Misty's blood results

[pookyandjo]

so sorry the prognosis isn't good for Misty Kim... hopefully he will be comfortable and enjoy all the love and care you give him in the coming months....take care

[Kim]

The vet phoned me today with the results of the fasting blood test. They show Misty's liver is in a bad way, probably because of the tumour. The vet said it is an option to refer him to a specialist who could do scans and then possibly try and remove the tumour, however, she wasn't really recommending this. Misty is so frail and terrribly thin, he has a very runny nose, runny eyes and sneezing a lot at the moment, for which I now have some antibiotics. The vet said if they operate and the tumour is bad they may suggest putting him to sleep on the table. I don't think it is worth putting his frail body through this, especially as there are no guarantees and considering his age (13 in May). I have some medication and food to help with liver function. I would really appreciate your thoughts/opinions/experiences. I want to do the best for him and obviously give him a chance, but at the same time, not put him through anything needlessly. Thank-you x

[angieh]

Kim - I really feel for you, it is such a hard decision to make but all I would say to you is that you know Misty best. If and when you think that he is in any way distressed or that he no longer has a decent quality of life, then the kindest thing for him would be to let him go. You will know when the time is right. Better to err in the interests of his comfort than hang on because you love him so. ((((HUGS))))

[farthing]

Kim, I really feel for you.
Milk thistle is very good for liver function, and the liver enzymes can be quite high and the animal can still feel well within itself.
Deli, our 13 year old dalmation was diagnosed with liver problems, at one point her liver enzymes were 10 times above normal- using samylin ( dog meds with milk thistle in it for liver disease) and a hepatic diet it dropped to 5 times above normal- she is stable at this level for the moment and you wouldn't know anything was wrong. I am aware things may be different with a tumour. Deli was scanned initially and nothing was found, she may well have gone on to show a tumour but we decided not to bother as levels increased because it wouldn't have changed what we do- we decided against a biopsy and certainly an op- so much for an old animal to go through.
Is Misty jaundiced at all, I am always checking Deli for this but no signs of anything yet, and her appetite is still good. This is how I am monitoring her. She was diagnosed with a problem 18 months ago and is still going strong. I hope you get Misty's infection under control and he goes on to have a happy time left.

[dandysmom]

Oh what a hard decision; only you who know him best will be able to decide when/if it's time. Hopefully the meds will keep him healthy and enjoying life for some time. (((hugs)))

[jacks]

A very difficult time for you.Im sure you will make the right decisions.Misty will let you know.Sending you hugs and love to you both.

[Moli]

Cannot advise Kim, but thinking of you...xx

[Elaine]

Oh Kim, I really feel for you and Misty, such a very difficult time and extremely hard to know what to do for the best. All I can advise is to trust your instincts on this.
Sending all my love xxx

[Mags]

Thinking of you Kim, you will know in your heart when it's time to let go (((hugs)))

[calismum]

Can only echo what has already been said. ((hugs)) for you both.