Puig Update

[saavedra77]

Since getting Puig’s test results on Saturday (which revealed that he has hyperthyroidism and very likely has cancer), I've gotten a second opinion from a veterinarian friend, Aimee. She helped me clarify my thinking about Puig's situation:

Aimee said that she doesn't recommend cancer treatment for cats. The treatments are not really about curing them, but about halting the progress of the disease. But it generally comes back. The treatments also can be hard on the animal--who, of course, doesn't know what's going on. Aimee questioned whether it was really worthwhile to pursue the additional testing required to confirm or rule out cancer, given how little I could do with this information.

On the other hand, Aimee said not to dismiss the possibility that Puig’s symptoms are rooted in the illness we definitely know about, the hyperthyroidism--even the apparently neurological symptoms which the other vet suspected were signs of metastatic cancer. Certainly, this provides a very likely explanation for the weight loss.

So Puig has been on thyroid medication, as well as an all-wet-food diet, since Sunday. He’s definitely gained some weight back, seems more energetic, but still very, very wobbly—you can push him over with a feather, basically. Still, it’s an improvement.

Comments

[waysofseeing.livejournal.com]

Our senior cat Grover developed thyroid issues earlier this year. We were, at the time, utterly convinced that he was going into terminal kidney failure. It turned out that medication made a huge difference. He was back to his old self, more or less, within a month.

For what it's worth, if it's just the thyroid, it's highly treatable. We'll hope that the thyroid meds take hold. It does take a little while for the effects to kick in.

[saavedra77.livejournal.com]

It's encouraging to hear from someone who's had experience with this, and that it really helped Grover.--Thanks!

[drglam]

I'm glad to hear the Puig is feeling a bit more energetic.

I'm inclined to agree with your friend Aimee about treating Puig for cancer; however, having a definitive diagnosis could inform how aggressively you want to treat his hyperthyroidism.

I think of Puig often (and have as long as I've known him). He's one of the sweetest cats I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

[verbicide.livejournal.com]

I don't know much about thyroid disease in cats, but I'm really glad to hear he's eating and putting on weight. From what I do understand, that can be such a big factor.

Kudos to your friend Aimee. I really hope the thyroid meds do their job. You have my heartfelt sympathy. When Hobbes first developed diabetes, in conjunction with poor kidney function (along with his asthma), I was completely terrified.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[saavedra77.livejournal.com]

Thanks, V.

[sarrabellum.livejournal.com]

I keep not knowing what to say. It's all emotion and no language. I'm glad Puig is eating and feeling better. I can't stand the thought that it might be cancer. I'm overflowing with hope and love for you all.

[saavedra77.livejournal.com]

I understand, Sarra--thanks very much for your concern about the little guy.

[hippybngstockng.livejournal.com]

*Squeezes* for you and Puig. I am glad it sounds like he's improving, and you know I will be thinking of you guys, and have been.

I am also a big fan of just going treatment crazy on what you know you can fix, and letting that be the plan instead of testing for things you can't help- I also refused repeated offers of cancer tests for Meer, since it was clear his Kidney's were the problem, whether the cause of their problem was cancer or not. We treated the kidney disease, and got another good bunch of months, and happily the thyroidisms are often a lot less deadly so you could have years more! So I will join the chorus of "Aimee Rocks" folks ;) Don't waste your money on cancer testing.

*morehugs*

[hippybngstockng.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's the first time I've made someone's vital organs get possessive.

*sigh* My IQ is dropping more and more every day. I blame being a parent.

*stillmorehugs*

[saavedra77.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Aimee's super! I'm going to have to email her this page, so she feels the love, too. :)