Over the last few weeks, I've noticed that Eliott, my 11-year-old Chartreux, has a swollen belly, but there weren't any other major changes in his behaviour. Just to be safe, I took him to the vet on Friday evening... I came out absolutely devastated and in tears. After a blood test (which showed he’s anaemic with a low red blood cell count) but with everything else looking pretty much normal, she did an ultrasound (without shaving him). She told me the scan of his liver looked abnormal, filled with fluid and showing dark spots. Without any further tests, she told me he probably hasn't got long left (anywhere from a few days to a few weeks).
Eliott still has a good appetite, even though he's lost some muscle mass, and apart from being a bit tired, he doesn't seem ill... does anyone think it could be a different diagnosis??? I love him so much, he's my world, and I just want to help him. Thank you.
Translated from French
The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.
Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.
I did the same thing with a camellia (one of my dogs was called Camellia, back in the year of 'K' names... my daughter was still young then 😀). It looks gorgeous now and is in full bloom at this time of year.
Thank you Jamathe, yes it’s so hard… I’m trying to stay strong and brave but the hole he’s left behind is huge and so painful. I miss having him here so much… his gentle nature… I’d give anything to be able to stroke him again and find some peace just looking into his sweet eyes. I’m due to collect his ashes this week (another heartbreaking step). I’ve been thinking about it and I’ve spoken with my sons… the idea that seems to bring us a little comfort would be to plant a tree near our small stone bench in the garden and mix his ashes in with the roots… that way we could watch the tree grow and think of him in a positive way… my question is: do you have any ideas for what kind of tree or shrub might work? I can't plant a large tree like an oak because I haven't got the space… I don’t want to get it wrong. Thanks in advance. Christine
Eliott passed away this morning. The initial prognosis was right... metastasised liver cancer at a very advanced stage. We decided not to let him wake up... the most incredible thing is that he kept eating with such gusto right until the end because I was the one feeding him... he was quite simply a bundle of love... an incredible journey of nearly 12 years and now an immeasurable void... thank you for listening. It's so important not to feel alone when you're grieving. You are all wonderful people 💕
Sadly, life isn't always plain sailing, and despite all our prayers, they weren't enough to save Elliott.
I’m sending you and your son (or sons) so much strength to get through such a tough time. The void left behind is truly massive, and it’s so hard to move on from the memories and those daily routines...
Try to focus on the good times and the happy memories you shared with the little man... as for the rest, you saved him from terrible and unnecessary suffering, and he’d only have thanks for you.
If you feel like it, there are online memorials where you can create a page for little Elliott, with photos and tributes... it’s a lovely way to keep his memory alive. When my first dog passed away, it really helped my daughter.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You did everything you possibly could, which obviously doesn't make the heartbreak any easier. Everyone here knows the immense grief that comes with losing a much-loved cat. Our thoughts are with you. Thinking of you.
The news wasn't good for Eliott... we had to make the heart-wrenching decision not to wake him up after his surgery, as his cancer was far, far too advanced... we are absolutely heartbroken and we miss him so much... he’s left such a massive void... we’re still in shock... it was indeed liver cancer... the first prognosis was right... it all happened so fast... only 6 days... it’s unbelievable... what’s completely crazy is that he was still happily tucking into his food right until the very end... he stayed beautiful, with those expressive eyes of his, so full of love. That’s the image of him I’ll hold onto. We held him in our arms until he drifted off... the anaesthetic made him sick... I’m in so much pain... thank you for being there for us during such a difficult time.
