Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/8/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a nearly 17 year old, overweight cat. Aside from some elderly issues such as arthritis, he's a happy guy. He has a strong will to live, has always fought to beat the odds.

It's impossible (I mean, impossible) for me to take him in to be examined by a vet. He gets so stressed out, he has panic attacks - even being heavily sedated. I am certain he would have a heart attack. Even those who work at the vet office have never seen an animal act as he does. Which is why he has not been seen by a vet since he was 9, when he had pancreatitis. By the grace of God, he recovered and has been doing well since… since I found a small growth on his paw a few months ago. Who knew something the size of a pea could be so terrifying? It's pinkish in color, doesn't hurt, is soft, but is growing externally. It's on the bottom of his paw, which is what worries me the most... how big will it get, will it interfere with his ability to walk, etc.? I am supposed to be able to fix this. But I can’t. Taking him to the vet is just is not an option. If the car ride didn't take him, the examination would -- and if by some miracle he survived both of those - sedation and a surgical procedure would do him in. He’s happy now, and I don’t want to cut that short. I feel so helpless. What can I do? What if it ruptures? Are their signs I can look for that it may rupture?

I know without an exam any advice is limited, but ANY advice as to what I can do is appreciated. Thank you.

ANSWER: As you indicate, it is impossible to tell what type of growth this could be.  I can tell you that skin growths that grow fast in cats are usually tumors.  My best suggestion is to call a vet that does housecalls.  There may be one or two in your area.  That will avoid much of the stress that he experiences from the car ride and the vet's office.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you.

There aren't any vets in my area, or areas surrounding me that will do a home visit. Aside from that, he would still have to be heavily sedated to be examined, and isn't that dangerous in old/overweight cats?

If you have any advice, aside from what I wish I could do more than anything - take him to the vet, I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer
The anesthetics we have today are extremely safe and fast acting.  I cannot advise you as to what to do to treat the cat.  If you cut it and it bleeds, how would you stop it?  If it involves deeper structures, like the bone, how would you be able to deal with that?