Chunk attacking Lucy...need to know how to nip it!

[Traci]

We keep joking that Chunk is a conundrum wrapped around an enigma!

That's a good one! Believe me, I'm on pins and needles like you are, and keeping Chunk in my thoughts!

[Tina B and crew]

Good news...the biopsy came back benign. It was a hemangioma! I don't know why I didn't think of that because now that I look back it LOOKS like a hemangioma! But I'm glad we did the biopsy anyway, because I can take a breath!

Now, our next step is to take him in fasting and have some more specific blood work targeting the parathyroid and then consider the ultrasound. She's also going to do another urinalysis to check on that. She will continue to cover every avenue until there are no more to cover!! My bank account has just about covered every avenue it has!!

I forgot to talk about the urologist again...dangit!! I am taking a list when I take him in for his next visit!!

[Traci]

Tina, never ever assume what you're looking at (in terms of lumps, bumps, discolorations, abrasions, changes to original appearance etc) is as simple as that. I know you don't, and you're an exceptional owner who would never dream to make a guess on their own. My point is that any lump or bump could resemble benign or malignant in appearance only, but it is only when a sample is biopsied will the true cause ever be identified. Many nodules that have a hemangioma appearance, can in fact, be malignant, and some cancers may start benign but have the potential to metastacize either locally or elsewhere. There are several cancers that look like hemangiomas or even just look like a blood blister, only to determine with biopsy they could be malignant and deadly.

Most of the above is for the benefit of other readers, but I am so thankful that you are proactive and got Chunk checked right away. Thank KITTYGOD, that this was only a hemangioma!!! (I've been on pins and needles, and I know you've been going nearly insane with worry!)

What a major relief, doing happy dance here!

Now, to address the hypercalcemia and check parathyroid, it may not even have anything to do with parathyroid, but it's certainly wise to rule it out. Since you're getting another recheck urinalysis, you can talk to her about the urologist at that time. There may not even be a need for it, depending on what bloodwork shows, and/or if there have been any changes since last bloodwork to compare. But, I think it would be a wise decision to totally re-evaluate Chunk's urinary health, those crystals, bacteria, etc etc. (the consult could give your vet some additional info in which to base any further testing decisions on, possibly saving you some money if some tests aren't necessary at that point).

I'm so thrilled to hear about the nodule report, whew, what a load off!

[Tina B and crew]

I would have definitely had it looked at even if I did think it just looked like a hemangioma, but I think you know that. Just not sure why the possibility of one didn't enter my mind!?

At any rate, I am so glad it was a good report. My vet doesn't lean toward the parathyroid, but she wants to rule it out so we know what step to take next. If his calcium is still high she said we would take steps to reduce it in order to avoid kidney damage. Again, we are wondering if this is one of those idiopathic cases but neither of us will stop searching until we have ruled out all the options.

Thanks for all the support and good thoughts! I so appreciate it!

[Traci]

Because hemangiomas can have different appearances, and pet owners usually don't expect their cat will have a "blood blister" anywhere on the body unless in case of a known injury. Blood-blister appearance or not, they can also appear as looking anything like that to a raised red ugly thing as well, so that's why we always encourage EVERY lump and bump to get checked.

[Cleo]

So happy to learn it was benign. Give Chunk a big squeeze from me.

[Tina B and crew]

Ok...we are back at the vet again for a recheck, and of course Chunk didn't have any urine in his bladder so he had to stay! This time around she's doing even more specific blood work (to check for parathyroid issues and I think she said something to check for malignancy??). We also talked about consulting with a urologist, which she agrees is a great idea. They often use the MN Urolith center in other cases. We've noticed that he has a few small spots where he is losing fur, a few of them with scabs. Vet said it could very well just be some allergies but was glad I pointed them out and took a good look at all of them. The biggest spot is on his stomach and she said she has found cats with cystitis and various urinary issues that might cause pain will lick their stomachs and cause some hair loss. I feel like I'm being overly observant of every little thing but she said it was important to take note of even the smallest changes. I'm glad I have an understanding vet!

[Traci]

Yes, it's good you're over observant, how else would you know what's going on?

Not sure what the fur loss areas are, but it could be what vet said, pain and licking/chewing at the area. He's also on the new diet, you could ask her about that, hopefully it's not the diet.

Let us know what the parathyroid results are, I sure hope it's nothing serious, and hopefully just more attention needed for his urinary health. (the diet will be extremely supporting in that).

[Tina B and crew]

I wish my nose wasn't so observant when Chunk poops in the car on the way home!

He's back and vet is sending out a urinalysis recheck but did check his PH and it was 6. Should call me tomorrow with the urinalysis results. She's also doing a hypercalcemia malignancy panel and checking the parathyroid and one other thing that I can't remember because stress messes with my brain!! At any rate, it appears we are getting all bases covered here. I will let you know what the UA results are.

[Tina B and crew]

No blood work back yet so it probably won't be Monday. Vet was surprised, because they are usually back in 2-3 day. Urine culture came back negative though, so no bacteria. Looks like the crystals have resolved for now as well. He did have some blood in his urine though.

Waiting on the malignancy profile and the parathyroid tests...