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So I need to take cat to emergency hospital to get the barium x-ray as my vet (new place, 2nd opinion) is understaffed. I am unsure whether I should take him to the 24/7 vet hospital or take him to the first vet I went to. The first vet would be much more expensive. This will be much more expensive and drain my bank account even more.
I noticed something new. The hair on his neck seems to be gone. I think it could be because he's not eating and that is causing a vitamin deficiency.
I keep telling myself that since the blood work came back fine, that he'll be okay but I am really worrying now.
(Sorry I keep constantly responding.. just worried and keeping people updated.)
Take him wherever you're most comfortable with the staff. If both places are just going to do the exact same medical procedure, then it's the bedside manner that counts the most.
You should also call and find out exactly what it's going to cost at each place in case there's a difference. There is financing available through this company should you require
No apologies necessary...! I'm sorry he's still not eating and drinking much...syringe feeding bites the big one, but it is an option if you know he's not getting enough nutrition...you mix water with soft canned food and make a gruel out of it so it can be pumped from the syringe into his mouth more easily and also to make sure he's getting enough moisture.
I'm hoping this will turn out to be a stubborn hairball that they can flush out with lots of fluids...I'm inclined to think the emergency vet center might be a better choice since the staff is usually much more prepared for things like placing catheters, etc. since they do it so many times every single night...it's MUCH harder to find a vein if an animal is dehydrated and techs at e-centers are used to those kinds of challenges. Also if they have digital x-ray capabilities (many do nowadays) you'll know the results a lot faster and won't have to wait as long for treatment to commence.
I got in from ER vet. I took the X-rays for them to review and the vet (2nd one) faxed over the blood work. It doesn't look good. From looking at the blood work, his white blood cell count (and something else I cannot remember) are very high. We're talking off the charts high.
The veterinarian told me we could be looking at some liver damage (as there is some yellow discoloration), an infection, or cancer. She re did blood work so a specialist can look at it. I am at only about $200 left before I am completely broke. I am so mad at the second vet because he told me "everything is fine just slightly high glucose" but looking at the results, even I can tell that is not the case.
They gave him some SQ fluids and Maropitant at vet, and a Mirtazapine pill (cut into fourths) for me to give him. I know the Mirtazapine is to get him to want to eat. The other two, no clue, that is what invoice says.
I am hoping he will be normal even if just for a few days. He was washing himself on the way home and is doing so now which is good since he has not done that in a while. The next step will be fixing whatever the bloodwork shows and if it is inconclusive, more tests, if I can afford them.
I am so emotionally (and financially) drained, I dunno what to do. I want my normal (even if he is fat) kitty cat back but I am losing faith in that ever happening again.
Glucose is a little high but nothing to alarm about and it could be caused by stress.
The doctor gave him a different medicine. He said. it is either an obstruction of something small that isn't showing up on an x-ray (i.e. - swallowed something he shouldn't have) or just a minor infection and he'll be good to go.
If he doesn't get better, next step is a barium test where they give him this liquid and it will coat organs (and if he swallowed anything, coat that) and pull it up on an x-ray.
So overall, it isn't anything like kidney failure and it is narrowed down to one of a two things but still unsure yet.
I'm just glad it isn't anything majorly serious.
ps: last night my cat ate some pork. First time he'd eaten voluntarily in a while.
My dog at age 12 kidney, she did live 2 years as a normal dog.
I wish and pray all will work!
My dog at age 12 kidney, she did live 2 years as a normal dog.
I wish and pray all will work!
To the OP, my 16 1/2 year old kitty was diagnosed with kidney/renal failure this past spring..she is doing GREAT on the treatment (medication, special food and twice a week fluids) and as fiesty as ever. Don't give up hope! I am sorry the last vet totally missed some very important information...I would go in there and raise hell!
I am so emotionally (and financially) drained, I dunno what to do. I want my normal (even if he is fat) kitty cat back but I am losing faith in that ever happening again.
While it can all seem just totally overwhelming, you must - for Mario's sake - continue to have faith. I'm really really sorry.
You most definitely should contact the second vet and let them know what's what. You don't have to be rude or nasty, but if an error was made, it should be brought to their attention. It's strange, but we (as a culture) are more wary of pointing out potential errors made by a professional than, say, a car mechanic.
Vets are human beings and most do and can appreciate the financial strain a sick animal can put on a bank account. Some are willing to discuss payment plans, some are not. Some have application forms for companies like the link I posted in their waiting rooms, some don't. But the long and the short of it is that if Mario is going to cost more than you have, some sort of arrangement needs to be made. It's always a good idea to research the options before you actually need them.
When are you expecting to get the second set of blood results?
I was able to get Care Credit, a credit card strictly for vet bills. I was only able to get $500. Outside of that, there was nothing that could be done.
I fully plan on calling the second vet and calmly explaining what happened.
I get the second set of results back today or tomorrow.
I was able to get Care Credit, a credit card strictly for vet bills. I was only able to get $500. Outside of that, there was nothing that could be done.
I fully plan on calling the second vet and calmly explaining what happened.
I get the second set of results back today or tomorrow.
My cat started the foamy puking after a bad reaction to a flea treatment. Don't remember the name but it was the kind you put on the neck. Will never buy that stuff again, if I could remember the name!!
To me, his symptoms sound like poisoning...
Good luck with Mario & am sending y'all some zen healing your way!
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