Luna: the story continues... :(

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

It may sound stupid, but Luna really means the world to me, and I love her more than anything else!

It may sound stupid to other people, Kirsten, but we know exactly what you're going through and we don't think it's stupid at all. {{{hugs}}}

I don't know about the x-ray with dye, but I do know that Peanut was not "put under" for the ultra-sound, so maybe that would be an option that would be less traumatic for Luna? I think either one would give a good idea if there is a tumor or anything else that needs attention.

As for how Peanut lives with half a bladder - no problem! The only way I can tell she had surgery is because she pees more often - smaller amounts but more often. I also had to bring a litter box upstairs (all the others are in the basement) in case she couldn't hold it long enough to get all the way downstairs. Since the surgery she has never gone anywhere but in the litterbox. She does use the one upstairs almost exclusively for her pee pees, and I don't know why but CJ doesn't really use it. It's like she has claimed it as her own and he's fine with that.

The vet was concerned at first, because he had to take so much of the bladder and he had to go so close to....something...that he thought she might end up incontinent, but he evidently knows what he's doing because it's not an issue at all. And even though she's 17 years old, he thought it was worth it to do the surgery because she is healthy otherwise. So if Luna does have some sort of tumor, hopefully things will go as well with her because she is basically healthy except for this too, and she's way younger than Peanut so she should heal quickly and fully - if it comes to that.

Peanut's surgery was around $1,000.00. I don't know how vet costs compare in Germany, but I would think you could count on about the same amount, plus the cost of the ultrasound. My vet did the followup visit and removal of stiches for free.

I know this is one of those things that you would never wish on your worst enemy, but if she does have a tumor, at least you'll know what you're dealing with instead of wondering and trying a million different things that don't work. I would suggest either the ultrasound or xray with dye thing ASAP. It will help calm your nerves, and also if there is a tumor, it's best to get it out ASAP to increase Luna's chance of a full recovery.

{{{hugs}}}

[TopCat3]

Kirsten, you must know we don't think you sound stupid. After all, you sound just like the rest of us when one of our beloved kitties is in strife Tubby and Peanut's Mum is exactly right, it's everyone else (non-cat folk) who sound stupid

My girls mean the world to me, too, and I think I understand how you are feeling because I get in the same sort of state about my Cleo, 17, the one with CRF, HBP and hyperthyroidism. I get all teary at the vets, even if the consult is going well and results are encouraging!!! And in the car... and in the supermarket in the petfood aisle...

I agree with what the others say, just run whatever tests are needed till you find out what is wrong and then do whatever it takes to fix it so long as Luna does not suffer unnecessarily. A little bit of discomfort/fear might be necessary in which case the end justifies the means. Just as long as it's in her best interest and makes her feel well in the long run.

Good luck, try to stay positive, and keep us posted. Crying it out is better than holding it in. It makes us stronger.

Hugs to all of you and a special one for confused little Lily.

[Kirsten]

Thank you! I really wouldn't know what to do without this forum! (((HUGS))) to you and your kitties!

TopCat3, best wishes for your beloved Cleo, I'm sorry that she has to deal will all these problems. How is she doing at the moment?

Debbie, thanks for telling me about the details of Peanut's surgery, that sounds encouraging. Good to read that she has no problems and seems to feel fine!



I've spoken to my vet yesterday about Luna. She also thinks that ultrasound would be the next step at this point. She cannot do it herself, I either have to go to the other vet in my hometown, or to a vet clinic in Kassel or Göttingen. She's trying to make an appointment for me there as soon as possible.

Also, she said she's not comfortable anymore to give Luna any more meds at this point, as her reaction to them has been so weird this week. When it turns out there is no tumor, we will try the e.coli immunization, but first, we need to rule out the tumor-option. I'm really scared when I think about that! Luna is way too young for such a thing!


BTW, Luna seems to feel much better today. She has peed a larger amount this morning, and she has eaten with a good appetite. She had also a lot of fun with her kitty light this morning. Yestersay, she did literally nothing: no eating, no drinking, no peeing, no pooping. It was as if all her body functions had stopped, it's been totally scary. I guess this was because she was still drugged from the buscopan. Now she's doing much better.

Kirsten