the vet called
Aug. 28th, 2008 12:34 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
eimarraSo the packed cell volume is half the normal level, and Dr. Schindler said that when it gets into the teens, we've moved from moderate to severe. If it gets to low teens or single digits, about the only thing that can be done is marrow transplant.
He suggested erythropoietin to try to increase the level of red blood cells being created. This involves injections three times a week for at least 2 weeks. (He said it might be as many as 6 or 7). With the blood work needed to monitor progress, we're looking at probably several hundred dollars, though he doesn't think it'll go as high as a thousand. So did I want him to look into getting some, as they don't have it? I said yes. What was I going to do--say the cat's not worth that much to me?
We discussed possible causes for the drop in red blood cells. There might be a problem with the bone marrow, either cancer or fibrosis (which would cause it to lose its function). He could be making abnormal blood cells that are being destroyed by the body. He could be making *normal* blood cells that his body is attacking for whatever reason, but the vet said the blood work indicates that's rather unlikely. It is unlikely that he is bleeding anywhere--there is no evidence of internal bleeding. Dr. Schindler is going to see if there's enough blood from this morning's draw to send out and check for reticulocytes (RBC precursors) so we can at least find out whether Cloud's making them.
Given the symptoms and Cloud's age, Dr. Schindler feels that cancer is the most likely problem, but he can't be definitive without a biopsy. We're not doing that right now.
The vet's office will be giving me another call as soon as there's word on the erythropoietin.
He suggested erythropoietin to try to increase the level of red blood cells being created. This involves injections three times a week for at least 2 weeks. (He said it might be as many as 6 or 7). With the blood work needed to monitor progress, we're looking at probably several hundred dollars, though he doesn't think it'll go as high as a thousand. So did I want him to look into getting some, as they don't have it? I said yes. What was I going to do--say the cat's not worth that much to me?
We discussed possible causes for the drop in red blood cells. There might be a problem with the bone marrow, either cancer or fibrosis (which would cause it to lose its function). He could be making abnormal blood cells that are being destroyed by the body. He could be making *normal* blood cells that his body is attacking for whatever reason, but the vet said the blood work indicates that's rather unlikely. It is unlikely that he is bleeding anywhere--there is no evidence of internal bleeding. Dr. Schindler is going to see if there's enough blood from this morning's draw to send out and check for reticulocytes (RBC precursors) so we can at least find out whether Cloud's making them.
Given the symptoms and Cloud's age, Dr. Schindler feels that cancer is the most likely problem, but he can't be definitive without a biopsy. We're not doing that right now.
The vet's office will be giving me another call as soon as there's word on the erythropoietin.
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no subject
Date: 2008-08-28 05:26 pm (UTC)Hugs,
CA
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Date: 2008-08-28 05:27 pm (UTC)That's so sad and difficult. I'm sorry.
no subject
Date: 2008-08-28 05:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-28 05:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-28 11:39 pm (UTC)I hate hearing bad news... and somehow it always seems worse when its about the furry kids. I'll keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers.
no subject
Date: 2008-08-29 03:39 am (UTC)"What was I going to do--say the cat's not worth that much to me?"
No, you say, "I need to consider what this treatment means for the quality of her remaining life."
*more hugs*
no subject
Date: 2008-09-03 03:08 am (UTC)