Our 13-year-old cat, Réglisse, has lymphoma—a 7cm abdominal mass 😞😞😞
The vet has prescribed him Dermipred (prednisolone) to be taken every day. He was eating and taking his medication (mixed into his food) until today, but now he's refusing to eat... We've tried crushing the tablets to make it easier for him, but he still won't touch his food.
The vet says the mass is quite large and it looks like it's inoperable.
Chemo might be an option, but we don't know where we'd go to get it done, or even if it's a good idea. We really don't want him to suffer.
I've heard people mention the PDSA or other charity vets for more affordable treatment, but I don't really understand how they work... do any of you have experience with them?
He's very lethargic, probably because of the vomiting...
Do you think he can pull through? We honestly don't know what else to do.
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.
Hello, my heart goes out to you; I know just how hard it is to lose a pet. You did everything you possibly could and you made the right decision by not letting things get any worse and sparing them the suffering that would have surely followed.
Hello, here is an update following my boy’s second scan and X-ray. They gave me a little bit of hope that he’d pull through because the tumour appeared to be isolated. So, they advised me to go ahead with the operation anyway. He went in for his surgery this morning, but I got a call to say that they couldn't do anything because he has a 5cm tumour in his intestines and it’s spreading to his spleen. So, I had to make the decision not to wake him up so that he wouldn't suffer. His last few days were so difficult because he couldn't eat anymore even though he was asking for food, my poor lad. I tried all his favourite meals but he just couldn't manage it. I’m so sad, it’s so painful. My heart goes out to everyone losing their pets, and for those who still have them, make the most of every moment with them because sometimes illness strikes without warning and it’s already too late to save our babies.
Hi everyone, my 7-year-old cat was diagnosed with an intestinal tumour this morning, and according to the blood tests, his liver is starting to be affected too. I’m being sent to another vet clinic on Monday for a second ultrasound with someone more experienced; the girl who did it this morning was an intern, so she wants a specialist vet to take a look. That’s when they’ll tell me if it’s operable or not. Has anyone else been through this? What happened to your cats? I’m in so much pain at the thought of losing him, and I’m pregnant too, so it’s just so hard to cope. I’m expecting a boy, and I feel like I’m losing my other son, my little lad. 😔
You did everything you could to support him right until the very end. You mustn't feel guilty for not doing it sooner; you simply wanted to give him one last chance. His final moments were spent by your side, and he passed away with dignity and peace. It’s the greatest act of love we can show them, and they truly know when it’s their time. He was at peace.
Yes, it all happened so quickly; only two weeks ago he was still doing well...
We took him in very early, after he’d been sick yet again.
The vet wanted to give him an injection that would last for 10 days, the equivalent of his meds, to make him more comfortable and get his appetite back, plus some anti-sickness medication, as a last resort.
Unfortunately, a few hours after we got him home, he looked like he was about to be sick, but because the anti-sickness meds were working, he started straining and meowing... in a really awful way.
We rushed back to the vet’s to end his suffering.
He passed away around 9am.
Perhaps we should have had him put to sleep right from the start, but the vet held out hope that he might get some relief before we let him go...
Anyway, on his final journey, he didn't make a sound, but he seemed more at peace.
Poor Réglisse.
Yes, he was such a beautiful cat! We’re going to miss him so much.
We did everything we could, but it was inevitable.
Rest in peace, little one.
Good evening. I’m so sorry it all happened so quickly... but at least he didn't have to suffer for too long, and it’s clear that helping him on his way was the kindest and only option given his condition. Your cat was absolutely beautiful, I really love his soulful eyes. Sending you so much strength for the huge void he’s going to leave behind.
Sending you so much strength, it's always so incredibly hard having to make the decision to let them go, but as you say, he's had a wonderful life. You have to hold on to that, and the fact that he'll pass away with dignity in your arms will bring you some peace, even if it doesn't make the heartbreak any easier. He’s such a handsome little black cat, a lovely mini panther who's off to join all our other beloved pets who have passed on.
