Friday, December 12, 2014

Some upsetting news at the vet's tonight

Benny and Sadie had wellness exams tonight at the vets. I wasn't going to mention it, because I expected there to be no news. Unfortunately, we got some rather disturbing--and inconclusive---news tonight about Benny.

I had the vet exam Benny first so they could process the blood work while she looked at Sadie. One of Benny's liver values had jumped 100 points, and when she looked at his past several results, the number was nearly the same. (I believe it was the ALT level. His number had been about 78 but jumped to 181 in six months.)

It was nearly closing time, but she asked if I wanted to do an ultrasound. I said yes, and asked to watch. She looked around for a while, then asked another vet to come in and look too. His liver has all sorts of white "dots" on it, which is not normal. She then did an x-ray, but that showed his liver as *smaller* than normal. (Cancers would make it larger.) There was a possible odd spot, but it could have been the stomach, which overlaps that part. She also noted that one corner of the liver was more rounded than usual.

Things are inconclusive now. I agreed to give him milk thistle supplement for one month and retest his blood. She is hoping that will be enough to help. Whatever "it" is, it's too early to look too far ahead. He is not showing any symptoms, his weight was good, his other organs look good.

My head is reeling at the possibility that he may have cancer. He is 14, and Tucker was diagnosed at age 14 with cancer, also in December. I can't look too far ahead, but I saw that odd-looking liver on the ultrasound. . .I'm having serious deja vu tonight.

This was the first time a crisis has come up with this new vet (The vet we had seen for years left the clinic one year ago. When Tucker was so ill, we saw a different vet there). She was very kind and laid out all the options. I liked her approach and know that I decided on the right vet.

Benny was very upset after all the poking around. He was actually hissing and growling in the x-ray room, which I'd never seen him do before at the vets (not that I blame him). I  haven't cried yet. .. but I know tears will come soon.

One positive note: This is why I bring older cats to the vet every six months. Maybe this is "nothing," but if it is something, I want to know before it's too late to try anything.

17 comments:

Katnip Lounge said...

The Baby has those dots, too...and when the vet did an exploratory this past summer they came back as negative for anything. (Of course her main concern is the severe IBS.)

Paws and fingers crossed that whatever ails Benny isn't serious, xx.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

I am sending lots of purrs... to YOU because I think you need them more right now than Benny! Of course I am purring for him too, and hoping that it's either nothing or something that is easily treatable. But I know how upsetting it is when an exam shows "something" but the vet can't say what that something is.

The Island Cats said...

We're purring that this is nothing serious, but we understand how upsetting this must be. Purrs...

Roberta said...

I am hoping and praying Benny has something that is very treatable and those white dots will disappear on their own. Sending lots of hugs, kisses and positive thoughts your way.

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I'm with Summer in sending you love and support so you can not see this than any more than it is, something of concern to monitor.

A few Good Cats said...

We hope Katnip Lounge's experience helps give you some hope. Sending healing vibes for Benny, too.

Fuzzy Tales said...

Paws and fingers crossed it's nothing, we saw Trish's comment and are encouraged by that.

Nicki's ALT values have been elevated for a few years, on testing (regular blood work). Slow upward progression. Last month when he went in for his anal glands and blood work, I stopped all his supplements (VetriScience Lysine treats and some homeopathic meds) a few days before his appointment and his ALT values came back well in normal range. (It's the VetriScience "treats" I've been giving for several years.) I don't know if you give Benny any supplements, but if so, next time you test him, try not giving him any for a few days before his appointment.

And if that's not applicable, well, I'd say try not to panic, but of course the emotions you have regarding Tucker are going to come into play.

Lots of purrs and purrayers and Light, we all hope it's really nothing. (((Hugs)))

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Healing purrs for Benny we has our paws crossed the thistle will make it all better.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

Oh my goodness! We are keeping Benny in our thoughts and purrs and you too, Mom.

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

Purrs and (((hugs))) to all of you. Always count on our prayers! Sending lots of them!
*zooooooommmmm**zooooooommmmm*

pilch92 said...

You are smart to bring older kitties every 6 months because that is probably the equivalent of 2 human years. I am sorry they found something, I will pray that the milk thistle works. I had a kitty that had a benign liver growth at that age and she survived the surgery and lived 2 more years until CRF took her life,but the liver was fine.

A Tonl said...

We agree with Summer and Connie - please try not to worry just yet. Not, at least, until there is actually something to worry about! Sending hugs and purrs!! And four paws WAY up over the every-6-month visits!

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

I agree with the others who said please try not to worry! Benny will pick up on your distress (you KNOW cats are sensitive like that!), for now remain positive because at this point there is NOTHING wrong....just stay positive and we send prayers that there will continue to be nothing wrong! xoxo

Fur Everywhere said...

Very sorry to hear about this. I don't know much about kitty livers, but I'm hoping that this isn't anything serious and that the supplement will help him. ::hugs::

Random Felines said...

purrs....we hope it ends up being nothing serious

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

We are sending you and Benny are best purrs.
Paws crossed that is nothing serious...
the kitty brats

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are purring for Benny and you. He may just have had an infection and it has changed his normal readings and in a few days it could be back to their usual readings. Take care.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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