by Tina Valant

Created on: May 03, 2008

Claudia is a very loving rescued tabby girl, who usually sleeps on my pillow. In August, just before bed, I was rubbing her tummy, and felt what appeared to be a hard marble. It did not hurt her, for me to touch or manipulate it. Being as hard as it was, I knew it wasn't a fatty cyst, and it was very near the skin's surface.

The following day, I brought her to our vet, she attested with a frightful serenade, during the twenty minute trip, from her carrier. I had a feeling what it was. Sadly, I was right. Two days later she went under the knife and had one large and three small mammary tumors removed. My vet suggested a monthly to do "breast check" on her and monitor if they came back. No problem, since she gently head-butts you or purrs like a Harley Davidson for attention. Belly rubs are her favorite thing.

Since the mammary glands are in a chain, these can develop quickly and multiply. Left untreated, they invade the lymph nodes and move to the lungs, resulting in breathing complications, pain and then having to euthanize.

Well, the blasted things are back. When I called my vet, she said, "Wait, this cat is still alive?" I gasped, "What do you mean?" She said they usually only last a few months" I am glad I did not KNOW THAT! I now feel four on the right and two on the left. We have a surgery appointment on Tuesday morning. The good news is I caught them quickly and she's only eleven.

All my pets are on a strict diet of fresh, holistic food and treats. The diet has definitely increased Claudia's energy level; her coat is incredible and shiny. Holistic foods (no corn, wheat, soy, or by-products and only natural preservatives) support a strong immune system, and help the pet to heal more quickly.

Being an indoor cat, she was spayed at five years old. You can reduce the incidence of mammary tumors by spaying within the cat's first two years. Here's yet another reason.

My vet often jokes with me, that I know every inch of each of all my pet's bodies. Yes, I do that's part of my job, being a responsible pet parent. I prefer to be proactive, not reactive. How many people just brush it off, and then are faced with a crisis situation? By diligently monitoring your pet's health, changes in behavior, weight or habits, can save their life! >".."<

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