Question:
My cat, Fanni, is almost 21 years old. She has had no health problems throughout her life. However, she now has a tumor around one of her nipples, and it is increasing in size. It also bleeds occasionally, and the skin around it looks raw. She also has an ulcer on her back that doesn't heal. Between the two of us, we keep these areas clean. She does not act like she is in pain. She still jumps up on the bed and climbs stairs (albeit slowly).
When do I decide it's time to put her down? Her appetite is good, her excretory functions are regular and consistent and she purrs and interacts with me. She sleeps a lot and frequently sits with her eyes closed but not sleeping.
These tumors have been around for several years, but only within the past six months have they changed in size. At what point do I make the decision?
J.D., Wheaton, Md Jan 03, 2012
Answer:
Have a mobile/home-visiting veterinarian examine your old cat and express your reservations about surgery. This is your call, but I would support a decision against surgery, considering the advanced age of your cat. Comfort and quality of life are paramount, as is good nutrition that includes high-quality protein that is easily digestible (such as Gerber's chicken and turkey baby food). These may help improve your cat's overall condition, along with a few drops of fish oil in her food -- this will also help alleviate any arthritis and kidney problems and may help fight certain cancers.
The veterinarian can treat the ulcer and evaluate the tumor. It's possible the cancer may have already spread to the lungs and other internal organs. The vet will advise you on what to look for as her condition worsens or other age-related health problems develop. The stress of surgery on older animals, even with modern anesthetics and the best pre- and post-operative care, only too often delays the recovery.
I'm sure my conservative response will upset some readers and veterinarians, but we must separate our own vested emotional and financial interests from the best interests of the patient. Removing the growth when she was younger would probably have been prudent. This decision for an old animal is never easy. One must be cognizant of the consequences, like guilt and blame, of deciding to do nothing. Death is ultimately unavoidable, but prolonged suffering is not, and euthanasia can be a blessing indeed.
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