Just Answer Pet Health Care
Ask A Question  -  Help  -  Register  -  Login   

Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP
(Not a Pet Question?)

Question

FELINE - CARCINOMATOSIS OF THE MESENTARY - Treatment options


Sent to Pet Experts September 15, 2006 10:28 a.m.
I certainly hope you've allowed enough characters for all of my questions...

Our cat, Clyde, was diagnosed yesterday w/ CARCINOMATOSIS OF THE MESENTARY.

Clyde had alot of fluid on his abdomen, half of which has been drained to allow him to be more comfortable.

We do not have the official results of the lab tests from the drained fluid yet - and if those results are inconclusive, the vet wants to do a Biopsy.

1. Is a biopsy painful?

2. Is this mass operable?

3. What are the treatment options?

4. How often would the fluid come back - and subsequently have to be drained?

5. What could be the underlying cause of this carcinoma?

6. Life expectancy?

7. What medications can he be put on that would increase his quality of life? We do not want Clyde to suffer in any way, but we do want to prolong his life as long as we can - provided he is enjoying that life....

Thank you so much...

Keri Nixon
keri.nixoXXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

Optional Information:
Age: 10; Male; Breed: Cat/DSH

Already Tried:
nothing, diagnosed yesterday.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $15   
Answer
September 15, 2006 3:19 p.m. (4 hours and 50 minutes later) 		REPLIED Check Mark
Depending on the spread of the disease this may or may not be treatable.
You can read about mesenteric lymph node involvment in cancer in cats here
http://maxshouse.com/understanding_cancer.htm
and here
http://www.animalnetwork.com/petindustry/vpn/ooweb0209.asp
He should feel a lot better with the fluids drained as that puts pressure on lungs and heart and all the abdominal organs and is pretty uncomfortable.
If you are just working with your regular vet on this you may want to consult with a veterinary oncologist. Like the doctors who practice this the veterinary cancer specialists are usually really up to date on top treatments and can give a pretty solid estimate of prognosis as treating cancer is what they do. This site may help you find such a specialist to consult with
http://www.acvim.org/Specialist/Search.aspx
My experience in treating animals with cancer is that they do quite well in many cases and then if you get to a point they no longer enjoy life or are comfortable parting with them is kindest.
But with new treatments and protocols that point can often be delayed.
Hope this helps you!

__________________
Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!
PictureNancyH  -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 6991 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care
Reply to Nancy Holmes
Sent September 15, 2006 3:39 p.m. (19 minutes and 35 seconds later)
I think the main answer then that I'm looking for are #1 and #7...

1. is biopsy painful?

7. are there medications that he can be put on that will still retain his quality of life but take the pain away - is there a kitty equivelant to human's pain killers that won't leave him wigged out?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 15, 2006 3:45 p.m. (5 minutes and 51 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
Depending on how the biopsy is done it may have some pain to it. Often though anesthesia is used to get that. I've had a needle biosy done myself and its not hard to tolerate. Not really much worse than a shot.
Yes there are good pain killers, good meds to help fight the cancer, and stuff to make him feel better depending on what is found in the testing.

__________________
Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!
PictureNancyH  -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 6991 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care

Think you can answer this question?
 Login or  Become an Expert









DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.
   Just Answer! > Pet Health > Veterinary Questions
Question List - Become an Expert - Terms of Service - Security & Privacy - About Us
© 2008 Just Answer Corp.