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For the past month, I noticed something wrong with my cat. It started with her right ear kind of twitching, then her right eye became very small and narrow (her pupil) and she couldn't close her third eyelid all the way.

I took her to the vet and she assured me that it was just a bad ear infection and gave me some antibiotics to clear it up!

After 2 weeks, I did notice a slight improvement and took her back for a follow up, the second vet noticed a blockage in her ear and recommended that I take her to a pet dermatologist.

Her apointment was this morning, and it's what I feard, the poor thing has a tumor in her ear canal! The vet is pretty sure that it is cancerous, but not sure of the severity. They are sending out a piece for a biopsy and I should now by next monday how bad it is.

He says that the best case scenario is that it is a low grade cancer and the tumor can be removed and she can go on to live the rest of her life and more than likely it won't return. Mid to high levels of cancer would be pointless to try and remove because they will just regrow.

My dillema is that I love my cat, she is about 12 years old. If it is indeed a low grade cancer and they assure me that she could live another 5-6 years, then I will seriously consider the procedure. If it comes back mid to high, I feel like I may have to put her to sleep even though it pains me to do so, but then again I don't want her to go through the painful ordeal of the tumor growing bigger and consuming her.

I've only had her for 2 years, but she is the coolest cat I ever had! I don't know what to do.

that sucks

I hope it's the best scenario for you so that you two get to spend more time together!

I'm sorry about your kitty Doom. I'm going keep my fingers cross that the test results reveal that it was actually a dried pea that got in her ear, and she's really going to be just fine.

i'm sorry, doom. i know how bad it sucks to lose a kitty you love. my thoughts are with you and i send good vibes your way that your kitten will be fine.

I was just talking with someone at work about my 15-year-old family cat Owen, who we thought was on her way out but has gotten better with some treatment for her thyroid.

She was saying they rally do have nine lives -- they're so resilient.

I hope you kitty pulls through. She's had a great couple of years with you and Melissa, I'm certain.

- Mere "scratch her on the chin for me" 1975

A good friend of mine just posted this bulletin on myspace. It made me think of this thread:

"I have a cat named Piglet who is nine years old. Her SA vet said she either had liver failure or a tumor. If it was liver failure, there was nothing that could be done.

Yesterday I drove my cat to Houston and was told by my Houston vet that it was NOT a tumor. Instead, he thinks it is probably Chronic Pancreatitis and it can be managed.

Moral of the Story: If you have received the worst news in the world, don't be afraid to get a second opinion. The worst that can happen is that it is confirmed. Frankly, I'd rather have confirmation than wonder if I did everything I could."


I hope everything works out and your kitty is okay!

this makes me so sad. higgins, monte, augie and goodge all send get well wishes to your sweet kitty!

Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts. I should have the results of the biopsy by Monday at the latest.

keeping fingers crossed.

What's her name?

- Mere "pets ARE like kids" 1975

sorry to here about the catty, doom.

Ohhh I hope it goes okay Doom. I'm really missing my cat, I haven't seen him in over a month. Can't wait to get back home at christmas.

Best wishes, Doom! There's nothing like your best pet getting sick.

What's her name?

- Mere "pets ARE like kids" 1975

Her name is Zana

Ohhh I hope it goes okay Doom. I'm really missing my cat, I haven't seen him in over a month. Can't wait to get back home at christmas.

you should go home for thanksgiving too

squeez "yay we escaped those nasty brits and stole the native american's land" le

Biopsy report is in.......she has malignant lymphoma, really aggressive.


Really nothing much I can do to the poor thing. The vet assured me she is not in any pain, just a little discomfort. He said my best option is to put her on steroids which will slow the progression of the cancer, but they will eventually wear off in time.

There is the option of taking her to a cancer specialist, having an MRI, cat scan and then possible radioation/chemo therapy. But he said that even with that kind of thereapy, the likely hood of living afterwards is slim, plus the therapy itself could lower her immune system which she could be prone to other diseases.

I'm going to talk with melissa tonight, but I am thinking that the steroid therapy might be the only realistic solution. At least it will prolong her life even if it is for a few months longer. She really is a sweet cat, i don't want to see her in any pain.