Bengal Has Lymphoma

Or we think so. He's lost 2.5 lbs (almost 20% of his body weight) in the last few weeks (not exactly sure when it started). Took him in to the vet today. Vet felt an abdominal mass, so did an x-ray. Kidneys enlarged (nearly twice normal size), heart not visible due to pleural effusion (fluid in the chest cavity). Combination of symptoms and location of the mass indicates lymphoma, for which there is no cure. All we can do is slow it down and/or treat the symptoms.

We'll wait on the blood work to come back (probably Saturday) so we can make an informed decision. Hoping it comes back that he's okay to start steroids to reduce the inflammation of the kidneys and spark his appetite. Vet assures us that he is not in any immediate danger (assuming he starts eating in the next few days), nor is he in much/any pain for now. If he can't take the steroids, then I'm not sure what we'll do.



I know he's 14 years old, but DH was there when he was born, and he's been in our home since he was 7 weeks old, nearly as long as we've been married. He was just a little 2lb fluffball when he came home. Now he's a 15 lb brute (and not overweight at 15 lbs), and about as brutal as a powder puff (but mind the claws). It's breaking my heart to see him down to nearly 12 lbs. We want him to be with us a little while longer, but we don't want him to suffer. Cross your paws for us, please.

Currently feeling: miserable