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Sheena | 1 year ago
Hi, Where Are You Located? My Cat Has Something Wrong With Her Esophagus, I Was Told …

Hi, where are you located? My cat has something wrong with her esophagus, I was told by the vet after I did (X-rays, blood work, urine exam and it was like $1000.00) that I have to go to a specialist and they said they need to put a camera to see what it is and that alone cost $2200.(they said that would be just to look at what is going on and does not include treatment.) I cannot afford it because I live alone. I have two cats and I’m just doing my best, (I just moved as a single young woman by myself with my 2 cats to a new state and just trying my best) if I had the money I would’ve definitely done it right now.

The vet gave me some thing to coat her esophagus(SUCRALFATE) to try to help but I don’t see a difference(she licks her food and coughs & it discourages her from eating but I know she wants to eat) and I don’t know what else to do. I feel so very helpless, I was wondering where you are located, maybe I can get her help,she really needs help right now. Her name is Penelope and I love her.

My email is sheenar2265@gmail.com

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I do not have an endoscope. These are typically only found at a specialty office.
    Has your vet taken an X-ray? At my clinic we sue them and forward them to a radiologist. They are often able to give a diagnosis.

    We are in northern Maryland. Jarrettsville Veterinary Center

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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

9 Responses

Comments

  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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Krista Magnifico | 6 years ago
Mass Removal On The Tarsus Of An Older Dog.
Treatment Cost (USD): $793.77
Mia is an older lab mix who had a progressively growing mass in the middle of her tarsus (between the ankle and the foot). It was not painful, but it was getting big enough to cause her family concern. She was brought to her regular vets office, a corporate practice, who wanted to refer her to a surgeon for the removal. Mia's family came to see me for a second opinion.
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Krista Magnifico | 6 years ago
Bridget Is A 9 Yr Old Havenese With A History Of Glaucoma. Her Is Non-functional…
Treatment Cost (USD): $859.00
Squinting, painful left eye. Cornea was blue and the eye was enlarged. She was seen multiple times at an ophthalmologists office to resolve the condition. The eye was poorly responsive to medical therapies
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Regular Vet Visit
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Krista Magnifico | 6 years ago
Bridget Is A 9 Yr Old Havenese With A History Of Glaucoma. Her Is Non-functional…
Treatment Cost (USD): $859.00
Squinting, painful left eye. Cornea was blue and the eye was enlarged. She was seen multiple times at an ophthalmologists office to resolve the condition. The eye was poorly responsive to medical therapies
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  1. Krista Magnifico Post author

    Here is her invoice (note she also had 3 teeth removed during this procedure. That charge was removed from the posted enucleation charge above. Invoice Number XXX Date 6/11/2018 Total $934.09 Paid in Transaction $934.09 Paid to Date $934.09 Amount Remaining $0.00 Patient Provider Description Date Quantity Subtotal Tax Total Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ENUCLEATION CANINE 6/11/2018 1 $350.00 0 $350.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ANESTHESIA 6/11/2018 1 $125.00 0 $125.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ANESTHESIA (ADDITIONAL/MINUTE) 6/11/2018 25 $37.50 0 $37.50 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. I V CATHETER PLACEMENT 6/11/2018 1 $40.00 0 $40.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. FLUIDS INTRAVENOUS 6/11/2018 1 $50.00 0 $50.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Fluid Pump 6/11/2018 1 $25.00 0 $25.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Propoflo Induction, per use 6/11/2018 1 $60.00 0 $60.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Ampicillin injectable 100mg/ml 6/11/2018 0.8 $21.64 0 $21.64 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. RIMADYL INJ. 50mg/mL 6/11/2018 0.6 $21.59 0 $21.59 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Fentanyl Patch 25mcg/h 6/11/2018 1 $48.00 0 $48.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Additional Suture Pack 6/11/2018 1 $15.00 0 $15.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Clavamox 62.5 mg. 6/11/2018 20 $34.00 0 $34.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Rimadyl 25 mg Chewable 6/11/2018 8 $21.36 0 $21.36 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Collar, Plastic Small 6/11/2018 1 $10.00 0 $10.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Tooth Extraction, single root 6/11/2018 3 $75.00 0 $75.00 Invoice Total $934.09 $934.09 Paid in Transaction $934.09 Paid to Date $934.09 Amount Remaining $0.00

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Krista Magnifico | 6 years ago
Bridget Is A 9 Yo Havenese With A History Of Glaucoma. The Eye Was Non-functional…

Bridget is a 9 yo Havenese with a history of glaucoma. The eye was non-functional and painful. Her best option was enucleation. Her story is here.
Note; Briget was my patient. This is her story at my clinic.

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Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico Post author

    Here is her invoice (note she also had 3 teeth removed during this procedure. That charge was removed from the posted enucleation charge above.

    Invoice Number XXX
    Date 6/11/2018

    Total $934.09
    Paid in Transaction $934.09
    Paid to Date $934.09
    Amount Remaining $0.00
    Patient Provider Description Date Quantity Subtotal Tax Total
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ENUCLEATION CANINE 6/11/2018 1 $350.00 0 $350.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ANESTHESIA 6/11/2018 1 $125.00 0 $125.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ANESTHESIA (ADDITIONAL/MINUTE) 6/11/2018 25 $37.50 0 $37.50
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. I V CATHETER PLACEMENT 6/11/2018 1 $40.00 0 $40.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. FLUIDS INTRAVENOUS 6/11/2018 1 $50.00 0 $50.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Fluid Pump 6/11/2018 1 $25.00 0 $25.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Propoflo Induction, per use 6/11/2018 1 $60.00 0 $60.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Ampicillin injectable 100mg/ml 6/11/2018 0.8 $21.64 0 $21.64
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. RIMADYL INJ. 50mg/mL 6/11/2018 0.6 $21.59 0 $21.59
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Fentanyl Patch 25mcg/h 6/11/2018 1 $48.00 0 $48.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Additional Suture Pack 6/11/2018 1 $15.00 0 $15.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Clavamox 62.5 mg. 6/11/2018 20 $34.00 0 $34.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Rimadyl 25 mg Chewable 6/11/2018 8 $21.36 0 $21.36
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Collar, Plastic Small 6/11/2018 1 $10.00 0 $10.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Tooth Extraction, single root 6/11/2018 3 $75.00 0 $75.00
    Invoice Total $934.09 $934.09
    Paid in Transaction $934.09
    Paid to Date $934.09
    Amount Remaining $0.00

  2. Mary Turos

    Hi, Dr. Mag,
    Dean and I have been feeding Riley and Coco the Verus brand of dog food. Recently, we were told to switch to a different dogfood because of the FDA warning (even though Verus was not one of the brands listed by the FDA). Then I came across this article that basically says the warnings are a scam and would like your thoughts. Thanks!!!

    https://www.crossfit.com/health/bad-science-and-financial-conflicts-of-interest-plague-the-fdas-investigation-into-grain-free-pet-foods-and-dilated-cardiomyopathy

    1. Krista Magnifico Post author

      Hello,
      I don’t know who told you to switch or why, but if it was one of our vets I would say to start there. Second I do not find this site credible (just because you invented a dog food doesn’t make you an expert) and I take great offense at the two underlying arguments about why he believes the claim should be discredited “vets financial gain with the food companies is utter malarkey. The second unqualified and ambiguous reason is equally bogus. So I wouldn’t give this any credit and ask the vet who recommended you switch to clarify their position. If I can help I’m happy to. And no I’m not paid by the vet food companies to offer you or anyone any help. Hope you are all well and staying safe at home!

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Haley Lierman | 9 years ago
I’m 27 And Have Had My Dog Since College. He’s A 6-year-old Male Cockapoo Who…

I’m 27 and have had my dog since college. He’s a 6-year-old male Cockapoo who I adore, and who is normally in great health (besides the occasional ear infection). I take him on an hour and half walk daily, feed him a potato and duck based diet, and make every attempt to give him the best care possible (regular vet check-up, shots, etc).

A couple months ago I realized he was frequently squatting to pee, but nothing comes out. He urinates normally when first let out, but then makes a ton of other squats, prolonged squats, where nothing or just a few drops comes out. At times, its almost impossible to walk at all as he will continue to squats over and over again for 30 minutes. He hasn’t had any incontinence or more than normal desire to go outside (except for every now and then, when he’ll go out, pee once, then keep squatting over and over again and want to go out soon after- but that’s not daily). However, I woke up this morning to a couple drops of blood on the carpet, which I can only assume were from his many attempts. Previously, there has been no presence of blood in his urine.

I’ve been to the vet SEVERAL times, and spent the majority of my savings and money trying to figure out what’s wrong (even with vet insurance, I’ve spent almost all I have). He has had a cystoscopy (camera inserted) to check for urethral cancer (none), full abdominal ultrasound, plenty of x-rays and blood tests done. They have ruled out bladder cancer, his blood work is normal, and the x-rays show nothing except a slightly enlarged liver (though since blood work is normal so they think the was born with it). They have ruled out a UTI, bladder stones, and just about everything else you can think of that would seem obvious. The only abnormalities are really the dysuria, mildly protruding abdomen, the appearance of a layer of fluid on the outside of his bladder, and some abnormal bacteria.

Please help. I can’t afford much more and I really love my dog.

General information about Jackson included in the attached images.

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Pawbly | 9 years ago
She Is Not Eating Her Dog Food But Is Drinking And Eating Our Sandwich Ham…

she is not eating her dog food but is drinking and eating our sandwich ham. she is moving around when called but seems to just want to rest in her bed after checking her over we have noticed her tummy is bloated and some of her nipples are enlarged.

2 Responses

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  1. Anonymous

    bloated belly and swollen mammary glands would indicate something’s wrong.  please get her to the vet tomorrow if they aren’t open today.

  2. amy doughty

    shes booked in tomorrow afternoon. we were just wondering if anyone could shed any light on it. Thanks laura

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Pawbly | 9 years ago
I Have A 4 Year Old Pit Bull. The Last Few Days He Has Been…

I have a 4 year old pit bull. The last few days he has been sluggish with sneezing, runny eyes and an occasional nonproductive cough. Today, I noticed two enlarged lymph nodes. No appetite or voiding problems. Our other dog is fine. He is not around other dogs. We live in the country and his yard time is supervised.

14 Responses

Comments

  1. Melinawantsa Cupcake

    Yes so be careful with your pet try to avoid bee stings and poison ivy if they do get allergy give them Benadryl

  2. Cyndi Mattox

    Oh he has terrible allergies just never noticed the lymph nodes before.

  3. Melinawantsa Cupcake

    Yes give him Benydrl mix with water

  4. Cyndi Mattox

    Gave him Benadryl. He is on the couch with his blankie now.

  5. julie brader

    Sorry pressed wrong button! 

    I don’t know what Melina is telling you to be honest but your dog needs more than Bendryl. This doesn’t sound like allergies to me it sounds like infection.  Sneezing, runny eyes, cough and enlarged lymph nodes, sluggish? ..you need to take him to a Vet before he gets any worse. 

  6. Cyndi Mattox

    He is on antibiotics so hopefully he will perk up soon. Thanks everyone! He has never been sick before.

  7. Cyndi Mattox

    Thanks. He is on antibiotics now. That’s my baby so I couldn’t sit and wait. He isn’t happy right now because he got shots but a doggy cookie helped.

  8. julie brader

    So pleased you saw Krista and my replies….I’m sure he will recover soon with antibiotics. Can i just say some Probiotic would help while hes on the meds. Natural live yoghurt on his food, a couple of teaspoons a couple of times a day. Hope hes better soon!

  9. Melinawantsa Cupcake

    My baby got stung by a bee 2 times about every month so we gave him Benydrl , Benydrl is Medicean for allergy if u google it then u would understand but since it’s strong for him u need to mix with water like my baby

  10. Cyndi Mattox

    I have probiotic tabs. Will that work? He really isn’t hard to give oral meds to.

  11. julie brader

    Are they Probiotic tablets for dogs? If they are and you know the dose to give him then yes. I wouldn’t give him Probiotic tablets for humans though….I don’t know if they would be safe for dogs. I know you’ll be safe with yoghurt though.

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Pawbly | 10 years ago
He Is 8 Weeks Old, Weighs Just Over 200g (his Litter Mates Are All…

He is 8 weeks old, weighs just over 200g (his litter mates are all at least 600g) has a very soft and enlarged skull with pupils that face east west. There are no good vets here, certainly no vet specialists. Should I wait until he has gained weight before trying to medicate him (All the drugs can be purchased over the counter here and I am medically qualified) or should I start ASAP to help minimise brain damage? He is already blind. Or is the likely outcome so poor that I should be thinking about euthanasia? He seems happy enough at this point in time but cries a lot in the night and I don’t want him to be in pain.

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