more on Cloud

Vet called back with the results of the bloodwork that got sent out. The outside lab had a higher number on the hematocrit, but it's still below 20%. There is evidence of reticulocytes, so Cloud's body is trying to replace the loss. However, the level is low.

In other news, the erythropoietin is more expensive than he thought--about $400 per bottle, meaning a couple months of treatment is getting up to thousands. Which is scary. He doesn't really consider that an option at this point.

Options:

1) Pay for the Eponin, despite the cost. If his RBC's keep decreasing, Cloud won't have enough oxygen to stay alert. I think the decrease is already making him more tired than usual, and he's having some issues jumping up onto some things. (Granted, he's over 13, so it could be arthritis, but it seems rather pronounced. Or maybe it's just that I'm paying attention?) (Husband says, "What does he need energy for, anyway?" Me: "Getting up and down the stairs to the litter box?")

2) Get referral to specialist vet, who can do ultrasounds and bone marrow biopsies and the like.

3) Monitor how Cloud's doing, and if his quality of life decreases . . .

We're leaning to option 3 right now.

Damn this is hard.