My kitty probably has to have surgery

[SandyRN]

The vet called again today and I was thinking he was calling to tell us we could bring the lil guy home....Instead he told me that after cleaning the cat's bladder out several times there is still so much sandy sludge in there that he doesnt think he's going to be able to pee on his own unless he does surgery. The procedure is a urethostomy and they cut the tip of the penis off, to basically make his anatomy more like a female cat's, so that it's much less likely to block anymore. He told me we have to figure out what our priorities are, and if we want to put him through this.

I've never had to make a decision like this. I've had to put one kitty to sleep, but there was no question about it as she was definately dying from congestive heart failure. This time there IS a chance he could live a long, healthy life....

This is really hard, and has me very aware of the pain in my own bladder right now. I know that by having animals we assummed responsibility for them, and we want to do what's right........



Help?!?!

[SharonA]

I wish I could give you some advice about your kitty, but this is a decision that only you can make. Whatever you decide, I pray that you will know for sure that you did the right thing. I am so sorry that you have to make such a hard decision.

[CaliAnn]

My cat has been blocked 2x since I've had him (3 yrs) due to blood clots related IC. After the last time, my vet suggested the same procedure if it occurs again. The way it was explained to me was that a cats penis is very narrow, that's why they are prone to blocks - things get stuck.
You should be aware that this procedure does not gaurentee that it won't happen again - in other words, your cat can get blocked again even after they do the diversion.
When my cat was blocked last time, my vet would give him a daily instill (think it was just a sterile solution) to cleanse the bladder, and left the cath in). I brought my cat home with the cath. It took a total of 9 days after the last bout before he was peeing on his own and has been fine since (it's been over a year).
I did read that some male cats can go through this (bladder issues), generally through the ages of 5 to 10 years, after which the bladder problems stop for some reason.

Hard decision, if my cat ever blocks again, I'll due the procedure but if this was the first time - problably not.

Whatever decision you make, I'm sure it will be the right one for both you & kitty.

Good luck to both of you

[aprilmae]

Just want you to know I am thinking about you.

[ICNDonna]

If you have the procedure done, then find out it didn't work, you will know that you have done everything possible for him. Your vet will keep him comfortable after the surgery. It's your decision to make, of course, and that makes it more difficult for you. If the money for the procedure isn't a huge issue if it were my pet, I'd very probably try.


Donna

[meme]

I feel for you. I'm a BIG cat lover myself too. Hope your kitty gets to feeling better. P.S. That is just so weird that cats get IC too. I just can't quit thinking about it.

[SandyRN]

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart...and caliann I REALLY appreciate your first hand information. I'm still not sure if we're going on with the surgery, but the only thing stopping me from bringing him home with a foley is the dogs, and the other cats. We'll have to keep him seperate from everyone to keep him safe....will have to do that anyway so he can recover from his ordeal.

Either way, surgery or not, he's in great hands with our loving, caring vet, and I feel good about his opinion.

I love you guys, and I appreciate the support. Sure love my furry friends!!

Hugs to you all! Sandy

[Tabbi]

I usually make my pet decisions for what I'd want done to me. After all, pets in the US are more members of the family than they are "just animals." So after two endoscopies and a colonoscopy, my cat is medicated and happy. I wouldn't put myself to sleep instead of trying to treat a medical problem, and I won't do it to her.

[Sarojini]

I know I would go for the surgery for my Maine Coon, Paddington... I love him so much, I would have to at least try...

My mother in law's cat had something like this, and they did the surgery. It worked like a charm, and Spanky (the kitty's name) is now healthy and frisky as ever. He is awfully chubby though, since he eats everything he sees

I'm sorry you have to go through this, Sandy

[SandyRN]

The vet called early this morning and the cat is actually peeing on his own. Tom just left to go get him, and his new kitty food that the vet rx'd for him, also cipro, clavamox, and prednisone. We're going to be shoving so many pills down that poor kitty's throat!

He said it still may come down to surgery, but hopefully watching him carefully and feeding him the proper food will prevent him from having another attack.

Thank you alllllllllllllll for your hope through this. I love my kitty so much....just greatful that he's coming home!

Hugs, Sandy

[SharonA]

I'm so glad that you are able to bring kitty home. I hope the new food does the trick.

[traceann]

Oh Sandy, I am so sorry I got to this so late! LOL I am, however super happy to hear kitty is going on his own! I know how hard it is - back in June my girl had an infected tooth, and needed dental work - knocked out. I was terrified she'd not come out of it like her sister Cali did. It was a hard decision, but I had to take the chance - she couldn't live in pain etc, and it was eventually going to make her really ill. The vet pretty much said she had a 50/50 shot of coming out of the anesthesia, bu they would do the lightest they could and take every precaution available. She came out just fine, But I know how hard that choice is to make. I too would be one who'd have it done - if there was the possibilty it could prevent future pain etc. I am so glad that the doc recommended the food route. My girl has potential kidney troubles, and was put on the special food but she hated it, lol. I mixed her regular and that in the beginning to get her used to it and she'd nose it out of her bowl, lol. So we decided that since she's 20+, we'd let her live how she wants to, lol

I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers that the food will do the trick! I hate it when any of our furbabies are sick!!!!!

BIG hugs to the both of you!!!!

[mary124]

Sandy:

I'm so glad kitty is going potty on his own. Also that he will be coming home.
I've got a dog that is 13 years old, and she has heart problems, I told the doctor after having other health problems that I'm going to ride this one out, that she has lived a nice long life. She is taking it easy. ( More or less, what with the new addition to the family- we aquired a new dog who is just 2 years old, she keeps her busy and plays with her all the time, haven't seen her this active in a long time).
Anyway, off the subject here. Glad everything is ok.

[SandyRN]

He's home and peeing, but still straining. I think I know exactly how he feels...ya go, ok the first time, but after that you keep having urethral spasms that make you THINK you've got to go over and over again and the more ya try the worse it gets. He goes in the litter box, pees, gets out and licks himself like a crazy cat, 2 minutes later he's in there again, but doesnt pee this time. I hate seeing him do that.....but, on the up side, he's wanting to go outside and lay in the sunshine on the deck. I haven't had the nerve to let him out yet, but probably will later today. He's a good boy and doesn't ever leave the back yard, so I guess he'll be ok. He's taking prednisone which takes a little bit of time to work, so hopefully he'll be back to normal in a few days.

[sandramac]

Glad your kittys home , Just to let you know My Max had crystals in his urine and needed the surgery,When I took him in they were not sure if he was going to make it through the night! That was 9 years ago. Max had the surgery & made a amazing recovery! We were able to enjoy him for 8 more years! We just lost him to cancer last March. I cant belive hes been gone so long ! I miss him so! But it was the best thing for him to have the surgery and we got 8 more years of Love and Joy with him! Was worth every penny! Hugs Sandra