Glad that this board is here

[Phoebe's human]

Some years ago I registered here as Phoebe's human because I felt that an online resource would be very valuable for me and my cat Phoebe. I have limited mobility, and going to a vet just isn't easy.

Time and again this board has been helpful to me, and I'm sorry to see that there isn't as much activity here as there once was.

Phoebe will be 16 in October. In May her routine blood work showed a high calcium level, and an ionized calcium test still showed a high calcium level. The vet said that this indicates neoplasia, and because of her age and the type of cancer this would be, surgery wouldn't be advisable.

I have no idea how much longer Phoebe will be with me but I'm glad that this resource is still here. Today I came here and instantly found something useful.

[Traci]

Phoebe's human, can you get a second opinion? Sometimes the calcium elevation is idiopathic, not necessarily indicative of neoplasia. I would consult a specialist if possible. If xrays, ultrasound etc were not done, the vet cannot say for certainty that neoplasia is likely. Although in some cases, it is possible, I would always hesitate to say such a thing in absence of additional testing/diagnostics, or ruling out idiopathic cause.

[Phoebe's human]

Excellent advice as always--I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks those test results just might have been misinterpreted.

[Traci]

Yes, the most logical thing would be retest the calcium level, and ionized calcium for accuracy, right away, because as much as we put faith into the lab, inaccuracies do exist occasionally.

We certainly don't want to undermine a high calcium level and consistent ionized calcium level (because left untreated, it can be quite serious and progressive).

So one wants to try to find out the true cause of the hypercalcemia (i.e., bladder stones, hyperparathyroid, GI disease, renal disease, addison's, insufficient diet, etc) - there are a couple certain steps in diagnostics one can do to help determine the cause. Those steps include specific blood serum tests, xrays and ultrasound if necessary. In many cases, the true cause is difficult to determine so it is determined idiopathic (yet still treated).

Depending on the cause (if found through testing), will depend on the treatment of course. Sometimes all that is necessary is a dietary change, or, supplements, or thyroid hormone therapy, etc etc. It is always wise to try to determine a cause and treat accordingly.

Please don't wait on this, Phoebe's human, start by retesting and see if your vet will consult with or refer you to a specialist right away if the calcium is still high, in order to rule out specific causes and determine the best treatment approach. Here's hoping this is nothing serious and can be corrected with appropriate treatment, give your little Phoebe lots of hugs for us, and hang in there!!

[Phoebe's human]

I appreciate the detailed reply. Unfortunately little Phoebe died on August 5.

She had a seizure a couple of days before and went downhill after that, with her hind legs failing completely, and then she was gone.

I miss her.

As for the calcium, she'd had a complete lab workup in May, and because of the high calcium level, the vet wanted the ionized calcium test done. That was high too, and the way he explained it was that if it hadn't been low on that second test, renal failure would be indicated, but since it was still high, he was sure there was either abdominal or lung cancer going on.

He said she'd just go on losing weight and that is what happened.

[Traci]

Oh no, I am so very sorry, Phoebe's human, my heart just aches for you and Phoebe, I was so hoping this was something that could be appropriately treated.

Thank you for giving her so much and loving her so much for these years, I'm sure she knew you did everything you could to help her. You are not alone, our hearts and prayers are with you. Safe and gentle journey, sweet sweet little Phoebe (((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))

[Laurie and Tasha]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Phoebe. I had a Phoebe as well, and I lost her 2 years ago on September 15th to kidney failure. I can only hope that our Phoebes are well and maybe playing together. (((hugs)))

[Phoebe's human]

Thank you, Traci and Laurie and Tisha. What a nice thought about the two Phoebes playing together!

In the last couple of weeks of her life, my Phoebe was playing in ways I hadn't seen her do for a long time. It was almost as if she felt the end coming and wanted to get in a few last happy moments.

Here's a photo:

[Traci]

Such a beautiful and perfect little girl, so precious! ((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))

[Tina B and crew]

I am so sorry for the loss of your Phoebe. My heart breaks for you.