Sick Kitty - We are on the Home Stretch

Lexi saw the vet today. She has lost another quarter pound which means her intestines aren't functioning correctly. Without testing we can't be sure if it is Lymphoma or Irratible Bowel Disease. Both are very common in cats, treatment is the same and testing is very cost prohibitive so knowing for sure wouldn't do anything. Unless I wanted to try chemo, which I am not willing to do.

She is on 10 mg of prednisone pills once a day. She is also getting a B-12 shot once a week for a month and then after that once a month. Her body is not absorbing B-12. I am giving the shots so I don't have to bring her in. Side affects for prednisone are increased thirst and hunger. This is a good thing and I am hoping she will start eating normally again.

There are no side affects for the B-12 shot other than it will turn her urine pink. I will probably never see it unless she has an accident.

Unfortunately the vet also found a heart murmur - another vet listened to her to be sure. There isn't anything I can do about that and the vet doesn't seem too concerned other than recognizing the signs of heart failure.

Signs of heart failure are:
-increased respirations (heavy breathing) - especially while sleeping
-acting exhausted/increased respirations after playing lightly or doing something that normally wouldn't tire her out (going up and down the stairs)
-panting like a dog
-inability to walk/acting like she is in pain in her legs

If any of these things happen she needs to go to the vet immediately because she will not pull out of it without help and it would be a slow, painful way to pass. Irregardless of the outcome, she would need help from a vet.

Her mood is still really great and cats can survive, even with lymphoma, on prednisone for years. The heart murmur makes the prognosis not as good, however she could also do fine with it for a long time.

I have considered the option of putting her down. Eventually I will need to do that but right now she is still acting happy. Also, her treatments are all home treatments and not very traumatizing. I have decided I won't wait until she is miserable, however right now is not the time. Fortunately, my vet does home visits for this.

She has had and continues to have a great life. I am thankful I have a heads up and can emotionally prepare for the future. While it will not make things easier, it is better than sudden.

Many people do not like cats and I can think of many others that would roll their eyes at my attachment to one. I think cats are often misunderstood, and mismanaged because of this.

Lexi has been a great companion to me. She is always with me/near me when I am home. When I go out of town, I am told she sleeps by the door. She has never destroyed furniture even though she has all her claws. Clipping her claws is easy for me to do. When I talk to her, she looks me in the eye. When she wants me to pick her up, she stands on her back feet. I can call her and she will come (unless she's sleeping). She sleeps with me every night. She only makes a sound if she is hungry, if she has a hairball or if she has trouble in her litterbox. Yes, when she feels sick, she tells me. I can take her outside and she stays near me and I can call her back in (believe it or not).

I feel blessed to have such a great companion.

Today I am sad to have hit this mile marker.