Friday, January 04, 2008

Update on the Old One

This morning we packed Pandora into her travelling crate to go to the V.E.T.
Her vet for the last eight years has been her precious 'Uncle' Tim, a lovely man and an extremely good vet who is fantastic with fractious cats - and Pandora defines fractious! He has also cared for Ambrose (who died in 2001) and Echo (who died in 2004) and currently, Charlie.
But lately staffing changes have meant Pandora has had to get used to new vets.
Auntie Elena is one of her favourites - a lovely Spanish lady from Madrid.
Auntie Julie - she doesn't like her so much.
And today Pandora met another new vet, Auntie Helen.

Helen was quick, gentle, understanding and dealt with us as well as Pandora (one of the reasons we still use this practice even though it is more expensive than others).
She checked out the lump, then checked out Pandora's lymph nodes and certain specific parts of her anatomy.

As we hoped, it's unlikely to be cancer. It's more likely a lipoma, as I suspected. It's actually on her ribs and not on her shoulder.
She's not 'sick', she doesn't limp, she is eating fine, sleeping well, using her tray properly and still leaping (albeit gently!) onto laps, chairs, tables and boxes. Not bad for an 18yr old cat - which translates roughly to 85-90yrs old!
We politely refused unnecessary testing, figuring it would upset the old dear too much.
We agreed to watch her carefully for the next couple of months and whip her back to the vet if she appears ill or in discomfort.

Once her claws were clipped she was crated back up for the trip home.

Of course, the old madam got her own back, managing to throw up and wee simultaneously on the way home while her crate was on my lap.


Pandora: we know your time here is not infinite but we will still keep you with us, healthy and content, as long as possible.

Mama cq

12 comments:

Kaz's Cats said...

G'day from downunder,

That's really good news about Pandora. It sounds like the lump should be okay without any further intervention. I (Gypsy) am a geezer cat and I had a sebaceous lump on my shoulder for ages and ages. Like you, Mum didn't want me to have any surgery or anything 'cos I'm a geezer. Everything worked out okay, so we'll purr that Pandora stays well.

Purrs & Headbutts

Gypsy & Tasha

The Crew said...

Pandy dear, at 18 years of age, you should be living in luxurious comfort and be allowed to do anything you want to do!

We've missed you & Charlie.


The Crew

Victor Tabbycat said...

Fanks fur the update! We hafn't furgotted you, Charlie an Pandora! Glad to here you're doing ok. Don't let them vets furget that yur fractious. Purrs!

The Meezers or Billy said...

YAY we is so happy it was only a lipoma!!!

Hi Charlie Dude

momsbusy said...

good to hear that it is not cancer. pandora is doing very well for a youthful 18 years. may she have many more delightful days to come.

Terry said...

Yay for Pandora!
I agree...Pandora doesn't even look her age!
And I also think that both of these kitties enjoy a pampered life!!..
I think that their mama makes sure of that!

Fat Eric said...

Pandora looks furry good for 18. We have missed you two in the blogosphere. How is Charlie, my floofy ginger buddy?

Black Cat said...

Oh, I'm so glad to see this update, I was getting really worried about you guys. Good news Pandora, I'm so glad it's not cancer and you certainly look very youthful for an 18-year-old! Long may you reign:) xxx

Anonymous said...

That is very good news for Pandora. Hooray!

Just Ducky said...

Goodness, I had not checked in lately. Purrs to Pandora and keep us updated when you have time.

Beau said...

Good to hear from you!! We are very glad and relieved to know the good news!! Mom and I hope both of you live for years to come!!

Christine and FAZ said...

We are purring for Pandora in our house and hope all is well. FAZ