chylothorax

Jul 13, 2011 15:58

Do any of you have personal experience you're willing to share about survival times for cats with idiopathic chylothorax? ( Cut for kitty illness and moral dilemma. )

cat, flist knows all, woe

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becky_h July 14 2011, 00:42:12 UTC
Here via Sushi - 5013c animal rescue person here.

I have done drainage for a cat with FIP based effusion, and it really, drastically, improved the cat's quality of life. I don't know how much it increased her lifespan, but she was so much more comfortable for it that, based on that alone, I'd recommend it for your girl if it's something you can swing financially. *If* she isn't a high strung cat that wigs out at the vet.

The only advice I can give you in regards to your vacation is asking your vet's office if they, or one of the people who works there, might be willing to board her for you.

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isiscolo July 14 2011, 01:56:57 UTC
Thank you for the information. She did have the fluid drained as part of the diagnosis. I wonder if I can just get it done again, and if it will help. I'll ask about it tomorrow.

I will ask the vet tomorrow about boarding. I didn't even know this was a possibility, so thanks for the suggestion!

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doire July 14 2011, 09:52:15 UTC
I've no experience of this condition, but vet boarding should be a possibility. Our travel insurance covers it for just this type of dilemma.

On the other hand, I've looked after a ailing cat for a friend while they were away and left a sick mouse with another.

It does become clear when they are not happy any more. I wouldn't use not wanting to eat as a main criterion though, sometimes I'm not hungry when I'm not well, but being unable to eat or drink is a bad sign. Sleeping in the sun is not.

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isiscolo July 14 2011, 15:07:14 UTC
How does it become clear? I mean, she is moping around generally, not being social. But she is also expressing preferences for e.g. going outside, for being brushed (which she still seems to enjoy). I feel at a loss for understanding.

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doire July 14 2011, 19:43:42 UTC
I'm sorry if I'm making it harder for you. In some ways it must have been easier for us because our cats were old cats without even a slight possibility of years more of happy life. If they stopped caring about anything, there was no point in prolonging distress ( ... )

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isiscolo July 15 2011, 15:45:15 UTC
Actually, your comments are helping quite a lot. They are helping me understand that I'm not the only person to go through this in the history of ever (yeah, I know, but it's hard to FEEL). Thank you!

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auspeople July 15 2011, 02:10:49 UTC
Here via Sushi. I haven't dealt with this with a cat, but we had a sick guinea pig and were going out of town and didn't know what to do. The exotic animal vet took him to her house with her daughters and he had a glorious three more days being loved on before he finally passed on his own. I cried when she offered to take him... could not believe the generosity. She refused to accept payment, so we got her a lovely big gift. So definitely ask the vet about options.

I have several experienced cat owners on my FB flist; would you mind me signal boosting too or do you have enough?

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isiscolo July 15 2011, 15:46:17 UTC
Thanks for the comment, and for the offer, but I have enough information now, I think. I'm glad things worked for you and your loved pet.

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