Tiger update-Reading by Denise included!

[Emeraldgreen]

Thanks Freedom, Denise and Deb.

I took Tiger to the vet and they took xrays of his chest and lungs. The vet showed them to me and said there is definitely something going on with the left side of his lung field. There is this milky haze to it and some small white spots, maybe 3 of them, about the size of half an apple seed. She said that if the cancer had metastisized she would have expected to see large spots that would be tumours but she can't be sure what the small spots are and she thinks they could be a number of things.
I left Tiger with them for about 2 hours and she said that in that time she was really able to hear how gurgly he is in his chest and alot of noise coming from his nasal area as well.
The vet said it is not pneumonia but she thinks he could be dealing with inflammation of his lung air sacs and there may be some fluid around his lungs. This could either be due to the cancer or from an infection that doesn't respond to the antibiotic Convenia injections he's been getting. If it is an infection, the only way to be sure what kind of bacteria it is would involve a culture of the area which is way too invasive and she doesn't want to go that route. Neither do I. And I'm sure Tiger would agree!

So, what we decided was to give him a Depo Medrol (spelling??) injection yesterday, (steroid) and if it is inflammation from the cancer, the xrays that will be repeated next week should show some improvement. If so, then we will continue with Depo shots every 2 weeks as palliative care to make him comfortable.
If there is no improvement, then it is likely a bacteria infection and we can begin to try some antibiotics and hopefully will find the right one sooner rather than later.

I expected that he would be doing much better this morning but he is exactly the same. In the past, when he has received a Depo shot, the results would kick in within an hour and last for days. But this time there is no change so far so I think it might be an infection after all.

I think this is potentially good news in that his breathing difficulties of late may be due to an infection that is hopefully treatable.

I'll keep ya posted.

[MoonandBean]

I would suggest letting the vet know an update today because steroids can feed an infection so the vet may want to start the antibiotics sooner than later....just a thought (I only know "human" medicine but would assume there are some similarities). Tiger is so lucky to have you and that video of you blowdrying him was very touching (LES ).

[Medusa]

Potentially good news IS good news in my book. We'll keep the prayers going for Tiger and you......

[Emeraldgreen]

Thanks guys.
I was thinking the same thing with regard to the steroids if it is an infection. I think steroids weaken the immune system and if he already has an infection it would make sense that the infection would get worse.
He is very lethargic today and is sleeping on our bed and doesn't want to do much at all.
I will call the vet to give an update and perhaps they can choose an antibiotic and I can just go and pick it up rather than dragging Tiger back there.
As well, my husband is getting irritated with the continued vet visits and although he loves Tiger, he thinks this is all too mcuh. Most people that we know (friends, family) think that as well. I don't know why I'm trying so hard to save him at all costs. I love him alot and I think maybe it's that so many things right now are out of my control and this is something that I can try and fix so I'm feeling determined to do it. I don't know if that makes sense.
Anyway, we've come this far, he's still with us and if antibiotics can help him then that's what I'm going to try. I will not let him suffer though and if I see that his quality of life is gone and if he is really struggling, then I will let him go. I can barely write that sentence.

[Moesha]

Tiger was one of the first pet stories that I followed when I joined PT. For that reason he is a dear kitty to me and I'm deeply interested in his condition. Hopefully antibiotics will help him improve. Please give him a little extra loving from me. *hugs*

[Medusa]

As well, my husband is getting irritated with the continued vet visits and although he loves Tiger, he thinks this is all too mcuh. Most people that we know (friends, family) think that as well. I don't know why I'm trying so hard to save him at all costs. I love him alot and I think maybe it's that so many things right now are out of my control and this is something that I can try and fix so I'm feeling determined to do it. I don't know if that makes sense.
Anyway, we've come this far, he's still with us and if antibiotics can help him then that's what I'm going to try. I will not let him suffer though and if I see that his quality of life is gone and if he is really struggling, then I will let him go. I can barely write that sentence.

This is something that every one of us can relate to. It's so difficult to let go, especially when we feel that there may be something that we haven't tried yet. You'll know if/when the time is right. Your husband's irritation is more than likely due to the stress of moving on top of it all and feeling like he wants to alleviate Tiger's symptoms, too. We're w/ya, girlfriend. (((Hugs))) through the ethers to you and gentle strokes to Tiger.

[Emeraldgreen]

This is something that every one of us can relate to. It's so difficult to let go, especially when we feel that there may be something that we haven't tried yet. You'll know if/when the time is right. Your husband's irritation is more than likely due to the stress of moving on top of it all and feeling like he wants to alleviate Tiger's symptoms, too. We're w/ya, girlfriend. (((Hugs))) through the ethers to you and gentle strokes to Tiger.

Thank you. I really appreciate that.
And thank you Deb and Moesha too and everyone who has posted in this thread. I feel like you guys know Tiger. It's so strange, good strange though!

I called the vet and she is trying to figure out which antibiotic to give him and then I'll go in and pick it up.

[Freedom]

I only just learned of Convenia last week, when I had Bobby at the vet allergist. She gave him a shot, but told me that it only works on certain bacteria, so on other types we have to go back to the Clavamox / Baytril, etc.

So you tried, that, nothing; tried the Depo, nothing. Looks like another antibiotic is next to try.

Sounds like all of you are overwhelmed with everything which is happening, I am so sorry for that. I hope the next antibiotic does the trick, and Tiger can stay home away from the white coats for a while!!! Yes, I am sure he does as well.

Just curious, the x ray was taken with no anesthesia? This is the second time I've heard of this on here. My vet never even considers an x ray without anesthesia, can't understand how the cat remains still! (Nor can I for that matter.)

After all you have been through with Tiger, it would be ashame to quit on an antibiotic issue. Hang in there, all of you!