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I just heard from the vet. Bassett's chest cavity if filled with a fatty, white fluid called chyle from her thorasic duct (don't know if I spelled throasic right). The vet was able to take some of the fluid out with a syringe and so they are testing it tomorrow at the lab. It could be cancer or cardio myopothy.. the vet won't know until she gets the results back. Bassett got mad and wouldn't let them drain out all the fluid (that's my girl *sad smile*) so tomorrow, under heavy sedation and pain control (they don't want to put her out because this might be a heart problem) they will put a chest tube in and drain out the fluid so she can breathe. She has to stay overnight at the vet tonight and tomorrow because one thing that's supposed to be good for this is cage rest; she's not supposed to move around. The vet didn't say why - maybe because more fluid leaks out? I don't know. The vet said we have to go in steps - we won't take the next step until the results are back from the lab, which won't be until Friday.
I asked about a payment plan. My vet will allow me to work out a payment plan, but the specialist, who works in Washington and comes up to Canada once a month to take referrals, won't take a payment plan. So when the time comes, I will have to find a way to pay for the ultrasound. I won't even know if an ultrasound is worth it until the test results come back, because the results might determine if it's even treatable.
I took Bassett in because I thought she was too fat and might have asthma or something. I had no idea she was slowly suffocating *CRY*. Thank god I listened to my gut and had this checked out. I have had a couple people tell me that she seemed fine so maybe that's "just how she breathes" but something told me to look into it further. I just wish I had done it sooner. Has anyone heard of this? Does anyone know if this is treatable? I'm so scared for my little girl. I love all my kids but Bassett is that one special one - the one that really digs the claws into the heart. She was my first companion cat; she attached herself to me and is loyal to me in ways that dogs are usually loyal to their humans.
God, please make her ok.. please don't take her just yet.. please let her have a little more time with me and her sisters.. please, please, please don't rip out that part of my heart just yet..
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Naomi, my heart is going out to you. I am sending all the good thoughts I have to Bassett.
We went through this last year with Mini, but the x-ray showed his heart was filling with blood, not white fluid, so I can't provide any more insight. It's impossible to tell at this stage so I hope the tests show something conclusive and curable.
If you feel up to it, try some Google searches for feline heart disease, heart murmurs, cardiomyopathy, cancer etc. It of course doesn't replace veterinary diagnosis, but when we were going through this, it just helped me feel better because I was more informed of the possibilities and knew that other people had gone through the same thing.
Please let us know as soon as you hear something.
I'm a bit concerned that your specialist doesn't make payment plans. Either has been burnt before or not an animal lover? Just seems strange.
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I am so sorry to hear about Bassett. Please try to think positive and know that the power of prayer/love that you are receiving from all around the world is very powerful. I will be thinking nothing but positive thoughts for Bassett.
Love from Leslie
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I don't know what to say except that I have never heard of a viewing pulse from the jugular vein :( Oh dear.
Did the vet tap her chest for any fluid?? How old is he/she? They will spin down the fluids in a centrifuge in the lab and record the results. You should hear from them ASAP
Believe it or not 400 bucks for an ultrasound and dianostics is very very cheap. Owners spead over a grand for procedures at the local hospital here.
Oh dear. :(
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Bassett is only 3 years old. Her birthday is in April. The vet said the fluid is a milky white colour, indicating it's coming from the thoracic duct. I looked it up on the internet, and it's called Feline Chylothorax. It can be caused by a bunch of things that the vet is testing for with the fluids she got tonight. They will be draining the rest of the fluid in the morning, when they can monitor her more carefully.
Depending on the test results, I *will* find a way to pay for Bassett's treatment. However, if she will suffer from it, I have another decision to make.
I'm not doing very well, and I'm really upset about all this. So if my posts don't make sense, please understand that this is really difficult for me.
Thank you all for the kind wishes.
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OH Naomi!!!!! My heart aches for you... rest assured you both are in my prayers!
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Oh Naomi, my heart is breaking for you. You and Bassett are in our hearts and prayers. We are here if you need us.
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Naomi, I'm so sorry to hear about Bassett. :( Reading this thread makes my Pepper's health problems seem so insignificant. Prayers are on the way for you and Bassett. All fingers and paws are crossed here.
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No kitty's pain is insignificant. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.
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Naomi, you can count on my prayers immediately. I have been there - I know about the deep pain you are feeling and the worries over how to pay the Vet.
Let us just concentrate on prayers for Bassett that miracle is in the works and she can be healed.
Anything is possible with God.
Big hugs to you at this very difficult time.
Gini and Rascal
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Oh Nomilynn, I'm so sorry. I looked up Feline Chylothorax, and it seems it can either be something really serious or something easily treated, depending on how they got it and how long they had it. Let's hope and pray that she has the treatable type. Please don't think beyond to the "final decision" just yet - you need to keep good energies directed to little Bassett. Don't forget to kiss your other kitties, too - they probably miss their "sister" as much as you do. {{{{{{{Hugs and hope}}}}}}}}}
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Yesterday U was so busy updating my web-site , that I didn't have time to read all threads ; as I skipped "cat health" , I missed yours :(
Oh Naomi , my heart is acking for you and poor Bassett :( ! You are so right , 3 years old , that is MUCH to young to go yet ... . Please , hang in there , your sweetheart is in my prayers , that is for sure !! Let's all pray and hope and believe that sweet Bassett will be better after treatment ... .
I am so sorry too that ultrasound is so expensive in the USA :(
Last year , my poor Sydney had one two (for his heart) and it costed €100 which is about $100 ... !
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Naomi, my heart is with you and Bassett.
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Naomie - I'm so sorry to hear of poor Bassett suffering like this - you must be distraught with worry. Just know your in our thoughts and prayers{{{Hugs}}} coming across the miles - for both of you.
Lynne
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I just read the update about Bassett's tests. My eyes are filled with tears of worries. Will be holding my breath until the test results are back. I can't even imagine how agonizingly long of a wait it will be for you until then. Maybe to bide your time and make it pass more easily, you'd like to post some pictures of dear Bassett so we can all stare at her while we send her our prayers.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
