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Haley | 4 years ago
Is This A Nasal Polyp?

Hi, I adopted a Snowshoe/Siamese cat from a shelter about 6 weeks ago. They estimate he is about 3 years old but his history is unknown. He had an upper respiratory infection when I adopted him and was on antibiotics. He was very sneezy but that cleared up with the antibiotics the shelter gave me. I then took him to the vet for a wellness check the day after I adopted him and they found a yeast infection in one of his ears. We treated that and it’s been fine. He was also given Bravecto Plus topical just in case and is an indoor only cat.

About a week later he developed a skin issue, he’s been itching and ripping hair out in massive clumps and had some scabs. He was given two steroid injections over the course of a month. Also an antibiotic injection. I also changed his diet to rule out food allergen but after more than a week of diarrhea from the Hills z/d diet we switched to a sensitive skin Blue Buffalo instead which he is tolerating much better.

The skin issue has been getting better so I’m not concerned about that but just want to preface his history with me. Now onto the current issue. I noticed he snores and has trouble breathing when he is sleeping. I chalked this up to the URI but it has not gone away with the URI. His whole body basically flexes as he inhales. It’s only while he is asleep but does not matter what position he lies in. After spending over $1,000 and going to two different vet offices in the last 6 weeks, I would like to reach out to see if anyone has answers about this. We got back from the vet today with his second steroid injection and the itching has reduced significantly after this one (last one didn’t do much) and we are sending in blood work. The vet suggested next we do a full body x-ray which I’m not opposed to but I’m a graduate student and I’ve already spent over $1,000 on him and I have only had him for 6 weeks! I am going to get the x-rays for peace of mind but tonight I was checking his nose while he slept and found this. I’m assuming it’s a polyp? But I’m not a vet and won’t pretend to be one. If it is a polyp, where can I get this taken care of for a reasonable price? I really don’t want to dip into my emergency fund but I’ve already spent so much on him for vet bills, let alone changing food, litter, etc. To rule out allergens. I’ll include a picture of what I presume to be a polyp.

I appreciate anyone willing to help! I live in the New Orleans area so if you have recommendations for clinics, that would be great too! I am also willing to travel a longer distance for less pricey care. He does well in the car.

He is the one thing that’s really keeping me going right now so I really want to help him.

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It is impossible to diagnose via a photo. I think the best thing to do is have your vet look at your cat. I also think that it might be helpful to ask about cerenia nose drops just in case it is inflammation. I know there is a dr Mike down in NOLA that has been very affordable and helpful to people with financial constraints. See if anyone local knows about him. Let me know. Good luck

    1. Haley Post author

      Thank you for your response! His blood work came back today and the vet said it is perfect so that was good news. He is getting full body x-rays done tomorrow. It’s another $285 but I am hoping we get some answers about his snoring and breathing. She is going to thoroughly check his nose and what not while he is sedated. He is a squirmy boy! I will definitely be looking into Dr. Mike. Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

    2. Haley Post author

      Hi, I got the results from his vet today. She said that his nose looks like just inflamed tissue. She said his lungs were a little foggy on the x-ray but she thinks antibiotics (equivalent of human z-pak) and a diuretic will clear it up so we are doing that. His heart was slightly enlarged but he doesn’t have a detectable murmur. She is sending for a DNT test since they still had his blood for $62 to see if he may have heart disease. His left kidney was very enlarged and his right was atrophied. She said this could be cancer. His blood work and his urine both showed no issues with kidney function so she said this could just be large to compensate for the atrophied one. She said that we could do an ultrasound and biopsy but it will be very expensive and an echocardiogram if the DNT comes back indicating something is off. I am so upset. Should I be really worried about his kidney if it’s functioning fine? Thank you for your time.

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Nicole | 4 years ago
My 8 Year Old Cat Has Had A Snorting Nose For Over Half His Life. Vets Constantly …

My 8 year old cat has had a snorting nose for over half his life. Vets constantly prescribing him antibiotics. They want to check for polyp and every one in my area quotes me at 3-4 k just for the rhinoscopy. I’d hate to have to put him out twice when they do find a polyp. I have been suspecting it for years but nobody wanted to take me seriously. Instead they keep giving him antibiotics and the antibiotics do not help. I have videos of the noises he makes and I have found Dr Magnificos you tube videos a few years back. I am willing to travel for what you do for nasal polyps! I can’t afford 3-4K just for diagnostic and then another few thousand for removal. If you have a recommendation for me, or if you can see my cat I would be so incredibly grateful!! I just want him to be able to breathe better.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Based in experience alone I would find it very unlikely a polyp is to blame. They grow over time and worsen clinical signs as they do. It seems like it is more likely to be chronic rhinitis or asthma.

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MaryPat Feiss | 4 years ago
I’m Looking For A Good Diet For My 9 Yr Old Puggle. With The Nice Weather …

I’m looking for a good diet for my 9 yr old puggle. With the nice weather here, we are gonna be going outside for more exercise but looking for a healthy diet. She has put on weight and I believe it has effected her mobility and snoring a little. She only eats a cup a day and she is currently on senior diet food but looking for another brand and options.

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  1. Laura

    Hi there! You might want to start with a chat with your vet. Is she doing well on this food?

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Pamela | 4 years ago
Hi, I Have A 6 Year Old 17 Lb Ragdoll Cat That Has A Problem With His Anal …

Hi, I have a 6 year old 17 lb Ragdoll cat that has a problem with his anal glands. Yes, he can stand to lose a little weight. I adopted him when he was 5 years old, and he’s over 6 now. When I first got him, his anal gland ruptured within a couple months. The previous owner admitted he had that happen a few months earlier. I’ve had cats since I was a year old, and I’ve never had a cat with this problem. I don’t trust the vet where I’ve been going to be looking for what’s going on or to help me resolve his issues. Do you know of any good vets in the Los Angeles area (particularly the west side near Santa Monica)? A veterinarian who cares more about the cats than making money? I’m fearful that there is more to this issue or how to treat it rather than just expressing his glands every couple of months.

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning☺️ I have never had a cat with this issue, but we did have a dog who had a ruptured anal sack about 4 years ago. I remember that he was on a couple of different courses of heavy antibiotics after his initial treatment for the rupture to prevent infection and prevent it from happening again. I’m wondering if perhaps your cat might have a similar issue where the initial infection was not cleared up completely which lead to the rupture? Also- if you are on Facebook perhaps you can research and get references for a vet you are more comfortable with. I apologize, I am on the east coast and am unfamiliar with your area. Another option would be to contact your local shelter or humane society for recommendations. Best of luck!!????

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Lisa | 4 years ago
We Just Adopted A 2 Year Old Dog. She Was Spayed On Monday And Has Some Vaginal …

We just adopted a 2 year old dog. She was spayed on Monday and has some vaginal bleeding. She recently had a litter, but unfortunately they drowned in a flood and our rescue was found on the top of her dog house. We don’t know how old the puppies were. Should we be concerned?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I would contact the vet who did the surgery. While a small amount of bleeding might be normal I cannot ever be sure that what you are seeing is not a sign of a problem. Please call the rescue and have her seen by a vet of they are concerned. It is also time for you to find your own vet for her long term medical needs. Thank you for rescuing her.

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Bethany | 4 years ago
Lucky Is A 2-year Old Male Kitty Who Was Just Hospitalized For A Urinary Block. He …

Lucky is a 2-year old male kitty who was just hospitalized for a urinary block. He was hospitalized for six days. He’s now home recovering. He refuses to drink water and his having a hard time peeing. Although he had to big pees today that took him awhile to squeeze out. I need to monitor his bladder. When I feel around, I can’t feel anything at any time. Can someone help me locate his bladder? I’m giving him water through a syringe every hour. And, I’m encouraging him to use the litter box at his usual peeing times. I’d like to know how to tell if his bladder is overly filled.

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to hear about your cat. I would do the following. First call your get and ask for a tutorial from one of the technicians. We do this very often at our clinic. If they won’t help put out a plea on social media for an experienced vet tech or cat person who can help you. It will take a few weeks to get adept at this. I have a few videos to help. I’ll try to do more. I would also suggest you ask about learning how to give Sq fluids instead of syringe feeding by mouth. Also ask about prazosin, prednisolone, and hydra care. Good luck.

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Karen Katzenberger | 4 years ago
Need A Recommendation For Dry Dog Food For My Dog Who Scratches A Lot. Vet Said …

Need a recommendation for dry dog food for my dog who scratches a lot. Vet said his skin is ok, no fleas, etc. Forgot to ask vet for recommendation on food. Currently eating Iams adult dry food. He is almost 2 yrs old.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It is important to discover what the cause of the itching is. Certainly some dogs do have food allergies and for these cases a strict diet must be adhered to. The tough part is which diet as there are lots of possible food allergies. What I have found far more commonly is another issue like parasites (fleas are the biggest concern, scabies is second) or environmental allergies. I talk about diet, omega three fatty acids, preventatives, shampoos and allergy meds. All of these before I talk diet as it is so hard to not let them eat anything else. Please ask your vet for a referral to a dermatologist if the itching persists.

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Diane | 4 years ago
Hello All! My 7-month-old English Labrador Got Spayed Yesterday. She Went Into Surgery At 7 Am And …

Hello all!

My 7-month-old English labrador got spayed yesterday. She went into surgery at 7 am and we picked her up at 3 p.m. Of course, she was not herself due to the anesthesia. Once we got home, we fed her some lunch and then later some dinner, she was very hungry. Now, the following day, we have noticed she has yet to poop. She has peed minimally but has not pooped once. Is this normal for female dogs after undergoing surgery?

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there-
    Sometimes the anesthesia can slow things down. I would give her a little time- hopefully she has by now. If she still hasn’t, I would call your vet and speak to them. Best of luck!!

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am not usually worried about not defecating for a few days after surgery. She should however be acting normally and urinating normally. If worries call your vet and confirm. Better safe than sorry. Ty for spaying her!

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Honey | 4 years ago
So My Cat Has A Urinary Blockage, And We Took Him In To Get The Crystals …

So my cat has a urinary blockage, and we took him in to get the crystals removed from his bladder but it keeps getting hard and he can’t go pee. Every morning for the last three days we have had to take him in to get his bladder drained and it is costing a lot. They have given us some relaxing medicine to help him, but soon we will have to put him down if it doesn’t work. I wanted to ask for any at-home tips to help his bladder empty easier in the litter box, like what kind of food should we feed him and should we give him water to help? Please respond it is urgent and he may have to be put down tomorrow.

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    We had a male cat years ago who had to be put on Rx food specifically for urinary issues. Your vet should be able to provide this. We also had to change litter, also a recommendation by our vet at the time. I think if I were you, I would call and ask to speak to the vet to see what options aside from euthanasia (it sounds like this has been recommended) they have to offer. I’m hoping that Dr. Magnifico sees your post- she is a wealth of information and may have better advice than myself. I would definitely call your veterinarian though- ask about Rx food, litter recommendations and different options. I hope things work out ok. Best of luck- keep us posted ????

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    In these cases I place a urinary catheter and give iv fluids for a few days. It isn’t the cheapest route to go but it does have the best prognosis. I really hope your cat is ok.

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Chandler | 4 years ago
Hello! So I Just Took Home A Pup, He’s An 8 Week Old Cane Corso. The …

Hello! So i just took home a pup, he’s an 8 week old cane corso. The breeder had his ears cropped a couple weeks ago and slowly started to noticed a small fluid filled “lump” on the back of his neck between his shoulder blades. He had called the ear cropping vet as well as his regular vet whom didn’t seem concerned most likely a seroma. They prescribed an antibiotic just to prevent an abscess as well as sending me home with some dimethyl sulfoxide cream. The first couple days we had him at home we didn’t use the cream because it made his breath smell and now the small lump has grown to the size of an orange. It’s still soft, doesn’t seem to bother his besides some itching, and he’s still very playful. Ugh it’s just making me nervous! I have an appointment with the vet for his final shots in a couple weeks. Just looking for some advice to calm my nerves or if i should go in sooner.

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think that in this case I would get a second opinion to help ease your worries. I also think that the best way to identify a mass like this might be to aspirate it so you know what it most likely is. I had a puppy recently who had seen three other vets before he came to see me. He was 12 weeks old and had a large swelling in his neck. The puppy was acting normally he thought. I shaved the area and put a large gauge needle into it. We removed a huge amount of puss. This puppy had also been on an antibiotic. After two weeks he is healed and a fire cracker. He is a lot more lively then when I first met him which goes to show it can be hard to assess true behavior and attitude until after you get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Also a seroma happens very near or at the surgical site. So I’m not sure this is that. I hope this helps. Keep us posted.

    1. Chandler Post author

      Thank you for your response! I saw it this AM and took him to the emergency vet. They took a sample to see what it was and it was indeed a seroma. What they’re wondering is why? They think it might be from the micro chip that was placed. They did drain it and said it’s a 50/50 chance it’ll come back- and sure enough it has. So I’ll have to make an appointment with my vet- they talked about possible “surgery” to remove the chip and figure out what’s causing the leak. Seems aggressive – everything i read said seroma stake time to go down. Any thoughts?