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- Jun 8, 2008
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Alex’s biopsy was today. Vet is confident it’s cancer. We’ll have to wait for the results to be 100% sure, but... he’s sure.
Vaccine Associated Fibrosarcoma. They now give certain vaccines with adjuvants known to cause this problem in some cases in specific areas, so they can track which vaccine caused a given incident. Back right hock = rabies shot.
If it’s metastasized, there’s no point in taking the leg, and prognosis is very bad. So him losing his leg - because it hasn’t spread - is our best case scenario. They won’t be able to just excise the tumour because it’s a sort that isn’t clearly demarcated, so they have to take the mass plus a literal pound of flesh in all directions around it. I get it, logically, but I’m having a hard time “hoping” for that.
Vaccines known to cause problems in cats. I’m beyond shocked. How the h*ll can this be happening, after decades of fussing over human vaccines? The silver lining is that Alex got his on his leg rather than between his shoulderblades, as they used to do - you can remove a leg. Not much you can do about neck and back.
He’s so tiny under all that fur. 16lbs.
He’s purring up a storm, eating like a maniac, snuggling desperately, and taking his pain meds like a champ. Doesn’t like the cold compress and hasn’t figured out the cone - he’s limping around backward, which would be completely adorable if it wasn’t completely horrifying.
From a few days ago - self-inflicted kitty jail...
I am so sorry @yssie and I will be praying it hasn't metastasized and that removing the leg will cure him. I am so so sorry. Sending Alex bucketloads of healing dust and big hugs and sending you lots of good wishes and gentle hugs. Praying for a best case scenario outcome for Alex. He is a very handsome boy.
I am horrified to learn that the rabies vaccine could have caused this. They just made us give rabies vaccines to all of our (indoor) cats because we hadn't done so since we first rescued them. I know it is legally required but there was no risk to our indoor cats whatsoever but this vet insisted and since we had no choice but to bring them for treatments with this vet we complied. I am shocked to read of this possible side effect.
Dear Yssie I am so sorry and hoping the cancer did not metastasize and that Alex ultimately will recover from this and go on to lead a long happy life with you and your dh. {{{Hugs}}}.