Would you do surgery on a 13 year old cat? W/ tmi

My cat has an issue with his colon. He has a hard time pooping, and periodically we give him enemas at home. Every few months he has to go to the vet to have a more heavy-duty (no pun intended) enema.

So I don't know what to do. He also has a heart murmur. My vet said when this issue popped up, that he would not operate if it was his cat but he just reversed himself. Anyone have a similar experience or have any advice?

Re: Would you do surgery on a 13 year old cat? W/ tmi

I have no experience with cats. But, my friend's cat has the same problem and she did not put her through surgery. The cat is on medication instead, in addition to regular trips to the vet for cleansings. The cat is really suffering. I don't know much about cats, but I know some cats who've lived past 20 yrs old, so 13 is kind of upper middle age, no?

Without knowing the particulars, I would say that if it were my cat, I'd explore the surgery option further before deciding but would be leaning towards it. I'd ask: Does the vet think he can survive the surgery with the heart murmur? how many years could he live post-surgery? What will happen if you don't have the surgery? How long? What kind of symptoms/suffering with the cat endure?

Good luck. It sounds like a hard decision.

ETA: My friend's cat has been dealing with this for over 2 years as well as spent almost year in a two foster homes (in ohio and then pittsburgh) plus another move to europe, so the cat had additional stressors going on which surely impacted her health

Message edited 4/24/2010 5:21:34 PM.

Re: Would you do surgery on a 13 year old cat? W/ tmi

My cat lived until she was 18. When she got older, I always said I would never put her through surgery. (I'm pretty sure I remember she had a heart murmur too.) Well, at 16 she developed a growth on her paw that got bigger and bigger then started to bleed. One vet said b/c of her age he wouldn't do surgery but when I brought her for a second opinion (to a vet I really trusted) she suggested we do it. We did and it was the best decision. She was so much better after that. I really believe if you can help them at any age, go for it. Good luck with your decision.

Re: Would you do surgery on a 13 year old cat? W/ tmi

my baby is 10....if his crytals come back...he has to become a she...If there is something I can do- I woud do it

Re: Would you do surgery on a 13 year old cat? W/ tmi

If my cat had any chance to do well with the surgery, I would definitely do it. Can you start using lactulose (laxative) periodically for the cat? Is surgery the only option?

13 is not that old. If it could improve your cat's life, I would really consider it.

Message edited 4/25/2010 1:47:57 AM.

Re: Would you do surgery on a 13 year old cat? W/ tmi

Re: Would you do surgery on a 13 year old cat? W/ tmi

definitely worrying. you would not be normal if you didn't worry. good luck and keep us posted, please!

Re: Would you do surgery on a 13 year old cat? W/ tmi

Sorry that your kitty is sick. My Bubba had colon cancer diagnosed in late 2008. He was 13 and healthy otherwise. They did surgery (it was major surgery) to remove it and after 5 days of recovery, came home and did great! I took him 1x a month for chemo and he lived another 9 months, but a really GOOD 9 months...he had more energy and life in him than he had in years.

I would get a 2nd opinion before doing the surgery. It's worth it.

Re: Would you do surgery on a 13 year old cat? W/ tmi