10/25 Max -- Back from Ultrasound; Waiting for Test Resu

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max&emmasmommie

max&emmasmommie

Member Since 2012
Hi, everyone. Max is doing fine except that the muscles along his spine are disappearing. He had bulked up recently, and now it seems he's having some "muscle wasting" from the CKD/CRF. I guess I'll take him to the vet and get his phosphorus and creatinine levels checked. Otherwise, he seems fine. I haven't put him back on the supplements for the CRF yet. Perhaps I should.

I am concerned that he has metabolic acidosis. Apparently, although this happens when the cat is in Stage 4 CKD usually, it can happen with low creatinine levels, too. If you are interested, see this: http://www.felinecrf.org/metabolic_acidosis.htm I guess I'll have to have him tested for this. I sure hope my vet can do the most accurate test. Max will have to be sedated for that one. The treatment is not complicated, thank goodness.

I'm feeding him Cowboy Cookout and Wellness Turkey mixed together. So far he's had only 3 small cans of Cowboy Cookout total. I think I made a mistake using the Cowboy Cookout. I was trying to use Jill (and Alex's) favorite foods for an FD/CKD cat, and I meant to use Merrick's BG 96% Turkey. I can't find the third food she uses at Petco -- Evo 95% Chicken & Turkey.

His hydration has been good. It's been raining here off and on and, of course, it's not nearly so hot any longer. Maybe that is helping. I was buoyed by the fact that he had not need Subcues for so long (12 days), but now this.

Well, at least I'm glad to find out this is easily treated, but it's dangerous to treat a cat for MA who doesn't have it. So, we have to schedule a trip to the vet. Waa waa waaa.
I've given him 4 doses of Pepcid AC so far.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Worried MamaBean

There is always something to worry about with our babies. I hope the vet can do the test you want, I'll have to look that one up. What supplements were you giving?

Neither Petco or PetSmart carry EVO 95% here either, I have to go to smaller shops for it. Look for Pinnacle Chicken and ocean Fish (5% carbs and 175mg Phos/100kcal) and Wellness Core, Beef, venison and Lamb (5% carbs and 171mg Phos/100kcal), both Petco and PetSmart should have the latter. Have you considered raw? Nature's Variety Chicken, Beef, Lamb and Vennison are all very low for both carbs and Phos.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Worried MamaBean

Hi Dale, I can understand your worry, as Maggie's also a CRD kitty. Thanks on that link. I'll take my time and read the info. I have her book which makes it easier looking things up. Keep us posted. Those are some good choices foods from Ann. Catch up later.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Worried MamaBean

Just wanted to let you and Max know we are thinking of you. Hope the vet gives you some answers.
:YMHUG:
Karen
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Worried MamaBean

HI Dale, Sorry to hear Max isn't 100%. If it is metabolic acidosis at least it is an easy treatment. We have you and Max in our thoughts and prayers. Have a great evening.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Worried MamaBean

((( Dale,)))
Sorry for Max and new issues. Seems like it's one thing after another... :YMSIGH:

Put you zip code in the where to buy search block and you should be able to find and call around for the foods you want.
Petco told me what they carry always depends on their distributor so they don't all carry the same foods.
But there are lots of stores in San Diego so you can find the one closest to you.


http://www.evopet.com/
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Worried MamaBean

(((Dale)))

I was worried about this with Gus because he also had muscle wasting. But they ran tests and he did not have MA....still he has so very little muscle along his spine and in his back legs. I hope that Max just has the normal muscle wasting with CKD.

My vet had us start giving Gus virgin, organic, cold pressed coconut oil. I buy Tropical Traditions. It isn't cheap but it's very pure. He has put on some weight with it and I also give a bit of it to Gracie and Tobey.

Please keep us posted. It is so hard with these CKD kitties....so many little things that can sneak up on you.

When you say 4 doses of pepcid AC...do you mean one dose each day? Also....I'm a proponent for daily fluids in a cat whose creat is above 3.5. I think it is one of the things that has allowed us to keep Gus so stable for so long. The CRF Yahoo Group also supports fluids more often as opposed to every other day or a couple times a week.

Hugs!
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Worried MamaBean

If you have a feed store near you, you might check there for the Evo. Or as Ann said, try a smaller shop. If you have an Incredible Pets, I don't know for sure whether or not they carry it, but I have found other brands there that I can't find anywhere else, like Tiki Cat and Weruva, so maybe you could check there. Hugs to you and I hope you get some answers from the vet.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Worried MamaBean

(((Dale))),

I wish I could help with some words of wisdom, but I have zero experience with CKD/CRF. All I can do is keep you and Max in my thoughts and prayers, and hope you get answers to your questions soon.

Carl
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Worried MamaBean

Bad news. Max has a mass in his abdomen the size of a tennis ball. I am very upset, and I hope I'll be able to sleep, but I don't know.

He is eating fine, and I think he's eliminating fine. He pooped in the carrier, and it was normal. He's not even dehydrated according to the poop and the vet. That, at least, is very good news. Chances are his CRF/CKD isn't getting worse.

The vet has ruled out all of his organs except for his spleen and the other possibility is that it is in a lymph node. He will join the Shaved Belly Club tomorrow morning when he has his ultrasound. I am worried sick, but the not so bad news is that the vet didn't see any other masses; lymphoma in cats responds well to radiation; and if it is in his spleen, but hasn't spread out of the spleen, it isn't that hard to remove a spleen.

He has lost 0.5 a pound technically, but when you consider what a mass the size of a tennis ball might weigh, it's hard to imagine that he hasn't lost quite a bit more "real" weight. How his boney spine and weight loss connects with this mass, I'm not sure. I suppose he might have metabolic acidosis even with no advancement in his CRF or the mass is affecting his weight. Maybe cancer takes a lot of energy to grow, but the fact that he's losing muscle both worries me and confuses me. I hate to give him more fat because of the past pancreatitis diagnosis (by snap test -- not the best indicator), but I can't let him get too weak if we are going to treat a cancer.

We have no idea what we are going to do yet, but we both agree that chemo would not be an option; we are hoping for a easily treatable cancer, of course. I'll let you all know more after the ultrasound results come in.

I'm so sad and scared. I love him soooo much.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

$&@?$*%#*+#!!!!!

(((Dale)))).... I will pray and pray for him tonight that it isn't anything. That the vet is wrong. That the U/S is clear.

IF it is lymphoma, talk to the oncologist. Our Teddi Bear had lymphoma and responded really well to the chemo. MJs Daffy also has lymphoma and CKD and has done quite well with the chemo.

A million prayers and healing vines. Please keep us posted. I think this news calls for a stiff adult beverage so you can sleep.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Hi Dale - I am sorry to read this, ad I will hope that it proves to be "nothing". Mannie went through something similar a while back,and the U/s revealed that ti was insignificant. I will keep max in my thoughts. Good luck with the U/S
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Dale, I'm just so so sorry you and Max are going through this! I hope that it turns out to be something benign that can easily be removed. I'll be thinking of you and Max and waiting for an update, hoping it's good news.

Hang in there and think positively. Hugs & well wishes,
Melanie & Racci
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Many paws crossed here for good results from the U/S tomorrow. And good on you for knowing Max well enough to get on it when there wasn't much in the way of symptoms.

I'll pile onto what Marje says about chemo. Animals go through it a lot better than we do. I've spent a lot of time at a vet oncologist this year with a friend and her dog, and I saw a number of cats that were regular customers.

We'll be thinking of you and Max tomorrow.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Ugh! So sorry to hear the news. Hope the U/S turns up positive results. Hang in there Max - the jelly is gonna be a little chilly on your tum, but it won't last long!
:YMHUG: Strength and healing vines to you and Max!
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Butthead had chemo briefly (Palladia), but his aggressive fast-growing tumors did not respond to it. He initially had several surgeries to remove the masses, but they kept coming back. Radiation helped to keep it in check for a few months. The tumor originated in his ear and spread to the side of his face, neck, and into his skull :sad:. Aspirates taken during Daffy's ultrasound indicated lymphoma in the spleen. She started IV chemo treatment immediately (alternating vincristine/carboplatin weekly), but after a few rounds, her renal values suffered, so she was switched to supposedly less toxic oral CCNU (lomustine) and also started daily subq fluids. She's also 15, so we can't be sure the renal issues weren't also age-related. She was on the CCNU for about 6 months, which is about the max length recommended for treatment.

You hear "chemo" and probably think of what humans go through (going bald, throwing up, feeling like crap), but I saw no noticeable side effects in my cats. Daffy did start losing some of her fur towards the end of her treatment, and I saw some changes in skin pigmentation (she's longhaired silver tabby and white). The fur is looking better now after several months of no chemo.

I hope some of this helps you. Cancer sucks.

MJ
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Dale, I'm so sorry to hear about Max. We have you and Max in our thoughts and prayers.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Sending healing snowflakes to Max and hugs to you Dale. We will be thinking all sorts of positive thoughts for the U/S tomorrow.
 

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Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

(((Dale)))I'm just seeing this news now! I'm so sorry and sad for you. I know how much you love Max. You are in such close tune with Max that it sounds like whatever it is that you've caught it early. If only kitties would start showing symptoms right away, when something goes awry in their little bodies.
Tell Max that Maggie still has her shaved bellyy, so she will join Max with the "shaved belly club." My GA kitty had intestinal lymphoma and wasn't a good candidate for the IV chemo but did well for a time on oral chemo. Keeping you and Max close to my heart in thought and prayers. We'll be waiting to hear. Lots of hugs and prayers.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

You and Max will be in my prayers today. I hope it is easily treatable. Fingers and toes crossed.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

So sorry to hear the news. (((Dale and Max))) Hoping for the best with paws crossed (and everything else crossed too).
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

:sad: I am sorry to read this news. I hope that the vet can do an easy fix for Max. You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Thinking of you both today and sending lots of hugs and feel better vines to yous.....hoping the U/S goes okay for you and that the news will be okay too..... :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Oh Dale. I am sad to hear this and pray you were able to at least get some sleep last night. May you get good news at the vet today, or at least a solid plan of action for Max.

Praying for you all and sending :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
Karen
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Wow, I was shocked to read this today. Sending vines your way today and hope that the U/S comes out better than you expect.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers today.

Jo
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

So sorry to hear this! Hoot and I are sending you and Max lots of strength and prayers ♥ :YMHUG: ♥
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

wrapping max in the healing white light and saying a prayer to St. Francis. take good care.
mary
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

((((Dale and Max))))

Sending many prayers and the strongest healing vines today for Max.

Thinking positively.

Hugs from us,

Ella & Rusty
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Oh Dale, I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending vines of every type to you and Max. I hope the u/s goes well. Muffin is also still a member of the shaved belly club, so at least Max will be in good company. Hugs to you both.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

More prayers and healing vines today, Dale. And lots of love to you! We are also thinking about YOU. Let us know if we can help.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Prayers, healing vines, blessings, ((hugs)), positive thoughts...all headed your way Dale! Shasta sends snuggles, licks, (a little bit of slobber), and purrs to Max.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Sending vines and white light for a good US today. We are all keeping you in our hearts today and hoping that that mass is benign.
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Oh Dale, :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: a millions hugs for you and Max, we just lit a pretty candle for you guys and are sending healing and strength... hoping for the best!!! :YMHUG:

alexa&reuben
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Hi Dale,

Thinking of you and Max and wondering if you were back from the vet yet. Sending more wishes and vines.

Hugs by the hundred,
Melanie & Racci
 
Re: 10/25 Max -- Back from Vet - Mass in Abdomen

Thank you, everyone, for your support! This is an amazing group. It is very nice to log on and see so many messages of love and care for Max, DH, and me.

The radiologist today was not as encouraging as the vet was yesterday. The vet had said that he wasn't a radiologist and that he did an ultrasound at his office for free to try to get more information for us. What we heard today means that he was probably wrong about the pancreas being clear. The radiologist we met with today said that it looks as if the mass is growing from the tip of the pancreas. (He can't be sure.) He also saw a couple of other small "nodules" in the abdomen which could mean it's a cancer that spread or it could simply mean that there is inflamed lymph tissue in the abdomen.

The tumor has taken over many blood vessels and is also being fed by a vessel that is much larger than it should be. However, if we were to opt for surgery, he thinks the risk these vessels pose is small. The abdominal aorta is not invaded by the tumor.

He took an aspirate of the large tumor by taking a small needle to get some of the tumor for testing. We will know more in a couple of days when the test comes back. The test will tell us more about the type of tumor it is, and what our options may be. If the test shows it's a carcinoma, which is likely because of the speed at which it has grown, we can presume the nodules in the abdomen are caused by cancer, too, and that it has metastasized. If the test shows the tumor is benign we might be able to do something for Max.

The radiologist did say that the spleen looks ok although it is a little mottled, but not enough to believe this is lymphoma. He said the kidneys show changes that are common in cats of Max's age, and indicate some kidney disease, but nothing serious. The bowel also shows some changes that are normal for an old cat, and do not rise to the level of irritable bowel disease -- yet. He did not look at the nodules near or on the thyroid. (The vet said these might indicate a parathyroid issue which isn't a big deal to treat.)

So now we wait. We are discussing what we will do if it is carcinoma and if it is not. Meanwhile Max is sleeping on the couch happy to be home and to have finally been given his breffis! My baby boy . . . I am very sad and worried. We know the day will come when we have to say goodbye, but like everyone else we hope it will be a long time from now.

Thank you for your continuing support. If anyone else has been through this before in very similar circumstances we would like to hear from you regarding what to expect.
 
Dale. Just saw your post and feel for you on the 'waiting game.' I've not had to go through cancer and both my boys went so quickly we didn't have an opportunity to make any big decisions...just a couple hours to say good-bye. All I can do is send you :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
At least it sounds like Max is comfortable and enjoying the loves.

Karen
 
(((Dale & Max))) I feel for you, too, with the waiting game. I know how worried you must be feeling. I hope they have some news on Monday. Sending lots of healing vines and prayers that the mass is benign and then surgery would be an option. We've all seen what happens with the power of prayer and positive thought here from time to time. Lots of hugs and love and prayers for you all. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Sending hugs and love to you all (((Max & Dale & DH))) It's difficult waiting for answers and my heart goes out to you all. :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Dale, Max and DH - big (((hugs))) while you wait for the results. I can't imagine what you are going through, but sending positive vines that things will work out and Max will be fine.

Jo and Scratchie!
 
I'm so sorry for what you are going through. I'm praying for you and your family and hoping for some good test results. At least Max is home and happy and loved.
 
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