This is Millie. I brought her for her annual checkup at the Vet on Saturday. Millie is 15-1/2 years old, so this visit was fraught with what-ifs. I have thought she was thinner, and I was correct. She weighed 10.22 pounds this time, which means she has lost a quarter of her body weight since last year. Not particularly great. She also has an enlarged teat (it's about the size of a large blueberry) that she's been licking a lot. It seems to have been weeping. This is not the kind of thing I could have seen, since I never get to hold her or look. She also has a heart murmur.
We did the Senior Wellness Screening, which means they drew blood to see how she's doing. I'll know the results about midweek. As we all know, there is no definitive test for cancer, but the enlarged teat could be cancerous. We wouldn't know for sure unless it was surgically removed and then sent for testing. There's no point making a decision until we know the results of the bloodwork.
Otherwise she seems good. Her eyes are bright, her fur is shiny and clean, her appetite is good, she uses the litterbox and she doesn't seem to have any trouble jumping up onto the couch or to the window to get out on the porch.
But she is a lot chummier than she used to be, and she no longer joins me at the table when I have breakfast in the morning. I have to face reality. She won't be around a lot longer, and now that time will be measured in months, not years. When I get the results of the bloodwork back I will have to decide if spending money to remove the teat will buy her any significant improvement in the quality of her life.
There is no right answer and it's a gamble one way or the other.
22 comments:
It's very hard when our pets are ill / old. I once spent a total of $3500 (25 years ago) on my daughter's cat to bring her through liver problems. I tube fed her for 6 weeks until it resolved - two surgeries were involved. She was 14 at the time. she lived to the ripe old age of 22. My daughter was very greatful for the extra years with her. Only you can determine how much you are willing to spend, and how much you want to put her through. My daughter switched to Black Labradors and has lost 2 - after a good life - to shoulder cancer. She is now on her next set of dogs. They sleep with her just like the cats did over the years. They are a LOT of company.
I wish you well in determining what to do with Millie. I hate that you have to go through that.
Sending hugs and purrs to you and Millie. Hard choices but we all know you’ll do the best for her…she has the best mom in the world.
Very upsetting Lynne. Thanks for letting us know.
Megan
Sydney, Australia
Hard to believe she's that old. Many warm hugs and purrs to you both. Hard decisions may be coming up, but I know you will make the right ones
It's so hard watching our 'kids' get older. My boy lived to be 17 1/2 and had a lot of the same going on with him. I had to have him put down 2 days before Christmas 2 years ago. Hope Millie's bloodwork comes back fantastic.
Decisions like this are the hardest, you will know and Millie will tell you when it is time, as each of our cats has done over the years. Meantime, accept each day as it is, and know we are with you each moment.XXX
Ohhh miss Millie and Lynne. I have had a murmur my whole life and at 15 have slowed down too. Slow and gentle, pets and warm blankets is our way forward too. Hugs from across the ocean to you our friends.
Julie and poppyq
Xxx
What gifts you and Millie are to each other, Lynne. Hugs and warm thoughts to you both.
I was in a similar position last year and it isn't easy. Vets are great therapists and will talk you through good and bad. Hope that the best for Millie will done with great love
This is the most difficult time as a pet mommy. We love them so much and they give us back so much love and comfort. My thoughts and prays are with you. My mini schnauzer (Karlin) is 13 with a heart murmur and he is still active when awake but he does sleep a lot more now and it is a very deep sleep.
Oh Miss Lynne, we send lots of love to you and Miss Millie. Mum has worried over me this year too. Teeth removed, not eating. She said I was expensive this year. But I am doing well right now, eating, playing and loving on mum.
Oh Millie....I'm sorry you're having to think about this. We got 2 Bengals in 2008. Last year Pepe lost a ton of weight quickly and became less playful. I couldn't get a vet appt quickly but when we did....lymphoma. We held off until he looked sad and his belly grew from the fluid and then to the Rainbow Bridge he went. The Vet said "better 1 week early than 1 day too late". She was very supportive. His sister has adjusted but she snuggles more than ever and we watch her with a close eye. This breed is known for a shorter lifespan than the average cat.
Hugs to you.
Tough times when the decision is up to us . . . not easy or pleasant. You and Millie are a terrific team. I'm sure she will help you decide what's best. And I'm so pleased to see how much support you have from your blog readers. Hugs and purrs and prayers for both of you.
Oh dear! That's some tough decisions that may be coming up. I hope what ever is affecting her isn't too horrid for Millie to deal with. I know it will be hard on you.
It's hard to believe she's over 15 now...I still remember the whole thing with Malcolm finding her and helping her, and it doesn't seem so long ago. But I am also still so very glad you're the one she came home to. Fingers crossed that she's at least peaceful in the last months, and in no pain.
I have nothing to add that hasn't already been said other than to make it a priority to enjoy time with Millie. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending you and Millie both hugs. Always so hard when we have senior 4-legged members. Enjoy the time left, however long that is. I always have to remind myself when in this situation that it is a blessing we can make the final years and months loving and comfortable and when the time comes not let them suffer. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
It’s always hard to watch out feline children get older. Sending hugs your way, Lynne! And some petting for Miss Millie. 💕
I'm so sorry Lynne and Millie. I'm happy for you both that you found each other. Love and hugs.
Love the cat vase that looks so like your kitty, so sorry that they (our kitties) eventually wear out on us. i empathize with your pain.
love the cat vase and love Millie too. That is all we can do..love. I hate to lose a pet. xoxox hang in
Oh dear, I shouldn't have read this post this morning. Yesterday we had to say goodbye to our beloved kitty, Chester. He was 15 yers old, had massive tooth surgery 3 years ago and has been on steroids and Rx food for the last 1 1/2 years for IBD. Over the past month or so, he had slowed down on eating, had a kitty cold, and developed a heart murmur. He went downhill quickly in the last week... Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I've ever done. Hope you have more time with Millie...
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