Crap crap crap
I took my cat to the emergency vet this morning because she hasn't been eating or drinking. The vet found she has a large tumour on her tongue, too big to operate and it's probably spread too.

The vet gave her a shot of antibiotics and one of steroids which should help reduce the pain.

It's been a couple of hours and she still can't eat. I have antibiotic and steroid tablets to start her on tomorrow but since she's not eating food... I'm taking her to the regular vet tomorrow. If she still can't eat by then I know what they'll say. It's such a shame as she's in excellent condition otherwise, especially for an eighteen year-old cat.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Sun 10 May 2009, 13:36, 19 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Damn. This is shitty news, LiC.

( thealternativefact, Sun 10 May 2009, 13:37, Reply)

Not as shitty as her breath right now
I'm having a bit of a blub in front of the Gran Prix.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Sun 10 May 2009, 14:02, Reply)

Oh dear : (
Poor pussy.


Maybe it's time to let her go if she's suffering.
( girlinthehole, Sun 10 May 2009, 13:38, Reply)

I talked to the vet about it
And we decided to give the steroids and antibiotics a try, see if we can make her comfortable. But it would just be giving her a few weeks more at best, even if she was able to eat. She's still happy to be fussed and stroked for now but she keeps demanding food.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Sun 10 May 2009, 13:48, Reply)

Poor Kitty
I hope something can be done. Otherwise you'll have the thing I hate the most.

Have you tried feeding her by syringe, like thet do with kittens who have no mum? Although I have no idea what you'd feed her on.
(Potty Jag har smör i min rumpspringa, Sun 10 May 2009, 13:49, Reply)

Me either
I don't own a liquidiser or anything like that.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Sun 10 May 2009, 13:52, Reply)

Ask a butcher
if they can grind up some meat for you - without any bones but preferably with organs included. It'll have most of the nutrients she needs. (Bones would give her the rest but if she can't chew properly I wouldn't risk giving her those). You might need to thin it down a bit with water to feed it to her.

*hugs*
( warmfuzzies Isn't here, Sun 10 May 2009, 14:17, Reply)

fucking hell.
that's really really shit Light. I'm so sorry to hear that. :(
have some internet hugs and love from me.
(Poppet some assembly required., Sun 10 May 2009, 14:10, Reply)

Thanks folks
I'll try her with some mashed up food again in a bit.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Sun 10 May 2009, 14:19, Reply)

TLIC
I'm really sorry to hear that about the puss. If she can be made comfortable with palliative care then so much the better; if she has had 18 years of your love that'll be some great memories for you both.
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Sun 10 May 2009, 14:38, Reply)

* hugs *
Sorry to hear about that mate. Still, 18 years is quite a feat for a cat.

* hugs again *
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Sun 10 May 2009, 16:07, Reply)

Damn, sorry to hear that.

( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Sun 10 May 2009, 17:11, Reply)

18 years is still very very good though don't forget.
I've seen cats a lot younger than that with the same thing and have died by the age of 12.

Keeping her comfortable is a good measure, sadly not treatable. You'll know when the time is right. Try hand feeding her on some chicken or warmed fish, if it's warm then she'll be able to smell it and will be more likely to go for it.
( fuck shit up the best you never had, Sun 10 May 2009, 17:21, Reply)

I'm not terribly fond of the phrase 'a good innings'
but that's what your cat's had. Long may it continue.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Sun 10 May 2009, 18:37, Reply)

Sorry to hear that LiC
Here's hoping that she responds to the steriods.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Sun 10 May 2009, 18:58, Reply)

I've tried all kinds of food today
nothing worked. Finally I know you're not supposed to give milk to cats but I did anyway and she lapped it up. Yay! I also hit the little corner shop for anything she might eat. Chicken baby food no, but she did have some beef sandwich paste.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Sun 10 May 2009, 19:21, Reply)

LIC
I'm not a medic any more and haven't been for years but I imagine that anything that she can and will eat now is a blessing.
Presumably Becky would back me up that if she is in end-stage illness, not much you can give her will do her much harm.

I'm very very sorry to hear that you're in pain with the cat and I hope that she and you have as much time together as you can at this difficult time.
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Sun 10 May 2009, 20:52, Reply)

This makes me very sad indeed
So sorry
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Mon 11 May 2009, 9:45, Reply)