Re: Friday - Walk & Pet Dilemma

[Guest guest]

I have absolutely no ideas on this one except as you're already planning, talking to the vet and saying, if this were your cat... if you trust the vet to think as a pet owner and not a business person. Possibly get a 2nd opinion from another vet? My best friend is a vet and though I haven't asked her, from hearing her talk about her cases I'd guess she'd probably say do nothing and see what happens as long as it is not bothering the cat (because the cat is 13, because it is so expensive to do things that may or may not be useful, because no one, including an animal, wants to undergo surgery if they can get away without doing so too). I don't have any pets right now (used to have a cat) but I think if it were me I'd go with wait and see because of the expense, age of the cat and not wanting to cause pain and suffering to the cat without there being a really good reason for it, that's all assuming the vet doesn't say it needs to be done and the cat will be much better for it if you do it. (I'd also pray about it before making a decision, but my immediate thought, withouot that is what I expressed.)

Just my thoughts. I know this is a super tough situation, Donna!!

HUGS!

Friday - Walk & Pet Dilemma

Hi Everyone,

My workout today was a 2 hour walk outdoors w/ my friend. I really was going to attempt some yoga, not sure if that will happen though. I really should try to do s bit tomorrow......I'm find it very helpful in terms of flexiblity and stress relief!!I also have an ethical question regarding pet care. Last Feb my cat had a fairly large tumor removed from his side (sort of under his left arm). At the time, we didn't have it biopsied (mistake!) figuring it wouldn't come back (silly!) Recently, we discovered that the tumor is back - in the same general area. My vet did a needle biopsy of it on Tuesday - and sent it off to the lab - the results, of course, are inconclusive. She said my options are: do nothing and see what happens; she can do a core biopsy and send it to the lab; or we can remove it again completely and biopsy it. My cat is 13 years old. I spent $180 for the needle biopsy. The core biopsy will be $350. I know from experience having it removed will run between $700-$800 and will involve a kitty with a very large wound w/ a drain in it to take care of. He healed very well the last time and it really wasn't that difficult to take care of him. I don't know what to do....it isn't totally about the $$, but in a way it is. I don't know if you remember but I spent several thousand dollars on my dog last fall when her spleen ruptured.....I also have some expensive dental work coming up, some car issues, I need to make summer camp final payments for my DD. UGH. I don't want the decision to be solely about money b/c if push came to shove I could pay for it to be removed again (not w/out some pain, but...). I'm just not sure if it is worth it b/c my cat is not young and whatever it is seems to have a tendency to come back. I don't know if benign tumors come back, so it may be cancer.....How much time would I be buying if I had it removed?Ok - sorry to burden you with that - just not sure what to do and would like some advice!! (I do plan to discuss with DH and then with our vet to see what her recommendation is - sort of like "if this were your cat, what would you do?")Take care,

Donna

[Guest guest]

ok first of I know nothing about cats so all of this relates to dogs.. so I would check with cat people BUTin dogs it is up to some debate as to remove these lumps. I have some friends and vets who biopsy and remove them ASAP. Myself and most others leave them be. Here is why.. for older dogs they get these fatty growths. most are benign, when removed they generally grow back and often more will appear. We do remove them if 1) they become so large they are uncomfortable for the dog 2) some suspicion of cancer But that said what are the options if cancer. For me I made the decision for my older dog not to purse any cancer treatments. yes it may be bad and I may be sacrificing a few

yeasr of her life (right now none of her growths appear to be cancer) BUT.. my older dog HATES the vet and is very scared there. I prefer her last few years to be somewhat stress free. Of course right now I am lucky as all her growths appear in spots that indicate probably fatty growths and most are stable in size. In fact at over 11 years old she is still competing in agility..anyway.. it is your decision but I would look up and see if cats have similar issues as they age as dogs due with fatty growths.judy From:

Donna M-P To: exercisevideos ; FitFirmies Sent: Friday, May 4, 2012 2:29 PM Subject: Friday - Walk & Pet Dilemma

Hi Everyone,

My workout today was a 2 hour walk outdoors w/ my friend. I really was going to attempt some yoga, not sure if that will happen though. I really should try to do s bit tomorrow......I'm find it very helpful in terms of flexiblity and stress relief!!I also have an ethical question regarding pet care. Last Feb my cat had a fairly large tumor removed from his side (sort of under his left arm). At the time, we didn't have it biopsied (mistake!) figuring it wouldn't come back (silly!) Recently, we discovered that the tumor is back - in the same general area. My vet did a needle biopsy of it on Tuesday - and sent it off to the lab - the results, of course, are inconclusive. She said my options are: do nothing and see what happens; she can do a core biopsy and send it to the lab; or we can remove it again completely and biopsy it. My cat is 13 years old. I spent $180 for the needle biopsy. The core biopsy will be $350. I know from experience having

it removed will run between $700-$800 and will involve a kitty with a very large wound w/ a drain in it to take care of. He healed very well the last time and it really wasn't that difficult to take care of him. I don't know what to do....it isn't totally about the $$, but in a way it is. I don't know if you remember but I spent several thousand dollars on my dog last fall when her spleen ruptured.....I also have some expensive dental work coming up, some car issues, I need to make summer camp final payments for my DD. UGH. I don't want the decision to be solely about money b/c if push came to shove I could pay for it to be removed again (not w/out some pain, but...). I'm just not sure if it is worth it b/c my cat is not young and whatever it is seems to have a tendency to come back. I don't know if benign tumors come back, so it may be cancer.....How much time would I be buying if I had it removed?Ok - sorry to burden you with that - just not

sure what to do and would like some advice!! (I do plan to discuss with DH and then with our vet to see what her recommendation is - sort of like "if this were your cat, what would you do?")Take care,

Donna

[Guest guest]

> it were me I'd go with wait and see because of the expense, age

> of the cat and not wanting to cause pain and suffering to the cat

> without there being a really good reason for it,

i was trying to think of a good way to say this, and then nancy

said it for me. thanks nancy personally i would feel

selfish for putting an older pet through serious surgery.

:*c.

[Guest guest]

Dear Donna,I can really empathize with your situation.  I can barely pay my phone bill yet alone expensive vet bills.  I paid around $1500 when all was said and done for Junior last year and it was totally worth it but he is young and it wasn't a tumor or cancer..

I would have the tumor removed, have it tested to see if it's cancer, and see what happens.  13 years is a good long kitty life and if it does turn out to be cancer I'd put her down once she starts showing signs of deep pain and suffering.

Hugs.  This is an awful position  be in, and I feel for you.  is 10 now and I tell him all the time he needs to live at least 8 more years for me!  Love,

 

> it were me I'd go with wait and see because of the expense, age

> of the cat and not wanting to cause pain and suffering to the cat

> without there being a really good reason for it,

i was trying to think of a good way to say this, and then nancy

said it for me. thanks nancy personally i would feel

selfish for putting an older pet through serious surgery.

:*c.

[Guest guest]

If the tumor isn't causing the cat any pain then why not leave it. As for your cat being "old," every cat is different. I had one cat that lived to be 18 years old and Mia is 20 years old now (I may be putting her to sleep soon...dunno yet but I really don't want to.) Your Vet probably won't tell you what to do. When making the decision to put a beloved pet to sleep I look at their quality of life and how further procedures would affect that. Is leaving the tumor where it is an option? JenSubject: Friday - Walk & Pet DilemmaTo: exercisevideos , FitFirmies Date: Friday, May 4, 2012, 2:29 PM

Hi Everyone,

My workout today was a 2 hour walk outdoors w/ my friend. I really was going to attempt some yoga, not sure if that will happen though. I really should try to do s bit tomorrow......I'm find it very helpful in terms of flexiblity and stress relief!!I also have an ethical question regarding pet care. Last Feb my cat had a fairly large tumor removed from his side (sort of under his left arm). At the time, we didn't have it biopsied (mistake!) figuring it wouldn't come back (silly!) Recently, we discovered that the tumor is back - in the same general area. My vet did a needle biopsy of it on Tuesday - and sent it off to the lab - the results, of course, are inconclusive. She said my options are: do nothing and see what happens; she can do a core biopsy and send it to the lab; or we can remove it again completely and biopsy it. My cat is 13 years old. I spent $180 for the needle biopsy. The core biopsy will be $350. I know from experience having

it removed will run between $700-$800 and will involve a kitty with a very large wound w/ a drain in it to take care of. He healed very well the last time and it really wasn't that difficult to take care of him. I don't know what to do....it isn't totally about the $$, but in a way it is. I don't know if you remember but I spent several thousand dollars on my dog last fall when her spleen ruptured.....I also have some expensive dental work coming up, some car issues, I need to make summer camp final payments for my DD. UGH. I don't want the decision to be solely about money b/c if push came to shove I could pay for it to be removed again (not w/out some pain, but...). I'm just not sure if it is worth it b/c my cat is not young and whatever it is seems to have a tendency to come back. I don't know if benign tumors come back, so it may be cancer.....How much time would I be buying if I had it removed?Ok - sorry to burden you with that - just not

sure what to do and would like some advice!! (I do plan to discuss with DH and then with our vet to see what her recommendation is - sort of like "if this were your cat, what would you do?")Take care,

Donna

[Guest guest]

Hi Jen,

Yes, we could leave it alone for now - I'm torn - b/c to me my options are to do nothing and see what happens OR go for the full blown surgery (the intermediat option of a core biopsy doesn't seem to make sense since they need to put the cat under sedation anyway - so if he is under anesthesia - why not just take the whole thing off!) He is acting fine and nothing seems to be bothering him. If I do decide to take it off and it is cancer, I'm not going to treat him with chemo or radiation or anything like that - so maybe the best solution is to just leave it alone and see what happens - b/c how much time would I be buying if it was cancer? Plus, as mentioned having surgery is stressful to people and animals and he was through it once before.......hmmmm...

Donna

Subject: Friday - Walk & Pet DilemmaTo: exercisevideos , FitFirmies Date: Friday, May 4, 2012, 2:29 PM

Hi Everyone,

My workout today was a 2 hour walk outdoors w/ my friend. I really was going to attempt some yoga, not sure if that will happen though. I really should try to do s bit tomorrow......I'm find it very helpful in terms of flexiblity and stress relief!!I also have an ethical question regarding pet care. Last Feb my cat had a fairly large tumor removed from his side (sort of under his left arm). At the time, we didn't have it biopsied (mistake!) figuring it wouldn't come back (silly!) Recently, we discovered that the tumor is back - in the same general area. My vet did a needle biopsy of it on Tuesday - and sent it off to the lab - the results, of course, are inconclusive. She said my options are: do nothing and see what happens; she can do a core biopsy and send it to the lab; or we can remove it again completely and biopsy it. My cat is 13 years old. I spent $180 for the needle biopsy. The core biopsy will be $350. I know from experience having

it removed will run between $700-$800 and will involve a kitty with a very large wound w/ a drain in it to take care of. He healed very well the last time and it really wasn't that difficult to take care of him. I don't know what to do....it isn't totally about the $$, but in a way it is. I don't know if you remember but I spent several thousand dollars on my dog last fall when her spleen ruptured.....I also have some expensive dental work coming up, some car issues, I need to make summer camp final payments for my DD. UGH. I don't want the decision to be solely about money b/c if push came to shove I could pay for it to be removed again (not w/out some pain, but...). I'm just not sure if it is worth it b/c my cat is not young and whatever it is seems to have a tendency to come back. I don't know if benign tumors come back, so it may be cancer.....How much time would I be buying if I had it removed?Ok - sorry to burden you with that - just not

sure what to do and would like some advice!! (I do plan to discuss with DH and then with our vet to see what her recommendation is - sort of like "if this were your cat, what would you do?")Take care,

Donna

[Guest guest]

What have you decided to do about your cat?Noisy, Jen

Subject: Friday - Walk & Pet DilemmaTo: exercisevideos , FitFirmies Date: Friday, May 4, 2012, 2:29 PM

Hi Everyone,

My workout today was a 2 hour walk outdoors w/ my friend. I really was going to attempt some yoga, not sure if that will happen though. I really should try to do s bit tomorrow......I'm find it very helpful in terms of flexiblity and stress relief!!I also have an ethical question regarding pet care. Last Feb my cat had a fairly large tumor removed from his side (sort of under his left arm). At the time, we didn't have it biopsied (mistake!) figuring it wouldn't come back (silly!) Recently, we discovered that the tumor is back - in the same general area. My vet did a needle biopsy of it on Tuesday - and sent it off to the lab - the results, of course, are inconclusive. She said my options are: do nothing and see what happens; she can do a core biopsy and send it to the lab; or we can remove it again completely and biopsy it. My cat is 13 years old. I spent $180 for the needle biopsy. The core biopsy will be $350. I know from experience having

it removed will run between $700-$800 and will involve a kitty with a very large wound w/ a drain in it to take care of. He healed very well the last time and it really wasn't that difficult to take care of him. I don't know what to do....it isn't totally about the $$, but in a way it is. I don't know if you remember but I spent several thousand dollars on my dog last fall when her spleen ruptured.....I also have some expensive dental work coming up, some car issues, I need to make summer camp final payments for my DD. UGH. I don't want the decision to be solely about money b/c if push came to shove I could pay for it to be removed again (not w/out some pain, but...). I'm just not sure if it is worth it b/c my cat is not young and whatever it is seems to have a tendency to come back. I don't know if benign tumors come back, so it may be cancer.....How much time would I be buying if I had it removed?Ok - sorry to burden you with that - just not

sure what to do and would like some advice!! (I do plan to discuss with DH and then with our vet to see what her recommendation is - sort of like "if this were your cat, what would you do?")Take care,

Donna

[Guest guest]

Hi Jen,

I think we have pretty much decided to leave it alone and see what happens. We had it removed once before and it grew back - so it is likely that it will come back again if we remove it this time. I don't really need to know if it is cancer or not because if it is cancer, I'm not going to treat it w/ chemo or radiation therapy. So, I think we are 98% sure that we will just leave it alone and see what happens.

Right now he is fine -

Thanks!

Donna

Subject: Friday - Walk & Pet DilemmaTo: exercisevideos , FitFirmies Date: Friday, May 4, 2012, 2:29 PM

Hi Everyone,

My workout today was a 2 hour walk outdoors w/ my friend. I really was going to attempt some yoga, not sure if that will happen though. I really should try to do s bit tomorrow......I'm find it very helpful in terms of flexiblity and stress relief!!I also have an ethical question regarding pet care. Last Feb my cat had a fairly large tumor removed from his side (sort of under his left arm). At the time, we didn't have it biopsied (mistake!) figuring it wouldn't come back (silly!) Recently, we discovered that the tumor is back - in the same general area. My vet did a needle biopsy of it on Tuesday - and sent it off to the lab - the results, of course, are inconclusive. She said my options are: do nothing and see what happens; she can do a core biopsy and send it to the lab; or we can remove it again completely and biopsy it. My cat is 13 years old. I spent $180 for the needle biopsy. The core biopsy will be $350. I know from experience having

it removed will run between $700-$800 and will involve a kitty with a very large wound w/ a drain in it to take care of. He healed very well the last time and it really wasn't that difficult to take care of him. I don't know what to do....it isn't totally about the $$, but in a way it is. I don't know if you remember but I spent several thousand dollars on my dog last fall when her spleen ruptured.....I also have some expensive dental work coming up, some car issues, I need to make summer camp final payments for my DD. UGH. I don't want the decision to be solely about money b/c if push came to shove I could pay for it to be removed again (not w/out some pain, but...). I'm just not sure if it is worth it b/c my cat is not young and whatever it is seems to have a tendency to come back. I don't know if benign tumors come back, so it may be cancer.....How much time would I be buying if I had it removed?Ok - sorry to burden you with that - just not

sure what to do and would like some advice!! (I do plan to discuss with DH and then with our vet to see what her recommendation is - sort of like "if this were your cat, what would you do?")Take care,

Donna