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Cats/Hemangiosarcoma in our Feline Family Member

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Expert: - 1/13/2010


Question

Munchkin
About six and a half months ago our little man Munchkin was diagnosed with malignant Hemangiosarcoma.  He had a splenectomy as well as a part of his pancreas was removed. He recovered well and was his beautiful fun filled darling for the past six and a half months. Four days ago he lost his appetite, became very lethargic and seemed to have a swelling in his belly.  We took him to his Vet and were told that there is a large mass that can be felt.  Another surgery was an option but with no guarantee.  We chose to care for him in a home Palliative situation.  The vet perscribed an anti-inflamatory as well as pain medication.  Our Munchkin is refusing all types of food and last night we fed him by syringe.  He is not hiding from us but is not coming to us for his usual cuddles.  We want him to be as confortable as possible and my question is what else can we possibly do to help him through these days?  We love him so dearly and he is our little angel. Please, please could you give us some words of advice.
with many blessings. Irene  

Answer
Irene, I'm so sorry to hear of your kitty's diagnosis.  What horrible news.  He's such a beautiful boy!

Unfortunately, there is little else I know of that can be done for a cancer patient.  It's a brutal disease, and once a kitty stops eating, I make the decision to have them put to sleep.  However, there are some appetite stimulants that your vet can prescribe that might be useful.  One is called cyproheptadine, technically an antihistamine.  I believe that mirtazapine has gained more favor as of late, as it also has anti-nausea effects, only a tiny dose must be given, and it must only be administered every three days or so, as compared to 2-3 times a day with cyproheptadine.  Mirtazapine is used as an antidepressant in people but is a powerful appetite stimulant in cats.  

I'm not sure which pain medication your vet gave, but if it's not a narcotic such as Torbutrol (butorphanol) or a Fentanyl patch, you may want to ask for something along these lines.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Metacam (meloxicam) and Rimadyl (carprofen) can be helpful but tend not to be strong enough for cancer patients.

My thoughts go out to you and your family.  Hoping Munchkin feels a little better.

Jessica  

Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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