Prayers for Chestnut, please

[Freedom]

Chestnut went to the vet this morning. Bad news.

His spine is protruding, he seems to have lost balance, he doesn't focus well, his left eye is glassy looking, and walking across the kitchen this morning he had to lie down 3 times. He had me up most of the night, crying. I'd go check on him, he was on a recliner, no other cats bothering him. He is not dehydrated.

Info from the exam: He has lost 1 pound in a year. BUT the vet says his abdomen is large, either a mass, or an enlarged liver. She suspects cancer. His gums are almost white so he is very anemic, and she does not expect him to make it through the weekend. We did blood work, will have the results Monday afternoon. We have started antibiotic (Clavamox) and Pet-Tinct which is an iron supplement for cats along with other vitamins. The blood work will eliminate anything other than cancer. Unfortunately, in doing the blood draw Chestnut scratched someone in the back room, so if he passes in the next 10 days, he will have be turned over to the state for a rabies exam.

We sure could use some PT prayers; I don't want him to suffer, but now having him pass quickly is going to be bad too.

Chestnut came to me as a foundling, about 6 weeks old, weighing one pound, and very ill, on Aug 2, 1998.

Here are pics from this morning:

[Taz_Zoee]

Oh my gosh, I am in tears. You and your crew have been through so much lately. I will keep Chestnut in my thoughts.

Big hugs to you Sandie, and your dad.

[mon]

Sending all our prayers to wonderful chestnut and family, peace and love

[phesina]

All our prayers and love and healing energies and warm wishes are being sent for dearest Chestnut and also for all his family who love him so very much.

[Bengalz]

Poor dear Chestnut - this is so not fair. Such a difficult time and decision to make for your baby boy. My thoughts are with you both - cherish each precious moment and please take care.

[Felicia's Mom]

I am sorry to hear this. Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts to you and Chestnut.

[mrspunkysmom]

Prayers for Chestnut and your family.

[Freedom]

Thank you for the postings. Chestnut made it through the night. I hope - and pray - he is not suffering; he is clearly not a happy cat and not feeling well at all. Don't know how I am going to get him to survive 9 more days.

I alternate being teary, and angry at the vet staff for having let him scratch someone so I am now facing this potential horror if he passes in less than the 10 days.

[pomtzu]

I'm confused!!! If he is an inside only cat, how is it possible that he could potentially have rabies? How or what could he have come in contact with in the first place, to get it. Doesn't make sense to me.

[Catty1]

Come on, baby Chestnut. One day at a time, stay with your mom as long as you can. If you have to go to the Bridge, then she can at least have a special place at home for you.

Hugs! I pray he rallies a bit, if only to feel more comfortable.

Might the vet allow a bit of prednisone to take down the swelling and perhaps boost his appetite?

Prayers and good thoughts for Chestnut.

[Freedom]

Candace, we are waiting for the lab report on the blood work before adding a steroid or anything else med wise. If it is this, prednisone would help; if it is that, it wouldn't help. Can't remember what all the possibilities are just now.

Ellie, I do understand that vets can't take the risk of an owner 'saying' a pet is indoor only, when in fact is in and out, or escaped recently. I do NOT understand why this is an issue when his vaccine is up to date and has been all his 14 years. Same vet, seen him since I got him as a one pound baby, never been a gap in his rabies coverage.

[Lilith Cherry]

Lots of prayers, healing thoughts and love to all of you Sandie

[catmandu]

We are so sorry to hear that Big Orange Chestnut is not feeling well
All Our Orange Angel will come down for Chesyer and we pray that his White Coats can help Chestnut feel better
He is a WonderCat!!!

[Freedom]

Thank you Gary!!!