Hi Phaelen,

First, let me tell you how very sorry I am that Bandit is sick. I know what you're going through, as my almost 13 year old cat Buddy has the same disease. Secondly, never give up hope......where there is life, there is hope! However, if you feel that Bandit is suffering to the point of no quality of life at all, then you must make a decision. And this decision is a very personal one. Personally, I have chosen to keep Buddy home where he's comfortable, where he knows he's loved and where I know he'd rather be in the end. Last evening Buddy had to go for a chest tap. 225cc ( appox. 1 1/2cups) was removed. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Today he's a new cat....eating better, resting more comfortably and socializing....like a healthy cat....no.... but happier. And guess who's on my lap right now? My little cyber kitty, Buddy.
Phaelen, I noticed that the only medication Bandit is getting is the homeopathic, Rutin. Is this what your vet prescribed? I do know that one of it's benefits is helping with inflamation....but is this enough? Buddy gets 10mg of lasix every 12 hrs., 2.5mg of enalapril once daily, 1/2 of an 81mg asprin every 3 days, 250mg taurine (protein suppliment) once a week, 1 tablespoon of Nutra-Cal once a day and 1 tsp of cod liver oil when needed for constipation. Also, he is on a very strict water schedule. He can have all the water he wants in a 6 hour period....then the water comes up, then he is offered a drink EVERY 6 hours (then take it away) until the next 24 hour period....then it starts all over again. This in no way deprives him of liquid....he stays perfectly hydrated. The benefits of lasix and the water regimen help to minimize the rate at which the chest fills with fluid, thereby, taking fewer stressful trips to the vet. Our last trip was the 17th. Why did so much fluid come off this visit? Because I felt sorry for him and gave him more water. Bad idea!
Chylothorax is an incureble disease unless an underlying cause can be found and treated successfully. I hope I have helped some. Please discuss other medicine options with your vet. My prayers are with you and Bandit. Please keep in touch.

Linda