Cat With Chemo Got Sick.?

I worked with an Internal Medicine Specialist for 5 years. We did chemo on many cats and dogs.

Since this cat has never had a problem with the chemo, it is likely that he overexerted himself playing. I would try to curtail that much exercise. That episode may have happened even if he wasn't on chemo. At 17 y.o. he is probably arthritic, and felt sore the next day. The fact that he is up and eating and drinking on his own the day after getting the fluids is a good thing.

Just keep an eye on him.

It is true that he is nearing the end, but he's not there yet. If he can still eat, drink and use the litter box, and play with his buddy, he is far from dying. He will let your friend know when it's time. They always do. We just have to listen.

I'm RosiM's friend who is the owner of the17 year old DSH male cat undergoing the chemo. I appreciate your answers but the best answer is the one from rmbrruff who had about the same answer as the well regarded specialist who has been treating him for 2-1/2 years.

We shouldn't write off older pets or people because they have lived long lives or give up too easily when the answer may be just waiting it out or looking for second opinions or alternative treatments. I'll never forget a kidney doctor saying that about my father. He was 83 and the doctor said he'd lived a long life and maybe it was time for him to let go. It discouraged him and I believe kept him from getting treatment that may have given him another year or two with us.

We call Magic our 6 million dollar cat because he has come through several diagnosis which could have ended his life at a much earlier age. He is a tough little kitty born in our backyard and a bit of a celebrity at the animal hospital where he goes to get his chemo pills Magic apparently tweaked his back chasing our younger kitty or jumping on the bed. His bloodwork was good and the only thing the vet could find in his xrays was a narrowing between his vertebrae near his tail and some arthritis which at his age would be normal. He seems to be improving daily. We know he won't live forever but we will continue to do whatever we can to keep him with us. So long as he's alert and happy and there is hope.

My advice to fellow animal owners is not to give up too easily on your pets no matter how old they are unless you have exhausted all reasonable options. There is a wealth of information right here on the internet and lots of second opinions.

I have experienced this situation with my sister and also a close friend. They both had cancer, both receiving chemo, but when the "type" of chemo was changed they both took a turn for the worse. Maybe it has to do with the type or dosage that was administered. Your friend should ask the vet if the chemo given was the same type as the last few years. Keep in mind this is an old cat that may not have the same strength as he once did and chemo can be very exhausting. Prayer does wonders.

Hi Rosi M,

I have to agree with my learned colleague rmbruff about your best friend's elderly fellow! Chemo is generally a lot easier on cats than humans, but since he was so fatigued after his romp with a younger cat, the combination of the medication and his activity may have just been too much for him that day. Chemotherapy does have side effects; signs can be loss of appetite, energy and dehydration.

http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/oncology/faq/questions/che...

Your friend should definitely discuss this possible reaction with her vet.

It appears however that the IV fluids really helped his energy level. Purrhaps your friend might consider not permitting him to play too hard with his friends after being medicated.

It is also possible that he may have a kidney condition developing. As cats age, renal failure is quite common. Suggest that your friend have her vet do blood work to find out how his kidneys are functioning.

It sounds like he is feeling a whole lot better which is great. I applaud the owner of a 17 year old who is taking such good care of her cat. Way to go.

Troublesniffer

Owned by cats for over 40 years

Freelance writer/blogger for http://www.petside.com/

Well nothing would surprise me when it comes to chemo! It is all really still a barbaric experiment...that... YES saves some lives and works well for some. I personally refused it . When i was still following a nursing career, I cared for many who had Chemo, were ill for months, felt awful... looked awful ... and died anyway.

Cat's behavior may be due to something completely unrelated? It is also possible the animal was severely dehydrated. One can die from this condition! Once rehydrated felt OK again... If it happens again...may need to be looked into...The cat IS 17...

Honey, this isn't all of a sudden... this kitty has been a sick guy for a long time. Please brace yourself as he may be called home (to heaven) at anytime.

My little dog, Essy, who was 14 years old died on Monday Night. She lived less then 1/2 hour after I got her home from the vet. She had diabetes.. sugar was 291 and bad pneumonia. It was her time. We are sad when we lose our pet children/friends. But, that is the way of the world and we have to accept it.

When it is time another, completely different personality, will come to join us in our lives.

God Bless.

you are really lucky to have had this cat for so long. After taking chemo for quite some time, it weakens the cats system. Just love it for as long as you have it. It may not live much longer with it's age, and all the chemo it has already had.

I would go to a natural Vet that understands essential oils. It sounds like the cat needs to balance his immune system and then boost it.

Good luck

That's an old cat! His body could just be givnig out and reacting to the medicine. Or just plain old age, or the cancer has got to him finally. Either way, he's just old.

i am sorry to say this, but i think it is kinda now to put the cat to sleep, it has had a good life, been well loved and looked after, which is great, but really you can't hold on to him for ever, i don't think its right now that he is that old to be on that kind of treatment. let him go he is only going to be quite sick now on that. i think the time has come

and here is a link that i hope gives your friend some peace of mind when that day does come, it is so nice to be able to go here, now down on the left, you will see light a candle, click on that and follow the links it is a beautiful thing to be able to do for cats dogs what ever your animal. good luck.

http://ppandpblog.blogspot.com/