Kitty with free abdominal fluid - please help - I'm in tears

Cytina · March 2012

First, I know I haven't been around in a while and here I am asking for help. Sorry.

My heart kitty, Ruthie (the tortie in my sig), suddenly had a very swollen belly today so I asked T to take her to the vet. I just started a new job last week so getting time off right now is not really feasible.

As it turns out, she has free fluid in her abdomen. They took a sample, it's red-tinged (so blood is present) and the vet told T it's cancer, heart disease or liver disease. He brought home the copies from her chart so I could see and it literally says "disc poor prognosis." I'm a mess. I've had Ruthie since she was born. A feral cat gave birth to a litter of kittens in the storage area off the porch of the first apartment I lived in down here. I fostered the kittens and basically TNR'd mama. I kept Ruthie.

The vet said her kitty had the same thing and it turned out to be cancer. If you've had experience with this, please share? I just need to know what I'm up against, kwim? They won't have the results until probably Thursday so I'm just going to go nuts until then. Any T&P would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks, ladies.

I lost my Stewie less than 2 years ago at only 3 1/2 to aspiration pneumonia and Ruthie is only 7. Minny, my almost 15 yr old is the picture of health. Go figure right? I'm so upset. I just held her and cried. In true cat fashion, she couldn't wait to escape. LOL She only cuddles on her terms. Typical!

Kaiene · March 2012

I am really sorry you are going through this. I have no experience but I will send t & p Ruthie's way!

niemand88f · March 2012

I'm so sorry, many T&P for your precious kitty.

marriedonmaui · March 2012

I also have no experience but I am so so sorry and I hope for the best possible outcome.

KatelynS07 · March 2012

I also have no experience with this, but wanted you to know that I'm sending thoughts and juju for Ruthie and you.

msmerymac · March 2012

I had a kitty with heart disease who would accumulate fluid in his chest cavity. We had to have him "tapped" every so often, but diuretics and a few other medications really kept it in check. I will keep Ruthie in my thoughts!