About a year ago my cat (13 years of age) developed a small lump on the lower left side of one of her lower nipples. Around late January the lump became larger, the size of a nickel, and had a slight purple color to it. I took her to the vet and they did not know conclusively what the lump was but suggested a complete mastectomy. Being a college student I could not afford the near $1,000 procedure. From that point until early last week she was completely herself. She was playing with the other cat, jumping, eating regularly, and so on. Since early last week she has been engaging in several unordingary behaviors: not eating, not drinking as much as usual, not engaging in activities with the other cat. Also, she has had very bad breath. Yesterday her teeth looked like something was wrong and today her gums look like the have legions (sp?) on them and are almost foamy. She is a small cat (6 lbs) now she is down to about 4 lbs. All of her bones are very prominant and it seems as though she has no fat or muscle whatsoever. She is drinking water on her own and using the litter box still but still looks extremely dehydrated. I even did the test where you pull up on her skin and notice that it droops down very very slowly so she is in fact still dehydrated. She ate a whole can of tuna Friday evening but has not consumed any other food since then. She does drink water on her own , and I have been giving her Pedialite from a medicine dropper to try and assist in keeping her hydrated. She goes through periods of being distant and staying behind the computer desk and under the bed to sleeping on the bed beside the other cat. The lump has remained the same size since May and still does not seem to bother her when touched. I called the vet and they want a very expensive fee just to bring her in then several others on top of that to run a bunch of tests. I just want to know if my cat is dying or if she is sick and I can do something about it. I have had my cat since she was a kitten and I am a college student who pays for my own expenses, so this situation is putting me in a very hard place. I know you can't give out specific advice, but would you have any ideas/recommendations on what I can/should do to keep her as comfortable as possible. Any ideas if she is in fact showing the signs of a cat on her way out? I would appreciate any type of help or advice you can offer me.Thanks so much four your time!! here are some pictures of the lump: http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/978/image002cz6.jpg http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7296/image003fo6.jpghttps://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,4119#msg-4119Tue, 28 Apr 2026 03:22:36 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,21216#msg-21216 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,21216#msg-21216 Pippa01 Ask The VetWed, 05 Sep 2012 09:58:18 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,21191#msg-21191 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,21191#msg-21191 Zara The Vet Ask The VetFri, 31 Aug 2012 09:36:09 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,21188#msg-21188 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,21188#msg-21188 Simon f Ask The VetThu, 30 Aug 2012 17:00:41 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,17035#msg-17035 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,17035#msg-17035 VetClick Ask The VetTue, 08 Jun 2010 07:42:00 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,17033#msg-17033 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,17033#msg-17033I have inherited, my mums 2 cats 7 months ago, one is a 17 yr old male oriental lilac the other a 7 yr old male siamese, the lilac has hardly been ill, he eats his food , whiskas pouches, but lately he yams very loudly a few times then stops , he is quite boney too, i always give them a clean box , fresh water, i always leave a bowl of dry food out for them too incase they get hungry inbetween feeds. Is this a sign of old age or is there something serious wrong with him, the siamese is fine.
Ros]]> roslyn hamilton Ask The VetMon, 07 Jun 2010 21:54:35 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,13417#msg-13417 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,13417#msg-13417
If her blood tests indicate that she has severe chronic liver failure, she has no long-term future.
I would advise you, very strongly, not to waste money on scans and biopsies. They (at considerable expense) will only confirm what the blood tests have already indicated and are unnecessary..

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetSun, 14 Jun 2009 07:06:07 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,13412#msg-13412 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,13412#msg-13412 Poppy Ask The VetSat, 13 Jun 2009 18:47:33 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,10745#msg-10745 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,10745#msg-10745-------------------------------------------------------
> Dear Susan, and Helen,
>
> I am afraid that your cats seem to be seriously
> ill, and need urgent attention.
> It may be that your best choice is euthanasia if
> you cannot afford treatment, but you must not
> allow them to continue like this.
>
> W]]> sylvia Ask The VetFri, 21 Nov 2008 14:43:53 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,10124#msg-10124 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,10124#msg-10124
Not all illnesses can be easily diagnosed, and I think it is unlikely that I can make one when the vets who have examined her and carried out tests are unable to do do.
Has she been x-rayed to see if she has an obstruceted bowel?

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetFri, 03 Oct 2008 08:26:56 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,10110#msg-10110 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,10110#msg-10110I have took her to my vet three times she's had blood tests and injections been examined by two different vets who can find no apparent problems.
any suggestions]]> brian williams Ask The VetMon, 29 Sep 2008 21:05:40 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9321#msg-9321 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9321#msg-9321I am afraid you may be right. Very ill animals do tend to take themselves away to die.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetSun, 20 Jul 2008 15:55:52 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9318#msg-9318 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9318#msg-9318 brighteyes_22 Ask The VetSat, 19 Jul 2008 22:02:17 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9300#msg-9300 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9300#msg-9300
Apart from saying that you clearly have a very sck cat, I cannot offer much help. A fall from a height is less likely to casue the signs you desribe than having been hit bya motor vehicle.

A full check by your vet ASAP is essential.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetFri, 18 Jul 2008 11:48:12 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9295#msg-9295 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9295#msg-9295 brighteyes_22 Ask The VetFri, 18 Jul 2008 03:05:18 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9276#msg-9276 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9276#msg-9276If your cat is in your vet's hospital, I am sure that she is being looked after very well.
I hope she gets better soon.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetTue, 15 Jul 2008 19:46:34 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9275#msg-9275 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9275#msg-9275My cat was Moving her head backwards freakly and breathing really fast. I think she is 7. But now she is in the hospital. I' am super scared!!! =[ what should i do!

Please answer Back,
Hayley]]> Hayley Ask The VetTue, 15 Jul 2008 19:00:47 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9232#msg-9232 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9232#msg-9232I am sorry, but I cannot suggest a diagnosis on the information you have given me. I hope your vet will be able to reassure you after a full examination.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetSat, 12 Jul 2008 07:10:08 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9227#msg-9227 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9227#msg-9227 Sharron Ask The VetFri, 11 Jul 2008 13:03:24 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9207#msg-9207 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9207#msg-9207
This lump could be either an abscess or a tumour. If it is an abscess there is a good chance of a complete cure, but if it is a tumour, very much less so. If it has appeared rapidly, it is more likely to be an abscess
Your vet will be able to distinguish which when he sees it.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetThu, 10 Jul 2008 09:12:50 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9206#msg-9206 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9206#msg-9206
My cat is about 14yrs old has been sick for the past couple of days (Yellow sick), not eaten, drunk, or used the litter tray, or wanted to move from the sofa. I have since found a lump under her ear, quite a big one, do you think if its an abscess thats what could be causing all the other problems? I am contacting the vet later to make an appointment but am worried as to what they will say.

Someone put my mind at rest please!!]]> jane evenden Ask The VetThu, 10 Jul 2008 07:28:40 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9007#msg-9007 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9007#msg-9007
Yes, I think you should take her to your vet for a full check-up.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetSat, 21 Jun 2008 07:56:58 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9005#msg-9005 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,9005#msg-9005 mvanw Ask The VetFri, 20 Jun 2008 17:20:27 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8988#msg-8988 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8988#msg-8988
Arthritis is being diagnosed in cats more and more frequently, and there are several very good medicines now available. It may well be that your vet can prescribe one which is more effective than Medicam.
I feel very stongly that terminally ill animals should be helped on their way to obviate their suffereing, but I really do think that in this case there are still more options open to you for treatment.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetFri, 20 Jun 2008 07:48:54 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8986#msg-8986 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8986#msg-8986 Pattie Ask The VetFri, 20 Jun 2008 05:19:46 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8883#msg-8883 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8883#msg-8883
I am afraid that your cats seem to be seriously ill, and need urgent attention.
It may be that your best choice is euthanasia if you cannot afford treatment, but you must not allow them to continue like this.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetThu, 12 Jun 2008 09:50:00 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8866#msg-8866 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8866#msg-8866this morning i got up and she is very unsteady on her feet she cant walk very far she usually is in very good health, im worried if i take her to the vet they will just put her to sleep is there any advice you can give me
tanks]]> helen Ask The VetTue, 10 Jun 2008 13:32:07 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8864#msg-8864 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8864#msg-8864

My cat is about 10 years old. Lately (in the past month) she's taking a very drastic turn. She has stopped eatting, except for extremely small amounts a day. She has barely drinks water or milk. She has lost weight drastically and wobbles when she walks. She easily falls if even brushed up against. She lives with 3 other male cats which are all healthy and neutured. I work part time and am in college, making financial life VERY difficult. I recently bought senior cat food (wet) to hopefully encourage her to eat, but she still hasn't. She was brought up on dry food. She has a hard time urinating (it takes her at least 5-8 minutes).

I am uncertain what to do, and am unable to pay for her to be treated. Any advice or heads up on what is possibly wrong would be GREATLY appreciated.

On another note; I've had her since she was a kitten, she is and was always and house cat. She's never had kittens, she isn't spayed.]]> Susan Collazo Ask The VetTue, 10 Jun 2008 07:05:24 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8806#msg-8806 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8806#msg-8806
With all the signs and symptoms you describe, putting an 18 year-old cat to sleep can hardly be defined as 'unnecessary'
What I DO consider to be unnecessary is spending a graet deal of money on procedure which will be of no benefit to your cat, and will only pfovide confirmation of the diagnosis of a terminal illness which has already been identified.
As I have said many times before on this site, we must consider the quality of life which our elderly pets have. We have the responsiblity of sparing our pets the suffering of a terminal illness, and, fortunately, the privilege of being able to do something about - humane euthanasia

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetWed, 04 Jun 2008 12:38:25 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8803#msg-8803 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8803#msg-8803
I realise she is a very old cat, but can't bring myself to end her life unnecessarily.

Your advice please.]]> Ali Cooper Ask The VetWed, 04 Jun 2008 08:55:27 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8735#msg-8735 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,4119,8735#msg-8735
I am sorry, but I cannot really make any useful suggestions. You should really attend a vet ASAP with your cat.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetWed, 28 May 2008 10:41:24 +0000