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petebradt · April 3rd, 2009, 11:15 PM

I really mean another word, but I can get away with spit.

For the last couple days, of of our cats has been acting sick. I took him to the vet today but didn't see the doctor we usually see because he's off until Sunday.

They took some blood to run a CBC and a T4 (thyroid test). The T4 goes to an outside lab so I don't expects results until about Monday. But I asked the doctor specifically, "Will I get the CBC results today?" She answered in the affirmative.

Well, I got impatient (who, me, impatient?)

so I called the vet's office and asked if they had the results. The gal on the phone said the doctor had GONE HOME. I bit my tongue, and asked if there was anyone who could give me the results, and the gal on the phone said "yes, I'll transfer you to a tech." Well it turns out the tech can, indeed, tell me if the results are back but they are enjoined from actually telling me what the results are. By now, my tongue is bleeding and I put on my bestest worried catdaddy voice and ask if any doctor can call me with the results. the answer was yes but of course, they wouldn't say when.

I would not be upset if I had originally been told, "No, it's too late in the day, we'll call you with the results in the morning." Honest, that would have been fine, I understand the way of the world and I'd have accepted that answer without complaint.

But when I'm worried sick, and the doctor flat-out LIES to me, I have no truck with that, and it infuriates me. It demonstrates a lack of compassion, a lack of dedication and it's just bloody unprofessional.

I'll do my best to refrain from b*tching anyone out but it's not going to be easy. If Brat wasn't acting so sick, I'd have waited for Sunday when our regular doctor was on duty, but I am worried enough that I believed it could not wait.

I am PISSED!

beep.click · April 3rd, 2009, 11:40 PM

I think you're holding up remarkably well, and showing remarkable restraint, under the circumstances.

The last thing you need in a difficult situation is somebody LYING to you... needlessly.

I'm sorry to hear your cat isn't feeling well. I got a couple of furry roommates, myself.

numeric · April 4th, 2009, 12:00 AM

My oldest cat is suffering from the symptoms of Renal failure, but his blood work is normal, so no-one can tell us what's wrong with him. Vet doesn't know how long he'll last.

I've had him since '93.

I hope your cat's ok.

Bernie · April 4th, 2009, 12:41 AM

If your vet's office is open tomorrow go in and say you want a copy of the test results in case you have to go to an emergency vet before Sunday. After all, you're the owner and you paid for the tests. You'll be able to tell if any levels are out of the normal range.

At any rate, Pete, I hope all of this worry is for naught.

petebradt · April 4th, 2009, 03:09 AM

Well the vet finally called back. My desperation must have gotten through to whomever I spoke with (I almost broke down in tears). Everything was normal except elevated lymphocytes, one type of white blood cell. It can mean a number of things including cancer, but not necessarily. They are sending his blood to the lab doing the thyroid testing, because their methods and equipment are more sophisticated, their techs more experienced.

I don't know what the next step is, but I'll keep y'all informed if anyone is interested.

neocaster · April 4th, 2009, 05:23 AM

Yes, Pete. Please let us know. Hang in there. Way to work for the care your friend deserves.

mudbean · April 4th, 2009, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petebradt

I don't know what the next step is, but I'll keep y'all informed if anyone is interested.

Of course we care, man - please keep us in the loop. How old is the Bratster?

mud

Ron Garson · April 4th, 2009, 07:22 AM

Some *****-cat mojo being sent!

nosuch · April 4th, 2009, 07:40 AM

pete, I think you are not really angry, but worried very much and convert that into anger. very understandable but anyway try to calm down a bit. your mood will be noticed by your cat and it needs love now, not anger. hope it will get better soon.
best wishes,
stephan

podboy3 · April 4th, 2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosuch

pete, I think you are not really angry, but worried very much and convert that into anger. very understandable but anyway try to calm down a bit. your mood will be noticed by your cat and it needs love now, not anger. hope it will get better soon.
best wishes,
stephan

x2 on this thought.

and I am hoping for the best for yours and Numeric's boy, I thought that is would be easier to lose a pet that has had a long, happy, and spoiled life and boy was I wrong.............. I have been to funerals for family members that I did not shed a tear but even now thinking of my lost cat or puppy gets me choked up.

Our thoughts are with you are the Andersen home.

pengipete · April 4th, 2009, 09:00 AM

Try not to be too hard on the vet. I doubt that he/she deliberately lied to you - more likely that the results came through later then they expected or the vet relies on their staff to get the results to them and remind them to make the call.

A thyroid test is usually done when there is otherwise unexplained sickness, listlessness or rapid change in weight. It's a sign that the vet didn't find any of the common and obvious signs of illness in cats such as kidney problems and you should take heart that the vet clearly didn't regard your cat's illness as requiring an immediate decision.

You know my thoughts are with you and I'll be waiting to hear the results as soon as you get them. Meanwhile - keep your chin up.

castpolymer · April 4th, 2009, 09:49 AM

My wife and I have had one of our cats, Chuck, pass in the last year. Chuck was misdiagnosed by a vet we had used for ten years. We ran every test known to man and the vet still had no answer. When Chuck died ( overnight at the vet's office under their care ) we took him to the Oklahoma State Vet Science center for an autopsy. We had another cat pass about a year earlier from an infectious disease and we were worried that he may have also had the disease ( we have six other cats ). It turns out that he had a hyperactive thyroid which led to heart failure ( his heart was beating way to fast for years due to the thyroid ). We had him for 14 years. We were so frustrated that we found a vet who handles strictly cats and have not looked back. Vets really know so little about cats ( mostly by their own admission ) it is scary. I can totally see your point and sympathize with your situation. I hope your furry buddy is going to be O.K.

beep.click · April 4th, 2009, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petebradt

I don't know what the next step is, but I'll keep y'all informed if anyone is interested.

You have to -- my cats and I read this forum every day!

Take care...

jumpnblues · April 4th, 2009, 11:00 AM

Yes, Pete, let us know. Your cat's a family member and it's as worrisome as having a sick child...sort of. I was a basket case when I thought my little female Jack Russell had a mast cell tumor. It turned out to be nothing serious but I was worried sick just the same.

Tom

petebradt · April 4th, 2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by castpolymer

My wife and I have had one of our cats, Chuck, pass in the last year. Chuck was misdiagnosed by a vet we had used for ten years. We ran every test known to man and the vet still had no answer. When Chuck died ( overnight at the vet's office under their care ) we took him to the Oklahoma State Vet Science center for an autopsy. We had another cat pass about a year earlier from an infectious disease and we were worried that he may have also had the disease ( we have six other cats ). It turns out that he had a hyperactive thyroid which led to heart failure ( his heart was beating way to fast for years due to the thyroid ). We had him for 14 years. We were so frustrated that we found a vet who handles strictly cats and have not looked back. Vets really know so little about cats ( mostly by their own admission ) it is scary. I can totally see your point and sympathize with your situation. I hope your furry buddy is going to be O.K.

We have one hyper thyroid cat already, he's being treated medically (Tapazole, 5mg twice a day) and Brat's shown a couple signs of that as well, that's why we're having a thyroid test done.

Sadly, he's still very lethargic, though when we pet him he purrs and he's still eating. we expect to hear from the doctor today about his thyroid results and the outside lab test results. It was nice that he slept with us last night. He seems to want to be with us, so far.

I can say this with a fair amount of certainty, if he has leukemia, we will probably put him down very soon, that diagnosis is a death sentence.

castpolymer · April 4th, 2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petebradt

We have one hyper thyroid cat already, he's being treated medically (Tapazole, 5mg twice a day) and Brat's shown a couple signs of that as well, that's why we're having a thyroid test done.

Sadly, he's still very lethargic, though when we pet him he purrs and he's still eating. we expect to hear from the doctor today about his thyroid results and the outside lab test results. It was nice that he slept with us last night. He seems to want to be with us, so far.

I can say this with a fair amount of certainty, if he has leukemia, we will probably put him down very soon, that diagnosis is a death sentence.

We also have one current cat with hyper thyroid. I do not remember the medicine, but we have to smear it in his ear once a day ( my wife does that ). We plan on having him hit with some sort of radiation later this year which will cure the thyroid issue ( according to the vet ). Of course, it also runs $ 1,500.00. That will be one expensive feline when we are done ( and he may glow in the dark ).

casadyrocks · April 4th, 2009, 02:39 PM

Sounds like every customer service situation in the United States of America since the 80's.

Fortunately, I do have a good vet, who does know cats.

I would, however, CLEARLY explain how pissed you are to the vet when you can talk to her. At the rate they cahrge, they should hear about legitimate problems.

Tim Armstrong · April 4th, 2009, 02:42 PM

Pete, massive Maryland Moodswinger Mojo sent for Brat!

Tim

SimpleOne · April 4th, 2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petebradt

I can say this with a fair amount of certainty, if he has leukemia, we will probably put him down very soon, that diagnosis is a death sentence.

a\About ten years ago we got two kits from the local pet shop. They began looking ill soon after. Turned out to be feline leukemia. We were devastated, as we were already attached to the little cuties. The vet did all she could, as did we, even going so far as giving them I.V. medicines at home, as my wife is a nurse. WE kept the little guys warm and comfy and close to us. The little brother and sister would shiver and look so pathetic. The little girl cat passed first and we really worked to save the brother. Broke my heart one morning, found him on the stairway, alone and gone. I cried over his little body. We did not get another cat for a year plus, as we were of course concerned that any new kitten might get the disease by being in our house.

The pet store reimbursed us for the kittens and went out of business soon after. I assumed word of mouth caught up to her.

We have three cats at this time. Little guys who like to cause heartache at times, though the kindness they give is just as much as the love they take. We love 'em, as does our only dog.

Pete best of luck with your brood...kitty mojo sent!

Bill · April 4th, 2009, 05:19 PM

I feel your pain, but hang in there. Our cats are worth it, and if it's hyperthyroidism, it's controllable.

We were living abroad in London for a year and had taken our cat Grommet with us. Near the end of our trip, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism even though he was only a few years old--very unusual. Unfortunately he couldn't tolerate the tapazole (allergic to it) and surgery was a good option. Radiation therapy works great, but in England, a cat has to be isolated in a lab for 30 days with no visitors and we didn't think he could handle that. We checked, and back home in California, he would only be in isolation for 3 days. Because Grommet was getting sicker and the vet and we didn't want to hold off on the treatment, the vet told us he would only certify Grommet fit to fly back to California if we left that week. So with three days notice, we packed up and flew back home. The treatment worked great and he's a happy camper again.

tazzboy · April 4th, 2009, 05:37 PM

Chance are the vet is probably sending the test to UC Davis since that is animal hospital like Oregon State University (OSU).

podboy3 · April 4th, 2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by castpolymer

We also have one current cat with hyper thyroid. I do not remember the medicine, but we have to smear it in his ear once a day ( my wife does that ). We plan on having him hit with some sort of radiation later this year which will cure the thyroid issue ( according to the vet ). Of course, it also runs $ 1,500.00. That will be one expensive feline when we are done ( and he may glow in the dark ).

We are going to have our cat Maceo treated in a month or two with the radiation therapy, we are in Texas and the place that does the treatment said he has to stay there for a week and then when he comes home he has to stay isolated for about 14 days, I have no idea how I am going to handle that since Maceo has always been a daddy's boy, our neighbor found him under her car at work when he was about 4 weeks old and he is now 11, he is going to be quarantined in one of our bedrooms and crying the whole time.

petebradt · April 4th, 2009, 06:02 PM

Update - Brat is unchanged. I have yet to hear from the vet, but she said Saturday afternoon and it's only 2p out here in the west so I'm just hanging out. He's still eating but very lethargic and wants to be left alone.

Bill · April 4th, 2009, 06:07 PM

The place that does the radiation treatment can tell you all the rules. But the big thing is to use their own litter and box that you throw out at the end, and not to let them sit on your lap.

Make sure that the radiation place sets a custom dose for your cat. They do it depending on the cat's size and the size of the thyroid, etc. That keeps your cat from getting under or over dosed. Each of which can cause problems.

The vets also told us that the irony is that people get a similar treatment and of course they are not isolated.

petebradt · April 4th, 2009, 11:48 PM

We got the results of the second CBC and the thyroid test. Thyroid is normal. CBC showed somewhat elevated lymphocytes. Some of the lymphocytes were the type you see when the immune system is fighting off an infection, some were more like the kind you see when there is an underlying lymphoma. So tomorrow Brat gets an ultrasound tomorrow, to look for enlarged organs or any masses in the thoracic cavity.

I'll let y'all know what, if anything, is discovered.

buddywayne · April 5th, 2009, 12:33 AM

Good luck for you and Brat.

tazzboy · April 5th, 2009, 12:39 AM

Hopefully pete it something treatable and it can be fixed real easily.

petebradt · April 5th, 2009, 01:44 AM

Thanks. I have to admit I don't feel optimistic, but I'm still hoping. But I also have to prepare for the worst. I have always hated having to put them down. It's traumatic for them, and it's traumatic for us. I've never just had one go to sleep and not wake up. I think I'd much rather have it happen that way but in 27 years of sharing my life with cats, I've had to put every one of them down when their time came and it never gets one bit easier. If anything it's more difficult each time, and each time leaves a deeper hole to dig out of.

furrfurrfurr · April 5th, 2009, 01:56 AM

Sorry to hear this Pete. My best friend is my cat, Othello, and he just turned 18 the other day. Various sicknesses over the years have caused me to take him in at least 5 times to be put down and each time the vet encouraged me to give it a little more time and see what happens. Othello pulled through every time and is still going strong today. I'll be thinking of you and BRat and hoping for the best. Hang in there.

araT · April 5th, 2009, 02:15 AM

Me & my two are sending masses of mojo brats way, hope he's up & causing mischief in no time..

petebradt · April 5th, 2009, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudbean

Of course we care, man - please keep us in the loop. How old is the Bratster?

mud

Brat is 10 years old.

Yoni · April 5th, 2009, 03:32 AM

My two and our two fosters hope for the best.

PapaBeef · April 5th, 2009, 01:25 PM

Hoping for the best for you guys.
If only they could speak, It would make it so much easier to know what to do for them.

tazzboy · April 5th, 2009, 05:52 PM

Yeah put your pet down doesn't get easier as time progress.

ye olde fretmonkey · April 5th, 2009, 05:56 PM

*lights cat mojo candle*

petebradt · April 5th, 2009, 09:37 PM

Brat is at the vet's now, getting his ultrasound. When J gets home with him, I'll have an update.

petebradt · April 5th, 2009, 10:33 PM

The news is very very bad for Brat. The doctor found an enlarged lymph node and a mass in his bowel (the most common place to find lymphoma in cats). The biopsy fluid the doc examined under the microscope looked to him like lymphoma cells. The remaining fluid is being sent out to a lab for analysis but it's looking very grim. We have some antibiotic to give him to knock back the infection in the hope it will make him feel better, but at this point, it's looking pretty hopeless.

If there's a Rainbow Bridge, Brat and I will be reunited one day. If you're a praying person, please pray that he passes peacefully and without trauma.

Steinar G · April 5th, 2009, 10:36 PM

Flatface sends her best wishes...

EDIT - Oops, you posted while I was digging out the pic of Flatface.. I'm very sorry to hear the bad news Pete..

furrfurrfurr · April 5th, 2009, 11:27 PM

Shoot Pete, that really sucks. Othello and I will be thinking of Brat, you and your family.

freshmattyp · April 6th, 2009, 12:39 AM

Having lost 2 cats in 2008, you are in our thoughts

Matt, Brickett and Elvis the Tiny Panther.

April 3rd, 2009, 11:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 4,255 12 Photos	I am SO angry, I could SPIT I really mean another word, but I can get away with spit. For the last couple days, of of our cats has been acting sick. I took him to the vet today but didn't see the doctor we usually see because he's off until Sunday. They took some blood to run a CBC and a T4 (thyroid test). The T4 goes to an outside lab so I don't expects results until about Monday. But I asked the doctor specifically, "Will I get the CBC results today?" She answered in the affirmative. Well, I got impatient (who, me, impatient?) so I called the vet's office and asked if they had the results. The gal on the phone said the doctor had GONE HOME. I bit my tongue, and asked if there was anyone who could give me the results, and the gal on the phone said "yes, I'll transfer you to a tech." Well it turns out the tech can, indeed, tell me if the results are back but they are enjoined from actually telling me what the results are. By now, my tongue is bleeding and I put on my bestest worried catdaddy voice and ask if any doctor can call me with the results. the answer was yes but of course, they wouldn't say when. I would not be upset if I had originally been told, "No, it's too late in the day, we'll call you with the results in the morning." Honest, that would have been fine, I understand the way of the world and I'd have accepted that answer without complaint. But when I'm worried sick, and the doctor flat-out LIES to me, I have no truck with that, and it infuriates me. It demonstrates a lack of compassion, a lack of dedication and it's just bloody unprofessional. I'll do my best to refrain from b*tching anyone out but it's not going to be easy. If Brat wasn't acting so sick, I'd have waited for Sunday when our regular doctor was on duty, but I am worried enough that I believed it could not wait. I am PISSED!

April 3rd, 2009, 11:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
beep.click Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: California Age: 50 Posts: 3,210	I think you're holding up remarkably well, and showing remarkable restraint, under the circumstances. The last thing you need in a difficult situation is somebody LYING to you... needlessly. I'm sorry to hear your cat isn't feeling well. I got a couple of furry roommates, myself. __________________ "It looked like a giant green gum drop to me."

April 4th, 2009, 12:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
numeric Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 614	My oldest cat is suffering from the symptoms of Renal failure, but his blood work is normal, so no-one can tell us what's wrong with him. Vet doesn't know how long he'll last. I've had him since '93. I hope your cat's ok. __________________ Matt

April 4th, 2009, 07:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
nosuch Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cologne Age: 42 Posts: 966	pete, I think you are not really angry, but worried very much and convert that into anger. very understandable but anyway try to calm down a bit. your mood will be noticed by your cat and it needs love now, not anger. hope it will get better soon. best wishes, stephan __________________ Throw away your dirt pedals!

April 4th, 2009, 11:00 AM	#14 (permalink)
jumpnblues Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midwest Age: 59 Posts: 1,914	Yes, Pete, let us know. Your cat's a family member and it's as worrisome as having a sick child...sort of. I was a basket case when I thought my little female Jack Russell had a mast cell tumor. It turned out to be nothing serious but I was worried sick just the same. Tom __________________ jumpnblues "Heaven St." (Original Blues Instrumental): http://www.box.net/shared/static/z96atf0zn2.mp3 http://www.myspace.com/drbluezz

April 4th, 2009, 12:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bernie Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 722	If your vet's office is open tomorrow go in and say you want a copy of the test results in case you have to go to an emergency vet before Sunday. After all, you're the owner and you paid for the tests. You'll be able to tell if any levels are out of the normal range. At any rate, Pete, I hope all of this worry is for naught.

April 4th, 2009, 03:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 4,255 12 Photos	Well the vet finally called back. My desperation must have gotten through to whomever I spoke with (I almost broke down in tears). Everything was normal except elevated lymphocytes, one type of white blood cell. It can mean a number of things including cancer, but not necessarily. They are sending his blood to the lab doing the thyroid testing, because their methods and equipment are more sophisticated, their techs more experienced. I don't know what the next step is, but I'll keep y'all informed if anyone is interested.

April 4th, 2009, 05:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
neocaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chester County, PA Age: 36 Posts: 4,068 11 Photos	Yes, Pete. Please let us know. Hang in there. Way to work for the care your friend deserves.

April 4th, 2009, 07:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
Ron Garson Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 1,013 19 Photos	Some *****-cat mojo being sent!

April 4th, 2009, 09:00 AM	#11 (permalink)
pengipete Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: UK Posts: 3,557	Try not to be too hard on the vet. I doubt that he/she deliberately lied to you - more likely that the results came through later then they expected or the vet relies on their staff to get the results to them and remind them to make the call. A thyroid test is usually done when there is otherwise unexplained sickness, listlessness or rapid change in weight. It's a sign that the vet didn't find any of the common and obvious signs of illness in cats such as kidney problems and you should take heart that the vet clearly didn't regard your cat's illness as requiring an immediate decision. You know my thoughts are with you and I'll be waiting to hear the results as soon as you get them. Meanwhile - keep your chin up.

April 4th, 2009, 09:49 AM	#12 (permalink)
castpolymer Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2008 Location: Oklahoma - Home of the Sooners Age: 38 Posts: 2,160	My wife and I have had one of our cats, Chuck, pass in the last year. Chuck was misdiagnosed by a vet we had used for ten years. We ran every test known to man and the vet still had no answer. When Chuck died ( overnight at the vet's office under their care ) we took him to the Oklahoma State Vet Science center for an autopsy. We had another cat pass about a year earlier from an infectious disease and we were worried that he may have also had the disease ( we have six other cats ). It turns out that he had a hyperactive thyroid which led to heart failure ( his heart was beating way to fast for years due to the thyroid ). We had him for 14 years. We were so frustrated that we found a vet who handles strictly cats and have not looked back. Vets really know so little about cats ( mostly by their own admission ) it is scary. I can totally see your point and sympathize with your situation. I hope your furry buddy is going to be O.K.

April 4th, 2009, 02:39 PM	#17 (permalink)
casadyrocks Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: colorado Posts: 414	Sounds like every customer service situation in the United States of America since the 80's. Fortunately, I do have a good vet, who does know cats. I would, however, CLEARLY explain how pissed you are to the vet when you can talk to her. At the rate they cahrge, they should hear about legitimate problems.

April 4th, 2009, 02:42 PM	#18 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ocean Pines, Maryland, USA Age: 50 Posts: 13,151	Pete, massive Maryland Moodswinger Mojo sent for Brat! Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

April 4th, 2009, 05:19 PM	#20 (permalink)
Bill Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 3,181 67 Photos	I feel your pain, but hang in there. Our cats are worth it, and if it's hyperthyroidism, it's controllable. We were living abroad in London for a year and had taken our cat Grommet with us. Near the end of our trip, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism even though he was only a few years old--very unusual. Unfortunately he couldn't tolerate the tapazole (allergic to it) and surgery was a good option. Radiation therapy works great, but in England, a cat has to be isolated in a lab for 30 days with no visitors and we didn't think he could handle that. We checked, and back home in California, he would only be in isolation for 3 days. Because Grommet was getting sicker and the vet and we didn't want to hold off on the treatment, the vet told us he would only certify Grommet fit to fly back to California if we left that week. So with three days notice, we packed up and flew back home. The treatment worked great and he's a happy camper again. __________________ B i l l B a e c k WilliamBaeck.com

April 4th, 2009, 05:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
tazzboy Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2005 Location: Oregon Age: 32 Posts: 4,785 1 Photos	Chance are the vet is probably sending the test to UC Davis since that is animal hospital like Oregon State University (OSU). __________________

April 4th, 2009, 06:02 PM	#23 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 4,255 12 Photos	Update - Brat is unchanged. I have yet to hear from the vet, but she said Saturday afternoon and it's only 2p out here in the west so I'm just hanging out. He's still eating but very lethargic and wants to be left alone.

April 4th, 2009, 06:07 PM	#24 (permalink)
Bill Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 3,181 67 Photos	The place that does the radiation treatment can tell you all the rules. But the big thing is to use their own litter and box that you throw out at the end, and not to let them sit on your lap. Make sure that the radiation place sets a custom dose for your cat. They do it depending on the cat's size and the size of the thyroid, etc. That keeps your cat from getting under or over dosed. Each of which can cause problems. The vets also told us that the irony is that people get a similar treatment and of course they are not isolated. __________________ B i l l B a e c k WilliamBaeck.com

April 4th, 2009, 11:48 PM	#25 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 4,255 12 Photos	We got the results of the second CBC and the thyroid test. Thyroid is normal. CBC showed somewhat elevated lymphocytes. Some of the lymphocytes were the type you see when the immune system is fighting off an infection, some were more like the kind you see when there is an underlying lymphoma. So tomorrow Brat gets an ultrasound tomorrow, to look for enlarged organs or any masses in the thoracic cavity. I'll let y'all know what, if anything, is discovered.

April 5th, 2009, 12:33 AM	#26 (permalink)
buddywayne Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: missouri Age: 63 Posts: 1,133 10 Photos	Good luck for you and Brat.

April 5th, 2009, 12:39 AM	#27 (permalink)
tazzboy Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2005 Location: Oregon Age: 32 Posts: 4,785 1 Photos	Hopefully pete it something treatable and it can be fixed real easily. __________________

April 5th, 2009, 01:44 AM	#28 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 4,255 12 Photos	Thanks. I have to admit I don't feel optimistic, but I'm still hoping. But I also have to prepare for the worst. I have always hated having to put them down. It's traumatic for them, and it's traumatic for us. I've never just had one go to sleep and not wake up. I think I'd much rather have it happen that way but in 27 years of sharing my life with cats, I've had to put every one of them down when their time came and it never gets one bit easier. If anything it's more difficult each time, and each time leaves a deeper hole to dig out of.

April 5th, 2009, 01:56 AM	#29 (permalink)
furrfurrfurr Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South of Heaven Posts: 3,097	Sorry to hear this Pete. My best friend is my cat, Othello, and he just turned 18 the other day. Various sicknesses over the years have caused me to take him in at least 5 times to be put down and each time the vet encouraged me to give it a little more time and see what happens. Othello pulled through every time and is still going strong today. I'll be thinking of you and BRat and hoping for the best. Hang in there. __________________ Hope I'm not too Messianic or a trifle too Satanic. Meow.

April 5th, 2009, 02:15 AM	#30 (permalink)
araT Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney, Oz Age: 24 Posts: 1,179 68 Photos	Me & my two are sending masses of mojo brats way, hope he's up & causing mischief in no time..

April 5th, 2009, 03:32 AM	#32 (permalink)
Yoni Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Age: 26 Posts: 1,670	My two and our two fosters hope for the best. __________________ Fall in Love it's Fun-EV Music is the perfect virus-Henry Rollins

April 5th, 2009, 01:25 PM	#33 (permalink)
PapaBeef Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: EN JAY Posts: 1,870	Hoping for the best for you guys. If only they could speak, It would make it so much easier to know what to do for them. __________________ What I mean is, sometimes I just don't know what I mean. Ya know what I mean?

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April 5th, 2009, 05:52 PM	#34 (permalink)
tazzboy Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2005 Location: Oregon Age: 32 Posts: 4,785 1 Photos	Yeah put your pet down doesn't get easier as time progress. __________________

April 5th, 2009, 05:56 PM	#35 (permalink)
ye olde fretmonkey Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Austin Age: 49 Posts: 3,658	lights cat mojo candle __________________ Just 'cause that's the way things are, that never did make it right.

April 5th, 2009, 09:37 PM	#36 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 4,255 12 Photos	Brat is at the vet's now, getting his ultrasound. When J gets home with him, I'll have an update.

April 5th, 2009, 10:33 PM	#37 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 4,255 12 Photos	The news is very very bad for Brat. The doctor found an enlarged lymph node and a mass in his bowel (the most common place to find lymphoma in cats). The biopsy fluid the doc examined under the microscope looked to him like lymphoma cells. The remaining fluid is being sent out to a lab for analysis but it's looking very grim. We have some antibiotic to give him to knock back the infection in the hope it will make him feel better, but at this point, it's looking pretty hopeless. If there's a Rainbow Bridge, Brat and I will be reunited one day. If you're a praying person, please pray that he passes peacefully and without trauma.

April 5th, 2009, 10:36 PM	#38 (permalink)
Steinar G Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Norway Age: 50 Posts: 338	Flatface sends her best wishes... EDIT - Oops, you posted while I was digging out the pic of Flatface.. I'm very sorry to hear the bad news Pete.. __________________ "Play to express, not to impress" Website - MySpace - YouTube

April 5th, 2009, 11:27 PM	#39 (permalink)
furrfurrfurr Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South of Heaven Posts: 3,097	Shoot Pete, that really sucks. Othello and I will be thinking of Brat, you and your family. __________________ Hope I'm not too Messianic or a trifle too Satanic. Meow.

April 6th, 2009, 12:39 AM	#40 (permalink)
freshmattyp Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas City Age: 43 Posts: 1,069 18 Photos	Having lost 2 cats in 2008, you are in our thoughts Matt, Brickett and Elvis the Tiny Panther.