When last we met to discuss my wayward Constitution...
In the 2 weeks since Daddy Kiril had some questions as he is seriously considering that $275 test mentioned as a way to learn more.
1. Will the Disease/Diseases be curable, or manageable, if the results of the test are positive?
2. What Quality of Life (Pain, etc...) will I have with this condition, with, or without, treating?
3. If curable/manageable, how much will it cost?
4. How often will I need to be brought in?
His concern, and I understand perfectly where he's coming from, is will we be prolonging my life, or just prolonging my pain, & discomfort, by giving me treatment?
Well, the Doc got back to him, and I listened in on their discussion, and here's the gist of it:
We will know more about me after my visit in a couple of days, to see if I have put on any weight in 2 weeks, but for now the Vet said the $275 Abdominal Ultrasound would just support, or not support, her theory about my condition, but not tell for sure.
She says my intestines felt thickened, and this is a possible sign of Inflamatory Bowel Disease, or Intestinal Cancer.
I AM pooping, so it can't be Constipation. ( My Poops are Bigger than Elvira's, neener, neener, neener!!! Um, hee, hee! :-D )
A Colonoscopy for Cats might give more info, but the only sure way to know exactly what's going on is an expensive Exploratory Abdominal Surgery.
I'm a happy, playful, and perky, camper and don't feel any pain so, whatever the problem is, expensive treatment is not recommended, even if Daddy could have afforded it.
****UPDATE -- 7/26/11****
I had my weight check yesterday, and I gained a tiny bit of weight, which made my vet very happy.
Before everyone starts doing a Happy Dance let me put this in a little bit of perspective by sharing what my weight has been like since 2006....
July 2006 = 16.50 lbs.
July 2007 = 17.42 lbs.
Nov. 2008 = 16.16 lbs.
Nov. 2009 = 15.36 lbs.
Oct. 2010 = 13.02 lbs. ( When my Arthritis was diagnosed )
March 2011 = 14.58 lbs.
July 12, 2011 = 11.36 lbs. ( When Daddy reported is concern about my weight loss & tests were made, and theories put forward afterward. )
Yesterday = 11.60 lbs.
Daddy will take me back in 2 weeks for another weight check, and in the meantime I remain on the pill, and eat wet food..
****END UPDATE****
Sigh. I can only send you our very best healing purrs. Such a dilemma.
Posted by: Brian | July 24, 2011 at 04:36 PM
Well, it sounds like you are doing all right for now, Nikita, so I guess the best your human can do is keep an eye on you.
Posted by: Sparkle | July 24, 2011 at 11:11 PM
I hope that all is well - one of my kitties is unwell at the moment - so I understand.
Posted by: Jo Bryant | July 24, 2011 at 11:17 PM
For Nikita & Kiril -
There are a few places that might be able to help you pay for Nikita's treatment, if you fit their (often arcane) requirements.
Speaking for Spot has a long list of contacts, with all kinds of requirements. Many of them are in Calif, for whatever that might help.
The Cat Blogosphere has a page for Veterinary Bills Help.
There is likely a lot of overlap with Spot, but it couldn't hurt to check.
Finally, there is always ChipIn or similar donation button. $5 or $10 donations add up quickly.
Hope something there helps.
ppuurrrrrr
Posted by: Lee County Clowder | July 25, 2011 at 10:03 AM
We're glad to know you're doing better than your dad. (He's worried about you!)
We hope you keep doing well.
Posted by: jansfunnyfarm | July 25, 2011 at 02:47 PM
Oh Nikita!! We will purrr for you and keep you in our prayers!!
((((((HUGGGGSSSS)))))) from your TX furiends,
Posted by: Samantha, Clementine & Maverick | July 25, 2011 at 09:07 PM
purring and praying that all is ok!
Posted by: caren Gittleman | July 25, 2011 at 09:14 PM
Stay well, Nikita!
El Gato is quite elderly, and has lost some weight.
He was always a very slim cat but now he is down to 8 lbs.
Other than that, he seems fine. We make sure his food bowl is filled often.
Sometimes older kitties need to have their teeth cleaned.
Discomfort in the mouth causes loss of appetite.
Also, some older kitties get an overactive thyroid.
Posted by: 1389AD | August 27, 2011 at 09:02 AM