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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsAbbott - update. The Bad News and the Good
The bad news is this - Abbott is probably going to die soon. They found a massive growth on him that looks like it's coming from the liver. Sure we could open him up but if it's liver related all I'm doing is possibly buying in a few more months.
Turns out he's lost 5lbs. And this growth has probably been in him awhile but it's at the size that it's pushing on his organs. When Abbott was big it just wasn't felt.
The guy is 12-13 years old (I found him as an adult). And my options are basically do I spend thousands of dollars to see if removing this growth could save his life or do I just enjoy the time I have left with him until it's time to go. I know some of you would pick option #1 and may be angry at those who don't, but it's just not the option that's really best for Abbott, Evita and myself. First, he's getting older and any operation done might only add a few months to a year left to his life. And I am a single gal with a mortgage, my savings are meager and god forbid if I lose my job then what?
Abbott has given me 10 wonderful years and the Doctor said the thing that is hurting him the most right now is the weight loss. He recommends adding Densyl to his diet and said feed him whatever he's willing to eat even if it's human food. Cause honestly at this point what is human food going to do - kill him? He's already got a paw in the grave.
One of the small things that gave me hope was these snack treats they had at the Vet. The vet had these oral hygiene chews that Abbott just inhaled and then licked the floor for crumbs. After he ate it he starting getting lively again - he was purring and rubbing up against my leg (which was really surprising knowing that there was a pitbull on the other side of the room). Knowing how hard it was to get him to eat the office manager brought a few more cat treats over and he ate those too. The stuff is Virtac and I am going to order more for him. (they were out). By the time I got home from the vet (with a quick stop to the grocery story for salmon and tuna in water) he wanted to ride with me up front (I don't use a cage for him he goes in on a leash).
So at this point I'll appreciate everyday I have with him. I know what he weights and I'm to weigh him once a week. If he starts losing more weight or starts hurling up food (he has not done that yet), then we know it's time.
Thank you all for your support and prayers!
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,620 posts)I think the quality of life is way more important than the quantity, and you really have both...
Safe passage to Abbott when he gets there, and I hope you both have a great time in the meantime.
antiquie
(4,299 posts)It is hard but quality is the key for both of you.
redwitch
(14,944 posts)I hope that his time left is excellent. I have been there before, a time or two. The hardest thing about living with critters is having to say good bye.
ohiosmith
(24,262 posts)WolverineDG
(22,298 posts)Sorry to hear about your furkid. When my sweet Lizzie got cancer & wouldn't eat, the vet suggested anything "smelly," like canned cat food & even baby food. Cats (& it turns out dogs) won't eat what they can't smell. So yes, get him anything that he wolfs down to keep his weight up.
LeftofObama
(4,243 posts)Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)It sounds as if you've made the right choice for you and for him. A friend of mine put one of her cats through two - yes, TWO - kidney transplants. Crazy. Her beloved cat only lived another 3 months.
to you guys. He's had a lovely, happy life with you and knows he's loved. That's the best life a cat can have.
LynneSin
(95,337 posts)and you folks know I love my Abbott dearly.
Both of my cats were adult rescues. I refuse to have more than 2 cats in my house. But I would like to think after a period of mourning that I would find another adult cat who needs a 2nd chance and maybe give him another 10 years.
In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)You've given him a good life that he would have never known without your love.
Liberal Veteran
(22,239 posts)It is a sad reality, that our fur friends rarely live as long as we think they should.
Know that you gave him the best gift you could give when you brought him into your home.
Baitball Blogger
(46,709 posts)Your reasoning is sound, given the difficult circumstances.
Kali
(55,008 posts)give him a scritch for me
Stuart G
(38,427 posts)TwilightGardener
(46,416 posts)than everyone expects--hope so! Good luck to you and your kitty.
RiffRandell
(5,909 posts)He is a lucky cat to have had 10 years with you. I've gone down both roads that you mentioned with some of my animals, and it is soooo hard. I wish you had better news, but it is good that he is eating and purring.
MineralMan
(146,308 posts)One thing we found that helped keep weight on them was Redi_- Whip whipped cream. Another trick is give them Gerber meat baby food. If they won' t eat, try smearing baby food on a front leg. Two of our cats lived and purred for over 20 years. One made it to 24.
They always let .US know when it was time to leave.
MiddleFingerMom
(25,163 posts).
.
.
... of QUALITY time between you and Abbott during the time you have left together.
.
I see one outrageously and lovingly SPOILED cat.
.
.
.
Two words.
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.
.
.
1. Tagteam.
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.
.
.
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.
.
.
.
.
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.
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.
.
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2. Tonguebaths.
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.
.
LoveMyCali
(2,015 posts)I have no doubt I would have come to the same decision that you did. Hope you build many more wonderful memories while you spoil your boy in the time he has left.
LWolf
(46,179 posts)to something very similar. A similar story, too; she was abandoned, I took her in when she was about a year old. That would make her about 12 years old when she died on Easter Sunday, after a prolonged decline due to a tumor.
I was devastated, and angry at losing her so early. 12 years is not old for a cat.
For months, I saw her everywhere, in all her favorite spots.
I'm sorry for you and Abbott; may he go easy.
TuxedoKat
(3,818 posts)the bad news about your kitty. I think you are doing the right thing though. (((HUGS)))
irisblue
(32,974 posts)I understand, very well. Be at peace with your choice.
Hayabusa
(2,135 posts)May you enjoy what time you have left with Abbot, I'm sure that he will.
Arkansas Granny
(31,516 posts)Just because you can prolong their life doesn't always mean you should. Sometimes the last act of love you can show is letting them go peacefully and painlessly.
Good thought for you and Abbott.
GoneOffShore
(17,339 posts)And as you say, feed him what he wants. Though I'd draw the line at foie gras and a bottle of Sauterne.
warrior1
(12,325 posts)I opted not to do surgery and she lasted 5 months. I gave her people food too. Ground turkey with her dry food. Then just the ground turkey.
I'm so sorry Lynnesin.
fizzgig
(24,146 posts)i completely understand and respect your decision. give him scritches for me.
geardaddy
(24,931 posts)hifiguy
(33,688 posts)is coming to the end of their life. I lost my dear Max in August 2010 and was inconsolable for weeks. But a couple of months later I missed hearing a "meow" so badly that I knew I was ready for another buddy, and I got Butch from the same shelter at which I'd found Max.
Best vibes and purrs from hifiguy and Butch to you, Abbott and Evita.
Bigleaf
(2,050 posts)He's lucky to have found a loving home and spent 10 years with you. God Bless You!
RebelOne
(30,947 posts)had growths on her liver. She also had bone cancer. She was almost 13 years old. When it got to the point that she could not walk any more, I had to make that fatal decision to relieve her of her pain.