Ask questions and share about your pet's health to help others.
Our 3 year old cat had a urinary blockage, late at night. We drove him to an emergency animal clinic, about an hour away. They diagnosed, treated, had him for almost 5 days. The bill was $2500, and they strongly recommended a $3000 PU surgery. We couldn’t afford that, so they transferred him to another vet that could do the surgury for $1600. They were not convinced that he needed the PU. They treated him, about 4 days, and he seemed to be on the mend. Bill was $640, which they let us split into 3 payments. After being home for a day or two, he obstructed again. We took him to our local vet. After examining him, it was discovered that he had a large chunk of plastic stuck in his penis. Exploratory surgery was done to remove it. Its presence has caused much trauma to the ureathra, causing blockage twice more since (scar tissue). So now he’s at our vet, unblocked with a catheter. They say a PU is his only option. Our vet isnt comfortable doing it, and will be contacting the 2nd vet that treated our kitty and see if they can. Costs are now an issue, as we’re paying the first vet(maxed care credit), 2nd vet (payments, $400 left), and 3rd vet( ours, payments, $221 every two weeks) . No idea how to get the little guy the PU surgery. 🙁
I have a 12 year old cat who vomits almost every day since I adopted her 5 months ago. She has been to the vet several times and a sonogram revealed she has chronic pancreatitis. They didn’t see any other issues. She was eating canned Fancy Feast with water, but now I have her on NomNomNow because I thought fresh food would help her. But she is still vomiting. It’s usually food at first but then she moves spots and vomits bile or saliva/foam. Once or twice the saliva looked bloody (took her to the vet right after). The vet had her on vitamin E, pepcid, and a round of antibiotics. Nothing helped. She has never been very playful but she is behaving relatively normally, eats, grooms, poops, etc. I don’t know what else to do! Thanks for any advice!
Hi-
I’m so sorry you’re having such a time trying to help this cat. Has your vet ruled out everything else as far as a diagnosis? Perhaps there is something else that is worsening her initial issue? Have you tried feeding more meals throughout the day, but smaller portions? (A little at a time)
Hello,
I would suggest you talk about a few things with your vet like a sensitive stomach diet like i/d or even try a stomach protectant like sulcralfate or even maripotent or metoclopramide. I often try medications with a diet change. Ideally a wet food diet fed in small amounts with increased frequency. Or ask about an ultrasound or even upper gi endoscopy. My point is that there are lots of options to discuss and try. I would first start with a fecal exam for intestinal parasites. Hope this helps. Let us know what happens.
I have a Persian cat 7 yrs she isn’t breathing that well. I personally think she is stuffed up or has something in her airway causing her to breathing problems. I’ve spent $2000 on testing with no results and I can’t continue to go bankrupt to fix her. Is there anyone in the San Tan Valley area who will give her a cat scan for reasonable price and cure my cat. Thanks.
Good morning-
My first step would be to discuss the situation with your vet candidly. Explain you frustration in having tried to find out what is going on, and the cost, yet still having no positive results. Ask them if they feel a specialist might be the best route to go at this point. Secondly, i would discuss payment options with them, and the specialist if one is recommended. Your vet knows your cat, their patient, best. They know you have her best interest at heart, and hopefully they are in a position to work with you regarding payment. Best of luck.????????
I have a Persian cat 7 yrs she isn’t breathing that well. I personally think she is stuffed up or has something in her airway causing her to breathing problems. I’ve spent $2000 on testing with no results and I can’t continue to go bankrupt to fix her. Is there anyone in the San Tan Valley area who will give her a cat scan for reasonable price and cure my cat. Thanks.
Hello,
I would ask for a referral to a feline specialist and explain your financial concerns. I also think that even if you could scrape together the funds for a ct scan it is unlikely to cure your cat. It will just provide more information towards a diagnosis. It doesn’t treat them. Also talk about allergies, perhaps shaving your cat down and anything you can try medically and inexpensively to help improve her breathing like an antihistamine steroid or even a bronchodilator.
Just noticed fleas on both of my cats.. what is the safest treatment to use?
Hello.
There are lots of safe options these days. It is always best to talk to your vet about their preference and ideas as they know your car best. On mine I use either revolution or bravecto. But if you are looking for a good safe effective and affordable over the counter I like frontline too. It’s now available as a generic. Be really careful though lots of otc meds are very toxic to cats. They will be labeled as such. And make sure you treat all the pets in the household.
I ended up picking up Advantage because it was the only option at the store that didnt seem to have terrible reviews online. My vet is currently closed but i plan on calling them tomorrow to see if they would like to see them. I hadnt noticed them itching or licking excessively until now (about 3 hours after application), is that normal?
My cat disappeared outdoors for numerous days (he’s indoor, but LOVED it out at night) I always had the back door a bit loosely closed, so he could get back in. He was 12yo and could get in.
After days of worry and a small sighting of him, he came to me gaunt and meowing. He wasn’t a big meower— It was sad sounding as well.
After 1 1/2 days of exhibiting odd spots to just lay around the house, he deteriorated in hours. I found him with vomit at his mouth and what appeared to be urine at his backside. He had passed.
My husband was convinced that our new dog just bothered him enough to the point that he’d gone to our neighbors, outside. Or was being fed somewhere. I looked for him constantly and only once did he attempt to come up to me. After a few days, to see him in such weak and fragile state, I’m so horrified at what was going on; to which I have no answered questions and regrets.
*He weighed considerably less upon returning home
*He was a WELL fed cat (didn’t eat after returning)
*He recently (2mo prior) had blood work done and his shots. Not cancer/diabetes
*He deteriorated very quickly (when he couldn’t walk and use his back legs, he passed before anything could happen; ie; vet etc)
*He didn’t seem to to be able to eat? My last time trying to feed him, he’s s head repeatedly tapped the bowl. Uncontrollably and he couldn’t get food. This being before he went. -It was awful-. I left food by him and went to explain the severity to my husband.
Prior to disappearing, he seemed in perfect health at 12.
So overnight he couldn’t walk and within the hour of dying, function. He laid and went. Vomit at his mouth (some food by his head partially chewed)
And urine stain backside.
I’m devastated. Please help!
That’s terrible, Daisy, and I’m very sorry. Honestly, the only way to determine cause is via a necropsy. Unfortunately this is a risk when we let our cats outside.
I’m sorry for your loss. If you are asking me to guess what happened I would say possibly trauma, toxin ingestion, infection or hepatic lipidosis. I have seen all in cases like this. Again our sympathies. Cats should be inside. We just live in that kind of world sadly.
Had CT done of my cat Lucas due to no resolution of respiratory problems with antibiotics. Here are the results.
Moderate to marked thickening of the roof of the nasopharynx
• Otitis media bilaterally
• Lymphadenopathy left medial retropharyngeal lymph node
The marked thickening of the mucosal lining of the roof of the nasopharynx in conjunction withthe enlarged left medial retropharyngeal lymph node are highly suggestive for neoplastic
, and round cell neoplasia is the top differential diagnosis. Differentials include mast-
cell tumor, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, other. The mucosal thickening of the roof
of the nasopharynx can explain the bilateral otitis media due to mechanical obstruction of the
openings of the auditory tubes into the nasopharynx. A differential to neoplastic infiltration is
marked non-infectious inflammation (e.g. lymphocytic plasmacytic, eosinophilic) or
granulomatous inflammation (e.g. Cryptococcosis) but the later one is considered far less likely
here. The findings are not typical for inflammatory polyps.The bilateral otitis media is explains the history of head tilt and Horner’s syndrome.
Rhinoscopy/retrograde pharyngoscopy is recommended for further evaluation including FNA
sampling and biopsy. FNA sampling of the left medial retropharyngeal lymph node is warranted
as well. The prednisolone treatment may influence results of the samples.
I think all the tests and surgeries that may follow will be out of my budget. Already spent over $1000 to date with no resolution.
Wondering if there are veterinarians who would go in and remove the polyp – appears to be a poly under soft palate – just to give the cat some relief and time.
Opinions and suggestions are welcome.
Good morning- I’m sorry you’ve been through so much already, and still are having issues. Did you speak candidly with your primary vet already about all of these findings and your wishes? (Meaning the removal of the polyp or at least some relief) That is probably where I would start. I would also make a few phone calls… local rescue organizations that may be willing to help fund your surgery. Or possibly your vet may let you pay a little at a time as you have already paid so much? I hope things get better soon!????????
I agree with Sarah! Ask around to find someone locally to give you affordable options.
My cat just had a litter of kittens and I’ve never seen this before but all of the kittens were born with their eyes wide open, I couldn’t find anything recent on the internet about this, just wondering if anyone knows what could be going on.
Hello,
Yes it is normal to be born with the eyes closed. But. Like everything kitten related we can’t do anything to change this so we should just make sure mom is kept happy, well fed, and in a quiet peaceful and safe place so she can take the best care of her kittens.
Thanks, Momma is very happy and the kittens seem to be healthy 6 kittens, 5 born with their eyes open, but all alive and healthy momma is taking good care of them, I just wasn’t sure if I should take them to the vet or not
I have a cat 10 years of age, Flash. He had a tumor that was detected after he chewed on his privates and was unable to pee. I took him to the vet and was told they had to remove tumor and his male parts. So after spending about 1500.00, a discount because I also had my other cat that cost 500 for shots and fixing and chipped. After about two months my cat once again had issue peeing. I am now told it will cost another $2000 to do another surgery where they will make a knew opening. I am at ends wit because I can’t do another $2000 when thinking the first surgery was to fix the issue. Was something not done correctly the first time? All I am told is that he heals too fast and the tissue is weak and can’t maintian an opening to pee needing a new one.
@kristamagnifico any thoughts on my situation? I have been following you and can see your passion and honesty
Hello,
I’m sorry but I am not quite sure what is going on here. I think that I would recommend that you get a second opinion from a feline specialist or a vet your friends or family recommend. Or go back to your vet and ask for assistance in exposing what’s going on and why?
I think you need some clarification before making any big decisions. In the meantime you can ask about intermediate palliative care. Please keep me posted on progress and good luck!
My cat was taken in to the vet in May to treat allergies, difficulty breathing (snoring sounds) and a head tilt. Was given an anti inflammatory, antibiotic (convenia), vitamin b-12, ear drops, and an X-ray. Diagnosed with asthma brought on by allergies. Lungs ok. Three weeks later breathing and itching had improved, but third eyelid started showing.
Vet would not see him and said to go to a specialist.
Took the cat for a second opinion. That vet said we should check for nasal polyps. Was sedated and had an exam of ears and throat. No polyps were visible. Vet felt a small enlarged area under the soft palate, but could not confirm this was a polyp. Head tilting stopped after first visit. Recurred a few days ago. Not present now. Second vet recommended going to a specialist for ct scan. It is cost prohibitive and I’m not sure it is necessary. Third opinion from an online site recommended we try antibiotics for the respiratory issues. Started on one antibiotic today for ten days. And started on purina fortiflora.
Looking for any other advice or experience with issues like this. I’ve never had a cat with these problems.
Thanks.
#cats #nasal #headtilt #respiratory #polyps
Hello,
This is a tough one. The problem really lies in the inability to localize and identify the lesion causing all of the clinical signs. I would look into Horners Syndrome and see a cat specialist. I also would consider a long discussion with a trusted vet on what is treatable and what isn’t based on most likely diagnosis. That’s really what you need. Help from someone who will talk about your case within your budget and comfort zone. I have to add one more thing. It really bugs the heck out of me to have a vet who won’t talk to you further after you discuss and confide in your inability to see a specialist (who will likely want a ct that you also can’t afford). Sorry. Soapbox moment.
Keep me posted on your cats status please.
Thank you. I just found your videos on removing nasal polyps on you tube. Was so hopeful yesterday that the second opinion vet who did the exam with Lucas under anesthesia would find a polyp in his throat and remove it. But instead she said she felt something kidney bean size under his soft palate. She wasn’t real confident of what it was. I went for the second opinion and told them I could not do the specialist route due to cost. Then I ended up being told I need to go see a specialist and spend 1-2 thousand for a CT. After that I could not pay for anymore treatment. So I searched around and had a vet online recommend the antibiotics. No one yet has given me options. Although the second vet said well he could live with polyps. I said but he is getting worse. The head tilt went away and came back. She said nothing else. I feel like I’m in an airport being moved through the system in the midst of storms that no on wants to discuss. And when I ask questions like can we give him steroids for inflammation – she says oh no I wouldn’t do that.
I am scheduled for a consult with a vet from Cornell on Sunday. Maybe that will help.
The other option I’m considering is just paying for a consult with a specialist – internal medicine I guess. When you call they won’t tell you what anything costs until you beg them. So I am leary of spending more money twith a specialist who may tell me they can’t do anything until I spend even more money on a ct.
Sorry, frustrating week.
Here’s Lucas – before the Horners syndrome started.
Hello,
I completely understand your frustration. For al of the reasons you mention we added a storyline section to this site. If you can please add a story of your experience at each vet you went to and include the prices of each visit. I hope it is a way for others to see what the cost of care is and even which bets are affordable and helpful. Stories are entered by service provider. So each visit is entered separately but reference that you added one for each. It is a new feature so let me know if you have any questions or problems. We really are working hard to help people like you. Keep us posted. Good luck. Ps I think Cornell is a great option.
For more information on this subject please see these credible resource pages; ACVS Nasopharyngeal Polyps; https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/nasopharyngeal-polyps
Dr Magnifico, this is the link you posted. Figure 5 sounds like what Lucas has – a small polyp under his soft palate. Is this a surgery that a general practice cat vet could perform. Or only a surgeon. Cost is an issue for me. But I want to help Lucas before things get worse. Thanks.
It says the mass will regrow with the simple removal shown. But it would be some relief and I’m not sure how fast they grow. Thanks.
Went to a new vet today. What a difference from the others! Quiet, calm environment. Cats only patients. The vet was so thorough. Spent a long time with Lucas. When Lucas got anxious, he allowed him to go back into his carrier and calm down. Then he continued the exam by removing the top of the carrier. Lucas stayed in the corner and was much calmer. Going to try a new antibiotic – to hit what might be a middle ear infection. Onward!
Awesome! Sounds like you made great helpful progress. Very best of luck.
Thanks Dr Magnifico,
The consulting vet from Cornell recommended I find a good vet interested in pursuing what is going on with Lucas, and listening to me regarding my budget. That was the same advice you gave! By the way the Cornell consult was excellent. The vet was very familiar with nasal polyps – and did not feel like this is the problem.
I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this. Any idea 1-how the plastic got there? 2- how it wasn’t noticed before as the cat was seen multiple times? I would want to know. It seems strange that it would go unnoticed…. as far as the surgery. I’m hoping that given your current situation with the vet(s) that they might be able to either direct you towards someone or some group that would be able to help with the cost, as well as off you payment installments on good faith as you are currently paying already. Perhaps your local humane society would also be able to assist you or help you find someone who can.
Hello Sarah!
Good question, regarding the plastic. The first vet put a catheter in, twice. 2nd time was difficult, which is why they recommended the PU surgery. 2nd vet didn’t place a catheter, as he still had the 2nd catheter in from the first vet. The plastic was noticed by the third vet(ours). I was told there is no way this piece could have gotten into the ureathra any other way, other then when a catheter was put in. My guess is it happened at the first vet, when they had difficulty. So as of right now, the 2nd vet has agreed to do the surgery tomorrow, and will take payments. Yay! I do want to know where the plastic came from, but my priority is getting the kitty healthy.
Just an update! Things are going well! Kitty is at the vet for a PU surgury. Vet is working with us on payments. Waiting for a call back from the first vet’s practice manager. Hoping they can shed some light on that piece of plastic.
Ia so glad that things are working out????????????
Hello!
Please (please!!) add your story to our storylines section. We are doing a whole long list of patients cases about just this subject and it would be so helpful to others (and me!) to hear about your cats case. If possible it should be w entered as desperate stories. One about the blocking episodes and the other about the pu surgery. And please include prices. We are trying so hard to save these cats by sharing stories of the successfully treated cases. Please keep us posted. Thank you!