Mammary tumor in my Maine Coon, Tuffie

[Digit]

The vet removed it w/a laser (last week) and believes she got all of it. Test results have shown it was malignant. X-rays did not show any lesions in the lungs and the vet says her bloodwork was good and her organs feel good. No weight loss as yet. She healed wonderfully from the operation and is her normal energetic self.
She is 11 years old.
Anyone have any additional suggestions or helpful tips?

[underseasurveyor]

1. No tips or suggestions

But I just wanted to tell you I'm so happy to hear your baby is well and I hope she stays that way for another 11 years:-)

My entire world just isn't right when one of my furry kids is sick. Bless her little feline heart and give Tuffie a kiss, from me:*

[sleepyhead]

2. Not much more you can do right now.

About 98% of feline mammary tumors are malignant. But some grow slower than others. I hope that's the case with Tuffie (especially since the surgery seems to have been successful). There is no good adjunct therapy - radiation and chemotherapy don't work all that well for these. You will want to keep checking her underside for any lumps and bumps (which might mean recurrence) and let your vet know immediately. It's a good idea, if at all possible, to have a full exam and chest x-ray done every 6 months or so just to stay on top of things.

P.S. Maine Coons are great cats! I have one named Willy who has severe cardiomyopathy (controlled with medication). He and I send best wishes to Tuffie.

[demnan]

3. I hope Tuffie stays healthy for a long time to come

I think keeping an eye out for lumps is something we should all do for our pets.

[Lorien]

4. Just my usual suggestion

to feed your kitty holistic foods instead of commercial-even "premium"- brands. Commercial foods contain "pet grade" ingredients; spoiled meats, sweepings from slaughter house floors, and even road kill-basically that which is illegal to feed to you is put into nearly all commercial brands. I know several people who had pets with chronic illnesses-including cancer-who swear that switching to holistic, human grade foods "healed" their pets and saved their lives. I would recommend Organix dry cat food for Tuffie, and Wellness canned food. You can find these brands and more human grade pet foods at http://nationalpetpharmacy.com/store/dept_brands.asp?dept%5Fid=131 and www.waggintails.com

Good luck! I'm sending good kitty Karma your way :hug:

[Eurobabe]

5. do you consider Royal Canin to be commercial?

I had both cats on Natura for awhile, but my little one developed a bladder/crystal problem on it, so I switched to Royal Canin. Tried Blue Buffalo but neither one is fond of that either.

Dang cats are fuss-pots! But I love them anyhow....

[Lorien]

7. Yes, the ingredients aren't human grade BUT

my guess is that what is considered "pet grade" in Canada isn't as vile as the "pet grade" meats in the US.

My cats LOVE Organix and Artemis Fresh Mix (actually, I've never met a cat who didn't go wild for Artemis). You can finds an Artemis retailer near you by going to www.artemiscompany.com . There's a good chance that if a retailer carries Artemis, they'll also carry Organix.

[Eurobabe]

6. Oh my, sending Ms. Tuffie a big hug

hope she stays well....

[Digit]

8. We appreciate the advice and well-wishes!

Tuffie and I both thank everyone very much!
Although I did not find a retailer closeby, mail order will suffice for now.
I will let my vet know about these sites, too, just in case!
Meow!