Conference misery::feline

         I haven't heard of this, but Bigfoot does get hernias in the
    abdominal wall.  He's had three, all of which we have "patched up", but
    in this last case (last week) it will be his last surgery.  His hernias
    are caused by cancer.
    
         He did survive the surgery, though, at 17, although the vet was
    *very* cautious and used gas.  She had to breathe for him :-( , but he
    is recovering fairly well.
    
         Perhaps Bones' hernia is caused by cancer??
    
    					- Andrea

    Vet didn't see any tumor or other suspicion of cancer, but blood work
    due back later today (Thurs 10/5).

    Is this what's called megacolon?  If so, my impression is
    that surgery is helpful (and that it is not an unusual thing
    to happen to cats.)  Perhaps a second opinion is in order
    before making any crucial decision.  I would consider calling
    the Cornell Vet School hotline at 1-800-KITTYDR or contacting
    some other local vet.  Please let us know how your kitty is
    doing,
    
    Karen
    

    p.s.  My Sweetie has a mild case of megacolon, but it is dealt
    with by high fiber food, he has not needed surgery so far, these
    several years.
    

    Karen...I thought of the same thing when I read the note,
    but when Van Gogh went thought his Megacolon episode it was never
    mentioned that is was a herniated rectum.  BUT I do know he
    had the same problem with his butt because it was so red and
    swollen...so maybe it is the same thing.
    
    Many cats can be treated for Megacolon with high fiber diets,
    some can adjust with some type of stool softner added to the
    diet..BUT in Van Goghs we tried everything and he ended up
    having an operation to remove 80 of his intestines.   The
    GOOD news is...that was well over three years ago and Van
    Gogh is healthy and never had a problem since.   (see note
    62 for details of our struggles through this period)  The
    only place that finally diagnosed it correctly was Tufts
    Animal Hospital.
    
    Sandy
    

    I had seen the note on Van Gogh (my husband even asked about him when
    Bones got sick!).  The vet said, no--definitely not megacolon.  He's
    supposed to talk to Tufts this week.  He's in better humor than usual,
    so we are a bit confused about what to do.  At the moment, he's
    confined to a (relatively) easy to clean area, and we are buying lots
    of latex gloves.
    

    Forgot to add--blood work showed nothing interesting.   Said there was
    some minor slowing of kidney function, but nothing beyond what would be
    expected in a cat that old.

    Any updates on the herniated rectum?  Hope all is well.
    
    Eloise

    Not good news.  Bones was put to sleep on Tuesday morning.
    
    The final diagnosis:  360 degree peritoneal hernia.  What that meant
    was there was no muscle available to move wastes thru his system.  The
    fact that it was 360 degrees meant that surgery would not have been
    able to correct it.  We tried enemas, manual intervention food changes,
    but at the end of the day, it was a simple mechanical failure.
    
    Bones adopted us at about age 2-3 about 13 years ago; he appeared to
    have been abused by his previous owners, but eventually bonded and
    trusted us.  He became great friends with our dog and helped to train
    him.  This was a hard loss, as we have lost the dog, another cat (age
    17) and Bones within the last 18 months.
    
    While we miss Bones, the household is doing well, as a puppy and three
    kittens joined this summer (if I had known Bones had such a short time,
    I might have let him have the place to himself a while longer, but...).

    I'm so sorry.  It sounds like he had a wonderful life once he found
    you!
    
    Hope the kittens help you to laugh through your tears.
    
    Leslie

    
        So sorry to hear this news about Bones. But, I'm glad he had
    a good life!
    
        Rosie

         My condolences to you over the loss of Bones.  It hurts so much
    when you try and there's just nothing that can be done :-( .
    
         But Bones had a wonderful 13 years with you, and he'll be waiting
    for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
    
    					- Andrea
    					  Bigfoot, Loki & Midnight

    I'm very sorry.  Did the vet say what might have caused this condition?
    
    Karen
    

    There was no other cause than age--just a deteriation of the muscle
    tissue.  There was no disease that could be contagious, so current
    househould is at no risk.

    I've added Bones to the SLM listing - I'm so sorry !

    Debbi

	I'm so sorry to hear about Bones, and your other cat and dog within
        the last 18 months.  Glad to hear you're doing O.K. and have new
	pets to keep you busy and entertained.

	Laura

    I only began reading this notes file a week or so before he got sick. 
    I have been amazed at the knowledge and caring of all who participate. 
    Thanks for the kind words and support for Bones.  He is missed, but I
    think he's happier with 'his' dog.