Sounds like a decision that is really rough on you (and it would be on me too). I love my pets and take good care of them, including appropriate (and sometimes expensive) veterinary care. But in this case, I think you are doing the right thing. I'm pretty sure there will be others that agree with your decision and others that disagree, but the important thing is that you care for him and do your best to make the rest of his life as good and painless as possible and that you continue to love him as long as you can. Just my feelings.

you know your kitty the best...dd1 decided to put down one of hers because the meds wern't helping and frankly she just didn't have the money to invest in an iffy situation...same happen to her dog a month later...(that was a shock, we didn't know she was ill)

no one wants a pet to suffer...bless you...

Stephanie, I applaud you for doing as much as you have. Spider has had a wonderful life with you, and knows how much you love him. At this stage in his life, I'm sure you just want him to be as comfortable as possible, with no unnecessary treatments going on.

Steph, I know ho much it hurts to be in your position, it's not easy. But I too would be taking the same road. If you are not going to treat it should the biopsy say it is cancer then why put Spider thru the procedure and why pay for it? I wouldn't either. He's 15 and has had a good life. I would try the steroids and antibiotics, if it fails I would keep him comfie.

You're doing the right thing, I believe. I have a real problem with putting our beloved pets through a lot of medical procedures when there's little likelihood of them changing the eventual outcome. To my mind, that's just torturing them--since there's no way you can really explian what's happening and why.

I'm sorry that you're looking at losing your friend--but certainly agree with letting him go as peacefully as possible. Good thoughts to you both.

I agree with the other posters, too, Stephanie. It sounds like you've really thought this out and your way sounds very logical and reasonable. Hopefully the treatment will help a lot. You'll know pretty soon, probably.

Today, one of our dogs is at the vet's having a front little toe removed. This is her 2nd surgery in 2 weeks on the same spot and it's gotten worse and the first biopsy was inconclusive. So the vet looked at it this morning and recommended removal after another exam and xray and it's done now. We won't get her back until tomorrow and after another biopsy we'll know more what we're dealing with, but hopefully removing this affected digit will do the trick. If not, we'll have some of the same decisions you have right now.

Best of luck to Spider and the family. I hope the steroid helps a lot.

You know in your heart what is the right decision for you and Spider.

We have had to make this decision over many of our animals over the years. My decision has always been different, depending on the purrsonality of the cat themselves. The shy, timid and easily frightened ones, were ones that I would not treat as aggressively as it would be more terrifying for them. If the end result will be death anyway, a few months more of living being frightened and in pain certainly wasn't worth it. I am a firm believer in Quality rather than Quantity of life. Unfortunately animals have no way of really telling you what they prefer. Follow your own instincts. Sending you a cyberhug as this decision is a really tough one to make.

I am in agreement- why put the poor baby through a test like that? You have given him a wonderful life. I would go with your heart- ((Hugs))

Trish

Thank you, everyone. I called and cancelled. I did ask how they might treat it if it is cancer. She said they would consider removing part of his jaw! I just don't think that sounds merciful. I imagine a recovery too stressful for him to survive. It made me feel better that even the vet tech said she would make the same choice if he were her cat. My gut just tells me I'd be grabbing at straws if I take this any further, and making him miserable. I'll stop in and pick up the meds tomorrow.

I agree with you, completely.

Over 6 months ago, I made the decision not to subject Foxy (also 15) to general anesthesia, which would be necessary to biopsy a mass in her stomach that we could see on ultrasound. Drs said that it was probably lymphoma.
She had also lost weight, and thyroid was not working. Dr put her on steroid - Prednisone.

I felt that, at her age, the anesthesia was a risk in itself.

I talked to the oncologist, and since she was responding to the steroid (prednisone), I/we decided to watch and wait.

She also had thyroid problem, and was on meds....but later had to have surgery to remove an infected mammary and I gave permission to also remove the thyroid, and now she is very active, has gained more weight, and is normal in every way,

Still no biopsy. Over two months ago, we (Dr and I) decided to wean her off the prednisone.

For the past month, she is off all meds and is happy and healthy.

I bumped into her Dr. a couple of days ago....and she said she had VM interns training under her, and she had mentioned Foxy as a case of not everything being what you first think you see.

(((hugs))) to you.I also agree with you.Just love your furbaby like never before.

This is tough. You keep thinking you are at the end of the expenses, but it keeps going on and on. I'm so sorry for this trouble and hope your dear kitty is better soon.

I'm so sorry. Fifteen is a good old age for a cat. You will know when the time is right. When you know he's not getting better, you can let him go. Try one more round of antibiotics. My own cat Whisper is 16, and has kidney,thyroid and liver troubles. She loves eating her Fancy Feasts and she's very affectionate. I know she's on borrowed time. When she stops eating I will know it is time. Good luck to you. And Spider.

Stephanie, you are in a sad place right now. I agree with what the others have told you. You obviously love Spider and he knows he is loved. Even in his last moments he will know he was deeply loved and cared about. Just go with your feelings.

Linda

Stephanie...I'm so sorry you're in this situation...I know you'll make the right decision if you follow your heart...((((Stephanie))))