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
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Good evening,
We’ll be thinking of you throughout the day tomorrow. Even though I’m not a believer myself, I’ll still join you in a little prayer, hoping for some good news for Alliot by the evening.
If it doesn’t turn out that way, it will be so hard for all of you, but for him, it’s a very peaceful passing... I always say I’d like the same for myself when the time comes... and you’ve truly spoiled him these last few days, he’s had nothing but happiness. 😀😀
Give the lovely old boy a stroke from me and please do come back and update us tomorrow; we’ll be here for you through thick and thin.
Good evening,
Thanks for all your support.
Yes, the vet is aware of what we want... we’re all very much aware of the stakes. But it’s the best way forward. Eliott really is such a wonderful cat; I’ve stayed at home to spend time with him and encourage his appetite, and he’s eaten everything I’ve put in front of him... treats... milk... wet food... and this afternoon we bought him some tuna and he happily wolfed down three small plates of it in a row. His tummy is getting more and more bloated but he doesn’t seem to be in any pain. His coat is glossy and he’s very alert. I’d love to send you a photo but the file is too big to attach. Seeing him like this, I tell myself it’s possible he’ll be part of that 30% chance of making it. And if not... he’ll go to cat heaven, happy and fulfilled, without even realising. I’ll stay with him until he’s under the anaesthetic and then, even though I’m not a believer, I’ll be praying with all my heart to have him back at the end of the day. My son is coming with me tomorrow; we’ve got an appointment at 10:30 am. May strength and luck be with him. 💕💕💕
Yes, it’s hard and I’m having doubts... maybe it’s a bit of a disguised way of helping me move forward with a bit more peace of mind... tonight I’m watching him sleep in his box by the fire and I’m finding it so hard to go to bed. I daren’t imagine the void he’s going to leave... he’s been such a constant presence for so many years... I’m so attached to him. Sometimes I tell myself you have to be a bit mad to give so much love... he’s a proper member of the family and my heart is breaking. I have to stay strong for my sons who are also suffering a lot. This tumour is 8 cm, it’s massive... the chances of bringing him back home are very slim.
I’ve been following your thread from the start and I completely understand the heartache you're going through right now.
The next few days are definitely going to be very tough, caught between a glimmer of hope—which we shouldn’t rule out 🤞—and a very difficult decision to make.
Many of us here have had to face that terrible dilemma of deciding whether to put a beloved pet to sleep; they are such a huge part of our lives. However, it is still the most humane and selfless decision you can make. We can’t let an animal suffer just to keep them with us a little longer... ultimately, it's our very last act of love for them. Take as much time as you need so that the decision, if it comes to it, is one you are all completely at peace with. Don't hesitate to keep talking to each other about it.
I’m sending you all the strength in the world to get through these next few days.
Even though it’s hard, please keep us posted on how things are going.
Good evening everyone and thanks for all your support. The second appointment was this afternoon at 3.30 pm; this vet is really compassionate and a true professional (a colleague of mine has known him for 20 years and swears by him). After an examination and another ultrasound (which, by the way, he didn't charge me for), he’s leaning towards a tumour on the spleen rather than the liver, especially as his organs are still functioning well. So, we’ve decided to go ahead with the operation on Thursday morning. It’s only once he opens him up that he’ll be able to see the extent of the damage... if it’s only the spleen that’s affected, he’ll remove it and everything should be okay. If, on the other hand, the cancer has spread, my sons and I have decided to have him put to sleep, knowing that his life expectancy if nothing is done is only a month and he would inevitably end up suffering. So I have two days left to make the most of my cat; I’ve booked some time off work because I want to stay with him until the end. It’s difficult and I’m scared, but I feel it’s for the best. Best wishes.
Hi,
You can certainly go and see another vet for a second opinion. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, even the very best vets. If it helps, then definitely go for it. However, as Blue Cat mentioned, in most cases of misdiagnosis, the vet misses something serious, rather than the other way around.
Furthermore, what you've described sounds very much like an effusion. This type of condition can be diagnosed with a FAST scan, which explains why your vet didn't shave Eliott. Unfortunately, advanced effusion is serious for a cat. A second opinion could be worthwhile to find out whether or not there is anything you can do for Eliott.
In any case, best of luck to you and your cat.
Kind regards,
Zachary.
Hi there,
Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. I’m actually off to see a different vet this afternoon that a colleague recommended. I spoke to him on the phone late Saturday afternoon, and he said that with overweight cats, it’s possible for the liver to basically start failing. He wants to put him on antibiotics for a fortnight and potentially take a fluid sample so we can know for sure. New dry food as well... I know it’s a slim hope, but it’s hope nonetheless... thank you for being there. Have a good day.
Apart from suggesting you get a second opinion from another vet, I’m not sure what else to say. In my experience, when a vet gets it wrong, it’s usually because they’ve missed something serious, rather than the other way around, but it can happen.
As long as your cat isn't showing signs of distress—like going off their food, acting lethargic, hiding away, or suddenly having accidents outside the litter tray—take the time to get that second opinion. Hang in there.
