Sam's trip to the vet

[tamaranth]

Sam's been off-colour and has lost a lot of weight, so I took him to see his friend the v-e-t.

She pointed out what I hadn't noticed: "I've never seen a cat this yellow". Jaundice. Liver failure. He hasn't actually lost any weight at all, though he's much scrawnier than he was: the weight seems to be enlarged liver and bile ducts. And yes, he's probably in some discomfort.

She thinks it's probably a tumour and probably untreatable. Blood test results should be back today, but her advice was to give him lots of love and be ready to make the call.

I'm ready, but it hurts to say goodbye.

Comments

[swisstone.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry.

[swisstone.livejournal.com]

P.S. If you want me to come over and keep him company while you're at the theatre tonight...

[tamaranth.livejournal.com]

That is ever such a kind and thoughtful offer -- thank you!
I really don't know if I'll make it to theatre, depends if the blood results come through and what they say and how I'm doing by then. But I'd very much appreciate you being here if I do go out. When would you need to know by?

[swisstone.livejournal.com]

In time to get there before you go out, as I don't have keys.

[tamaranth.livejournal.com]

I can direct you to spare keys if need be. Will text later, and / or if I hear from vet.

[tamaranth.livejournal.com]

not going to theatre (I want to spend as much time as I can with Sam) but thank you again for your offer, it really did help, and though 'heart-warming' sounds cliched I can't think of a better term right now.

Will be in touch again once I have spoken to vet.

[moral-vacuum.livejournal.com]

Huge sympathies, my dear.

Q: how can one TELL if he's yellow, given that he's covered in black fur. The mouth/inside of the ears?

[tamaranth.livejournal.com]

inside of ears, mainly. But his fur is thinning and matted so it's easy to see skin. And easy to see, now, that it's yellower than it was.
Whatever it is, it's happened pretty quickly: Sam has had plenty of vet trips this year and they would have noticed this.

[moral-vacuum.livejournal.com]

It was somewhat like that with Cassie. She was a little thinner than usual for a couple of months but seemed fine, but sank very quickly - 3 days. But at least it was fast and painless.

[ladymoonray.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry love.

You've given him a brilliant last few years, but that doesn't make it any easier.

*hugs for all three of you*

[tamaranth.livejournal.com]

He's going to have an absolutely brilliant last few days if I can manage it. See comment to T above: may not make it to theatre, depends on blood test results / how I'm doing by then. I don't want to miss it but I also don't want to sit there crying and worrying.

[ladymoonray.livejournal.com]

Of course, that's fine.

[major-clanger.livejournal.com]

Don't fret over theatre - do whatever feels best for you.

I'm so very sorry to hear this. But you've done so much for both of them, especially given what would have happened if you hadn't intervened.

[Hugs]

[zoo-music-girl.livejournal.com]

Oh no. I'm so sorry.

[kekhmet.livejournal.com]

Oh no, I'm so sorry :-( I dread the day when something like this happens to Theo

[ajshepherd.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear that.

[kixie.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so so sorry :(

[lj_stowaway]

Oh damn. Darling, I am SO sorry! My heart aches for you and Sam and Shiva. Give him a hug and a kiss from me.

Dear Sam. This is awful.

Sending lots of love to you. Hang in there.

[madcatwoman.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this. The furry little sods keep their ailments to themselves until things get desperate for them. Although it ranks high on the horrid stuff scale, you know when it comes to it that you have to make the decision that is right for Sam. I had to make that decision last August for my beloved Starless (20), and although it hurt like hell to do it, it was the last act of love and kindness that I could do for him.
Thinking of you all. xx

[nisaba.livejournal.com]

Oh hon, I'm so sorry :(

[brisingamen.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear this. As I know from experience, tumours come on quickly, so there's little chance it was missed before. I think you and the vet have done all the right things along the way.

Most of all, you've given Sam a great life, with all the love and attention any cat could want.

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Dearest T, I'm so sorry to read about this. Huge amounts of sympathy.

[sbisson.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear that.

Thinking of you...

[asynje.livejournal.com]

Poor Sam. And poor you.

:(

[lamentables.livejournal.com]

I know how painful it is to be in this situation. You have my sympathy.

[korintomichi]

Really sorry to hear this. We know how you are feeling and are thinking of you.

[abrinsky.livejournal.com]

That's so sad and I'm so sorry for you both.

[azewewish.livejournal.com]

*HUGS*

[elinor.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this. ::hugs you::