Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
We think it is congenital. I don't know of anything she's gone through since I had her that would cause trauma resulting in a hernia. I've seen her take some big leaps and fly across the room to land awkwardly on something, but I don't think those had that kind of impact. I'm going to talk to her primary vet soon. I've now spoken to several vets, and they are all advising caution. I just don't want her symptoms to get worse (ie her to feel worse or to be threatened). We're going into an awkward few weeks with a holiday and some issues I'll have with getting her to surgery. We'll either need to do surgery in the next week or two, or she'll have to wait a few weeks. On Tue, Jun 25, 2013, at 04:30 PM, dlg...@windstream.net wrote: HOW is Ember doing? Is this a congenital thing? Lance lini...@fastmail.fm wrote: My 11 year old FeLV+, Ember, was diagnosed with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia after CT scans and a consult between a surgeon and a radiologist. So far, her symptoms haven't been too scary: rapid breathing (but not open mouth breathing or panting) and an odd posture she sometimes assumes where she will stand with her forelegs and lie down with her back legs. This tells me that she might be having some discomfort (one lobe of her liver is involved in the hernia). She settles into lying down without problem, and she rests normally. The symptoms have only begun in the last few months, as far as I know (Ember and I weren't in the same part of the world for almost a year). We'd been fearing cancer, so this would seem to be good news. The surgeon is gung-ho to take care of business, and he has an excellent reputation with a lot of experience and education. However, I just spoke to one of Ember's two vets about this, and he said, If she were my cat, I don't think I would do it. He's concerned about moving the liver, and more importantly, about the surgeon having enough to work with when the hernia is likely congenital. Has anyone on the list had experience with congenital hernias in cats? I'd really like to get some more input before I make a decision. Thanks, Lance ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
Are you close to a veterinary school? They might be better able to come up with an answer. I have gone to Missouri University, a 3 hour drive, but worth it if you can get answers. Lance lini...@fastmail.fm wrote: We think it is congenital. I don't know of anything she's gone through since I had her that would cause trauma resulting in a hernia. I've seen her take some big leaps and fly across the room to land awkwardly on something, but I don't think those had that kind of impact. I'm going to talk to her primary vet soon. I've now spoken to several vets, and they are all advising caution. I just don't want her symptoms to get worse (ie her to feel worse or to be threatened). We're going into an awkward few weeks with a holiday and some issues I'll have with getting her to surgery. We'll either need to do surgery in the next week or two, or she'll have to wait a few weeks. On Tue, Jun 25, 2013, at 04:30 PM, dlg...@windstream.net wrote: HOW is Ember doing? Is this a congenital thing? Lance lini...@fastmail.fm wrote: My 11 year old FeLV+, Ember, was diagnosed with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia after CT scans and a consult between a surgeon and a radiologist. So far, her symptoms haven't been too scary: rapid breathing (but not open mouth breathing or panting) and an odd posture she sometimes assumes where she will stand with her forelegs and lie down with her back legs. This tells me that she might be having some discomfort (one lobe of her liver is involved in the hernia). She settles into lying down without problem, and she rests normally. The symptoms have only begun in the last few months, as far as I know (Ember and I weren't in the same part of the world for almost a year). We'd been fearing cancer, so this would seem to be good news. The surgeon is gung-ho to take care of business, and he has an excellent reputation with a lot of experience and education. However, I just spoke to one of Ember's two vets about this, and he said, If she were my cat, I don't think I would do it. He's concerned about moving the liver, and more importantly, about the surgeon having enough to work with when the hernia is likely congenital. Has anyone on the list had experience with congenital hernias in cats? I'd really like to get some more input before I make a decision. Thanks, Lance ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
HOW is Ember doing? Is this a congenital thing? Lance lini...@fastmail.fm wrote: My 11 year old FeLV+, Ember, was diagnosed with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia after CT scans and a consult between a surgeon and a radiologist. So far, her symptoms haven't been too scary: rapid breathing (but not open mouth breathing or panting) and an odd posture she sometimes assumes where she will stand with her forelegs and lie down with her back legs. This tells me that she might be having some discomfort (one lobe of her liver is involved in the hernia). She settles into lying down without problem, and she rests normally. The symptoms have only begun in the last few months, as far as I know (Ember and I weren't in the same part of the world for almost a year). We'd been fearing cancer, so this would seem to be good news. The surgeon is gung-ho to take care of business, and he has an excellent reputation with a lot of experience and education. However, I just spoke to one of Ember's two vets about this, and he said, If she were my cat, I don't think I would do it. He's concerned about moving the liver, and more importantly, about the surgeon having enough to work with when the hernia is likely congenital. Has anyone on the list had experience with congenital hernias in cats? I'd really like to get some more input before I make a decision. Thanks, Lance ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
Hi Lance I've seen diaphragmatic hernia repairs, and they were pretty straight-forward. I don't know that either was congenital, though. I understand the concerns brought up by the Vet, and it's worth consideration. My thought would be that since the symptoms are fairly recent, the hernia may have worsened. Since the displaced organs were likely in their proper places most of Ember's life, I'd think there will be enough tissue to do the repair. Moving the liver might be a concern, butallowing it to continue to compromise her lung and possibly other organsis also an issue. Can you talk to the surgeon about your concerns? Does s/he have any special qualifications? I don't mean that an excellent surgeon has to have additional credentials, but being ACV boarded can't hurt :) My surgeon of choice actually works in Shelter and Emergency medicine, and I'd trust her with anything she felt she could do.If you are confident in your surgeon, that goes a long way. S/he should be willing to help you with anything that concerns you, maybe by emailing a list of your questions so eveyone is othe same page beofre you talk.. I'd also ask _who_ stays with the animals at night, that can be key. Some clinics simply have a warm body who will notice anything severe, but you want at least a Vet tech who can not only institute emergency procedures but knows when to do so. How far away is the Vet in case of a problem?Teaching Hospitals have drawbacks as well,they can be noisy, impersonal nad the staff may be distracted. I'm not sure there is any perfect place. If you can talk to the Teaching Hospital about your concerns, and consider both options, maybe you will find you prefer one over the other. Do youhave a Veterinary Specilay clinic near you?I've had great experiences with that, they seem to have access to the local best-of-the-best. We'll be thinking of you, Margo -Original Message- From: Lance <lini...@fastmail.fm>Sent: Jun 14, 2013 3:31 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia Thank you for your thoughts, Margo.Yes, surgery is stressful, and it could cause the FeLV to kick in. We've been very fortunate, but you never know what will happen when FeLV, FIV, or any other random health issue is in the mix. I am concerned that the hernia could progress. Maybe it won't happen tomorrow or next week or next month, but it seems like something to treat sooner rather than pressing our luck. It does seem like this particular operation has a low incidence of mortality, and that the complications are usually easy to deal with. Hyperthermia is one of the most common complications, and that seems easy enough to guard against. I am considering taking her farther away to a veterinary teaching hospital, though the surgeon who did the diagnostic seems to be prepared for possibilities. I know that someone stays at his office all night to check on the animals. Still, yuck. Lance On Jun 14, 2013, at 12:58 PM, Margo toomanykitti...@earthlink.net wrote: Hi Lance, That's a really tough call. On the plus side is that Ember seems to tolerate anesthesia just fine.The unknown is whetherthe stress of surgery and recoverywill kick the FeLV back in. Gribble went under anesthesia to treat a partial urinary blockage, and that procedure seemed to be the catalyst that brought his FeLV to the surface. Before that we assumed that his negative FeLV/FIV test was accurate. But he would likely not have survived without the procedure. So it wasn't really optional. I would think that Ember's hernia is somewhat the same. It is causing her distress, and could worsen. I can't possibly understand how you feel, but I think were she my cat, I would try to get her as"ready" as possible with whatever treatments have seemed to be beneficial to her to, and have the hernia repaired. The only otheroption seems to be to treat her palliatively, with the hope thather symptoms don't progress. I'm thinking we'll all face this kind of choice, eventually.Mako has alump on his side. We're watching it. Maybe it will stay the same. Maybe we'llbe faced with a similar dilemma. I am sure that your choice will be the right one for Ember. It won't be easy, but you'll research and weigh the alternatives. And you will hold Ember's best interests first and foremost. All the best, Margo -Original Message-From: Lance<lini...@fastmail.fm>Sent: Jun 14, 2013 10:21 AMTo:felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic herniaHi Kat, That's good advice. As far as I know, Ember has done well with anesthesia. She's had two dentals in the last three years, and she was anesthetized for the CT scan two weeks ago. However, the stress of surgery is another consideration. Since Ember is doing reasonably well (other than a URI she might have right now), it might be prudent to take care of the hernia since s
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
She has long hair, my Annie has short hair with one white hair in the middle of her forehead. Lance lini...@fastmail.fm wrote: Thank you, Beth. Ember is black. Here's a picture of her: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s201/sh/a57b8e18-7c55-42e9-8c65-be8dcdbfc22e/b97d7ebbe0d39324107adc1f32bf1884 On Jun 14, 2013, at 12:35 PM, Beth create_me_...@yahoo.com wrote: Yes, what we all want is more time. Wishing you and Ember the best. What color is she, btw? Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Lance lini...@fastmail.fm To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, June 14, 2013 12:37 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia It's very tough. Surgeon is ready to go, and one vet says, Be careful. Most of what I've read seems to indicate that the surgery is *usually* safe, and that any complications should be minor. However, we all know how that goes... I'd just like more time with my sweet girl. On Jun 14, 2013, at 11:28 AM, Beth create_me_...@yahoo.com wrote: That's a tough decision, Lance. It does sound like she may be in pain, which is a stress, but so is surgery. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
Hi Lance, I have not had experience with congenital hernias - but I would be concerned since Ember is FelV+ You might want to check back with her 2 vets about using anesthesia putting her thru the stress of surgery. Kat (Mew Jersey) - Original Message - From: Lance Sent: 06/13/13 04:19 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia My 11 year old FeLV+, Ember, was diagnosed with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia after CT scans and a consult between a surgeon and a radiologist. So far, her symptoms haven't been too scary: rapid breathing (but not open mouth breathing or panting) and an odd posture she sometimes assumes where she will stand with her forelegs and lie down with her back legs. This tells me that she might be having some discomfort (one lobe of her liver is involved in the hernia). She settles into lying down without problem, and she rests normally. The symptoms have only begun in the last few months, as far as I know (Ember and I weren't in the same part of the world for almost a year). We'd been fearing cancer, so this would seem to be good news. The surgeon is gung-ho to take care of business, and he has an excellent reputation with a lot of experience and education. However, I just spoke to one of Ember's two vets about this, and he said, If she were my cat, I don't think I would do it. He's concerned about moving the liver, and more importantly, about the surgeon having enough to work with when the hernia is likely congenital. Has anyone on the list had experience with congenital hernias in cats? I'd really like to get some more input before I make a decision. Thanks, Lance ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
Hi Kat, That's good advice. As far as I know, Ember has done well with anesthesia. She's had two dentals in the last three years, and she was anesthetized for the CT scan two weeks ago. However, the stress of surgery is another consideration. Since Ember is doing reasonably well (other than a URI she might have right now), it might be prudent to take care of the hernia since she is showing symptoms of it. Unfortunately, it's a lot to think about. I'm hoping to talk to her primary vet today to discuss this some more. Lance On Jun 14, 2013, at 7:58 AM, kat merrykatme...@email.com wrote: Hi Lance, I have not had experience with congenital hernias - but I would be concerned since Ember is FelV+ You might want to check back with her 2 vets about using anesthesia putting her thru the stress of surgery. Kat (Mew Jersey) - Original Message - From: Lance Sent: 06/13/13 04:19 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia My 11 year old FeLV+, Ember, was diagnosed with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia after CT scans and a consult between a surgeon and a radiologist. So far, her symptoms haven't been too scary: rapid breathing (but not open mouth breathing or panting) and an odd posture she sometimes assumes where she will stand with her forelegs and lie down with her back legs. This tells me that she might be having some discomfort (one lobe of her liver is involved in the hernia). She settles into lying down without problem, and she rests normally. The symptoms have only begun in the last few months, as far as I know (Ember and I weren't in the same part of the world for almost a year). We'd been fearing cancer, so this would seem to be good news. The surgeon is gung-ho to take care of business, and he has an excellent reputation with a lot of experience and education. However, I just spoke to one of Ember's two vets about this, and he said, If she were my cat, I don't think I would do it. He's concerned about moving the liver, and more importantly, about the surgeon having enough to work with when the hernia is likely congenital. Has anyone on the list had experience with congenital hernias in cats? I'd really like to get some more input before I make a decision. Thanks, Lance ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
That's a tough decision, Lance. It does sound like she may be in pain, which is a stress, but so is surgery. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Lance lini...@fastmail.fm To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, June 14, 2013 10:21 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia Hi Kat, That's good advice. As far as I know, Ember has done well with anesthesia. She's had two dentals in the last three years, and she was anesthetized for the CT scan two weeks ago. However, the stress of surgery is another consideration. Since Ember is doing reasonably well (other than a URI she might have right now), it might be prudent to take care of the hernia since she is showing symptoms of it. Unfortunately, it's a lot to think about. I'm hoping to talk to her primary vet today to discuss this some more. Lance On Jun 14, 2013, at 7:58 AM, kat merrykatme...@email.com wrote: Hi Lance, I have not had experience with congenital hernias - but I would be concerned since Ember is FelV+ You might want to check back with her 2 vets about using anesthesia putting her thru the stress of surgery. Kat (Mew Jersey) - Original Message - From: Lance Sent: 06/13/13 04:19 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia My 11 year old FeLV+, Ember, was diagnosed with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia after CT scans and a consult between a surgeon and a radiologist. So far, her symptoms haven't been too scary: rapid breathing (but not open mouth breathing or panting) and an odd posture she sometimes assumes where she will stand with her forelegs and lie down with her back legs. This tells me that she might be having some discomfort (one lobe of her liver is involved in the hernia). She settles into lying down without problem, and she rests normally. The symptoms have only begun in the last few months, as far as I know (Ember and I weren't in the same part of the world for almost a year). We'd been fearing cancer, so this would seem to be good news. The surgeon is gung-ho to take care of business, and he has an excellent reputation with a lot of experience and education. However, I just spoke to one of Ember's two vets about this, and he said, If she were my cat, I don't think I would do it. He's concerned about moving the liver, and more importantly, about the surgeon having enough to work with when the hernia is likely congenital. Has anyone on the list had experience with congenital hernias in cats? I'd really like to get some more input before I make a decision. Thanks, Lance ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
It's very tough. Surgeon is ready to go, and one vet says, Be careful. Most of what I've read seems to indicate that the surgery is *usually* safe, and that any complications should be minor. However, we all know how that goes... I'd just like more time with my sweet girl. On Jun 14, 2013, at 11:28 AM, Beth create_me_...@yahoo.com wrote: That's a tough decision, Lance. It does sound like she may be in pain, which is a stress, but so is surgery. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
Yes, what we all want is more time. Wishing you and Ember the best. What color is she, btw? Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Lance lini...@fastmail.fm To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, June 14, 2013 12:37 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia It's very tough. Surgeon is ready to go, and one vet says, Be careful. Most of what I've read seems to indicate that the surgery is *usually* safe, and that any complications should be minor. However, we all know how that goes... I'd just like more time with my sweet girl. On Jun 14, 2013, at 11:28 AM, Beth create_me_...@yahoo.com wrote: That's a tough decision, Lance. It does sound like she may be in pain, which is a stress, but so is surgery. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
Hi Lance, That's a really tough call. On the plus side is that Ember seems to tolerate anesthesia just fine.The unknown is whetherthe stress of surgery and recoverywill kick the FeLV back in. Gribble went under anesthesia to treat a partial urinary blockage, and that procedure seemed to be the catalyst that brought his FeLV to the surface. Before that we assumed that his negative FeLV/FIV test was accurate. But he would likely not have survived without the procedure. So it wasn't really optional. I would think that Ember's hernia is somewhat the same. It is causing her distress, and could worsen. I can't possibly understand how you feel, but I think were she my cat, I would try to get her as"ready" as possible with whatever treatments have seemed to be beneficial to her to, and have the hernia repaired. The only otheroption seems to be to treat her palliatively, with the hope thather symptoms don't progress. I'm thinking we'll all face this kind of choice, eventually.Mako has alump on his side. We're watching it. Maybe it will stay the same. Maybe we'llbe faced with a similar dilemma. I am sure that your choice will be the right one for Ember. It won't be easy, but you'll research and weigh the alternatives. And you will hold Ember's best interests first and foremost. All the best, Margo -Original Message- From: Lance <lini...@fastmail.fm>Sent: Jun 14, 2013 10:21 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia Hi Kat, That's good advice. As far as I know, Ember has done well with anesthesia. She's had two dentals in the last three years, and she was anesthetized for the CT scan two weeks ago. However, the stress of surgery is another consideration. Since Ember is doing reasonably well (other than a URI she might have right now), it might be prudent to take care of the hernia since she is showing symptoms of it. Unfortunately, it's a lot to think about. I'm hoping to talk to her primary vet today to discuss this some more. Lance On Jun 14, 2013, at 7:58 AM, kat merrykatme...@email.com wrote: Hi Lance,I have not had experience with congenital hernias - but I would be concerned since Ember is FelV+You might want to check back with her 2 vets about using anesthesia putting her thru the stress of surgery.Kat (Mew Jersey) - Original Message - From: Lance Sent: 06/13/13 04:19 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia My 11 year old FeLV+, Ember, was diagnosed with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia after CT scans and a consult between a surgeon and a radiologist. So far, her symptoms haven't been too scary: rapid breathing (but not open mouth breathing or panting) and an odd posture she sometimes assumes where she will "stand" with her forelegs and lie down with her back legs. This tells me that she might be having some discomfort (one lobe of her liver is involved in the hernia). She settles into lying down without problem, and she rests normally. The symptoms have only begun in the last few months, as far as I know (Ember and I weren't in the same part of the world for almost a year). We'd been fearing cancer, so this would seem to be good news. The surgeon is gung-ho to take care of business, and he has an excellent reputation with a lot of experience and education. However, I just spoke to one of Ember's two vets about this, and he said, "If she were my cat, I don't think I would do it." He's concerned about moving the liver, and more importantly, about the surgeon having enough to work with when the hernia is likely congenital. Has anyone on the list had experience with congenital hernias in cats? I'd really like to get some more input before I make a decision. Thanks, Lance ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org___Felvtalk mailing listFelvtalk@felineleukemia.orghttp://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
Thank you, Beth. Ember is black. Here's a picture of her: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s201/sh/a57b8e18-7c55-42e9-8c65-be8dcdbfc22e/b97d7ebbe0d39324107adc1f32bf1884 On Jun 14, 2013, at 12:35 PM, Beth create_me_...@yahoo.com wrote: Yes, what we all want is more time. Wishing you and Ember the best. What color is she, btw? Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Lance lini...@fastmail.fm To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, June 14, 2013 12:37 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia It's very tough. Surgeon is ready to go, and one vet says, Be careful. Most of what I've read seems to indicate that the surgery is *usually* safe, and that any complications should be minor. However, we all know how that goes... I'd just like more time with my sweet girl. On Jun 14, 2013, at 11:28 AM, Beth create_me_...@yahoo.com wrote: That's a tough decision, Lance. It does sound like she may be in pain, which is a stress, but so is surgery. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
Thank you for your thoughts, Margo. Yes, surgery is stressful, and it could cause the FeLV to kick in. We've been very fortunate, but you never know what will happen when FeLV, FIV, or any other random health issue is in the mix. I am concerned that the hernia could progress. Maybe it won't happen tomorrow or next week or next month, but it seems like something to treat sooner rather than pressing our luck. It does seem like this particular operation has a low incidence of mortality, and that the complications are usually easy to deal with. Hyperthermia is one of the most common complications, and that seems easy enough to guard against. I am considering taking her farther away to a veterinary teaching hospital, though the surgeon who did the diagnostic seems to be prepared for possibilities. I know that someone stays at his office all night to check on the animals. Still, yuck. Lance On Jun 14, 2013, at 12:58 PM, Margo toomanykitti...@earthlink.net wrote: Hi Lance, That's a really tough call. On the plus side is that Ember seems to tolerate anesthesia just fine. The unknown is whether the stress of surgery and recovery will kick the FeLV back in. Gribble went under anesthesia to treat a partial urinary blockage, and that procedure seemed to be the catalyst that brought his FeLV to the surface. Before that we assumed that his negative FeLV/FIV test was accurate. But he would likely not have survived without the procedure. So it wasn't really optional. I would think that Ember's hernia is somewhat the same. It is causing her distress, and could worsen. I can't possibly understand how you feel, but I think were she my cat, I would try to get her as ready as possible with whatever treatments have seemed to be beneficial to her to, and have the hernia repaired. The only other option seems to be to treat her palliatively, with the hope that her symptoms don't progress. I'm thinking we'll all face this kind of choice, eventually. Mako has a lump on his side. We're watching it. Maybe it will stay the same. Maybe we'll be faced with a similar dilemma. I am sure that your choice will be the right one for Ember. It won't be easy, but you'll research and weigh the alternatives. And you will hold Ember's best interests first and foremost. All the best, Margo -Original Message- From: Lance Sent: Jun 14, 2013 10:21 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia Hi Kat, That's good advice. As far as I know, Ember has done well with anesthesia. She's had two dentals in the last three years, and she was anesthetized for the CT scan two weeks ago. However, the stress of surgery is another consideration. Since Ember is doing reasonably well (other than a URI she might have right now), it might be prudent to take care of the hernia since she is showing symptoms of it. Unfortunately, it's a lot to think about. I'm hoping to talk to her primary vet today to discuss this some more. Lance On Jun 14, 2013, at 7:58 AM, kat merrykatme...@email.com wrote: Hi Lance, I have not had experience with congenital hernias - but I would be concerned since Ember is FelV+ You might want to check back with her 2 vets about using anesthesia putting her thru the stress of surgery. Kat (Mew Jersey) - Original Message - From: Lance Sent: 06/13/13 04:19 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia My 11 year old FeLV+, Ember, was diagnosed with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia after CT scans and a consult between a surgeon and a radiologist. So far, her symptoms haven't been too scary: rapid breathing (but not open mouth breathing or panting) and an odd posture she sometimes assumes where she will stand with her forelegs and lie down with her back legs. This tells me that she might be having some discomfort (one lobe of her liver is involved in the hernia). She settles into lying down without problem, and she rests normally. The symptoms have only begun in the last few months, as far as I know (Ember and I weren't in the same part of the world for almost a year). We'd been fearing cancer, so this would seem to be good news. The surgeon is gung-ho to take care of business, and he has an excellent reputation with a lot of experience and education. However, I just spoke to one of Ember's two vets about this, and he said, If she were my cat, I don't think I would do it. He's concerned about moving the liver, and more importantly, about the surgeon having enough to work with when the hernia is likely congenital. Has anyone on the list had experience with congenital hernias in cats? I'd really like to get some
Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia
I would definitely want to take my babies somewhere where there is a person there with the animals all night. She is beautiful! Black cats are my favorite! Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Lance lini...@fastmail.fm To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, June 14, 2013 3:31 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia Thank you for your thoughts, Margo. Yes, surgery is stressful, and it could cause the FeLV to kick in. We've been very fortunate, but you never know what will happen when FeLV, FIV, or any other random health issue is in the mix. I am concerned that the hernia could progress. Maybe it won't happen tomorrow or next week or next month, but it seems like something to treat sooner rather than pressing our luck. It does seem like this particular operation has a low incidence of mortality, and that the complications are usually easy to deal with. Hyperthermia is one of the most common complications, and that seems easy enough to guard against. I am considering taking her farther away to a veterinary teaching hospital, though the surgeon who did the diagnostic seems to be prepared for possibilities. I know that someone stays at his office all night to check on the animals. Still, yuck. Lance On Jun 14, 2013, at 12:58 PM, Margo toomanykitti...@earthlink.net wrote: Hi Lance, That's a really tough call. On the plus side is that Ember seems to tolerate anesthesia just fine. The unknown is whether the stress of surgery and recovery will kick the FeLV back in. Gribble went under anesthesia to treat a partial urinary blockage, and that procedure seemed to be the catalyst that brought his FeLV to the surface. Before that we assumed that his negative FeLV/FIV test was accurate. But he would likely not have survived without the procedure. So it wasn't really optional. I would think that Ember's hernia is somewhat the same. It is causing her distress, and could worsen. I can't possibly understand how you feel, but I think were she my cat, I would try to get her as ready as possible with whatever treatments have seemed to be beneficial to her to, and have the hernia repaired. The only other option seems to be to treat her palliatively, with the hope that her symptoms don't progress. I'm thinking we'll all face this kind of choice, eventually. Mako has a lump on his side. We're watching it. Maybe it will stay the same. Maybe we'll be faced with a similar dilemma. I am sure that your choice will be the right one for Ember. It won't be easy, but you'll research and weigh the alternatives. And you will hold Ember's best interests first and foremost. All the best, Margo ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
