I have a cat, probably about 12+ years old. About three months ago, lost a bunch of weight, had breathing problems, and face swelled up very badly. Took him to vet, had infected tooth removed, and he seemed to get somewhat better. About a week ago, head started to swell again, but then started bleeding out of eye and nose, and breating very poorly, and peeing on bed >:( Took him back to vet, and they said was likely infection and to give him antibiotics, which I'm doing. My concern is that his breathing is VERY labored. I'm not all for killing a cat when it gets rough, but I don't want him to be in pain until he just up and dies. I know none of you can really diagnose without seeing him. Just looking for opinion. I'm planning on taking back to vet after Christmas.
2007-12-24 15:47:57 · 8 answers · asked by CrabbyMcCrab 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I'm used to our pets going to 18-20 years in age, so 12 isn't that old for me.
See what the vet says. If you have any qualms, take him to a second vet and have them do a check up on him. I've seen cats come back from extreme situations and be very happy and healthy afterwards--so giving up at a rough patch isn't to be taken lightly.
If he doesn't have fluid in the chest, if there isn't a growth in the airway, if removal of any further infected teeth are called for, then I'm for getting further treatment done. But if there's cancer involved and it's in or near the lymph system, you most likely won't have more than 2-4 months even if surgery was done, their smaller systems and faster metabolism would spread cancer faster than it would in our bodies.
Give him the benefit of the doubt and do as much as you can for him. Antibiotics do take about 3 days before they kick in strongly. If it's all tooth related--don't hesitate to have all pulled if called for, a toothless cat can eat dry food just as well as one with teeth (though you'd have to cut up any chicken or meats for him if you feed people food).
2007-12-25 07:52:57 · answer #1 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, 12 is not that old. One of my cats is 22.
It sounds like this is all tooth related.
Just like with people, when there is an infection in the mouth, it affects the sinuses and all kinds of other things.
It sounds like he might have an upper respiratory infection. The antibiotics should help, but it can take several rounds to clear up a bad infection.
Good luck. I hope he gets better.
2007-12-25 00:02:43 · answer #2 · answered by maxmom 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. I know its a hard dissuasion to make. I had a cat for 21 years and she was doing great but they do have their problems from time to time. 12 years old? yeah he is a senior now so he is bound to get these problems. I'm sorry that this keeps happening. What I would suggest is to finish with his antibiotics and see if he gets any better. When you take him back to the vet ask him/her what they think you should do. Don't give up on your pal just yet give him a chance. My cat had a few scares here and there around the time she turned 13 years old. But she bounced right back and forth a few times but we never gave up on our old girl. We finally put her down at 21 but at this time she had kidney failer and was in a lot of pain. I couldn't let my best friend suffer. You will just know when it is time to give in. Don't give up yet. Have faith that he will pull through. Give him extra love and lots of TLC and he may pull right out of all this. Good luck I hope all works out for your kitty cat.
2007-12-25 00:39:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to determine a quality of life issue. If once you treat him, he feels better, then keep treating him. But if you feel like he is just moving from one illness to another, then perhaps it is time to let go. It is really a personal choice...I don't envy you. But do know..cats can live up to 20+ years. So don't think he is old...
Good Luck.
2007-12-24 23:52:44 · answer #4 · answered by naenae42day 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take him back to the vet as soon as you can, Thell know if he needs to be put down, But it sounds like hes in alot of pain so it probly would be for the best.. If they suggest it, Then accept
2007-12-24 23:51:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm really sorry to hear that. I would ask the vet next time for a solid prognosis, and ask their opinion of when is the time to call it quits.
2007-12-24 23:52:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
12 years is pretty long for a cat
i would have it put down
2007-12-24 23:51:57 · answer #7 · answered by David H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
that's a tough one -
2007-12-24 23:52:45 · answer #8 · answered by Phoenix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋