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I had to have my cat pts yesterday. She had a swollen tummy and was lethargic and eating less. She had no medical problems apart from regular vomiting due to hairballs. My vet said she had a mass and thought the kindest thing was to end it now. I am still very upset and not doubting the vet who was very kind but could the swelling have been as simple as a massive hairball or constipation? he said he couldn't feel some of her organs... I feel deperate as in, my cat might have died prematurely...

Submitted: 279 days and 8 hours ago.

Category: Cat

Value: $18

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Posted by Christian K. 279 days and 8 hours ago.

Info Request

Hello XXXXXXXXX,
This is Dr.Christian. How old was your cat? Was she vomiting or showing other symptoms?

279 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

She was a rescue cat so age is not definate but probably at least 14 in human years. She did vomit a lot due to hairballs but recently she just became lethargic and not using her tray much and just had an 'uncomfortable' look about her. She wasn't eating as normal but when stroked she responded and purred..

Answer

I understand your feelings. Putting a friend to sleep is the hardest decision to make. Obviously it is hard to know on line what exactly your vet felt in the abdomen but I can tell you it was unlikely to be constipation or a hairball. The feel of these conditions is very different from a mass in the belly. At that age abdominal tumors are very common, can be very easy to palpate and have a very distinctive feel. Unfortunately, they are rarely able to be removed surgically. Considering the symptoms your cat was showing I do believe you made a good decision. This condition would only have worsened and her quality of life would have been poor. I hope that helps but if you have more questions please let me know.

Expert:	Christian K.
Pos. Feedback:	98.9 %
Accepts:	262
Answered:	2/2/2009

Cat Veterinarian

12 year of veterinary experience in feline surgery, medicine and behavior

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