My mom's kitty...

Avatar for missourigrl
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
My mom's kitty...
6
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 10:19pm
My mom took her kitty, Friskie, to a cardiologist today to have her heart checked out. She has a slight murmur which my mom knew about. Anyway, they saw a mass on her lung x-ray but told my mom that further tests were needed to determine what it is. They ran a test for heartworms also.

Friskie, who is 13, has been losing weight since 2002. She weighed 10.5 lbs and then in 2003 she weighed 9.2 lbs. My mom said now she is down to around 7. She has also noticed that she doesn't want to eat and is drinking a lot of water. Otherwise she seems just fine. Could she be diabetic? My mom has mentioned her not eating and drinking a lot of water to the vet, but the vet just told her that maybe it just "seemed" like she was drinking more because my mom was paying more attention to her. What kind of answer is that? My mom is understandably getting very frustrated and feeling like she is running out of time trying to figure out what is wrong with her. The cardiologist thought that maybe her teeth hurt and needed to be cleaned.

I've done a little research online and she has several signs of diabetes as well as lung cancer (loss of appetite, lethargy, drinking a lot of water, weight loss). There are just so many things it could be and only so much money to spend trying to figure out what it is. Anyone have any guesses/suggestions/advice for my mom and Friskie?

Thanks,

Kristen

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2004
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 12:15am
Hugs to your family and Friskie.

I hope the vet figures out what is wong soon. Also if you have any doubts please get a second opinion.


Edited 8/24/2004 12:16 am ET ET by tegato73

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2002
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 12:50am
Lots of prayers & positive thoughts for your family & Friskie. I hope you will find answers soon. I know how heartbreaking it is not knowing what's wrong. Please keep us posted.

((((Hugs))))

Suzy


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 6:50am

You're right, there are a few things that could be going on - given her age, it could be diabetes (although this *usually* happens in overweight kitties, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism.

Cat =^..^=
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-01-2003
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 10:14am
It is hard and it does cost so much and many cannot afford it. I would ask the vet his honest "guess" and go from there. It could be diabetic but your mom also could be watching her more. If there is a mass I would say it is from that. The vet should be able to tell how bad the mass is and if it can be reomoved safely,if not I guess to make her comfy and pain free and try diff foods and see if there is something she really enjoys. Prayers to you and let us know please!

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 10:23am

I'm so sorry Friskie isn't well.


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Avatar for missourigrl
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 2:19pm
My mom did say they drew some blood. She didn't say if they tested for diabetes, however, but I'm guessing they probably did? She didn't seem to think so though. I'll know more when I talk to her tonight. I told my mom that she probably needs to have the mass tested to see if it is cancer or not but she is afraid to have her put under anesthesia because of her age, but the vet told her she should be fine. Like I said, I'll know more tonight. I just feel sorry for my mom. Her other cat has had bladder problems for months now. He gets better for a while then he gets sick again. Thanks for all the prayers and positive thoughts. She will appreciate that. I'll keep you all updated.

Kristen