What would you do? (**Update 6-18-09 - need your prayers)

[moosmom]

I'd definitely get a second opinion. I adopted a 14 year old cat, Murphy, in December and she had thyroid problems that were corrected by the Humane Society before I adopted her. I've noticed that she vomits whenever I give her anything other than dry food. Since she's been on nothing but Wilderness Cat food, a high quality, expensive dry food. The vomiting has all but disappeared.

Since your precious baby has been through so much with her cancer and stuff, do the best you can for her. You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[kittykatharine]

I'd definitely get a second opinion. I adopted a 14 year old cat, Murphy, in December and she had thyroid problems that were corrected by the Humane Society before I adopted her. I've noticed that she vomits whenever I give her anything other than dry food. Since she's been on nothing but Wilderness Cat food, a high quality, expensive dry food. The vomiting has all but disappeared.

Since your precious baby has been through so much with her cancer and stuff, do the best you can for her. You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Moosmom, thank you so my much for your kind words - dont worry I will do what is best for Sydney, regardless of what a vet says. If I had listended to the vets the first time around, she would have been put to sleep a year ago.

[Medusa]

Oh boy, that's a toughie, Katherine. I hate to be a "me, too" but I think a second opinion is in order. I will say, though, that since you've ruled out surgery and you're leery about leaving Sydney at the vet's and stressing her out, the second option appears to be the most viable. My Creamsicle is on Prednisolone which does not cure her allergies, only manages them, but this is the option I've chosen. Granted, allergies and cancer certainly don't compare in severity but I'm sure you understand my comparison. Good luck, honey. You've done a great job so far and no doubt you'll continue to do so. Gentle pets to your sweet Sydney and (((HUGS))) to you.

[kittykatharine]

Oh boy, that's a toughie, Katherine. I hate to be a "me, too" but I think a second opinion is in order. I will say, though, that since you've ruled out surgery and you're leery about leaving Sydney at the vet's and stressing her out, the second option appears to be the most viable. My Creamsicle is on Prednisolone which does not cure her allergies, only manages them, but this is the option I've chosen. Granted, allergies and cancer certainly don't compare in severity but I'm sure you understand my comparison. Good luck, honey. You've done a great job so far and no doubt you'll continue to do so. Gentle pets to your sweet Sydney and (((HUGS))) to you.

Thanks so much Medusa - you are always so wonderful. I have been reseaching this all morning - and if Sydney had no other problems, this woud be an easy choice - the radioactive iodine treatment is the best choice and a true cure if successful. However, the fact that Sydney is dealing with cancer - if complicates the entire situation. I am going to try and get in touch with the vet oncologist who saw Sydney a year ago in Auburn. Hopefully she can shed some light on the best protocol to follow.

[Medusa]

if Sydney had no other problems, this woud be an easy choice - the radioactive iodine treatment is the best choice and a true cure if successful. However, the fact that Sydney is dealing with cancer - if complicates the entire situation.

Exactly. Nothing is easy in this life, is it? And we take our responsibility to our little fuzz nuggets so seriously, as well we should. I sure would hate to see you trade one illness for another, if you know what I mean. You're truly in a precarious predicament but the oncologist may give you the peace of mind that you need in order to proceed. I know you'll keep us all posted and prayers will continue for Sydney and you.

[Grace]

I don't know the difference in price - pills vs cream - but there is an alternative to pilling her every day. The medication can be mixed as a cream and applied to her ear daily. This is called a transdermal dosing method.

We had a cat once, Nelly, with thyroid problems. The cream was not yet available, so we gave her a liquid mix each day. She had no side effects - I read somewhere that only about 15% of the cats do experience any.

[kittykatharine]

I don't know the difference in price - pills vs cream - but there is an alternative to pilling her every day. The medication can be mixed as a cream and applied to her ear daily. This is called a transdermal dosing method.

We had a cat once, Nelly, with thyroid problems. The cream was not yet available, so we gave her a liquid mix each day. She had no side effects - I read somewhere that only about 15% of the cats do experience any.

Thank you so much Grace for the info! Sydney is actually used to taking pills since she has been required to take several a day for many many months (chemo). If I do choose to go the medication route, I will probably stick with the pills because Sydney is used to pilling and because I heard the absoption of the medication is not as good with the transdermal method.

Exactly. Nothing is easy in this life, is it? And we take our responsibility to our little fuzz nuggets so seriously, as well we should. I sure would hate to see you trade one illness for another, if you know what I mean. You're truly in a precarious predicament but the oncologist may give you the peace of mind that you need in order to proceed. I know you'll keep us all posted and prayers will continue for Sydney and you.

Thank you for the thoughts and prayers - as always they are appreciated.

**Continuing my research **