Question
Profile Image
Mel | 5 years ago
Please Help!! Over Labor Day Weekend We Had To Hospitalize Our 1year Old Cat For A …

Please help!!

Over Labor Day weekend we had to hospitalize our 1year old cat for a bladder blockage. We didn’t have the funds for the procedure and we didn’t want our cat to die. He’s really my son’s cat who is 7 and would just be heartbroken.
He got his bladder flushed, came home 3 days later. We had to open a line of credit on carecredit that is now maxed out. Finished all his medications and seemed fine until today.
He isn’t peeing, seems lethargic. I tried manually expressing him but to no avail. Nothing but some drops of blood come out.
I’m crying as I’m writing this because we can’t afford another costly procedure and this is can obviously be fatal.

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. I know how costly and devastating this can be for pet parents. I think it’s time to call everyone you can think of to see if anyone will either help you out financially or help you out to see if he is blocked again. I think he needs to be seen by a vet immediately as he can die if he is blocked. We all dread these cases. I have had so many over my career. When I get them the first time I always warn that they often have repeat episodes for months until we can get the diet changed and the urinary system happy. I won’t euthanize a blocked cat but I am the exception these days in vet med I fear. I recommend you see a vet immediately add call everyone you can asking for assistance. There isn’t anything else I can offer. I’m sorry.

  2. Sarah

    Hello- I am so sorry. The only other advice I can offer is to plead with your vet to help you in any possible way … paying a little at a time, paying as soon as you can, anything.

Question
Profile Image
Pam Brooks | 5 years ago
My Cat Lucas Is Still Sick With Horner’s Syndrome. After Many Tests Have Not Been …

My cat Lucas is still sick with Horner’s syndrome. After many tests have not been able to determine a definitive cause. I would like to look into getting a myringotomy for him so I can know what the fluid in his middle ear is. It is causing him to have serious nasal issues every time he eats. Does anyone know if this procedure – myringotomy – is ever done by a regular vet, or does it require a specialist. And what have others paid. Any information would be helpful. See recent photo of Lucas – with his good eye. The other eye is affected by Horner’s syndrome.

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I don’t know enough about your cats case to offer any real advice. I have seen horners take months to resolve. And I’m not sure what triggered your cats condition. My best advice is to see a feline specialist or neurologist to discuss diagnostics and options. I don’t think you will find anyone outside of then to discuss this procedure. I would also strongly recommend that you ask yourself why you are worried about it and what potential side effects you might see if you pursue treatment plans without confirming the underlying cause. I leave Horner s alone unless a pet parent wants to do a CT scan. And I refer them if so. If your cat is happy and eating and ambulatory well I would leave well enough alone. As long as infection does not look like the underlying cause. I also rule out polyps. As these are treatable easily. In my opinion.
    Please let me know what happens. Good luck.

    1. Pam Brooks Post author

      Thank you. I read this article http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/skills-laboratory-how-perform-myringotomy?pageID=1 and because Lucas does have Otitis Media bilaterally – as diagnosed from a scan (not an MRI but a less expensive scan done by Sonopath) I wondered if treating it would help resolve the Horner Syndrome. I spoke with my cat’s regular vet earlier and he agrees with you – to see a neurologist before attempting to do anything with the middle ear issue.
      Lucas is on gabapentin for nerve pain in his face. It is keeping the pain away. But he hypersalivates and his respiratory system seems to go haywire when he eats. After he eats his nose and face are wet to the touch. He sneezes and flings thick mucous. Then he bathes his face with his front paws and they become wet so that he looks like he’s been doused with water on his head and front legs. That is why I am trying to find out what is causing the Horner syndrome – which seems to be triggering this hyper response to eating and creating nerve pain on one side of his face – the side where one eye has Horner syndrome.
      Pam

Question
Profile Image
Allie | 5 years ago
What Can I Give My Cat She Cant Pass A Hairball! Help!

What can I give my cat she cant pass a hairball! Help!

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Good morning…
    Sorry for a late response. Hoping that your cat finally coughed up that hairball. If not- are you positive it was a hair ball? I only ask because the constant trying to clear her throat of it can be a symptom of other, more severe circumstances. If she is still showing signs of distress and coughing to clear “something” out of her airway, I would get into the vet as soon as you can.

    1. Allie Post author

      I talked to the vet and he gave us laxatone and she loves it. It has helped her through up two times but more mucus which makes sense because she is unber congested and sneezing. So that may be what is going on. We are keeping a close eye on her and there is some improvement but minimal.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m worried that the hairball might not be a hairball. If you have a long haired cat I recommend daily brushing. Or even twice a year shave downs. If you have a short haired cat you can try OTC cat lax or watered down canned food. I have even heard of people adding petroleum jelly to help lubricate. But I have also seen cats vomiting from intestinal parasites (please only diagnose with your vet don’t use an OTC dewormer as they aren’t safe enough in my opinion. I also talk about increasing fluid intake either by iv fluids or sq fluids. But these need to be discussed with your vet. My concern here is that coughing for hairball relief can look exactly like coughing for heart disease, respiratory disease and a huge host of other problems. Please see your vet before assuming a diagnosis and instituting your own treatment plan. I hope this helps.

Question
Profile Image
Tracey Grumbach | 5 years ago
My 4 Year Old Cat Had A 3 Year Rabies Shot And A Distemper Shot At About 11:30AM …

My 4 year old cat had a 3 year rabies shot and a distemper shot at about 11:30AM this morning. It is now 9:25 PM and she is having tremors in her leg muscles. It is NOT a seizure but I’ve never seen muscle tremors like this before. She is also lethargic and not eating too, which I know is fairly normal…I’m just worried about her muscle tremors. Does she need to be seen immediately or is it ok to wait until morning to call the vet?

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It is very hard for me to answer this safely. The advice always has to be to err on the side of caution so that safety comes first. A veterinarian will listen to heart and lungs, take a temp, and assess neurological function and probably give an injectable steroid. We also check mucous membrane color. All of this is done to assess severity of the condition and be prepared to halt it from progressing. The tremors can be pain or anxiety due to pain or discomfort. But without all of the rest of the physical parameters to use as an assessment I can’t tell you whether or not to be worried. I’m sorry. I know that is not cut and dry. But it’s the honest truth. I think you are a Jvc client. If so please pm me on the Jvc fb page and I will call you for immediate help.
    Krista.

    1. Tracey Grumbach Post author

      Thank you so very much for your quick response and the phone call. Your help is very much appreciated!

Question
Profile Image
Alyvia | 5 years ago
My Cat Has Herpes & Has Had Worms In The Past. She Has Had 3 Litters Of …

My cat has herpes & has had worms in the past. She has had 3 litters of kittens before. The first litter was 3 stillborns. The second litter was only 2 babies (one of them being boo of course.) The third happened recently about 4 weeks ago & there was 3 of them (we’re not sure if it was the same father as the last two.) The kittens seemed very healthy but with having other outdoor cats we had to often give them flea baths & even then the fleas would still be there & climb up to their faces but obviously we were hesitant getting their faces. Their mother fed them very well (I could even say maybe over fed them) & they got plenty of rest. The only concern I would say I noticed is how one of them only seemed to use three of her legs, but I didn’t think much about it because I assumed she was young & just still learning how to walk. Then all of a sudden a few hours before she passed she kind of just really wanted nothing to do with anything & just keep sleeping. When I saw she was dead later I noticed brown squiggly things on her, I figured it was either flea eggs or some type of worm. It couldn’t have been the same worms her mother used to have because those were white. We obviously took her away from the others, and then their mother seemed to not want much to do with the two ones still alive. She’s done this in the past when she had her stillborns, she was depressed for a while. I figured it could either be that or my mother read online that it could be because she knows they’re sick & she doesn’t want anything to do with it. So me & my family purchased kitten formula, a bottle, & turkey wet food made specifically for kittens. We’ve made an effort to feed them 15 ml of the formula every 4 hours. We also provided them with warm blankets and shelter since they are lacking their mothers body heat. One of them was acting like the kitten that had just passed, just really not up for doing anything. The next morning we saw them & they seemed fine, then we check on them about 15 minutes later & that same kitten was from before was dead. We’re now making an effort to really keep an eye on this one & do everything we can. He was doing so well this morning, & we’ve been holding him to our chest for more intense warmth & continued to feed him 15 ml of formula every 4 hours. Now for the past 4 hours or so he’s starting to look really lazy like the other two. We’re scared he’s not going to make it very long

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Good morning. My advice would be to get to a vet. I would also advise spaying this cat in an effort to prevent this same event from repeating itself as this is the third time you’re going through this. Best of luck.

  2. Laura

    I agree with Sarah. You need a vet for the litter as well as for your queen – spay her, speuter the kittens when they’re ready for their new homes. Stop the cycle of producing sick cats.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to hear about your kittens. There are so many things that this could be. It’s really almost impossible for me to even speculate. I think it would be really helpful to provide basic medical care. Like parasite control and treatment and vaccines. And yes of course spaying and neutering to prevent future litters and the high mortality associated with them. I would guess that it is probably a few simple things. Parasites, disease, exposure are the big killers for cats and kittens. I applaud your compassion but I think it’s time to start providing more medical intervention. If it helps it was a story much like yours that compelled me to become a veterinarian. I was determined to never watch another pet die without being able to intervene and do all I could to save them. I wish you all well.

Question
Profile Image
Bryan | 5 years ago
I Have A 17 Year Old Female Cat Recently Diagnosed With Kidney Disease, Treatment Is With A …

I have a 17 year old female cat recently diagnosed with kidney disease, treatment is with a prescription low-phosphorous diet.

She is suffering with stiff joints, I am considering supplements such as glucosamine to help. But are such supplements suitable for her diet? I believe glucosamine itself is kidney-safe, but wonder about other additives such as salt or potassium which she needs to avoid.

Any advice on safe glucosamine supplements for a cat with kidney problems?

Many thanks

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Good morning,
    I would just make a quick phone call to your vet to get their take on it. They will know best for the patient since they are familiar with the situation. Best of luck!

    1. Bryan Post author

      Thanks, I tried that first, but got short shrift from the receptionist who would not give any advice unless I booked an appointment (and paid for it)!

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorry that you couldn’t get more help without an exam charge. It is really one of the reasons I created this site. I hope that your vet was able to help. I always try to provide lots of help and guidance and a way to be accessible. For most of these cats there is concurrent disease and aging processes. Joint pain and difficulty are one of them. I talk about providing an environment to help these elderly patients and make it easier for them to live in their world. Think about making her world small and easy to access. Try a low shallow bed a food bowl, water and a low sided litter box. Make it like the handicapped room that makes every part of her day easier. Keep her in a warm place. Encourage water intake and make it easy for her to get to all the things she needs. I also think it is helpful to ask your vet about what might be lying ahead. Like at home fluid therapy or phosphate binders. There is lots we can do to help our aging pets. Please keep in touch and let me know what tips and tricks you learn that help your kitty.
    I hope this helps.

Question
Profile Image
Kaitlin | 5 years ago
My One Year Old Cat Threw Up Twice On August 23rd, But She Was Not Acting …

My one year old cat threw up twice on August 23rd, but she was not acting lethargic and was still eating and drinking normally so I thought she maybe threw up because of a hair ball. She threw up again today twice, with one being a very small amount. She is not acting lethargic and is active and playing. She is also drinking normally but she has not eaten as much as normal. Both times she threw up when I was not at home. She did start eating when I got home today though. I also free feed her but haven’t had issues with her vomiting due to eating to fast or vomiting in the entire time I have had her (one year). I’m not sure what the cause of her vomiting could be.

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Hi there-
    I hate to sound gross, but was her food fully digested? Was the event close to when she was finished eating? If that is the case, she may have just eaten to fast. Also- have you switched foods? Sometimes that can upset a stomach. If she is acting normally and going to the bathroom and being her normal self, I would just keep an eye on her and make sure she stays that way. Any sudden change, I would call the vet. If you have an appointment soon, I would mention it to them.

    1. Kaitlin Post author

      Hi! Thank you so much for your comment! Her food was fully digested I believe. And both times it happened in the hallway outside my room. I live in a shared apartment and keep her food in my room, so it didn’t happen by her food bowl. I’m guessing it was not close to when she was finished eating since her food looked fully digested. I can’t say for certain because both times it happened when I was at school or at work. I did switch her food but the first time that she vomited she was on her old food (which was kitten food) and after that I switched her to an adult cat food since she turned one that month. I’m not sure if stress could cause her to vomit, but I was home with her a lot this summer and now that I am back at school, she’s home by herself a lot. When I come home she meows a lot and rubs up against me, wanting to be pet for a while. I think she may have some separation anxiety, but I am not sure if that could possibly cause her to be sick or if I’m just overthinking it.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Based on age alone I think that if I were your vet I would talk to you about intestinal parasites (best diagnosed with a fecal exam sent to the lab) and a discussion of food and environment. I think these are really good places to start. And best for your cats well being. Hope this helps. Please let us know what happens.

Question
Profile Image
Sarah | 5 years ago
Eww Gross! This Morning, I Saw One Of The Dogs Nosing In The Dirt And Figured …

Eww gross! This morning, I saw one of the dogs nosing in the dirt and figured that he smelled cat poop- I said “no” and he left it but ran straight back when I turned to continue walking everyone. So I ran back to make sure he didn’t eat it (why is cat poop a delicacy to dogs?????) and I saw him with a leopard slug in his mouth. Ugh! I don’t know what is worse? He did not eat it- he dropped it. I’m guessing that he probably has eaten them before. Are they dangerous or just protein?

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    All of the items you mention are the highlight of your dogs walk. Gross as it might be. They are at their best, living their best life, with the wind in their faces the dirt on their feet and a delectable tidbit just at the tip of their tongue. If you didn’t see drooling right after then it’s probably very safe.
    My dogs new favorites are the mostly dried out dead worms on the driveway. Yummy!

    Xox

    Lucky happy dogs. Be well all

Question
Profile Image
Kennedy | 5 years ago
My Cat Has Been Scratching Her Neck And Behind Her Ears Lately (which Is Normal), But …

My cat has been scratching her neck and behind her ears lately (which is normal), but when i watched her do it, today, clumps of her hair came out. I looked at her fur and noticed a couple kinda bold spots. Her skin isn’t red or anything, you can just see her skin more. I am wondering if this is just a shedding thing or if something else is wrong. I live in Illinois so weather is pretty average, and my cat is an indoor cat. She has been throwing up a lot lately, but i think thats just because she eats so fast. She also is allergic to some food. The vet said she is allergic to the protein in some types of meat, she will get red spots on her face and ears but after trying a couple types of food i think the rash is mostly gone. I really hope this is a normal thing but i am not sure. The bold spots keep getting worse with every scratch. What should i do?

1 Response

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Good morning???? I’m sorry about your cat. My first guess is that there is some sort of skin irritation or allergy. Although it does not look red in the photos, the fact that she is so itchy/uncomfortable is what makes me think along those lines. I know you said the weather is average…but sometimes if it goes from humid to dry or vice verse, it might lead to a skin reaction.

Question
Profile Image
Tony | 5 years ago
Hello And Thank You Everyone For Reading This Post. I Am Writing This Here In The …

Hello and thank you everyone for reading this post. I am writing this here in the hopes that I find some guidance. The vets I have taken my cat too I feel are only out to make money off of me and to make my cat insulin dependent. I could be wrong but based on what I have tried I have seen better results. My male cat of about 15-18 years of age has been diagnosed with diabetes since April of 2019. His original Blood glucose was 377 at the time of the original Veterinary office visit.

I was told to give him Vetsulin insulin at 1 unit, however the vet only sold me insulin with no syringes. After waiting a week for them to get me syringes, which were on back order, I gave up and took him to an emergency vet. The emergency vet put him on md and wd wet and dry food. Instructions were to give him Prozinc 3 units every 12 hours and feed the wet food at the time of injection and to leave the dry food out 24/7. After one week of still not injecting insulin on my own accord in hopes that the new diet would put the diabetes into remission, he went from weighing 15.93lbs to 17lbs.

From April to July he stayed at the same weight but showed no signs of improvement except for his “levels” on a blood test that were all in better ranges. His BG HAS BEEN 600 since he has been under the care of this vet who then wanted to curve him and remarked that he should increase the insulin.

I decided to take matters into my own hands, joined forums and educated myself on feline diabetes as best as I could. I started home testing and started him on Young Again Mature dry food ZERO Carb Tiki cat wet food. He is now weighing in at 14.73lbs. I also lowered his insulin to 2.75 and at mid curve his BG is 377. At the end of his cycle it is 477. My question now is how do I get him into the normal range of 80-120 Blood glucose safely without seeing adverse symptoms from too much Prozinc?

1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    I would first like to start with my sincere gratitude that you are being so dedicated and diligent in taking care of your kitty. For too many cat owners diabetes is just something they refuse to address and hence the statistics on this disease wrt cats is abysmal.
    Next I have to strongly (urgently) recommend that you stay under the care of a veterinarian for this one. If you are unhappy with your current vet seek out another. I would recommend finding a feline exclusive practitioner. Then ask about diet, exercise and treatment plan. I cannot (not should anyone!) other than your vet recommend or influence your treatment plan. This disease is too complicated and too complex to do online.
    I have lots of videos and blogs with all of my preference treatment options. So please visit them.
    Also I recommend wet food only and learning how to check the blood glucose at home. Also I think that harness training to go on walks for exercise is immensely helpful.
    I really have to say that I have no preference on insulin. Get one you can consistently afford and start there. But don’t switch around. Makes regulating too confusing. Next talk to your vet a lot at first. Until you can better adjust to a new food, exercise and monitoring plan.
    I hope this helps. Please keep me posted. Good luck!