Hagrid is gone. Update #40

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm sure you'll do what's best for him. I'll continue to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[TommyCat]

Hi,
I just read about Hagrid. What a beautiful kitty! I'm wondering why the Clinic with the advanced technology cannot go in and do a guided needle biopsy first before doing a surgery. Do you have a Specialty Hospital nearby, or is this a clinic where they treat critical care animals? A Board Certified Vet would be able to do a needle biopsy and diagnosis. It may be more difficult in a rural area with being near one of the Specialty Hospitals. I know you've spent a lot of money, and I had to do the same before finding the right clinic and Vet. Hugs to Hagrid and you.

[katladyd]

My Mac was sent to a Specialty Clinic years ago for a mystery ailment that had him losing weight, not eating or drinking, and my vet wanted his liver checked, also. They, too, wanted to do nothing but an invasive procedure, which I beleived would kill him. They refused to do a needle biopsy, so I left their office with some sub-q fluids and antibiotics. I started force feeding and watering him as well as giving him the meds. Two days later he started eating and drinking on his own and within 4 days he was back to normal! I hate those Specialty Cinics!

[TommyCat]

Hi,
I am sorry to hear of both your experiences with a Specialty Hospital and the Vets wanting to do a surgery before a needle biopsy is done. It's hard to think they would do surgery without knowing the diagnosis and before a biopsy. Fortunately, my cat had exceptional care at the Animal Internal Medicine where he finally got treatment, but a second Vet where I took him wanted also to do surgery on him w/out a diagnosis.

To make a long story short, my beautiful 16 year old boy kitty, Tommy, went in for a Senior check-up, and the regular Vet felt a mass in his abdominal area. She unfortunately went in and did a needle biopsy thinking she could get a good specimen. Well, she accidentally got some of his bowel fecal matter mixed in and caused an infection. I think she punctured his bowel, but she told me she did not. He came home terribly ill. I went to a second Vet, and he wanted to do kind of an exploratory surgery which I know would have killed him, as he was so weak and thin. Finally, the thrid place was the Animal Internal Medicine hospital, and it was there a Surgical Vet did an ultrasound and then a needle biopsy and diagnosed it as intestinal lymphoma. Tommy never needed surgery, as it turned out, but did okay for seven months on Prednisolone and some oral chemo. He also had some kidney deficiency and bad arthritis and in the end the cancer just took over.

[Medusa]

This sounds so much like what is going on w/my Boo. It's frightening to watch and maddening to try to figure out. Please know that as I pray for Boo I pray for Hagrid and you. (((HUGS)))

[sugarpaws]

Hi
It is so upsetting to hear they would not do a biopsy. Did they say why? I agree with the other posts, is there a way you can get another opinion? Hang in there and kisses to your sweet little boy.
Marina

[Prairie Purrs]

Thanks, everyone, for your concern for my tuxie boy.

After I flat refused to put Hagrid through exploratory surgery, the vet at the clinic did the needle biopsy. I hope to know the results Monday, but I'm still waiting for the skin biopsy results, so who knows.

The clinic vet also suggested that Hagrid spend tomorrow at my local vet's office hooked up to an IV to get some B vitamins and something else--I'm too exhausted to remember what--into him. Maybe that will keep him going while the diagnostic process goes on.

The one encouraging thing is that he's eating. Small amounts, but pretty frequently. And he's drinking. He seems to be resting fairly comfortably tonight.

He's such a good, brave boy. I love that cat so much.

[katladyd]

I'm saying prayers and sending positive thoughts your way for Hagrid. Good for you for sticking to your guns!!! Sometimes vets can make you so angry!

[jenluckenbach]

This is so sad to read.

Is there a 3rd place to consult with, and possibly do a needle biopsy?

Has the skin biopsy results come back yet?

Praying for an answer to Hagrid's problems.