Cat Needs an operation - success!

My 17 year old step-baby (DH's childhood kitty) has had a growth on her upper back for months and it always worried us as it grew bigger. They drained it a bit to test ($110) and the results were inconclusive. We could either remove it or monitor it and keep going back for more tests every few months. Money is tight right now but we decided to go for the $550 option and will have it removed. We'll drop her off in the morning and pick her up at night. The whole procedure will take 15 minutes they said.

Is it really a risk to put her under at this age? My coworkers are starting to scare me.

Message edited 8/2/2007 6:54:14 PM.

Re: Cat Needs an operation

I would think that the vet would have mentioned that the risk of surgery might not worth the benefits. Since they did not mention it, I don't think it would be that bad.

If I were you I'd call to put myself at ease, at least maybe just a little bit.

Re: Cat Needs an operation

I don't think the vet would suggest it and not mention any major risks to you. If it only takes 15 minutes they may just put the cat under with gas - in other words not knock her out and interbate her. My vet has done this many times to Chablis to inject her inside her mouth. I would definately mention your concerns to the vet. Try not to worry too much

Re: Cat Needs an operation

I agree with the above posters. If you trust your vet I am sure they would have discussed if there was a danger in the anesthesia.

I hope the growth is nothing serious

Re: Cat Needs an operation

Re: Cat Needs an operation

Thanks...we wanted to do it ASAP so the operation is scheduled for Thursday. I'll post back after it's all over.

Re: Cat Needs an operation

When my DH (he's a vet) has results that come back inconclusive, he will get on the phone, and personally talk to the pathologist who read the test, and he asks him what they think....if they are not willing to stick their necks out, he asks them to run the test again at no charge since the first test was inconclusive. If the lab agrees, then my DH would ask you to bring your cat back in, do another fine needle aspirate, and send it off to be read, free of charge.

There is always the possibility that even with the second test, the results will come back inconclusive again, but at least they tried again.

Message edited 7/31/2007 9:37:44 PM.

Re: Cat Needs an operation - success!

Everything worked out fine. They said she was a good patient and I'm watching her closely since she's trying to use her back paw to scratch at the stitches. We're going back next week for a check up and the stitches come out in 2 weeks. Thanks for your good thoughts.

Re: Cat Needs an operation - success!

Posted by LiPo

Everything worked out fine. They said she was a good patient and I'm watching her closely since she's trying to use her back paw to scratch at the stitches. We're going back next week for a check up and the stitches come out in 2 weeks. Thanks for your good thoughts.

Re: Cat Needs an operation - success!

Re: Cat Needs an operation - success!

Posted by LiPo

Everything worked out fine. They said she was a good patient and I'm watching her closely since she's trying to use her back paw to scratch at the stitches. We're going back next week for a check up and the stitches come out in 2 weeks. Thanks for your good thoughts.