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Miranda | 6 years ago
My Cat Just Had A Litter Of Kittens And I’ve Never Seen This Before But …

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.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    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.

    1. Miranda Post author

      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

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Barbara | 6 years ago
I Have A Cat 10 Years Of Age, Flash. He Had A Tumor That Was Detected After …

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.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    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!

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Pam Brooks | 6 years ago
My Cat Was Taken In To The Vet In May To Treat Allergies, Difficulty Breathing…

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

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    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.

  2. Pam Brooks Post author

    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.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    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.

  4. Pam Brooks Post author

    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.

  5. Pam Brooks Post author

    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.

  6. Pam Brooks Post author

    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!

  7. Pam Brooks Post author

    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.

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ow | 6 years ago
My Cat Has Thrown Up 3 Hairballs In The Past Week. This Started After We…

My cat has thrown up 3 hairballs in the past week. This started after we had began packing to move, he has also had a diet change. I noticed no other problems with him. Could this be due to stress or is it something bigger?

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  1. Sarah

    This could be a combination of stress from the move and all that goes along with it and the new food. Your cat may be grooming more often to sooth any stress they are feeling. I would keep an eye on him…maybe jot down how often he is grooming, when hairballd occur, what is going on just before or around the time they occur, and if it continues share this info with your vet. Best of luck!

  2. Stacey Harris

    My cats also went through a stage of throwing up hairballs; one of my cats was a domestic long-hair. I solved her issue by shaving her each summer in May and she stays short through December. Also, it made it much easier on her grooming habits, which would lead to hairballs each month. I switched both to a high fiber dry kibble, grain free and hairballs have almost completely been eradicated. I’m wary of highly “colored” kibbles found in the cheaper grocery stores that include many dyes and artificial flavors/colors. These caused both of my cats to vomit commonly. Finally the good news; my vet said the best place for a hairball is one that’s been thrown up. As violent as the act of expelling a hairball is, it beats the alternative of a colon obstruction. Hope this helps!

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Laurie Sites | 6 years ago
My Cat Recently Had A Bilateral Chain Mastectomy Following The Diagnosis Of An Adenocarcinoma In…

My cat recently had a bilateral chain mastectomy following the diagnosis of an adenocarcinoma in one of the chains. She came through the surgery well and all looked good at her follow up appointment. However, over the next few weeks I started to notice her stomach swelling. I took her into my vet 3 weeks after getting her stitches removed to check it out. She did an x-ray and tested the fluid and determined it was a seroma. She drained the fluid and started her on antibiotics. The seroma has returned (from what I’m reading here that’s not surprising) but it is firmer this time. Should I be concerned about that? Does anyone have recommendations on what to use for compression of the abdomen in a cat? I’m concerned the seroma will keep increasing in size. How do I determine how big is too big to just wait it out? Thanks!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Seromas are pretty typical after removing a large piece of tissue. The space removed has the potential to be the size of the subsequent seroma.

  2. Laurie Sites Post author

    Thank you! Can seromas be firm?
    This picture was before it was drained the first time. It’s come back but it’s not quite as big as it was yet

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
Our Outdoor Cat (1yr) Wasn’t Around During The Day, Like She Usually Is, For Lots…

Our outdoor cat (1yr) wasn’t around during the day, like she usually is, for lots of love. When she finally came around that night, we noticed the top of her tail seemed skinned on the bottom part (just meaty flesh), about 2.5inches. We went to our local farm store and bought a spray to keep infection out and help heal. She seemed to feel better a couple days later, eating and coming around more. Then we noticed the whole tail was looking abnormal, like skinned, with fur hanging. She became more herself, following us around property, wanting alot of love, moving easily, jumping up on things, eating well. 2.5 weeks since this first began, and today, the whole outer part came off! It was almost like a cacoon type looking, hollow inside! All the hair and everything is now gone, just about 4-5″ of completely bare flesh.
I have documented with video/pictures the whole time. We weren’t sure if an animal tried to bite her, or she had gotten it caught in a trap? We love her so much, my 5yr old has raised her after her mommy died 6wks after birth. We are a one income family, and my husband is about to have surgery that we have to pay for upfront, as well as coming up with the money the short term disability won’t pay for 6wks…we are at a loss?
First pic is how it has looked for about 2 weeks, then the other 3 pics are from today ?)

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    My guess is that the tail should be amputated to the point where there is viable skin to close the incision. I am worried that the hair will not grow back and she will be in constant discomfort to the point of self traumatizing. I don’t have any cheaper options for you. I’m sorry. I suppose there is a chance the tail might heal but any and all open wounds should be carefully monitored for infection and maggots. Please see a vet. At least for an exam and ask for guidance.

  2. Sarah

    I am soo sorry this happened. I know you’re on a tight budget, but I would definitely get her to a vet to examine it and get her some antibiotics at the very least. Explain to the. You’re financial situation up front and that you of course love this cat but have to take the most cost effective option at this point in time. As she is an outdoor cat, it is going to probably be a bit difficult to monitor her closely… having said that, I agree with Dr. Magnifico and really recommend getting to a vet to assess the situation and get advice. Best of luck!!??

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Joanne Tweit | 6 years ago
My Rescue Cat Of 5 Years Is Showing All The Symptoms Of Nasopharyngeal Polyp. He…

My rescue cat of 5 years is showing all the symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Polyp. He is my everything!
OH please I am begging for help here ! I am disabled and he is the center of world . I am on the south west coast of Washington State, my rescue cat Kiki presents with all these symptoms ( I come from a family of RN and Bachelor in Nursing ) I have called vest around here and ALL of them say they do not do this surgery because they dont have the scope, or they will not even discuss possible price or treatment without me coming in and the vet seeing them. They say they will diagnose and refer me to a specialty clinic not far away . The specialty clinic gave me a quote of $3,500-$5,000 !! If this is even what is wrong with him . I am devastated that no one will even discuss this with me without paying for a vet visit. It looks like i could spend hundreds in visits before i can find someone who is even willing to think about this surgery without referral to the very expensive specialty place . PLEASE HELP I CANNOT AFFORD THAT MUCH !! Meanwhile my poor sweet Kiki is slowly getting worse. I dont know what to do anymore !!!!!!!!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to hear about your kitty. I recommend that you keep calling and start with any of the small privately owned feline practices. Also call the vet school and all of the local rescues. Go to Facebook and Nextdoor.com and ask for help. Someone out there has to be able to look for you. And to do it affordably. I really wish you the best of luck.

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Kate Stafford | 6 years ago
My 1 Year Old Neutered Male Cat Has Been Singing The Song Of His People…

My 1 year old neutered male cat has been singing the song of his people nightly, starting around 0200. It’s actually more a chirp than a meow, but he doesn’t stop until the sun comes up. He isn’t locked out of the bedroom, food and water needs are met, litter is clean, etc. He doesn’t do this during the day. He seems to keep these shenanigans confined to the hallway or the bedroom. He just walks around chirping with the occasional half meow.

The only thing that seems to stop him is if I kick his brother (littermate and best friend) out of my bed and lock them both out of the bedroom, which makes HIM sad. Choir boy is happy to sleep in our bed any other time of day, with or without human or feline companions, so it’s not like he wants his brother out of the room because he himself is uncomfortable in there.

I should add that there have not been any food, litter, family dynamic, or even furniture changes. Nothing new in his world. What gives?!

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    What an interesting question.
    My first thought is to wear my veterinarian hat. To look for any signs of illness. An exam and blood work (with urine and fecal) are where I start. From there we talk about behavior. Cats are nocturnal critters and many just like to party after dark. Many also get too much slee due to boredom during the day. So I encourage clients to try to mix up the routine and find a mutually acceptable way to get the entertained and tired during the day so they can sleep with us at night. Things like catnip and taking out toys for the daytime (putting them away at night to discourage playing after dark). A really rigorous play session between 8-11 ( or a few hours before bed time) and a late night (right before bedtime) snack can help. In general finding a way to meet all his needs before bed so he will sleep through the night. Also leaving a tv on during the day. Or programming toys to turn on during the day to break up excessively long nap times during the day when you are at work might also help. If all else fails we use crate training at night at the clinic. The cats know it’s bedtime at 8 pm and they are crated all night. It keeps our in clinic motion sensors happy and the clinic quiet at night. This takes time and patience and they are never crates during the day so they get lots of exercise during the day. Hope this helps. Let us know what happens.
    Xox
    Krista

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Sharon Kim | 6 years ago
My Male Cat Has Trouble Passing Urine Today, Went To The Vet And Was Diagnosed…

My male cat has trouble passing urine today, went to the vet and was diagnosed with idiopathic cystitis. He’s not completely blocked only passing tiny dribbles of urine. Was prescribed an anti inflammatory, pain meds and new wet food. He’s been drinking lots of water and not eating since we got back from the vet. I’m worried about him. Was told to wait and see and then come back if no change or symptoms worsen. He’s been hiding under the bed no improvement. Won’t eat. We have some calming spray and topical drops coming in the mail soon just to see if that helps with any stress. Would love to hear anything you can contribute.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    For cases like this when I have a very worried and devoted parent I ask them if they would like to learn how to palpate their pets bladder to be better able to monitor at home and also to give sq fluids to keep the bladder as flushed as possible. If you can afford it hospitalize your cat for iv fluids and have them monitor. Then I recommend you switch to a urinary formula canned food and maybe even add water. Also products like cranmate or dasaquin might help. Ask about what you can do at home. Ask about pain management and follow up urinalysis. Ask your vet to be as personally invested in your cats health as you are. If they aren’t find a different vet. Try a cat specialist. Good luck.

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Cathy Testerman | 6 years ago
My Sister Has Several Female Barn Cats Who Have Had Multiple Litters Of Kittens. …

My sister has several female barn cats who have had multiple litters of kittens. I am willing to pay to have them spayed and vaccinated. Low cost spay/neuter places have a 6-8 week waiting list. I am willing to pay full price for the spay. I am looking for a clinic where I can bring them one at a time. Have them vaccinated and spayed. My vet is requiring a preop visit and then I would have to schedule spay. This would basically be impossible for me to do. Why can’t this all be done at one time? Trap/neuter/release programs do this all the time. Do you have any suggestions or know of any vet clinics that can accommodate me?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    If you are a client of Jarrettsville Vet please call and ask for me or Jen. We can help you make this happen. And I often give discounts for getting a colony of cats spayed and neutered. I’m happy to help. Thank you for helping her. The clinic is 410-692-6171