Help!!! My 12 yr old cat has jaundice?

Question

My cat had blood work done in mid 12/06 everything came back great. Last week or so he was not eating and was just not himself. Took him to the vet and they said he has jaundice his ears and mouth is yellow. I was told he is too far gone and it is best to put him to sleep. He was given an I V and somthing to relieve his stomach. The vet also thinks he has a tumor. This is very upsetting as his brother died prior to Thanksgiving of cancer. In additon my husband adopted 2 kitten from North shore Animal and both had Feline Lukemia with in one week we came home to one dead and the other was put to sleep as he started to bleed from every part of his body. Unfortunally North Shore did not find the need to call when the whole litter had Feline Lukemia guess they thought we would figure it out on our own. My ? is he is a little better and now eating since he is home any sugguestions as I don't want to loose my baby but not looking for him to suffer either.

Answer 1

Dear Friend, Jaundice is caused by a malfunction in the liver or bile duct. Unless you can get the cat a liver transplant, the outlook her is bleak.
You can try the additional fluids and some liver support, but by the time this camcorder shows up your options are few. IF you love this animals, please do not put your feelings first, allowing an animal to go in the condition can be difficult, at time painful and of course there is the expense. Please consider having your kitty euthanized at home to make the transition easier for all , but especially the cat. I' m sorry for your sitiuation.. this is a difficult time.I KNOW from first hand experience

Answer 2

Sunlight is often good at treating jaundice. It breaks down bilirubin so if you can get your cat some exposure, even if it's only through a window a few times a day for 5-10 minutes it should help. If you can, try to face his stomach to the sun as there's less hair and it will be more effective but don't let him get burnt.

The liver is one organ that is capable of self healing so perhaps give it a little try and see how it goes. They don't say cats have nine lives for nothing!!! Ask the vet is the cat in pain, thats the most important thing when deciding, also how is his quality of life, can his still do the things he used to do?

He didn't eat one of the recalled foods did he? Liver and kidney problems were the issue with the poisoning.

If in doubt, seek a second opinion.

Answer 3

Given that my brother just came out of the hospital after developing jaundice, I can tell you that your kitty feels TERRIBLE even if he isn't in pain. If your vet is recommending euthanasia, I'd go that way. There are infections that can temporarily interfere with liver function, but your vet would be aware of that already.

We had feline lukemia problems in the past as well so I understand your concerns although our kitties were somewhat resistant (they still lived 6 years). If your kitties died within one month of getting them from the shelter, I'd INSIST on them either refunding your adoption fees or allowing you to select replacement kittens that have been tested and found free of feline leukemia. I'm absolutely astounded that a shelter didn't test those kittens in advance to placement. Our humane society tests all felines who come into their shelter for that and FIV prior to placing in the general adoption area. It's insanely foolish for them to do otherwise given how contagious these diseases are.

Answer 4

You cat will let you know when it is time to let go. When he stops eating it is a sign she ready to go. Its hard to lose a cat, I lost a mother cat and 3 of her 5 kitten about 3 months ago. I am sorry about the kittens. They should have given you back you adoption fee and pay the vet bill. Most shelters check the animal of feline leukemia, because this was a pre-existing condition. Most shelter are required to inform you of this fact, I would report them to the area animal control. The testing for this requires a few drops of blood. Jaundice is a sign of liver failure.

Answer 5

Sadly, the Vet usually knows when it is time and most likely wouldnt suggest putting him to sleep unless he really thought there was there was no other choice. But they dont always know everything. I had a cat once that the vet thought it best to put to sleep due to bladder problems, but when I pushed him,he did surgery and the cat lived many more years. If he is doing better, I would see how he does and just take it one day at a time. You will most likely know when it is time. I know it is hard, but you must do what is best for your pet, but I wouldnt rush anything. Let him know you love him and give him the best care that you can. That is all we can do.

Answer 6

I can relate with you one year back I lost a cat do to jaundice and I didn't know at that time that she was sick. In February I lost my 4 year old cat do to jaundice and I court it early but I had to put her down yes it will hurt you but you don't want to let your cat suffer. I know it hurts but you want to do the right thing for your cat. I'm so sorry you are going through this but think about your cat. Please do what is right for your cat and I know it will hurt. Good luck on your with your baby

Answer 7

im so sorry to hear about this. i just put my dog to sleep 3 days ago and am still pretty depressed but the way i see it is if he is in pain then you have to do it.... but if it doesnt hurt him then just try to find a way to help him improve.i know how hard it can be but think about you cats best interest. i felt the same way about my animal but then i realized all i was doing was hurting my dog that i love the most by being selfish and keeping him around when it was time for him to go. i wish you the best and i know what your going through but just remember that if its your cats time then putting him down may be the best way to show you care for him.good luck<3

Answer 8

Aww i know what its like to have to make a horrible decision like this, my cat got run over last year he was only one. If the vet says it is better to put him to sleep i think thats what you should do if your cat is in pain.

Answer 9

what kind of food do you feed him? because if it is part of the recall you really should get him back to the vet ASAP. but if he has not eaten any of the tainted foods and he seems to be doing better than i would not worry unless he seems in pain. www.menuefoods.com (recall info)