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Pam Brooks | 5 years ago
Had CT Done Of My Cat Lucas Due To No Resolution Of Respiratory Problems With Antibiotics. …

Had CT done of my cat Lucas due to no resolution of respiratory problems with antibiotics. Here are the results.

Moderate to marked thickening of the roof of the nasopharynx
• Otitis media bilaterally
• Lymphadenopathy left medial retropharyngeal lymph node

The marked thickening of the mucosal lining of the roof of the nasopharynx in conjunction withthe enlarged left medial retropharyngeal lymph node are highly suggestive for neoplastic
, and round cell neoplasia is the top differential diagnosis. Differentials include mast-
cell tumor, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, other. The mucosal thickening of the roof
of the nasopharynx can explain the bilateral otitis media due to mechanical obstruction of the
openings of the auditory tubes into the nasopharynx. A differential to neoplastic infiltration is
marked non-infectious inflammation (e.g. lymphocytic plasmacytic, eosinophilic) or
granulomatous inflammation (e.g. Cryptococcosis) but the later one is considered far less likely
here. The findings are not typical for inflammatory polyps.The bilateral otitis media is explains the history of head tilt and Horner’s syndrome.
Rhinoscopy/retrograde pharyngoscopy is recommended for further evaluation including FNA
sampling and biopsy. FNA sampling of the left medial retropharyngeal lymph node is warranted
as well. The prednisolone treatment may influence results of the samples.

I think all the tests and surgeries that may follow will be out of my budget. Already spent over $1000 to date with no resolution.
Wondering if there are veterinarians who would go in and remove the polyp – appears to be a poly under soft palate – just to give the cat some relief and time.

Opinions and suggestions are welcome.

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning- I’m sorry you’ve been through so much already, and still are having issues. Did you speak candidly with your primary vet already about all of these findings and your wishes? (Meaning the removal of the polyp or at least some relief) That is probably where I would start. I would also make a few phone calls… local rescue organizations that may be willing to help fund your surgery. Or possibly your vet may let you pay a little at a time as you have already paid so much? I hope things get better soon!????????

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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

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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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Cathy Testerman | 6 years ago
I Rescue Kittens And Find Them Forever Homes. I Currently Have 5 Kittens. …

I rescue kittens and find them forever homes. I currently have 5 kittens. Took them for initial check up Friday. All have upper respiratory infections. I was given Clavamox and terramycin eye ointment. One has developed severe conjunctivitis despite above treatment. Went back to vets and was told to continue above meds. The last kitten I had with this required an antibiotic injection. This kittens eyes have gotten worse since Friday not better. I am frustrated and this kitten is miserable.

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  1. Sarah

    I would call and speak to the vet. Let them know if your previous experience and that this kitten is having similar issues. I would ask for the stronger treatment and explain why you’re so concerned. Best of luck!

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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.
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Regular Vet Visit
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Krista Magnifico | 6 years ago
Edie Is A 7 Month Old Kitten Who Has Had Chronic Snoring And Nasal Discharge…
Treatment Cost (USD): $500.00
Edie has had chronic mucoid (yellow and thick), and making snoring/loud breathing sounds almost all the time. She was originally thought to have an upper respiratory infection, but after four attempts of treating for this she came to see me, Dr Magnifico, for a second opinion.
3 Responses

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  1. Gary Stokes

    Good thing it was a polyp! My cat was doing the same thing and no polyp was found.
    This went on for about 4 years and her vet kept giving her different antibiotics and nothing helped. I asked if they could do a nose culture.
    And they said no they couldn’t so like I said it went on for 4 years!! It wasn’t until moved back to Lexington SC from Nashville TN that her doctor in Columbia SC saw her. And I told her what was going on and what they said about they couldn’t do a culture! And she said sure they could have! And she said I’ll do one now!
    And she sent it off to be tested and it came back that she had pseudmonas!! It is resistant to most all antibiotics! That’s why nothing they had given her helped! But the good news is there was one antibiotic that it wasn’t resistant to it was marblefloxin ” zinaqun ” she but her on a two month round of doses and it cleared it right Up!!

  2. Gary Stokes

    Be very careful pseudmonas outbreaks in cats are running rampant in the United States in the last several years so if your car shows any signs of nasal discharge and whising and sneezing get him or her checked for a polyp! If no polyps them get them checked for pseudmonas! Pseudmonas is very Dangerous!! It can cause nerve damage! Nurolagical problems heat problems peralisis and even Death!!

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| 8 years ago
My 11 Months Old Golden Had Fever About 103’F And Increased Respiratory Rate And The…

My 11 months old golden had fever about 103’F and increased respiratory rate and the vet gave juromox fot two times but fever does not fall.How long will it take to get body temperature normal?

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Pawbly | 9 years ago
My Younger 3 Year Old Cat Chunk Has Been Having Eye Discharge For A Few…

My younger 3 year old cat Chunk has been having eye discharge for a few months. He uses the bathroom just fine, eats just fine, seems to be playful and very aware. The discharge is predominantly in one eye although it happens in the other too. It is a brown / rusty red color that seeps from the inner tear ducts. His eye looks okay when you look up close but Im no DVM. (He has been tested for FIV as well as Herpes in prior checkups years ago and tested negative). He doesn’t sneeze, although he does breathe some what heavy but that could also be attributed to his Chunky frame (working on it). I’ve read several possibilities including herpes, conjunctivitis, and respiratory infection. I am hoping this is something that can be resolved through an ointment like terramycin? Any recommendations / suggestions / advice? Thank you!

*Also may be beneficial to note my other rescue Captain Hook has one eye. The non working eye is flipped backward and does not function. As a result that one eye has always had blackish discharge (not the same color as chunks nor does it come out in the same way as chunks). Our vet said this is normal for his eye condition, but just wanted to mention because perhaps could be related? Or no?

Disclaimer *My cats are indoor cats on a strict wet food diet. Chunk is 3 and Captain Hook is 7. I take them to the vet when needed. Their last general checkups were two years ago. I realize they need to go every year, but my cat Captain Hook had many many medical problems (bowel disorders) so thousands of dollars in care credit we try not to take them unless needed, especially since they are indoor.

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