Positive thoughts for Scrapper

[JJ]

Will send real strong thoughts that you are able to find the solution and an easy one too.

[Cato]

Sending you and Scrapper much good thoughts and prayers for tomorrow's vet visit

[catwoods]

Hoping for the best outcome for Scrapper's vet visit.

[lesliek]

Prayers and positive thoughts for an easily treated diagnosis for Scrapper !

[catmom5]

Fingers crossed that things go well today and that you get some answers.

[mainecoonpeg]

Prayers along with fingers and paws crossed for Scrapper.

[shadowmice]

Not very good news for Scrapper this morning. He does not have high blood pressure but he most likely has cancer.

I felt he had been getting even thinner and when I tried to weigh him this weekend the number was so low I really hoped my scale was broken. He's not as low as I had measured but he has lost another three pounds in a short period of time and has a very poor body condition score as I thought.  I could tell she was concerned about him and she mentioned a number of times that she normally runs a urine analysis as well as blood tests on cats of his age to catch issues with the kidneys. The other vets had only run blood tests according to the records, so I asked if she could do it while we were there. Scrapper was being very calm this visit (oh, she is good and knows how to handle animals). Based on the results, large numbers, or "sheaths", of shedded cells, bacteria and blood in the sample (some may have been a result of the sample acquisition she said) in combination with his other symptoms and body condition she felt it likely he had cancer perhaps in the bladder itself, either alone or secondary to another primary tumour elsewhere,ie the brain, which would explain his seizures. He would need an ultrasound to confirm if he has cancer of the bladder.  She basically commented based on what she saw to enjoy what time I have with him now. I need to talk to our local vet to get their take on the test results but what she said is what I have been suspecting all along.

Despite the bad news, I found the visit a very positive experience. She purposely arranged a longer visit time and to have the office as quiet as possible to prevent undo stress for his blood pressure test. Once they were set up, even with multiple readings, it did not take very long. I was allowed to stay with him and encouraged to help keep him as quiet as possible; with his morning dose of pheno in him he was pretty sedate anyway. He only growled a few times when she was palpitating his kidneys and abdomen, but she backed off to give him time to settle down again. She took her time, was very gentle and patient, and answered any questions I had readily. While it is about a 1/2hr drive to get to her office versus the couple minutes across town to our local office, I am seriously considering looking into if I can switch all my cats over to her practice.

I had expressed concern to the local vet that I was afraid his continued weight loss may be due to cancer and their response was they didn't think so because his blood panels had come up clean.  Given he had been very overweight before, the mind set seemed to be that weight loss for him was a good thing.  Mind you this was before his latest additional drop but my gut was telling me before now there was more going on. I was kind of looking forward to this visit just to see how things developed versus our regular place.

[catwoods]

Shadowmice, I am sorry to hear that this may be cancer. I'll keep you and Scrapper in my thoughts and prayers and hopes that you have a lot more quality time. The vet sounds very responsive to the animals and their people and that is alway a help when trying to diagnose and manage serious ailments.

[catbird]

I am very sorry to hear about this probable diagnosis.   Very sad news.  I am glad to hear that you found this wonderful vet, however, who will certainly help you provide good supportive care if this does turn out to be true.

{{{hugs}}}

[catmom5]

I'm sorry that this could be cancer. It sounds as if this vet was quite wonderful with Scrapper and made a difficult time easier for him, and for you. Serious prayers coming for both of you that if, indeed it is cancer as you suspect, that you have some really good bonus time together.

{{{ hugs }}}

catmom5

[lesliek]

I hope this is not cancer,but it sounds like this vet is worth the longer drive. Especially if its cancer and Scrapper needs frequent visits. Prayers and positive thoughts that it is something much more treatable and if not for lots of quality time together.

[Cato]

Shadowmice, I want to say so many things, but I am at a loss for the right words... all I can say is, I know what you mean by "gut feeling."  Give Scrapper a smooch o the nose for me for being such a trooper at the vet's. 

[Mandycat]

shadowmice,
    I'm so sorry to hear that the vet thinks that Scrapper may have cancer.  I hope that you are able to find a way to find out for sure.
    I went back and re-read this entire thread looking to see if you had mentioned any urinary symptoms and I didn't see any.  Has Scrapper had any problems in that area that you didn't mention?  Blood in urine, straining, frequent trips to the box?  I have to do some research about bladder cancer, but I would think you would have seen some evidence that there was a problem in this area.  Could it be possible that Scrapper just has a UTI?  Did the vet mention prescribing any antibiotics since there was bacteria in the urine?  Did she order a Culture & Sensitivity test?  It sounds like this vet is a very caring person, so perhaps she will be more helpful in coming to a definite diagnosis for Scrapper.  Will keep you and Scrapper in my prayers.  
   

[JustMe]

Oh, I'm so sorry about Scrapper, and I also hope the diagnosis is wrong.  Keeping you both in my prayers.  {{{hugs}}}

[trudy1]

I will keep you both in my prayers, and hope for the best.
But you do know that "gut" feeling, as i do.
I will also pray that whatever is wrong, You both will have plenty of quality , loving time together. HUGS for you both.