Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Gillian Harvey on November 17, 2010, 18:54:28 PM

Title: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 17, 2010, 18:54:28 PM
My tabby George (otherwise known as Kitty Cat :) ) has been losing weight recently and his appetite these past few days has been poor, although he did eat this morning. Ironically I'd booked Harry in for a vet visit this eve because of something I'm worrried about with him - but a friend was here this afternoon, who hadnt seen George for a few months, and was shocked at how much weight he'd lost. So I took George instead (Harry hasnt got off scot free, he'll still be going  :evillaugh: )

Anyway, the vet felt all round and was very worried about a mass she could feel on one of his kidneys, its quite big, and she's pretty sure its a tumour  :( , he's also very dehydrated. She took some bloods and he's got to go back in tomorrow to have some iv fluids, but to be honest the outlook is bleak. I'm a bit in shock really, as I just thought maybe a bit of an infection perhaps - but this I wasnt expecting  :( He's 15 and I've had him since he was a teeny kitten being treated horribly by awful owners.
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Angiew on November 17, 2010, 18:55:51 PM
 :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Zenith (Liz) on November 17, 2010, 19:00:44 PM
 :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 17, 2010, 19:04:07 PM
Oh Gillian I am so sorry  :hug: :hug: :hug:

I hope he still has loads of time with you  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 17, 2010, 19:12:35 PM
So sorry to hear this Gillian  :(  :hug:

Hope that you have lots of quality time left together  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Mark on November 17, 2010, 19:14:51 PM
I hope they are wrong  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: cazzer on November 17, 2010, 19:39:19 PM
sorry to hear about George.   Hope the vet is wrong  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: bunglycat on November 17, 2010, 20:26:39 PM
So sorry to hear this news Gillian -hope the vet has got it wrong.
 :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Liz on November 17, 2010, 20:42:35 PM
Our thoughts are with you and George and we hope Mr Vet is wrong :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: JackSpratt on November 17, 2010, 21:48:50 PM
Oh Gillian. :care: Cuddles to George.
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: clarenmax on November 17, 2010, 22:14:43 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this Gillian, I hope the vet is wrong  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Janeyk on November 17, 2010, 22:27:00 PM
Poor George, I do hope that the news is better tomorrow  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 18, 2010, 07:58:28 AM
I am really sorry to hear this, I do hope the vet is wrong - could they do an ultrasound to check things out?
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Jiji on November 18, 2010, 14:38:52 PM
 :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on November 18, 2010, 15:16:24 PM
Gillian - am sorry to hear this - hope the vet is wrong.  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Ann Clarke (Tabby cat) on November 18, 2010, 17:29:11 PM
So sorry to hear this Gillian and hope the vet is wrong with the diagnosis. It is such a shock when you aren't expecting it. Sending  :hug: to you and George  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 18, 2010, 18:23:54 PM
Thanks  :thanks:

Need some more positive vibes please. He had a little a/d to eat last night with a syringe full of water in it as well, but he'd hardly moved from where I left him when I went to bed, in the morning, and he looked worse to me and he wouldnt eat anything.

He's been there all day today and they're keeping him in overnight tonight to get more fluids into him. I thought they were going to give him fluids throughout the day and also do the scan today, but I got a message to say they were keeping him in tonight and will do the scan tomorrow.  I've just been in to see him, he doesnt look good and he's still not eating, his breathing seems laboured to me, surely if the fluids are going to work he'd have started to pick up as they've had him on the fluids all day? It broke my heart to see him like that and I couldnt take him home, I think I'm going to lose him anyway,  but I don't want it to be at the surgery I can't bear this
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 18, 2010, 20:34:15 PM
Poor George and its happpening so quick, I do hope that you are allowed to bring him home asap  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Jiji on November 18, 2010, 20:39:58 PM
So sorry George is so poorly. Hope you are able to bring him home soon  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on November 18, 2010, 21:35:29 PM
so sorry to hear this, fingers crossed he will rally and feel better, I hope he will be able to come home to you soon  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Mark on November 18, 2010, 22:01:25 PM
Thinking of you Gillian and hoping he turns around overnight  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Feline Costumier on November 18, 2010, 22:13:07 PM
They conceal it so well from us don't they.

Hoping for good news  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Liz on November 18, 2010, 22:46:17 PM
Gillian we have all paws crossed here for George so he can come home to his Mummy :hug:




Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: bunglycat on November 19, 2010, 02:37:57 AM
 :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Hope George picks up soon.
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 19, 2010, 08:01:56 AM
Fingers crossed he is better today and the scan shows something positive
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: Kirst on November 19, 2010, 08:23:13 AM
Sending loads of good vibes for George - I do hope he picks up today xxxx :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour
Post by: clarenmax on November 19, 2010, 09:09:51 AM
Just popping by to top up on the vibes and add some more  :hug: :hug: for good measure
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: JackSpratt on November 19, 2010, 11:24:23 AM
I'm so sorry Gillian. Thinking of you at this sad time. :care:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Angiew on November 19, 2010, 11:25:26 AM
so sorry for you and George.
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Liz on November 19, 2010, 11:30:03 AM
Gillian we are thinking of you all at this sad time :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 19, 2010, 11:51:29 AM
I am so sorry Gillian, thinking of you  :hug: :hug: :hug:

RIP George, play harrd with your friends on the Bridge
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: cazzer on November 19, 2010, 11:53:23 AM
Sorry to hear about poor George  :hug: x
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: bunglycat on November 19, 2010, 12:20:42 PM
So sorry to hear about poor George :'(
Thinking of you Gillian  :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Tan on November 19, 2010, 12:32:24 PM
Oh hun  :'( :'( So sorry.  :'( :'(

Gillian hun Sending you loads of love and hugs  :hug: :hug: :hug:

Sleep easy George sweetheart. A place in our hearts you will always have.  :Luv: :Luv:

 
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Dawn F on November 19, 2010, 12:49:43 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this Gillian - we lost our lovely Bluto to a kidney tumour :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Mark on November 19, 2010, 13:12:41 PM
Sorry Gillian  :'(  :care:

Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: clarenmax on November 19, 2010, 13:57:53 PM
Aw sweetheart, I'm so sorry  :hug: :hug: xxxx
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Janeyk on November 19, 2010, 14:11:24 PM
 :'( Sorry Gillian  :hug:

RIP George xx
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Yvonne on November 19, 2010, 14:21:38 PM
So very sorry to hear this

 :RIP:  GEORGE   xxx
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Kay and Penny on November 19, 2010, 14:37:07 PM
so sorry, Gillian :hug:

run free, little man - you'll find some familiar faces up there at the Bridge
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: tab on November 19, 2010, 17:42:12 PM
Im so sorry
RIP George
Play well at the bridge baby
love
Tab
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on November 19, 2010, 17:46:19 PM
So so sorry to hear this Gillian.  :hug: :hug:

RIP George  :'( :'(
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: jeremys_mummy on November 19, 2010, 18:00:24 PM
So Sorry Gillian, Poor George play hard at the bridge George so sad  :(
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Ann Clarke (Tabby cat) on November 19, 2010, 18:03:20 PM
So sorry Gillian, this is exactly what happened to my Dylan and it's such a shock because you have no idea anything is wrong.

RIP George, play hard at the Bridge my darling

 :hug: to you Gillian
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Zenith (Liz) on November 19, 2010, 18:03:54 PM
So sorry Gillian  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Michelle (furbabystar) on November 19, 2010, 18:23:53 PM
Just noticed the title change ....

So sorry Gillian

RIP George xxx
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gwen on November 19, 2010, 18:32:36 PM
so sorry Gillian. RIP George :-(
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: sheryl on November 19, 2010, 19:46:07 PM
So so sorry Gillian - thinking of you Hun  :hug:

RIP George - forever in your Mummies heart xxx
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Jiji on November 19, 2010, 20:24:19 PM
So sorry Gillian  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 19, 2010, 21:06:48 PM
Thanks everyone it means a lot to read your messages  :thanks:

I changed the title earlier, and was going to say what happened, but I just couldnt. The vet phoned first thing this morning and said that although he was still with us, he hadnt eaten anything and she said about his breathing being bad - she thought he was in heart failure, probably due to secondary tumours elsewhere than his kidney - and that a scan was only going to tell us that there was a mass of some sort, which we already knew - and there wouldnt have been anything we could have done. I think I knew that really after seeing him yesterday afternoon, I knew he wasnt going to get better  :(

Anyway I went straight down there and bless his heart, when the vet took me in to see him, he got up and went towards his food bowl, my heart lept as I thought he's fighting, he wants to eat, but he didnt really, he just sniffed at the food and came away from it again, and he looked so frail and sick. Luckily he still had the drip in so the vet could just put the anaesthetic into that, no struggling to find a vein or anything - so it was very peaceful and he went to sleep in seconds.  :'(

My gorgeous George taken about a year ago.

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb234/scruffyjoe/GEORGE/GeorgeApr09.jpg)
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 19, 2010, 21:22:28 PM
Just so sad  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Rosella moggy on November 19, 2010, 21:51:01 PM
Oh Gillian I am so very sorry.  Heartbreaking  :'(  Glad for you both that he went so peacefully.  So sorry for your loss  :hug: :hug: :hug:

RIP gorgeous George  :( :(
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Steff - Petsearch Bedford HQ on November 19, 2010, 22:00:20 PM
Gillian that has brought tears to my eyes :'(

Massive hugs to you

Such a shock

RIP George...play hard at the bridge and please give Sooty, Milly and Barney headbutts from me xxx
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 19, 2010, 22:13:49 PM
Gutted for you Gillian  :'(  :hug: Sounds like it was the kindest decision and the only one that could be made  :hug:

RIP George, safe and sound at the Bridge by now xx
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Kirst on November 19, 2010, 23:00:42 PM
I am so sorry Gillian. RIP George , it was a pleasure to meet you.
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Sylvia on November 19, 2010, 23:14:08 PM
I am so sorry  :hug:  George was a beautiful boy.  You must be heartbroken  :'(

He had the best possible life with you, and I know this doesn't help now, but a peaceful end  :hug:

It all seemed to happen so quickly, and took me right back to my Gizzy again.

I am so sorry for your loss  :hug: :hug: :hug:

RIP Gorgeous George  :'(
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Mark on November 20, 2010, 00:15:24 AM
Sorry Gillian - It is such a horrible thing to go through  :'(. He was a lovely boy  :Luv2:

RIP Lovely George
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: pappilon on November 20, 2010, 00:28:23 AM
 Oh Gillian :'( :'( I am so sorry.  :hug: :hug:
Thinking of you. :hug:
RIP Sweetheart.
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Claire_smc on November 20, 2010, 00:42:28 AM
So sorry to hear this Gillian  :hug: Poor George, play hard at the Bridge sweetie x
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: jezebel on November 20, 2010, 14:11:42 PM
15 is a good age, just think of all those wonderful years you gave him.

RIP George sweetheart.
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: kitinboots on November 20, 2010, 15:13:20 PM
 :'( i'm so sorry to hear of your loss i know we have never met or spoke but sending some hugs to you  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Fire Fox on November 20, 2010, 21:03:04 PM
 :'(  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 21, 2010, 09:55:47 AM
I am so sorry to hear this Gillian, it is so much harder when it is unexpected. RIP little one
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 21, 2010, 18:13:03 PM
Thanks all   :hug:

I'm now wondering if I should have even allowed him to stay in on the drip, if he was at home I could have kept him hydrated througout the day and encouraged him to eat with hand feeding perhaps? At the surgery they just put food in a bowl in front of them and thats it - I know they monitor, but doesnt go as far as handfeeding. I know I still would have lost him, but he would have been at home and I'd have had the vet come out.

I've lost 6 cats in the past 3 years, I feel broken and empty  :(
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 21, 2010, 18:18:06 PM
This is the guilt part of mourning kicking in Gillian, resist from thinking that cos am sure that the IV was absolutely necessary  :hug: :hug:

You give all your cats such a lovely life and you care for them so much I dont think George would want you to think like that, he is most likely up there with his old mates and saying look at that Chico .... didnt she do a good job  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 21, 2010, 18:24:25 PM
 :hug: :hug:

If you hadn't left him at the vets you would always be wondering if that might have helped him, a horrible catch 22 situation Gillian but you gave him every chance  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 22, 2010, 08:00:31 AM
For what it's worth Gillian, I think you did the right thing by him, you wouldnt have been able to keep him as well hydrated with sub-q's at home, and a dehydrated cat wont eat, and he would have felt a bit worse. It might have also been harder on him to travel from the vets home, to be messed with, and then for the vet to come out.
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Mark on November 22, 2010, 08:12:36 AM
Thanks all   :hug:

I'm now wondering if I should have even allowed him to stay in on the drip, if he was at home I could have kept him hydrated throughout the day and encouraged him to eat with hand feeding perhaps? At the surgery they just put food in a bowl in front of them and thats it

 :hug: I went through the exact same thing with Clapton. Even when I had the "come as soon as you can" call, I took some favourite food with me and even put it in the bowl when we were left to say our goodbyes. I, like you, was beating myself up and saying to OH that all they would have done is put a bowl of renal wet down. Maybe we could have made a difference, but it would have been a day or 2. A few morsels of food really wouldn't have made any difference  :hug:

I was also told that at a certain stage, sub-q really isn't enough. You did the right thing - the best you could  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Daisymac on November 22, 2010, 08:54:35 AM
Thinking of you Gillian  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: JackSpratt on November 22, 2010, 10:12:53 AM
Gillian, I think the "what if's" are a normal part of the process when we lose a furbabe; I do it every time. Yes, there are some things that may bring an animal a day or so extra, but would they be truly happy? I think you knew it was time to let go, and that's why you did. The reason you're questioning it now is down to how much you miss George. You love him and he was a massive part of your life. You take care. :care: I'm thinking of you.
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Leanne on November 23, 2010, 13:15:12 PM
RIP George

 :hug: :hug: :hug: to you Gillian
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 25, 2010, 22:25:21 PM
Thanks  :thanks: I know what you've all said is right and in my heart of hearts I know nothign could have been done for him, but I just miss him so much.  :(
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 25, 2010, 22:31:36 PM
I am so pleased you have posted cos was getting worried about you  :hug: :hug: :hug:

Its so very hard when you lose a special friend and George was soooooooo special to you
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Dawn F on November 26, 2010, 10:27:44 AM
Oh Gillian  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on November 26, 2010, 10:59:33 AM
Oh Gillian - Its so hard and such a shock when they are taken so suddenly. Similar happened with my Timmy a couple of years ago.

Sending you these today  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: bunglycat on November 26, 2010, 15:13:55 PM
 :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 26, 2010, 18:40:04 PM
Picked up his ashes today, so he's home.
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 26, 2010, 18:44:05 PM
So pleased that George is back home with you  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Liz on November 26, 2010, 18:52:29 PM
So glad he is now home forever :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 28, 2010, 18:04:59 PM
No rainbow yet - but my cats seem to like sending amazing sunsets as an alternative! - there was one tonight - I think it was a party up there - a welcome for George perhaps?  :Luv2:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Dawn F on November 28, 2010, 18:20:47 PM
I'm sure there was a party  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: pappilon on November 28, 2010, 23:11:54 PM
Gillian  :hug: :hug: for you, i am sure there was a well come party for George.xx
Thinking of you. :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on November 29, 2010, 13:02:38 PM
Oh Gillian, how did I miss this?  So sorry  :hug: :hug:

I agree - no  matter what the circumstances, you always think back and wonder whether you should have done something different.  But you did everything you could for George  :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 29, 2010, 13:42:36 PM
I am sure they were welcoming George and on the day before Christmas the path will open for a very short while for you to wish him a happy Christmas  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 29, 2010, 18:18:15 PM
and on the day before Christmas the path will open for a very short while for you to wish him a happy Christmas  :hug: :hug:

That brought tears to my eyes -
Title: Re: George has a tumour RIP kitty cat George
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 29, 2010, 18:40:13 PM
You will also be able to light a candle for him here on Christmas eve  :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: