Question:
I'm in a terrible situation and I guess I'm just looking for other opinions about my poor kittie's condition. My kittie is 10 years old and has always had various health issues but not like this. I brought him to the vet on Mon because I noticed he was breathing heavy. After x-rays, blood work, and a chest ultrasound I have been told that he has low blood albumin levels, he's anemic, he has fluid in his chest cavity that is compressing his lungs( the vet did a tap and removed about 80mls of clear fluid from his chest but fluid returned within 24 hours), and conj heart faliure (but this is not causing the pleural effusion. I was told the cause of the fluid could be cancer or another terminial disease. My vet said there was nothing more he could do but I could take him and get another opinion. I can't stop crying I would do anything but is it just too late? I went to see him and he was happy to see me his breathing was very labored but he was still eating and drinking water and acting ok He was alert and purring when I was petting him. Also he was in an oxygen cage at the vet. I told the vet I would decide what I was going to do. I just feel sick. Any advice? Thank you in advance for any reply.

Answer:
Welcome to the site, RCB14 - I'm sorry such sad circumstances bring you here.
I dont know what to suggest really. My heart goes out to you to be faced with such a hard decision for your poor kitty.

You could try a second opinion, and this might make you feel better - exhausting all treatment options and confirming the prognosis.

If on the other hand you have full confidence in your current vet.. then the issue comes down to the future quality of your cat's life, his comfort level.

Ten years isnt considered old for a cat, but your little one has had other health issues to deal with.

I'm very sorry you are in this postion, and can only suggest to follow the advice of your vet in this regard.. and let your heart guide you on what is the best decision.

Answer:
RCB14,You are in a heartbreaking situation,we've all been there,but this is one decision you'll have to make yourself.
You could see another vet,but it seems to me your current vet is doing what is possible.
Your cat is only 10yrs old,I have a 10yr old and he definetly not old,but like in people they can get incurable conditions.
Whatever desicion you make,will be for the love of your cat,for him not to have to suffer,he loves and trusts you and I am sure he's had a wonderful life.
I am hoping he can survive and live many more years ,but if not and you need support,we are all here for you..

Answer:
Originally Posted by RCB14
I'm in a terrible situation and I guess I'm just looking for other opinions about my poor kittie's condition. My kittie is 10 years old and has always had various health issues but not like this. I brought him to the vet on Mon because I noticed he was breathing heavy. After x-rays, blood work, and a chest ultrasound I have been told that he has low blood albumin levels, he's anemic, he has fluid in his chest cavity that is compressing his lungs( the vet did a tap and removed about 80mls of clear fluid from his chest but fluid returned within 24 hours), and conj heart faliure (but this is not causing the pleural effusion. I was told the cause of the fluid could be cancer or another terminial disease. My vet said there was nothing more he could do but I could take him and get another opinion. I can't stop crying I would do anything but is it just too late? I went to see him and he was happy to see me his breathing was very labored but he was still eating and drinking water and acting ok He was alert and purring when I was petting him. Also he was in an oxygen cage at the vet. I told the vet I would decide what I was going to do. I just feel sick. Any advice? Thank you in advance for any reply.

Check out these websites
www.alt4animals.com and
www.altvetmed.com
you can get a good basic book on natural pet health.... called Dr.Pitcarins Natural Health for Dogs and Cats ....you can look it up on Amazon. Also you can check out the homeopathics listed in his book... there maybe one that will help, or visit a holistic vet.
Good luck with your kitty
bullidog

Answer:
I am so sorry to hear of your situation. I concur with Chico - like humans, cats can become seriously ill at any age and we - their family - are faced with difficult choices. If you think a 2nd opinion would help - and really think about it- are you doing it because you have some lack of confidence in your current vet (even if you like him or her personally), because you want to be absolutely certain there are no other alternatives or because you need to do it for yourself. I am not a vet so it's hard to know what to recommend - that really has to come from you and in some ways your cat will help you decide. Is she suffering? In pain? The fact that your vet suggested getting a 2nd opinion means s/he sounds willing to work with someone else and that is a good sign.

Miracles do happen - does your vet know of anyone in a similar situation? What did they do? Are there alternatives s/he could offer if s/he recommended you to say a specialist? And I guess in getting a 2nd opinion, you need to know if surgery was available, how much quality of life would they gave to your kitty?

I know it is a lot and really too much to think about! Take care and best wishes!! We'll all be thinking of you I am sure!

Answer: