Debra & CB (GA) & Gang
Member
It says:
Source/History: Body
Volume: 3.0 ml
Appearance: Straw, slightly hazy
Protein: 2.8 g/dl
RBC: <100,000 cells/uL
Nucleated Cell Count: 100 cells/uL
Cytologic description: The sample has a very low cellularity and therefore the concentrated, cytocentrifuged sample is described. It contains primarily macrophages although occasional nondegenerate to hypersegmented neutrophils are found. Erythrocytes are found scattered in the background.
Cytologic interpretation: modified transudate with low cellularity
Comments: The sample has a very low cellularity. The exact underlying cause uncertain. Modified transudates are typically caused by an increased hydrostatic pressure resulting in loss of a high protein, but low cellularity fluid. They can be seen with several disorders including heart disease, neoplasia, diaphragmatic hernia, chronic inflammation or torsion of an organ.
In a nutshell, we don't know what exactly is the cause of Jasmine's breathing problems. In speaking with Dr. I she feels that it is most likely cancer or severe chronic heart disease that Jasmine has kept well hid until she couldn't hide it anymore. But, if we want to find out more about which is the cause we'd have to have an ultrasound done, at the cost of $200 - $250. If it is heart disease, they would want Jasmine to be hospitalized briefly to be started on meds while having her heart monitored. Plus, that would mean a juggling act of meds, lasix, and fluids for her crf. Diaphragmatic hernia isn't likely, but if it was this they would not recommend we do the necessary surgery at her advanced age and current condition.
So, for now, we will keep a close eye on Jasmine, make sure we're stocked up in baby food, and when she fills with fluids enough to cause her distress again, we'll either tap her once more.......or let her earn her wings with grace and dignity. We'll let Jasmine decide on that herself.
Thanks for letting me ramble on, I really had hoped that there would be an easy (or easier) answer. I love my precious Jasmine so much, she's just a real love bug, and the last of her family.......but I don't want her to suffer. I've always been a person that looks at quality of life over quantity, and thankfully this new vet feels pretty much the same way about "end of life" issues. Jasmine has always been healthy up until her crf diagnosis a year ago, so I feel blessed to have had these 15 years, 9 months with her. I'll be spending as much time with Jasmine as possible, and will be awaiting her signal that she's ready to leave her frail body behind and go to a much better, happier place.
Source/History: Body
Volume: 3.0 ml
Appearance: Straw, slightly hazy
Protein: 2.8 g/dl
RBC: <100,000 cells/uL
Nucleated Cell Count: 100 cells/uL
Cytologic description: The sample has a very low cellularity and therefore the concentrated, cytocentrifuged sample is described. It contains primarily macrophages although occasional nondegenerate to hypersegmented neutrophils are found. Erythrocytes are found scattered in the background.
Cytologic interpretation: modified transudate with low cellularity
Comments: The sample has a very low cellularity. The exact underlying cause uncertain. Modified transudates are typically caused by an increased hydrostatic pressure resulting in loss of a high protein, but low cellularity fluid. They can be seen with several disorders including heart disease, neoplasia, diaphragmatic hernia, chronic inflammation or torsion of an organ.
In a nutshell, we don't know what exactly is the cause of Jasmine's breathing problems. In speaking with Dr. I she feels that it is most likely cancer or severe chronic heart disease that Jasmine has kept well hid until she couldn't hide it anymore. But, if we want to find out more about which is the cause we'd have to have an ultrasound done, at the cost of $200 - $250. If it is heart disease, they would want Jasmine to be hospitalized briefly to be started on meds while having her heart monitored. Plus, that would mean a juggling act of meds, lasix, and fluids for her crf. Diaphragmatic hernia isn't likely, but if it was this they would not recommend we do the necessary surgery at her advanced age and current condition.
So, for now, we will keep a close eye on Jasmine, make sure we're stocked up in baby food, and when she fills with fluids enough to cause her distress again, we'll either tap her once more.......or let her earn her wings with grace and dignity. We'll let Jasmine decide on that herself.
Thanks for letting me ramble on, I really had hoped that there would be an easy (or easier) answer. I love my precious Jasmine so much, she's just a real love bug, and the last of her family.......but I don't want her to suffer. I've always been a person that looks at quality of life over quantity, and thankfully this new vet feels pretty much the same way about "end of life" issues. Jasmine has always been healthy up until her crf diagnosis a year ago, so I feel blessed to have had these 15 years, 9 months with her. I'll be spending as much time with Jasmine as possible, and will be awaiting her signal that she's ready to leave her frail body behind and go to a much better, happier place.
