[JViello]

My good buddy - my maine coon Leonardo 5 years young has been diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma. (Cancer) We had to make an unexpected decision on the operating table to try and save him or put him down. (We were just expecting a blockage of some sort)

We chose to fight.

Can anyone recommend a veterinary oncologist in the state or even a neighboring state? I found two places, one in Norwalk and one in Springfield MA but I know nothing about them.

This guy is like family to us...never leaves our side, and has helped me get through some really hard personal times so I'm going to give it everything I've got for him in return.

This is he:



Thanks in advance for any help.

Best,

Jay

[mlassoff]

JViello-

Sorry to hear this. If you're an animal lover you're ok in my book.

Good luck.

M

[kidyankee764]

Really sorry to hear this - I'll ask around, as I don't know any myself. Kudos for putting up the fight. Can't hurt to ask for donations to be sent to the oncologist either if you're in a financial strap - you'd be surprised how many people would donate to save a furry friend.

I'll see what I can dig up and post back.

[Tetto]

JV- I'll ask my buddy- he's a vet I'm sure he'll know someone. His wife is a small animal vet too, we'll find someone for the little guy. As an animal lover myself, I feel your pain...

[DawnMTL]

Aw crap, I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm unnaturally attached to my dog, so I totally get your pain, fear, and sadness.

I don't know anything about cats, but I do know that my vet practice has a whole "wing" for non-routine needs.

Here's their website: Home

I also know that there's a canine oncology place in Windsor (or South Windsor?), but I don't know if they handle felines, too.

Oh, I just looked them up. They're in South Windsor and they DO handle felines.

Here's their website:
http://www.vcahospitals.com/valley
http://www.petcancercenter.org/CT_Ve..._Hospital.html

I have no direct knowledge about them, other than passing the building once and praying that I'd never need to know them personally for my dog.

Get well, Leonardo!

[JViello]

Thanks everyone for the kind words and offers of help. Dawn, that's excellent information. Thank you so much.

Kidyankee, I have private insurance on our pets and they generally cover 90% of most things, and offer a dollar amount toward diagnosis (Biopsy etc) and it looks like they'll cover $1200 worth of chemo up to $300 per hit.

That certainly helps as it should cover about net 50% of everything. At this point, I don't care what it takes. Once I committed to it, I'm in. I don't believe in doing things half way...just not me. If it gets really crazy and I have to sell the snowmachine whatever. Leo is worth it to me.

He really is part of our family, and well Maine Coon cats are a breed unto themselves. Ever see a cat fetch? Growl at strangers who knock at the door like a dog?

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206497_215401591809110_100000178112187_1000739_604 2211_n.jpg (broken link)
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/217572_215401645142438_100000178112187_1000743_173 8604_n.jpg (broken link)
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217492_215403275142275_100000178112187_1000787_802 4593_n.jpg (broken link)
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217064_215401825142420_100000178112187_1000754_291 074_n.jpg (broken link)

I can't go through a family photo album without him being in there somehow.

Maine coons are generally bulleproof (Grandmother had one live to 21 and had to be put down due to kidney failure!) so I'm both very surprised at this diagnosis, but optimistic that his genes will help. All his bloodwork indicated a healthy cat. Go figure.

Ahh crap, I'm choking up again...

[jjinla]

So sorry to hear about this. I know an awesome doctor in LA, which won't help you for visits but perhaps they would be willing to consult with a local doctor if you can't find one here.

My cat was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma when he was about 12 or so, and put up a good fight for about 2 years (but he also had weak kidneys and was much older, so your's could certainly do much better). Our doctor was not very supportive of the IV chemo, though, FWIW. She thought it was too much for the animal (but maybe just for mine at 12?) and instead we opted for a low-dose at home chemo (it was a pill). I seem to recall he also took some form of prednisone, cyproheptadine (appetite stimulant), reglan (for vomiting) and zantac (same).

Best of luck and PM me if you need anything else.

[JayCT]

JViello - I too am so sorry to hear about your cat. Having gone through problems with our 14 year old dog a few years back I know how hard it is when you have a sick pet. Fortunately yours is young and I am sure will recover. I wish I had an answer to your question. Wishing you the best. Jay

[Beeker2211]

JV,

I'm really sorry to hear. I'll ask around to my friends and see if they know of any good practices in they might know of.

Best of luck.

[JViello]

I've been getting some great information here and on DM, thank you all for the help.

He'll be going home tomorrow, and I'll have about 10 days healing time before we start chemo.

Whoever gave me rep points, thanks for the LOL. Yes you can probably eat off the bike and garage floor. LOL