Japser UPDATE 10-17-2010 new photos [Archive]

jenluckenbach

07-26-2010, 02:47 PM

I have an update about Jasper.

He went to the vet for a simple yearly checkup, didnt even need vaccines or anything this time, and the vet fould his left hind leg, from the hick joint down, to be swollen. :eek:

Totally an unexpected problem as I had clipped his nailw within the past week and did not notice a thing wrong.

So we did all the right things......x-ray, blood work, round of antibiotics, would have gone on to an antiimflammatory drug, but he is already on Prednisone.

Bone looks fine, blood work normal/good, no change after antibiotics. nothing.

His foot does not hinder him, he does not limp, but I think if has gotten a little more swollen in the past week. (vet saw him 1 week ago AND 2 weeks ago)

The vet says we "could" do a biopsy, but it is not in an area to amputate. And at 12 years old, exactly HOW aggressive of a treatment would I wish to put him through? If it WERE cancerous, for example, how would we know that it has not already spread to other internal organs.

I guess what I need are many prayers that will keep Jasper with me for a long time yet.

krazyaboutkatz

07-26-2010, 04:46 PM

Jen, I'm so sorry to hear this.:( I sure hope that it's not cancer.:( Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

jennielynn1970

07-26-2010, 06:50 PM

Poor Jasper, I hope that it is nothing invasive like cancer! How odd for his little foot to be swollen though.

Prayers and thoughts going up from me to you and Jasper. Get better soon Jasper!

Catty1

07-26-2010, 06:52 PM

I pray that Jasper just has an elderly creature's ailment, something pre-arthritic, and that he will be with you for a long time! :):love:

Medusa

07-27-2010, 03:36 PM

Oh goodness, of course prayers are going up right now. We're praying that Jasper will heal quickly and easily and that he'll be w/you for a loooong time, Jen. :love:

Karen

07-27-2010, 03:57 PM

Awww, prayers that it is nothing serious, and will go away. It's good that it doesn't seem to bother him at all.

katladyd

07-28-2010, 12:59 AM

Prayers going up for dear Jasper. I do hope that it is nothing serious!

jennielynn1970

07-30-2010, 05:51 PM

How's Jasper doing? Has any of the swelling gone down?

jenluckenbach

07-30-2010, 06:25 PM

The swelling in Jasper's foot is no better. Might even be slightly more. Hard to judge. But he is still doing fine, no limping or pain.

I hate not knowing. :confused:

jenluckenbach

10-01-2010, 08:30 PM

Jaspers foot is now not only swollen, but has a growth (like a raspberry, but hard) on it....and it had opened enough to bleed. :( I have no clue if there is anything that can be done for him.

I will take him in for the vet to have a look at this new developement, but I am not overly hopeful.

he still appears to be in good spirits, but maybe just a little more subdued than usual. No obvious pain.

Just thought I'd update.

columbine

10-01-2010, 10:40 PM

Poor sweetie. {hug!} Jen, I'm scared to even wish for your level of courage - I can't imagine what it would be like to want to stand by so many little ones in so much difficulty. :love:

Love, Columbine

Catty1

10-01-2010, 10:56 PM

Prayers that Jasper's swollen foot can be easily treated!

krazyaboutkatz

10-02-2010, 01:21 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this.:( Hopefully your vet will be able to help him. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

Medusa

10-02-2010, 07:39 AM

Oh poor boy. Of course, prayers are going up right now for Jasper. Keep the faythe. :)

Freedom

10-02-2010, 08:48 AM

Seems I missed this one first go around.

Prayers for Jasper, for the vet to figure this out, for it to be something healable. Prayers for you as well, I know how we worry when the furkids have an issue.

Barbara

10-02-2010, 11:12 AM

I'm sending all my best thoughts for Jasper- I hope it's just an arthritic thing- he IS senior after all.

kuhio98

10-02-2010, 01:45 PM

Prayers for Jasper.

It is possible that it is an insect or spider bite? My brother had a cat that got bit by a spider and it caused a big, swollen lump that burst. The vet cleaned it. I don't even think antibiotics were needed.

Catty1

10-02-2010, 05:55 PM

Just for the heck of it, I looked up "raspberry shaped sores" and came up with this ten dollar word: Treponematosis

In rabbits, it's a venereal disease...but some of what I indicated that there are several different forms. There are kinds that are painless, non-lethal, but certainly troublesome.

Hope Jasper is better soon!

Medusa

10-03-2010, 07:34 AM

My son was born w/a big raspberry mark right at the top of his head just below the hair line. The dr. said that as he grew older, it would disappear completely and it did. I wonder if it could be the same thing although Jasper hasn't had it from birth, has he?

jenluckenbach

10-03-2010, 09:26 PM

I just used raspberry as a description of its size and color. It is as hard as bone, just like the sweling of the entire foot.

jennielynn1970

10-04-2010, 08:46 AM

Thoughts and prayers going up for Jasper. Hope the vet can shed some light on the new lump and that it can be taken off or healed easily.

HUGS for you Jenn.

jenluckenbach

10-04-2010, 02:52 PM

Jasper update.

The reason his foot has opened and started to bleed, is because the tumor has grown past the stretchability of the skin. There is no way to suture it closed because there is not enough skin.

Amputation if the entire leg would be the only action.

But since we are not sure that this tumor has not spread to other organs, we took a chest xray. There ARE suspicion areas aroung the lungs.

At his age, of 12 years (+2 months) we decided we would just wait a month or so to re-xray and see if these areas change/grow.

Yes, we could just amputate.
Yes, we could go for an ultra-sound for better diagnosis.

But, we feel that (in this case) spending the extra money would not change the outcome we feel is innevitable.

IF, in 4-6 weeks, his xrays look good, we will do more thinking.

Having seen Rutherford's tumor spread to his lungs so fast, and hearing the vet's opinion of what she saw on the xray I fear Jasper will not be with us more than 6 months. (vet's prognosis)

Time will tell.

Just for interest's sake, we got a monetary estimate on the amputation .... and it is 100% do-able!! But no amount of money is worth watching him go through all that to then only live a short while.

We want that next xray to give us hope before we go on with removal of his leg.

In the meantime, we will wrap his foot to contain the bleeding.

Thanks for thinking about my sweet boy.

Catty1

10-04-2010, 03:40 PM

Gentle {{{hugs}}} for Jasper and his meowmie. I hope the next x-rays do show some hope. Meantime - I hope Jasper gets lots of extra spoiling and perhaps a fancy cover for his bandage.:love::love::love:

columbine

10-04-2010, 04:32 PM

Thank you for taking such good care of Jasper. You're absolutely right to hesitate to put him through too much pain and difficulty without knowing for sure that it would solve the problem. {hug!}

Love, Columbine

Medusa

10-04-2010, 05:21 PM

I'm w/you, Jen. I would be reticent about amputation if Jasper has only a short time left. Poor boy, I wish the news were better for the sakes of both of you. We'll send up extra prayers that all will go well for him. Keep the faythe. :love:

phesina

10-04-2010, 07:10 PM

Prayers for Jasper and all of you, Jen.

Freedom

10-04-2010, 08:38 PM

Prayers from RI.

krazyaboutkatz

10-05-2010, 12:41 AM

Jen, I totally agree with what you're doing. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent Jaspers way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

jenluckenbach

10-12-2010, 03:01 PM

Well I am now turning to Pet talk to help with Jasper's crucial decision.

To re-cap: The swelling in Jasper's foot has gotten to the point that there is an open lesion, and it oozes/bleeds.

As of this morning, his toes (which were not affected) also are swelling to the point that one wants to open up and ooze.

Wrapping his foot is an "ok" temporary solution, but I fear that I sometimes get it too tight, especially since the area seems to keep growing.

As the vet said to Charlie and me, you will probably reach a point where you are between "A rock and a hard place". I think I am there now.

The toe seems painful, a new symptom.

It has only been 1 week since the chest x-ray (the plan was to wait 4 weeks before re-x-raying.)

Here is where I need your opinion.

If Jasper was YOUR cat, would you amputate the leg even though he is 12 years old and possibly has cancer growing in other areas of his body? He might only have 6 months to live IF what the vet saw in the x-ray were cancerous.

moosmom

10-12-2010, 03:17 PM

Jen,

I'm so sorry to hear about Jasper. :( Given Jasper's age, I'd just make him as happy and comfortable as possible.

Like with Mollie Rose, I had to weigh the options and make a very difficult decision. She was 16 years old and was in the advanced stage of kidney disease. I asked, given the options, can he make my beautiful old lady healthy and he said no. Was Mollie Rose in pain? Yes. I had my answer.

I hope Jasper has many more years with you Jen. He's a very lucky cat!!;)

Catty1

10-12-2010, 04:33 PM

Wow. 12 is old...but not ancient, given how long many cats live these days. Mind you, some don't make it to 12. :(

Even though x-rays were taken only a week ago, I wonder about taking another set. I'm thinking they would show NO change...or perhaps growth as fast as the tumour in his foot. Or even if it is growing slowly, whatever that stuff in the lungs is, you would have an answer.

If it was only his leg, then at 12, I would say yes. It's the 'maybe' in the lungs that makes this difficult.

IF - IF it is cancer in the lungs, is it treatable?

In short - I just don't know.

{{{hugs}}}

Catlady711

10-12-2010, 09:19 PM

Poor Jasper.

I totally understand how you feel 'rock in a hard place'. I would feel the same way given the situation.

None of us can tell you what to do, but since you asked what would I do if he was my cat, here goes.

I'm a fan of biopsies so I probably would have had it biopsied back in the summer when they found the lump. That doesn't help you now but just saying that's probably what I would have done there.

As for what's happening now. The suspicious spots on the lungs makes it more difficult. I'd probably have another x-ray done just to see if there has been any changes in the week since, that would answer alot of questions if there were changes there. If it spread I'd be more likely to just opt for making Jasper as comfortable as possible for whatever time he has left. I agree that it would be difficult to opt for amputation if he would still have cancer in his lungs regardless of what his age is. If the x-ray showed all clear and the vet thinks that there isn't cancer anywhere else, and gives a fairly positive prognosis for post surgery life, then I'd have to give it some serious thought to amputation if finances were available.

Basically for me it would come down to what the vet sees on the second x-ray, and the vet's opinon on quality/quantity of life for me. Depending on how well the vet is trusted, a second opinion might be an option if nothing else to confirm the diagnosis and prognosis or give you other options so you're not kicking yourself a year or so later wondering 'what if'.

Thoughts are with you and Jasper as you struggle with this. :love:*Hugs*

columbine

10-12-2010, 09:23 PM

I'm leaning toward getting a repeat X-ray before deciding, but if it's growing that fast - well, I honestly don't know. What is Jasper telling you, anything?

Love, Columbine

Grace

10-12-2010, 10:16 PM

If he were my cat, with his leg in the condition you describe and spots on his lungs, I would let him go before his quality of life deteriorated.

But that is my decision. You have to do what is right for you.

jenluckenbach

10-13-2010, 05:15 AM

Thank you for the responses.

I have never been one to go the "heroic route" and do a lot of radical treatment just because it is available to me. True, I always wondered if I was being heartless by NOT trying certain options. But I am realistic that cats have a short lifespan.

But I am still torn in Jasper's case because he does not ACT sick.

I am one who will be with the pet and hold them for euthanasia, but I just cannot picture doing that to Jasper at this time. But the bleeding causes me to need to make a decision soon. Jasper is MORE uncomfotable with the wrap ON his foot, I can tell by the way he walk (he will limp with it on, but walk normal with it off).

That is why I feel that I am damned if I do and I an damned if I don't :(

Medusa

10-13-2010, 06:52 AM

But I am still torn in Jasper's case because he does not ACT sick.

This is where the difficulty always lies w/me. When my RB Puddy was so sick, I'd call my vet saying that "it's time", then Puddy would rally and I wouldn't do it. Of course, we want them to have quality of life but we also don't want to cut that life short b/c they're having a bad day. That said, I think I might go for another x-ray and watch Jasper carefully for signs that he's ready to go in the meantime. I'm sorry that I can't be of more help than that, Jen. Keep the faythe. :love:

sasvermont

10-13-2010, 09:26 AM

Jen, all things considered, I would let him go to the Bridge. You, of course, know what is best in the long run. I think we have the ability to NOT let a pet suffer. If you do decide to let him go, HE will be at peace - no more pain and discomfort. Cats can be quite stoic, so you never really know the degree of pain. I wish they could talk.

Good luck with your final decision. I know you will do what is best.

Sas:love:

lizbud

10-13-2010, 09:53 AM

Prayers for healing & strength for you both.

p.s. How quickly can biopsy results be given for the mass on his foot? If
they came back negative for cancer, I would go for the amputation. If positive,
it wouldn't look good as to the "spots" seen on the lungs. Just my
thoughts.Prayers for you both.

jenluckenbach

10-13-2010, 03:39 PM

I am so very appreciative of all your honesty. And I can see how each person's advice is totally valid.

So I hope you do not consider me a great fool when I tell you that we are going ahead with the amputation tomorrow.

The amount of money that this will cost is so trivial that even if the cancer takes him in 6 months, I will feel that I did the best thing for us all.

Jasper will not have to endure the wrapping of his foot, or the growing of the swelling and the bleeding of the lesions, and we will be able to enjoy his special company for a while longer.

Medusa

10-13-2010, 03:40 PM

I can assure you, Jen, no one thinks you're a fool. We all know how you love your furkids and want only the best for them. We'll pump up the volume on the prayers, that's all. Keep the faythe. :love:

lizbud

10-13-2010, 05:31 PM

Prayers for successful surgery & quick & complete recovery.

With you 100%.

Pinot's Mom

10-13-2010, 05:57 PM

As I've said to others in similar situations...you will never be thought the fool. You are there and we are not-bottom line. We will try and offer hope, support, love and advice if asked....as well as purrs and crossed paws from the furbabies. You're doing what you think best.

Jasper, prayers for healing. Jen, prayers for the same - for your heart.:love:

Maggie & Pinot girl

mrspunkysmom

10-13-2010, 07:28 PM

You are in my thoughts. Sending wishes for Jasper's recovery.

Catty1

10-13-2010, 08:34 PM

Prayers for Jasper's quick recovery, and many more months and years being loved by you!:love::love:

Prairie Purrs

10-13-2010, 08:39 PM

All paws here are crossed for Jasper, hoping that your sweet boy can be with you for a good long while yet.

TommyCat

10-14-2010, 06:19 AM

I think you made the right decision for Jasper. Positive thoughts and prayers are being sent your way for a successful surgery. We'll be waiting to see how Jasper is doing.

Medusa

10-14-2010, 07:44 AM

Prayers going up for sweet Jasper and you, Jen. :love:

columbine

10-14-2010, 08:29 AM

You decided what I'd hoped you'd decide, but didn't want to say because I was too far away and had never even seen Jasper. So I'm happy. :love:

Love, Columbine

kuhio98

10-14-2010, 09:23 AM

Jen ~ You guys are in my prayers.

jennielynn1970

10-14-2010, 10:37 AM

Hopes and prayers for a successful surgery for Jasper today.

HUGS to you Jenn, and gentle scritchies to Jasper when he comes home.

krazyaboutkatz

10-14-2010, 11:26 AM

Jen, I hope that everything will go well with Jasper's amputation surgery. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

phesina

10-14-2010, 12:06 PM

Prayers and hugs and purrs for you all, that Jasper's surgery goes well.

jenluckenbach

10-14-2010, 08:03 PM

Jasper went through surgery well. The insicion is HUGE, but it looks fabulous! I attached the photos so you do not need to get up close and personal with them if it would bother you.

He is somewhat disoriented from the anesthesia. He's yowling, I am sure he feels very strange.

I have him set up in a roomy cage so he can't hurt himself tonight. He'll get to come out when he feels up o it in the next day or so. He is suppose to rest, anyway.

He hasn't actually eaten anything yet, which does not surprise me, but if he does not eat tonight, I can't give him his medication. (pain meds and antibiotic) And while I would rather he got the pain med tonight, I am sure he had some while at the vet's, so hopefully it will hold him til morning.

So time will tell. thanks for your prayers.

columbine

10-14-2010, 08:08 PM

Dear Jasper! What a brave cat you are. We're all VERY glad you managed the surgery so well! Do try and eat something - you need to get your strength up, and take your medicine.

You're a beautiful boy, and we all love you very much.

Love, Columbine (and Smudge)

phesina

10-14-2010, 08:19 PM

Oooh, poor baby.

Rest up, Jasper, and feel better soon!

Catty1

10-14-2010, 10:18 PM

Welcome home, Jasper! :love::D

Wishing you quick healing, and many more years with your Meowmie!:love::love::love:

katladyd

10-14-2010, 10:51 PM

Jasper, I am so glad your meowmie decided to give you a chance at life! I am pulling for you pretty boy! *kiss* *kiss* *kiss*:love:

krazyaboutkatz

10-15-2010, 01:15 AM

I'm glad that his surgery went well and that he's now home and resting. I hope he'll recover quickly and that you'll have many more years together. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

jenluckenbach

10-15-2010, 05:26 AM

I am feeling a little stupid right now. I SHOULD have given the pain med last night, I misunderstood the direction. "If Jasper threw up, do not give meds." NOT, if he does not eat. So, yes, he seems a little painful this morning. And not too happy.

But he now has his meds and the healing can begin. I hope he will eat something today.

Having never gone through this kind of surgery, I have no idea what behavior is normal.

TommyCat

10-15-2010, 06:31 AM

I'm so happy for you and your decision. I bet Jasper recovers fast; I wish him a speedy recovery. Hope the pain meds help him feel better, too.

Pinot's Mom

10-15-2010, 07:09 AM

That really is some incision and I'm very sure Jasper is feeling disoriented and unhappy, but he will heal and the meds will help.:love: Poor baby, give him a gentle hug and kiss for me.

Medusa

10-15-2010, 07:22 AM

Wow, that sure is a big incision! He has his pain meds in him now and the healing has already begun, Jen, so try not to worry too much. The really difficult part is over. I'm sure he's a little confused but he'll improve daily, you'll see. :love:

lizbud

10-15-2010, 12:29 PM

I'm glad came through the surgery ok.:) The incision does look big, but
Jasper looks like a big boy. I hope he heals up quickly & completely.

jenluckenbach

10-15-2010, 02:58 PM

Poor baby is so "zonked" out. I do know that the torbitol (pain med) makes them sleepy.

It is actually GOOD that he is not rambuncious. But it is hard to see him just lying there.

The vet said only to worry after 3 days of not eating, but I am going to start "bribing" him with goodies tonight to get that appetite going.

I can't wait to have my lap buddy back. :love::love:

mrspunkysmom

10-15-2010, 05:26 PM

Speedy recovery wishers for Jaspar!

3Catcondo

10-15-2010, 05:41 PM

Sending healing thoughts and prayers to Jasper. What a handsome fellow. Hope you are feeling better soon. :love:

Amy

jenluckenbach

10-15-2010, 05:59 PM

I must say, I am very proud of Jasper. He was having trouble getting a footing to stand insie the cage, so I took him out on the carpet.

He struggled to stand........

He took his first few hops....

Then he made a bee-line for the nearest litter box, got in and peed like he was holding it since yesterday.

Mind you, there is a litter box in his holding cage, but it is not "regulation size" :rolleyes: . I thought a smaller one would leave more room for him, but NOOOO, he wanted his regulaer old potty box.

Now we need to get him to eat.

Catlady711

10-15-2010, 06:36 PM

Awww Jasper, glad you came through your surgery well. Here's hoping to a speedy recovery!:)

Torbitrol will make them sleepy, higher doses = more sleepy. Dusty was on that the last month or so we had her and she was only on 1/8 of a 50mg? tablet a day, but in her case it was only to help with arthritis pain not a surgery.

lizbud

10-15-2010, 06:46 PM

jenluckenbach

10-15-2010, 07:17 PM

He ate a bit of tuna flavored Fancy Feast Appetizers. :cool:

And he is on 1/2 a 5mg tablet of torb 2 times a day. So he's groggy.

TommyCat

10-15-2010, 07:31 PM

That is awesome and so encouraging to hear Jasper is already trying to hop. I wish Jasper a speedy recovery; he's already on his way. Take care.

columbine

10-15-2010, 10:28 PM

:love::love::love: You are wonderful, Jasper! Sweet dreams, baby - of tasty chicken, delicious fish, and all kinds of tempting delicacies...

Love, Columbine

katladyd

10-16-2010, 12:30 AM

I am sending Jasper tons of my love!!*kiss*, *kiss*, *kiss*, <<HUGS, HUGS, HUGS>>

jenluckenbach

10-16-2010, 06:13 AM

Jasper is doing great, in my opinion.

He is now eating, less than usual, but enough.

He was more "awake" this morning, but of course he was coming off the torb.. and of course he got more this morning...so he'll be sleepy again all day.

But he can't be out of his cage unsupervised while we are at work, so sleepy is good!!

But he has a little walk this morning before breakfast and he's learing to cope.

Thanks for all your thoughts.

Barbara

10-16-2010, 08:20 AM

I am so sorry I missed that hard decision- but I am so glad Jasper is doing comparatively well.
I hope he has some wonderful time to live with you- I am sure he can cope. Cats are much better than humans with this ;)

Cataholic

10-16-2010, 04:57 PM

This all sounds so promising! Way to go Jasper!

jenluckenbach

10-16-2010, 05:12 PM

Well. I have my lap buddy back!

I let Jasper out of the cage when I got home from work today. He hopped around, he needs to rest often (not used to the effort it takes to walk) but right when I wasn't even watching he jumped right up on my recliner with me!!

Later he got down by himself.

And he can sure move once he steadies himself.

I think he'll eat better tonight, too.

Cataholic

10-16-2010, 05:53 PM

This all sounds so promising! Way to go Jasper!

jenluckenbach

10-16-2010, 06:07 PM

This all sounds so promising! Way to go Jasper!

This all sounds so promising! Way to go Jasper!

Joh, you are repeating your self. :p :D

phesina

10-16-2010, 07:10 PM

Jasper, that's GREAT! Keep on keeping on!

katladyd

10-16-2010, 08:20 PM

Way to go Jasper! I love that he found a way to still be your lap kitty. I hope his problems are over and that he lives many more years.:love:

Catty1

10-16-2010, 09:23 PM

He sounds happier already! :love: Being your lap kitty and all. :)

Heal soon, dear Jasper!:love::love:

krazyaboutkatz

10-16-2010, 10:34 PM

This is wonderful news.:) I hope he continues to improve and do well.:)

jenluckenbach

10-17-2010, 07:31 PM

Jasper is AMAZING!!!

He has been home for 3 days and doing so incredibly well.

Hear this story..... When Jasper came home, the fur in the inside of the right left leg had some mats (he is long haired, and at the point where they stopped shaving, his fur bunched up and started to knot)

Well, as a groomer THIS WOULD NOT DO!

But I was not about to torture him right away with brushing and the sound of the clipper (yesterday) scared him, so I left it go.
By tonight, he had used his rough little tongue to perfectly comb out the hair on the inside of this leg.

AND hear this story...... He climbed the stairs to the second floor by himself when no one was watching (even though he was not suppose to) And then RAN back down, a little too fast for my liking, but he did it on his own. I am glad the stairs are carpeted though. WHEW.

So we have no worries about Jasper (except of course for what will happen in the future with the possible spread of cancer)

Catlady711

10-17-2010, 07:51 PM

Jasper, glad to hear that you're doing so well, even taking the stairs! But listen, don't scary meowmy so much by showing off what all you've learned to do right away ok? Hugs!

Medusa

10-17-2010, 09:07 PM

Amazing is right! That's the best news ever! Way to go, Jasper! :D:love:

jenluckenbach

10-17-2010, 09:12 PM

Jasper laying comfortably
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/JenLuckenbach/Cats/Jasper/Jasper10-17-2010002.jpg

Laying on the empty food bag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/JenLuckenbach/Cats/Jasper/Jasper10-17-2010005.jpg

Playing with the bag, so fast the photos are blurry.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/JenLuckenbach/Cats/Jasper/Jasper10-17-2010006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/JenLuckenbach/Cats/Jasper/Jasper10-17-2010007.jpg