hello Amanda!
If you think your kitty has stertor, or what I call upper nasal snoring sounds, I think it is best to start at your vets office. A couple of things are important to discuss early on. One, lots of stertor sounds alike. For the many cases of polyps that I have seen it is important to look at the whole cat, take a very detailed history and do the basics, like ruling out URI (upper respiratory infection) first. Lots of cats get this, as mist have come through rescue/shelter scenarios. So, I always talk to clients about covering the basics first.
URI should look like infection. Lethargy, fever, ocular and nasal discharge are usually present. Antibiotics are our first stop for these cats. I usually use clavamox, doxycycline, or azithromycin (I’ll even try all three before I move out of the infection suspicion scenario).
BUT, some cats are instead chronic rhinitis. These are usually a little older, and a little distanced from the rescuing phase of their lives. They are usually the somewhat older cats (like 2-6 years old) and they were probably exposed to a herpes virus early on. They sort of never get over the snoring and sniffles. These guys are life long snifflers. Usually with some degree of nasal and ocular discharge.
There are also the polyp cats, These are the ones I see often, because, their primary vet doesnt want to go take a look because if they find a polyp they are afraid to remove it. So most of the cats I see are the suspected polyps who cannot afford the $2500 plus estimate the specialists are giving for retroflex endoscopy, and removal with a surgeon.
I know lots of general practitioners who will sedate (yes this is required to get an adequate look) who will look and will remove but the risks are important to discuss before hand. The risks are; regrowth. I have seen it happen in two cases. Both resolved permanently after the second removal. I have also seen significant bleeding after removal. The cat ultimately did fine, but, I was worried for a few days.
If you find yourself with a vet who is reluctant to look ask for a referral. If the referral is to a specialisit and this is not affordable call the local cat specialty clinics, rescues and shelters for a referral you can afford.
I hope this helps. Please let me know what happens.. If you cannot find help let me know and I can reach out to some of the rescue people I know in AZ.
good luck!
krista
Hello,
I have a lot of Information on my blog and YouTube channel. Go there. Also a few questions below is the book I recommend. It’s available on Amazon. I also think it is imperative to call the vet who diagnosed you and remind them it is unethical to not provide options to you even if the preferred treatment option is cost prohibitive. We owe our patients options and when I hear they aren’t being provided I shudder at the number of let’s falling through the cracks because we have forgotten to be compassionate and flexible. It’s also a reportable offense to not provide care in the manner clients request. Please also look into physical therapy, acupuncture and adjusting your home to be more handicapped friendly. I would also ask for a referral to a vet who is versed in this and willing to help a client with financial constraints. Go back and talk to your vet. Demand help that is meaningful or find one who will. These pets can recover with conservativecare But you need to be hyper diligent and you need assistance. Reach out on social media to find a mentor locally who had been through this or ask your vet to give you a patient in the past who had this and build your own support network. Please keep in touch. And please let us know what happens. Good luck
Hello,
I just wanted to respond with an update on my little pit bull who was diagnosed with ivdd. It’s day 6 of his symptoms and it has been really really hard. Especially the first couple days but we’ve got him on some pain management and I’m following you’re advice on resting the dog as much as possible. He’s been eating and drinking regularly the past couple days which is great and he seems to be more alert and happy. All great signs. But I do have a few specific follow up questions about his symptoms. The first is he’s not been defecating the past 3 days and I’m curious how I can help him with his bowel movements. And my second question is how
Much movement is too much? My little guy is very determined to get up and walk regardless of the pain or lack of mobility in his hind legs. Is this something that I should allow or should I limit his movement significantly?
Any help appreciated thank you