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Pam Brooks | 6 years ago
Cat With Allergies
Treatment Cost (USD): $335.50
Took my cat was taken in to the vet in May to treat allergies, difficulty breathing (snoring sounds) and a head tilt. Eyes don't look the same. One eye's pupil is smaller. Was given an exam, anti inflammatory, antibiotic (convenia), vitamin b-12, ear drops, and an X-ray of lungs. Vet did not communicate with me about any of the issues. I've been a client for 5-6 years. Vet tech said she hoped cat didn't have Horner's syndrome. I didn't know what it was or what to say. She said the "next step" would be seeing a specialist. I did not know what that meant either, as they had never said this to me. They were busy I had dropped off the cat between appts and came back to pick him up.
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  1. Pam Brooks Post author

    New vet today. Practice is for cats only. Vet spent a LOT of time checking Lucas. Going to try an antibiotic for possible middle ear infection.

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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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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!

  9. 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!

Regular Vet Visit
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Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
Lucy: Feline With Severe, Chronic Stomatitis
Treatment Cost (USD): $705.70
Lucy is a rescued kitty who first came in to Jarrettsville Veterinary Center with her new owner because she wasn't feeling well - she was lethargic, not eating well, and had two large lumps on the side of her mouth. She was diagnosed with severe stomatitis and hospitalized for treatment. Over the course of the next several months, Lucy received multiple medical treatments in an effort to manage the distressing symptoms caused by her stomatitis. She was given several courses of antibiotics, steroids, and pain meds, and even received laser treatments to help manage pain and swelling. Eventually it was recommended that the best way to help Lucy would be to schedule her for a complete dental cleaning and extractions of diseased teeth.
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Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
George The Cat – A Girl With A Painful Mouth
Treatment Cost (USD): $642.48
George, an older female cat, was rescued by a neighbor after her original owner passed away. Her new owner brought George to Jarrettsville Veterinary Center because she seemed to be in pain when eating, often pawing at her mouth.
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Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
Ginger Boy: Just Because You’re Missing Most Of Your Teeth, Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Need…
Treatment Cost (USD): $462.63
Ginger Boy's owner brought him to Jarrettsville Veterinary Center because his mouth seemed to be bothering him. He was drooling excessively, and had become reluctant to eat, even when his food was softened. This is despite Ginger Boy having had a dental cleaning and multiple extractions a couple of years prior - most of his teeth were actually missing at this point. The treating veterinarian recommended that Ginger Boy have full-mouth dental X-rays before scheduling another dental procedure, just in case he had any "retained roots." Retained roots from previous extractions can cause pain and infection.
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Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
Beau The Cat Had A VERY Painful Mouth
Treatment Cost (USD): $1065.38
Beau is an 11 year old Domestic Shorthair cat who was showing signs of severe dental disease. He was pawing at his mouth, not eating well, and his owner wasn't able to give him any oral medications to treat what appeared to be an abscess.
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Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
Pepper The Cat Gets A Dental Cleaning & Tooth Extraction
Treatment Cost (USD): $376.50
Pepper, a 3 year old domestic shorthair cat, came to Jarrettsville Veterinary Center when her owner sought a second opinion as to whether or not she needed to have a tooth extracted. Pepper's owner had been to another vet in the area, and was given an estimate of $800 - $1000 for a dental cleaning and extraction, and due to the signficant expense, she wanted a second opinion. While Pepper's owner wanted to the right thing for her cat, she found the original estimate to be cost prohibitive and was concerned about raising adequate funds for the procedure.
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Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
Nova, A Rescued 6 Year Old Himalayan Cat, Gets Dental Treatment
Treatment Cost (USD): $786.20
Nova's owner rescued her and brought her to Jarrettsville Veterinary Center in February, 2019 for a new patient exam. She was doing well overall except the veterinarian noted that she had severe plaque on some of her teeth, and mild plaque on others. Her owner scheduled her for a follow-up dental cleaning.
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Lydia Schlitzkus | 6 years ago
Routine Cat Spay On A 1.5 Year Old Cat
Treatment Cost (USD): $210.00
Weenie came in to be spayed at Jarrettsville Vet Center(JVC). She had also received routine vet care up until this point. She was spayed later in life because she is a smaller cat.
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