Conference misery::feline_v1

    Are there alternatives other than surgery?  Are you near some place
    like Tufts where you could ask for a second opinion?  If the tumor is
    not cancerous, I thought they could destroy it non-surgically like
    they did Barbara Bush's.  
    

    Of course every case is different, but our Jinxie who just turned
    17 has real problems with his teeth and gums and must have dental
    work each year.  Dr. LeVan at Marlboro Animal Hospital takes an
    EKG of him first which is transmitted to someplace in NY.  There
    they get the results and let the Dr. know whether or not to go ahead
    with the surgery.  I feel much more comfortable with this added
    bit of precaution even though I know nothing is 100%.  We had a
    dog who lived to a ripe old age.  Once when he went in for tooth
    work, the EKG results came back negative so Dr. LeVan put him on
    some kind of medication for a couple of weeks and then the same
    procedure was repeated at which time they felt he was OK for the
    surgery.
    
    I know exactly how you're feeling.  My thoughts will be with you
    on Monday.

    
    We tried medication(s), one for her heart rate because is was high and
    the medication helped bring it down.  The other was for any pain she
    may be experiencing from the tumor.  The vet says these tumors only
    occur in older cats, and he also told me that the operation is a quick
    and routine one.  However, it is necessary!  My mom thinks I should
    have her put to sleep.  I said to her, "If you were older and needed an
    operation would you want someone to pull the plug on you"??  She sure
    changed her mind quite quickly!
    
    Thanx for your input.
    
    
    mjb
      

    My mom's cat is 17 1/2 and about 2 years ago, and a complete geriactic
    profile done and his teeth cleaned.  He had to be put under for the
    teeth and he did not respond very well.  He also has this BIG calcium
    deposit in is right shoulder area that the vet would like removed, but
    since it doesn't bother him, my mom says "NO".  The vet told her the
    same thing - he might not pull through the surgery.  
    
    I agree, are there other alternatives?  Sometimes, I believe, the
    surgery is worse than the disease (or whatever) is.  I'd hate to see
    something like "the surgery was a success, but the patient died"
    happen.  It's not always worth it.
    
    Mary
    

    My little girl Pookie aka her Royal Highness, will be 14 in March,
    and last winter she has to have surgery, as a result of that
    her thyroid was "acting up".. My vet and I decided to take a wait and
    see approach..versus any agressive action,, it 4 monthes, and 
    a few tests, and she is fine, I realize that all cases are different,
    if it were me , I would ask if the tumor was " unfriendly", the reason
    I say this is because at her last exam(about 1 month ago).. we found
    a similar tumor on Pookie, like the one we did the surgery for, we sent
    /did a bioposy,, it appears to benign, and she is not in any pain, so
    we decided to leave well enough alone,instead of putting her thru
    a "routine surgery"Good luck,
    Regards
    Kate

    Both Doobie (15) and Peaches (14) are hyperthyroid(ic?) and must take
    Tapazole (5 mg), 1/2 tablet twice a day. They were started on this
    treatment about 2 months ago and the improvement in their overall health
    is amazing.  Peaches had only a fair appetite and constant loose bowels
    and his coat (shorthair) was dull and kinda ratty looking. Doobie would
    hardly eat a thing, bowels O.K., coat(longhair) dull and real rough to
    the touch.  Now they eat well, bowels normal, and coats shiny and
    smooth and they have both gained weight.  Food: Science Diet K/D.
    
    Chuck, Jane, Doobie, Peaches and Cassandra(the flea)
    

    My opinion, if the tumor does not bother the kitty and is not
    cancerous, I would not go thru with the surgery.
    
    But if you absolutely have to have the surgery, I would get a 2nd
    opinion and Tufts would be the place I would go.
    
    Good luck, it must be a very hard decision.  Just remember, you
    are doing what's good for the kitty and that's all that counts.
    
    Anna/Zildjian/Spunky
    

    Please let us know how things are going.  We have our fingers and
    paws crossed.
    

    THE SURGERY IS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY MORNING.  I'LL KNOW THE RESULTS
    THAT AFTERNOON.  I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED AS WELL. SO FAR I'VE HAD NO
    REPLIES FROM ANYONE WHOSE OLDER CAT HAS HAD SURGERY.  MOST OLDER CAT
    OWNERS JUST LET THE CAT LIVE W/THE TUMOR (OR DISEASE) AND/OR KEEP THE
    CAT ON MEDICATION.  BUT THAT'S NOT GOOD ALL THE TIME (OR FOR THE REST
    IF ITS LIFE) EITHER.
    
    WHY CAN'T CAT'S LIVE AS LONG AS PEOPLE??
    
    Mjb
      

    
    we also would try to get a second opinion on something as vital as
    this.  good luck on momday. our prayerz are with you, too...
    
    diane, stanley & stella
    

    
    I would be sure that the vet does a good pre-surgical workup.
    I know this isn't quite the same but Bumpy developed a hernia
    2 yrs ago at age 10 yrs.  I opted for the surgery even tho she
    suffered NO discomfort or pain from the hernia.  At the time, my
    reasoning was "Hernias can become a real problem if not repaired
    and she is in the best shape to tolerate the surgery right now.
    She's only going to get older".
    
    I can't say she came through it as well as a kitten, but she came
    through with flying colors.
      She's now 12 and our new vet told me that considering her age,
    she's in "phenomenal condition".  
    
    Good luck.  I'll be thinking of you.

    What happened to the base note?  I have been out of town for a few
    days and didn't get a chance to see it.
    
    Jo

    re: .12
    
    The author of .9 was asking about surgery which the vet said was
    necessary but chancy for her older cat.  The surgery was scheduled
    for tomorrow.  I hope the disappearance of the base note doesn't mean
    something bad happened and the author can't stand to talk about it any 
    more so she deleted the note.....
    

    See Note 3072, for a modification of this note.  I deleted this base
    note by mistake, I wanted to edit it instead.
    
    MJB/WMO