Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-26 Thread dlgegg
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  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  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
> > 
> 
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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-26 Thread Lance
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  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
> 

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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-25 Thread dlgegg
HOW is Ember doing?
Is this a congenital thing?

 Lance  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
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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-15 Thread dlgegg
She has long hair, my Annie has short hair with one white hair in the middle of 
her forehead.

 Lance  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  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 
> > 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  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
> > 
> > 
> > ___
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> > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
> 


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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-15 Thread Margo



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, but allowing it to continue to compromise her lung and possibly other organs is 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 you have 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 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 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 anest

Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-14 Thread Beth
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 
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  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
>> 
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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-14 Thread Lance
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  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  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

Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-14 Thread Lance
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  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 
> 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  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
>>  
> 
> 
> ___
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> 
> 
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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-14 Thread Margo



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 more input before I make a decision. 

Thanks, 

Lance 
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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-14 Thread Beth
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 
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  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
> 

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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-14 Thread Lance
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  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
>  

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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-14 Thread Beth
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 
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  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 
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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-14 Thread Lance
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  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 
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Re: [Felvtalk] [OT] congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

2013-06-14 Thread kat
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 
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