Fuzzy

[Traci]

I'm sorry, Karen, the only way to know how to even palliatively treat is knowing the source. It could be cancer has metasticized, but it could also be kidney, liver, pancreas, heart. It is not uncommon for older pets to have both a primary condition then develop a secondary condition. Without having a diagnosis, it is difficult to say.

I just wanted to point out what she can ask the vet about for the liver at least, because that's what we would be doing for most liver diseases anyway. If a mass however, or a ruptured cyst or end-stage encephalopathy or cirrhosis, it is usually not treatable at this stage.

The main thing I think, unless her vet can offer her more, is to keep Fuzzy comfortable and treat palliatively, meaning address any pain aspect, any aspect of vomiting/nausea, and feed whatever he'll eat (even cheap Alpo if it encourages him!), and ensure he is drinking an adequate amount of water and is able to get up and about.

The weight issue is concerning, and this is not always specific to the liver, but cancer can and does cause weight loss at a certain end-stage point. However, renal disease and thyroid conditions can also cause significant weight loss. It's important that Fuzzy is getting adequate calories from his food, and daughter can also ask about vitamins, either in medicated oral form or injectable (like B and K) but only on his advice and instruction.

If or whenever she is unsure, tell her to call her vet and ask "am I doing all I can, is there or is there not something more I can be doing", or "is this what you would be doing for your own pet, be honest" - if she trusts her vet and he's a good one, he will advise accordingly. I so hope Fuzzy will improve and be comfortable, but daughter should be prepared that if he's really in pain or no longer enjoying daily routines, she has to be prepared not to let him suffer.

(((((HUGS)))))))

[E's]

Thinking of you and your family, Karen. My DD and family and I can certainly sympathize.

Thank you for posting the sweet pictures from an earlier time - I remember these very well.

Dot B
Austin

[k9Karen]

Fuzzy was sent to The Bridge today. It's a very sad day for us.

Run Free sweet boy!!

[momPaws]

so sorry, Karen...

[Marty]

Sending hugs to you and all who loved Fuzzy.

[Traci]

I'm so very very sorry, Karen, daughter and family. My heart just breaks for you. It sounds like Fuzzy had a wonderful life thanks to daughter and family.

Safe and gentle journey, sweet sweet Fuzzy, you will be missed .....((((((HUGS)))))))

[Cleo]

I'm so sorry.

[E's]

Sorry to hear. It is comforting to know that Fuzzy's family did the right thing - give the other pets a hug from me.

[LisaLisa]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Karen

((((HUGS))))
Lisa

[k9Karen]

DD is doing well - she knows it was the right thing to do. Fuzzy was confused and getting lost in the house and the yard. She found him cowering behind their shed - cold and shivering (it's very warm here). It was this that convinced my DD and SIL that it's now the "time". I've cried over it, knowing I will never see him again, but I know she did all she could - hand-feeding him up to the end to ensure he was comfortable and knew he was loved. I will miss seeing him when I visit her. She still has Buster, the Boston Terrorist, and an adorable French Bulldog named Annie. I really hate this part of loving our furry ones.