Other Service
Profile Image
Krista Magnifico | 6 years ago
Nasopharyngeal Polyp Exploratory Surgery. Inky Was Suspected To Have A Nasopharyngeal Polyp And His Vet…
Treatment Cost (USD): $605.00
Inky was a rescued feral kitten. From the time his family found him he had what seemed to be an upper respiratory infection (which is very common in feral kittens). After multiple rounds of antibiotics there was little change in his snoring/snorting nasal noises. After doing some research they wondered if he might have a nasopharyngeal polyp? They asked their vet about the possibility? Their vet wanted to send them to a specialist for this. They could not find anyone locally to look and help them with Inky in a price range that was affordable.
1 Response

Comments

Question
Profile Image
Steve Hatchett | 6 years ago
I Have A Senior Cat Who Was Receiving Insulin But Is Now Off Of It…

I have a senior cat who was receiving insulin but is now off of it per the Doctor’s orders. His glucose level has returned to normal, at least for now, by way of the DM cat food only.

The cat has become very playful, like a kitten, during the last week or so. Should I be concerned about the change in behavior?

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Hi there? If your cat s feeling well enough to be playful and happy, I would take that as a gift. We have a senior dog who has given us the same thing and we are just making sure to enjoy as much time with him as we can, while we can. You could always mention the behavior change at your next vet visit if it is a concern…. however, my thinking is that since he’s feeling good that he is just letting you know. ??

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I agree with Sarah! This all sounds like excellent news.. but ANY change in behavior should be discussed with your vet, and frequent recheck of blood glucose are the best way to monitor for the progression and state of this disease process. Also, if you see a change in water intake, or the size of the urine clumps (if clumping litter) in the box are also,
    let us know how things go,,

    xoxo
    krista

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
Hello, I Have A 12 Week Old Kitten Who Was Spayed 11 Days Ago. I Noticed…

Hello,
I have a 12 week old kitten who was spayed 11 days ago. I noticed after the 4th day that she had some swelling under her incision. I took her to the ER vet who did an US and said the internal stitches were still intact and there was no hernia. She aspirated some sanguious fluild and looked at it under the microscope and said she was infection free. The kitten had been confined to the bathroom since the spaying but I found out on the third day she was jumping in and out of the bathtub. Hard to keep a 12 week old kitten still and quiet! So after the vet visit we confined even more so- in a free standing shower for 5 days. I then noticed it was firmer- maybe 10% smaller- but definitely firmer looking- more defined. So back to the Er vet who did a second US and said all looked good- no hernia. She then said to let her out of the shower and resume normal activity- the serima should resolve. I was like what! That’s the opposite of what the other vet said. The kitten has been eating and acting normal all through this recovery period. I check the serima daily and it’s the same size. Do I let her tossel with her sibling? How long will it take for the body to reabsorb it? And why did it get firmer after she drained it? I’m so conflicted what to do. Some sites says it takes weeks- I might be impatient. The incision has almost completely healed and looks good. I’m so confused as to how I should be treating this!
Thanks so much!!

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    These are all questions for the vet who did the surgery. In general kittens heal very very fast. I would guess she is fine at this point but you should ask your vet for their opinion. I hope you have a regular vet. The ER is for emergencies. Your vet is for the day to Day questions.

  2. Sarah

    Good morning.? I would start to make regular appointments at the vet you will be using… fo check ups, inoculations, etc. that way you will be able to establish a good relationship and they will get to know your kitten well making future visits easier and more relaxed. As far as your kitten’s spay- I agree, the vet that did the surgery is the best person to speak with. Best of luck and congrats on your kitten!

Question
Profile Image
Debbie Molnar | 6 years ago
If It Helps A Puppy To Grow Up With Another Puppy Does The Same Hold…

If it helps a puppy to grow up with another puppy does the same hold true for kittens? Will cats be happier and better adjusted if they have a sibling? Does it help to get 2 from the same litter or should they be unrelated?

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    We had a few “pairs” in our lifetime- meaning they were from the same litter. Never had an issue- all three times, they were really nice, affectionate and all around good pets. I have heard of littermate syndrome in dogs, which can prove to be a challenge, but I do not think the same holds true for cats. I will say that a kitten is a lot of work- box training, house rules, scratching, etc. so keep in mind that is all double duty when bringing two in at the same time. Best of luck!!

  2. Laura

    I’ve never had kittens, so I cannot speak to this part of your question. I do know quite a bit about dogs, however, and I would NEVER suggest getting two littermates in dogs. Ever. This causes some serious developmental issues – littermate syndrome and dog aggression are but two of them.

Question
Profile Image
Cathy Testerman | 6 years ago
I Have A 6 Week Old Kitten That Developed Severe Diarrhea 5 Days Ago. I…

I have a 6 week old kitten that developed severe diarrhea 5 days ago. I took her to the vets 3 days ago. Stool culture positive for coccidia. She has been on treatment for 3 days with no improvement. Her rectal area is raw. She is eating and drinking but obviously does not feel well. I have been bathing her and putting Desitin on her rectal area per my vets recommendation. Shouldn’t she be getting better by now?

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    I would call the vet in the morning and let them know your concerns. Ask if there is anything else that you could be doing and you might want to ask if there is some supplement that you could give to her food-wise too. Good luck

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Yes. If I would expext rhat if the cias wit the diarrhea was singularly the parasites that she would be better. In cases like these I usually recommend “playing” with the formula. Powder versus liquid replacer and trying to add more water vs less formula. I would also talk to the vet about checking another fecal sample for parasites and even switching to a kitten food. Even a different kind of food can help. If it’s not parasites it’s the diet. That’s my usual treatment plan for theee guys. Good luck. Please let us know what happens

  3. Cathy Testerman Post author

    Took kitten back to vets yesterday. Was given Flagyl. Seems to be working plus Royal Canin GI food. Rectal swelling appears a little better.

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
My Cat Ran Away For 7 Weeks We Found Her Extremely Malnourished And Dehydrated Displaying…

My cat ran away for 7 weeks we found her extremely malnourished and dehydrated displaying neurological issues. We rushed her to the vet but we couldn’t afford the hospitalisation so we took jer home with prescriptions and subcutaneous fluid replacement therapy. Jer liver enzymes were elevated they said it should get better as she eat very slowly in small quantities. Its been 5 days since we found her. The neuro issues have disappeared. She has been peeing regularly in increasing quantities and though week she can walk around. She is alerte. But she refuses any food in any form. I have tried wet dry kitten formula replacement. She eat a bite or two the first days and nothing since. What should i do?

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Anonymous

    I would call the vet back, to be quite honest. 5 days with almost no food is a critical issue.

  2. Sarah

    I agree with Laura- she needs some nourishment. Ask your vet- perhaps syringe feeding us an option? I would also ask my vet about hospitalization costs, and discuss different affordable options as well as payment options. See if there is a way you can put s lump sum down up front and then pay the rest off monthly? Best of luck.

  3. Joe Johnson

    I suggest you check into how easy assisted feeding with oral syringes is once you and your cat get the hang of it. You’d have to go real slow at first – maybe 1ml per quirt and only 5ml every 1/2 hour or so, but it’s pretty darn simple once you get the hang of it. Almost any canned pet food can be turned into a slurry/shake with water and a blender or even with just a spoon and a lot of patience, if it’s pate style. I’d suggest going with food you know your cat loves, so that it’s easier for them to get comfortable with the concept. You must go VERY slow to begin with or you run the very serious risk of getting liquid into their lungs, which can be deadly. There are decent videos on You tube going over all of this in detail and I assume your vet would be more than happy to show you first hand how it’s done.
    First and foremost though, please go see the vet.

Question
Profile Image
judy cook | 6 years ago
Does Anyone Have Experience With Chemo Drugs Used For Feline Intestinal Lymphoma, Small Cell Type…

Does anyone have experience with chemo drugs used for feline intestinal lymphoma, small cell type? I’m anticipating having to decide next week to pursue a course of chemo -or not- for my Oak. Oak is now 11 years old, rescued by me as a kitten from a shelter, but never adopted out due to the eosinophilic granuloma that became apparent when he was about 4 months age. He is such a sweet kitty, I call him my ‘circus cat’ because I can train him to do almost anything. Sadly, I’m now training him to happily take gel capsules so we’ll be ready if the time comes. I would appreciate any insight you have on how well your cat(s) tolerate chemo (if you can include the name of the drug, that’s a bonus!). Thank you so much, judy

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Shiria

    I know this is a year old by now, but did you do the Chemo for Oak and if yes how did he manage it?

    1. judy cook Post author

      Hi Shiria, I has not been a year, but Oak is doing fine. He continues with the prednisolone, and we added chlorambucil 3x per week. The chlorambucil (trade name= Leukeran) is VERY expensive in the states, and if you can make a trip to Canada, it MUCH cheaper. Take your prescription, and call the pharmacy ahead of time so you only need to pick it up. Hope this helps. Oak has had two blood tests so far to see if the clorambucil is overly suppressing his bone marrow, and he hasn’t had that problem. I give him B12 shots anyway monthly or every two weeks if he seems tired.

Question
Profile Image
Shiria | 7 years ago
Does Reflux In Premature Kittens Exist? I’m Asking Because We Got 4 Tiny Premature Kittens Yesterday…

Does Reflux in premature kittens exist?
I’m asking because we got 4 tiny premature kittens yesterday with their mother. She didn’t have milk when the were born, so the little ones were bottle fed/syringe fed the 2 days before they came to us.. However since she still showed interets in her babys they stayed with her. They had around 70gram according to their owner. When they arrived, they were cold and crying. One died a few minutes after they arrived, despite slowly warming up. It had tiny bits of milk in its nose.
(they were fed ca. 60 minutes earlier)

When they were finally warmed up two were drinking, one was fed with a syringe. All were urinating normally, one had a bit of bowel movements (yellow and soft). I placed them to their mother who was very worried about her babies and cuddled around them immediatly. She had a heat pad below her box to help keeping the temperature. She was extremly nervous, so I left her alone for the time being.
When I looked after them for the next feeding, the second one was dead. Milk around nose and mouth. I checked for cleft palate, but there was none visible.
The other two also showed no signs of a cleft palate. However, they felt cold again despite lying on their mothers belly.

I warmed them up again and this time I didn’t put them back – as it seemed that the despite mother and heat pad below they could’t keep their temperature. So they stayed in the box we use for raising kittens.

One was drinking, one was not. The none drinking was tube fed. When I looked after them a ca. 15 minutes later the non drinking one hat milk running out of its nose and mouth. I cleaned it immediatly and it started breathing again – but I guess it still got something in its lungs, as it died a few minutes later.

The remaining one was now warm, still urinating normally and drinking. But it couldn’t settle down. It was always crying and seemed restless. The next two feedings went normally – as dfar as that is possible with such a tiny one. When I wanted to feed it in the late evening I found it dead – a bit of milk running out of nose and mouth. It was the smalles one of them with only 67 gram.

I’m very worried that I did something wrong… They were not the first babys I bottle fed (or syring fed/tube fed). But it’s not like I’m very experienced… Usually the ones I get are at least full term… I only had one premature Baby before, that also died after 2 days. It had only 53 gram when being born – but it was with me since birth.
None of the babyies I cared lost as much milk through their nose – and especially not their mouth. The only ones that did this, had a cleft palate. The healthy babys may choke at some milk at the beginnig when they try to figure out the bottle – and may show a bit milk at their nose when doing so – but they never showed those problems. They were fine later,

These ones died more or less immediatly after I took them in – and that’s why I’m asking myself, if I did something wrong – or if I should do something different next time – as all of them showed milk at nose and mouth. The third one looked like it had spit our everything it drank earlier and the last one also had more than just a drop outside of nose and mouth. I only fed tiny amounts – ca. 1ml each feeding, to get them started, was that still too much? The previous owner said nothing about problems with feeding – and I used the same milk as them.

It seemed all aspirated milk because it came back out of their stomach (reflux).
I know reflux is not unusual in human preemies – but what’s with cats and is their a way to avoid that? (If that’s the reason for their problems at all). But if not why came the milk back up?

1 Response

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Good morning. I’m so sorry that you had this experience. While I cannot truly answer your question about reflux, I just wanted to say that the fact that you cared so much and tried so hard does not go unnoticed. Thank you so much for trying?

Question
Profile Image
Kari White | 7 years ago
One Of Our 6 Month Old Kittens Will Suck On The Blanket A Portion Of…

One of our 6 month old kittens will suck on the blanket a portion of the night. Will he outgrow this behavior? Are there any concerns if he doesn’t?

4 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    That’s adorable! We had one cat, many years ago that sucked on the ear of one of my stuffed animals her entire life… she was fine and never had any issues related to it that I can recall.

  2. Anonymous

    As long as he isn’t chewing holes in the blanket and eating the material he chews out of it, I would say this is a minor issue.

  3. Kari White Post author

    Thanks it has been a little less frequent and so odd it’s only a plush type blanket at night. It must be soft like like his mom’s fur. No chewing just leaves a wet spot haha

  4. Anonymous

    He’s suckling. Happens when mammals are removed from their mothers too soon, and can happen as a self-soothing behavior, particularly at bedtime.

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 7 years ago
Hi Looking For Some Advice. I Have Contacted Almost Every Source Of Google…

Hi looking for some advice. I have contacted almost every source of Google and rescues possible. I am a single mom with an 8 year old son. Recently we had to put our cat down. He was older than my son. On top of that, my son has not heard from his father in 2 years. He is having a hard time and really wants a kitten. I don’t know if they have any programs to help with long term care for people with disabilities. . therapy animals maybe? I have also spoken to some shelters offering to volunteer in turn for help with the new kitten. So we are both helping each other. It seems that the shelters are over crowded with animals looking for loving homes and I can definitely give that!! I am not sure about my financial future as a new single mom and want to be safe.. not making mistakes in the long run. Can anyone point me in the right direction?? Thanks!!

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Hi!
    As you’ve already had experience with a cat and know the cost and care that ar associated with it, perhaps adopting an adult cat instead of a kitten would be better? At local shelters you can usually see the cats and play/interact with them. That way you can also get a sense of the personality… plus it’s already litter trained, had its shots and is probably spayed/neutered too.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    I agree with Sarah!! The cost of adopting an adult is a fraction of a kitten. And if you adopt from a rescue they have usually provided all the medical care needed for a while (about a year, because all cats should receive yearly examinations). But please ask about the appropriate diet and exercise plan to save on emergencies like urinary tract infections and urinary blockages.