possibly live 2-6 weeks longer. But the downside would be how hard it would be to see her fail.

2. Put her to sleep which I hate to do because what if she is able to live a few weeks longer or bounce back (unlikely).

I don't want her to suffer and I am probably being selfish for wanting to keep her here longer with me.

Besides, I've always had 3 cats, 2 is just weird...and the 2 remaining don't get along as well. They are already looking for her...

What to do?!?

I don't want to come off sounding heartless, and you know I'm not, but in cases like this I have let the practical inject some influence into the decision.

I try to determine whether the pet is telling me it's time to go. Often they are, and our selfishness prevents us from seeing this clearly. Sometimes giving them a relatively quick, dignified and painfree exit is the greatest gift you can give them in return for all they've given you throughout their time in your family.

I also look at the financial impact, and try to figure out whether I'm throwing good money after bad, and whether I could be spoiling a new animal rotten with that money and my time, to honor the memory of the fallen pet. (And I often make a donation to my Humane Society as a memorial as well)

That's not to say that doing the thorough diagnosis as you have done is not the right thing to do. For you it very clearly is. You then have to trust your cat's Doctor to give you a fair assessment of their chances for a quality life. Not just survival, but whether they would be happy to have been maintained in whatever state they end up in.

Someday, whether now or later, each of them will pass. The survivors, including you, will mourn. It is as it should be, and validates their contribution to each of your lives.

KT, what would Misty want you to do? You know her better than anyone. Trust your instincts.

killingtime wrote:Got a call on the ultrasound that they performed this morning. Kitty has a mass that is 5-7 cm in her intestines, which is cancer. Her liver is also poor.

I have to make a very difficult decision. I will go to see her tonight.

My two choices are:

1. Try Prednisone for the cancer. This will allow me to bring her home and possibly live 2-6 weeks longer. But the downside would be how hard it would be to see her fail.

2. Put her to sleep which I hate to do because what if she is able to live a few weeks longer or bounce back (unlikely).

I don't want her to suffer and I am probably being selfish for wanting to keep her here longer with me.

Besides, I've always had 3 cats, 2 is just weird...and the 2 remaining don't get along as well. They are already looking for her...

What to do?!?

Did they do a fine needle aspirate of the mass when they were doing the ultrasound? That would tell what kind of tumor it is...that might have a lot to do with how you proceed. Chemotherapy may be an option, in addition to the pred. That is something you'd need to discuss w/ your vet. Guess a lot of it depends on how she is doing with the hepatic lipidosis - has she started eating well yet?

KT - I wish you all the best in the decision you have to make. My last cat died of cancer (near his ear). My Mom was caring for him (as I was in non-pet friendly apartment, and he we was really her cat not mine anyway). Those last several months were very hard. His brother had always been the sick cat, but ended up outliving him. But in the end it was time. When he started showing his pain, my Mom took him in. It was better that way. He couldn't understand why he was in pain.