MENINGIOMA
This is the tale of Patch, an outdoor cat, who would happily spend his days touring the garden, patrolling for mice. One day, while, on tour, Patch was bitten on his tail – perhaps by another cat. The bite resulted in an abscess for which Patch received medical care. Life continued much as normal although he seemed to slow down and was behaving older than his twelve years. Patch seemed to prefer spending his time relaxing in sunny spots around the house rather than roaming the great outdoors. Once bitten, twice shy perhaps.
And, who would blame him?
It turned out this state of lethargy (mental state and change in behaviour) was, in fact, an early sign of illness. Patch’s people had no clue about the meningioma (a benign tumor of the meninges) rapidly enveloping the cat’s brain, and affecting his central nervous system.
Symptoms vary and may include:
- Visual deficits or complete loss of vision
- Confusion or agitation
- Abnormal behavior or mental state
- Uncoordinated movements
- Neck or back pain
- Seizures
His people believed this seeming disinterest and boredom was simply ‘old age.’
Then began an obvious decline in health. Patch became wobbly and weak and “absent-minded.” He fell over a few times; he would start circling and then fall over. It seemed he was unable to get up from the floor even when assisted by his people. He would just fall over.
Regarding the “absent-minded” issue, Patch’s people explain:
He would try to come through doors on the wrong side, thus boxing himself in. The most heart-breaking thing was one morning when we came down. He had gone out through the cat flap during the night. When we opened the door he was sitting out in the pouring rain – he was soaked to the skin. He had forgotten his little night shelter where he would have been warm and dry. He was sitting beside it!
Patch had also been pressing his head into walls. This odd behavior is a sign too few people have learned to recognize as a red flag! Please click to read this excellent resource about ‘Head Pressing.’
Believing the infection (from the bite) had perhaps affected his brain, Patch returned to his vet. An x-ray revealed a white area presumed to be a tumor. Langford Veterinary Services in Bristol was contacted, and Patch was rushed to the clinic that day. Surgery was scheduled with a Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Feline Medicine.
A thorough health history was reviewed including the onset and nature of symptoms followed by a complete physical exam, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and complete blood work. Further analysis included a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, (the protective and nourishing fluid circulating the brain and spinal cord).
During this examination process, it was determined that Patch had lost the sight in his right eye.
Tissue biopsies are frequently used to diagnose meningioma, however, computerized Imaging and scans are the most valuable resource for identifying lesions and their localization.
Patch was the first cat his (local) vet has known to have the surgery. Believed to be, for the most part due to cost.
The situation was daunting for Patch’s people. Add to that the stress of driving nearly four hours, round-trip and to be separated from their companion during the three our procedure and his recovery period. It was agreed that Patch would do better without having them come and go while he was healing as it might confuse him. He might think he was going home.
Imagine having to make the incredibly difficult decision to proceed with surgery or end your companion’s life. For some people, surgery or saying goodbye are the only two (humane) options.
Patch’s people were beyond relieved to have Pet Health Insurance, and there was no question regarding the surgery. They did not have to make that choice.
It didn’t occur to us not to proceed with the surgery. We only realized later how truly grateful we are that we did not have to make that heartbreaking decision
Sadly, most people would have to say goodbye to their companions. The cost of Patch’s surgery plus care and after-treatment was £5,700!!!
I do not regret paying each month for insurance. It is something you hope never to use, and I hope no one else has to. The peace of mind alone is worth it
Surgery is not a guarantee, and the DVM suggested there was a 20% chance Patch would not survive the procedure. For treatment to be considered a complete success, surgical removal of the entire tumor is required, but not always possible. Tumors are not always accessible for surgical removal, and incomplete removal occurs due to the invasiveness of the tumor. Radiation therapy may be recommended in these cases.
Without surgery, however, it was estimated Patch might have two weeks to live. In his current state, his people realized it was no way to live.
The prognosis with successful surgery is virtually complete recovery with at least another two years, but could go on longer. The hospital says Patch will probably die of something else eventually – hopefully old age
The surgery was a success, and Patch was a model patient, even eating a short time after the procedure. He made a quick recovery, with no setbacks.
An update from his people:
We need to buy Patch some toys as he is so playful and full of fun! It is a joy to have the original Patch back. His coat has grown, he’s sleek and glossy, he’s chatting and loving and very obviously well, happy and loving life.
Well done Patch xx
Resources:
Thank you for sharing this story! Another reason having pet insurance is really important.
Spencer the Goldendoodle recently posted…5 Easy Steps for Playing in the Snow
Thanks Spencer!
Thanks for sharing this story. Pet insurance can be a godsend is these situations.
Pawesome Cats recently posted…Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day
Thank you for visiting!
I’m glad they figured out what was wrong and the surgery was successful. I’ve heard that head pressing means you should go straight to the vet!
It’s amazing how animals are able to communicate things to us!
So glad to know Patch has not only recovered, but is thriving! Purrs from the Zee/Zoey kitties
Thank you Zee and Zoey!
Great story – yes, its amazing what can happen when we understand what the issue is. A great testimonial for pet insurance.
Thank you Jodi.
Oh my goodness, Patch! What a story. Sharing…
Kristen–well minded recently posted…when your little dog wants to indulge #chewyinfluencer
Thank you Kristen!
Thanks for sharing your story! Pet Insurance is so important!
Golden Daily Scoop recently posted…Curbing Your Dog’s Boredom #ChewyInfluencer
Our pleasure. Hopefully the information will help others.
What an amazing story! I’m so happy that Patch’s people had insurance and were able to get him the surgery he needed. I do plan to get insurance for future cats – mine are both old and have special needs, so insurance isn’t possible for them. Instead, I put money aside for emergencies in case they occur.
I hope Patch lives for years to come and remains healthy!
Fur Everywhere recently posted…National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day
I hope you don’t have to use that emergency fund. Thanks for visiting!
That would be so scary! I’m glad that Patch’s family was able to have the surgery done. It would be hard to pull together that amount of money in the time frame needed. Patch is a very blessed kitty. I’m so glad that he made it through!
Robin recently posted…All About the Birmans Word Search
So are we. Thanks Robin.
What a scary series of events — I’m also a hug fan of pet insurance as we have spent many evenings in the ER and one of our dogs was diagnosed with an immune mediated disease. Having an option and knowing we would get a percentage of bills taken care of was crucial. Thanks for this post.
Christine Caplan recently posted…Photo Tips for Animal Rescues and Shelters
Thanks Christine. I’m so glad you were able to receive the care necessary for your dog too.
Thank you so much for this article, as a mum of two cats I can’t thank you enough! It was so sad… but thankfully with a happy ending. Purraying for Patch!
Annette, for Isa & Betty xx
Thank you Annette. I hope this information helps others.
Oh poor Patch but how great he got the treatment he needed. Not many people could afford that. Thanks for sharing. It is so scary how many things can go wrong.
Talent Hounds recently posted…Reise Playing
Thank you. Yes, and money is the last thing people need to worry about at times like those.
I’m very happy that it turned out so well. Pet insurance can be priceless.
M. K. Clinton recently posted…Outward Hound’s Kibble Drop Puzzle #Chewy.com
It’s something you hope never to use but so very grateful to have if needed.
I’m so glad that Patch is doing well! I have heard of ‘headpressing’, but didn’t know what it was associated with. This is a really important post. Thank you for writing about Patch’s experience!
I hope it helps others. Thanks for visiting Heather.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for visiting!
I’m glad everything turned out fine. Pet insurance really can be helpful at times like these!
Thank you Kia.
Wow, what a story!
Jenna “HuskyCrazed” Drady recently posted…A Siberians Wet Nose And a Spooky Tale
…with a happy ending (thankfully).
What wonderful news about Patch! I also have Pet Insurance for Truffle and Brulee. At this time, the vet makes me pay up front and the insurance reimburses me within a week, but it would be very difficult to pay the high cost up front.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Sunday Selfie
It would be quite a chunk of change to put down – perhaps in these situations an alternative solution could be worked out. I hope you never have to find that out!
What a very lucky cat! I’m so glad his humans had pet insurance and were able to make the decision that was based on his needs and chances, not by what they could afford.
Beth recently posted…Fetching!
Very well put, Beth! Thank you.
Wow, what a story!
I’m glad to hear that Patches was able to have surgery and that he is feeling much better.
Thank you Mary.
Wonderful cautionary tale on making assumptions about a pet’s behavior. So glad Patch got a new lease on life through the operation. The right insurance is a life saver.
Thanks Mary. Yes, can’t speak enough about Insurance!
What a wonderfully uplifting story! I’m so glad Patch made it through brain surgery so well. Definitely a good validation of why pet insurance can be so important.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Patch is a great example. Thanks Cathy.
What a wonderful story that illustrates the importance of pet insurance!! Love that Patch is back to his happy self!
Thanks Rachel!
Pet insurance saved patch’s life and saved pet parents from the untimely grief.
Aca Baranton recently posted…How to remove tick from dog with alcohol