Question
Profile Image
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.

Regular Vet Visit
Profile Image
Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
Lucy: Feline With Severe, Chronic Stomatitis
Treatment Cost (USD): $705.70
Lucy is a rescued kitty who first came in to Jarrettsville Veterinary Center with her new owner because she wasn't feeling well - she was lethargic, not eating well, and had two large lumps on the side of her mouth. She was diagnosed with severe stomatitis and hospitalized for treatment. Over the course of the next several months, Lucy received multiple medical treatments in an effort to manage the distressing symptoms caused by her stomatitis. She was given several courses of antibiotics, steroids, and pain meds, and even received laser treatments to help manage pain and swelling. Eventually it was recommended that the best way to help Lucy would be to schedule her for a complete dental cleaning and extractions of diseased teeth.
0 Responses
Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
I’ve Got A 9 Week Old Puppy At Home, She Is Passing Stools Normal Colour…

I’ve got a 9 week old puppy at home, she is passing stools normal colour not to much but is crying when trying to pass. She has been wormed and I’ve just given her, another one as requested by previous owner. Will this fade eventually once worms are killed she is scooting her bum on the floor too

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Laura

    Since she’s only 9 weeks old, you can’t have had her long. Which means either you have a vet visit happening in the next couple of days, right? Ask your vet. 🙂

  2. Jennifer Taylor

    I would speak with your vet. There are different wormers that are parasite specific. It could be as simple as the wormer you are using is not covering the parasite the puppy has….or it could be something completely unrelated. If she is crying when passing stool I would try to get in to your vet as soon as possible. I hope your puppy feels better soon!

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I always tell people that if their puppy isn’t acting normally that you should assume something is wrong and see a vet. If you are worried tell your vet. If they aren’t helpful or reassuring seek a second opinion. You are the only advocate your puppy has.

Regular Vet Visit
Profile Image
Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
George The Cat – A Girl With A Painful Mouth
Treatment Cost (USD): $642.48
George, an older female cat, was rescued by a neighbor after her original owner passed away. Her new owner brought George to Jarrettsville Veterinary Center because she seemed to be in pain when eating, often pawing at her mouth.
0 Responses
Regular Vet Visit
Profile Image
Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
Ginger Boy: Just Because You’re Missing Most Of Your Teeth, Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Need…
Treatment Cost (USD): $462.63
Ginger Boy's owner brought him to Jarrettsville Veterinary Center because his mouth seemed to be bothering him. He was drooling excessively, and had become reluctant to eat, even when his food was softened. This is despite Ginger Boy having had a dental cleaning and multiple extractions a couple of years prior - most of his teeth were actually missing at this point. The treating veterinarian recommended that Ginger Boy have full-mouth dental X-rays before scheduling another dental procedure, just in case he had any "retained roots." Retained roots from previous extractions can cause pain and infection.
0 Responses
Regular Vet Visit
Profile Image
Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
Beau The Cat Had A VERY Painful Mouth
Treatment Cost (USD): $1065.38
Beau is an 11 year old Domestic Shorthair cat who was showing signs of severe dental disease. He was pawing at his mouth, not eating well, and his owner wasn't able to give him any oral medications to treat what appeared to be an abscess.
0 Responses
Regular Vet Visit
Profile Image
Suzanne Cannon | 6 years ago
Pepper The Cat Gets A Dental Cleaning & Tooth Extraction
Treatment Cost (USD): $376.50
Pepper, a 3 year old domestic shorthair cat, came to Jarrettsville Veterinary Center when her owner sought a second opinion as to whether or not she needed to have a tooth extracted. Pepper's owner had been to another vet in the area, and was given an estimate of $800 - $1000 for a dental cleaning and extraction, and due to the signficant expense, she wanted a second opinion. While Pepper's owner wanted to the right thing for her cat, she found the original estimate to be cost prohibitive and was concerned about raising adequate funds for the procedure.
0 Responses
Question
Profile Image
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.

1 Response

Comments

  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!

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
Our Outdoor Cat (1yr) Wasn’t Around During The Day, Like She Usually Is, For Lots…

Our outdoor cat (1yr) wasn’t around during the day, like she usually is, for lots of love. When she finally came around that night, we noticed the top of her tail seemed skinned on the bottom part (just meaty flesh), about 2.5inches. We went to our local farm store and bought a spray to keep infection out and help heal. She seemed to feel better a couple days later, eating and coming around more. Then we noticed the whole tail was looking abnormal, like skinned, with fur hanging. She became more herself, following us around property, wanting alot of love, moving easily, jumping up on things, eating well. 2.5 weeks since this first began, and today, the whole outer part came off! It was almost like a cacoon type looking, hollow inside! All the hair and everything is now gone, just about 4-5″ of completely bare flesh.
I have documented with video/pictures the whole time. We weren’t sure if an animal tried to bite her, or she had gotten it caught in a trap? We love her so much, my 5yr old has raised her after her mommy died 6wks after birth. We are a one income family, and my husband is about to have surgery that we have to pay for upfront, as well as coming up with the money the short term disability won’t pay for 6wks…we are at a loss?
First pic is how it has looked for about 2 weeks, then the other 3 pics are from today ?)

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    My guess is that the tail should be amputated to the point where there is viable skin to close the incision. I am worried that the hair will not grow back and she will be in constant discomfort to the point of self traumatizing. I don’t have any cheaper options for you. I’m sorry. I suppose there is a chance the tail might heal but any and all open wounds should be carefully monitored for infection and maggots. Please see a vet. At least for an exam and ask for guidance.

  2. Sarah

    I am soo sorry this happened. I know you’re on a tight budget, but I would definitely get her to a vet to examine it and get her some antibiotics at the very least. Explain to the. You’re financial situation up front and that you of course love this cat but have to take the most cost effective option at this point in time. As she is an outdoor cat, it is going to probably be a bit difficult to monitor her closely… having said that, I agree with Dr. Magnifico and really recommend getting to a vet to assess the situation and get advice. Best of luck!!??

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
Hello, Do You Think Rimadyl And Gabapentin Are Sufficient Pain Meds After A Leg Amputation? Thank You! Carrie

Hello,
Do you think rimadyl and gabapentin are sufficient pain meds after a leg amputation?

Thank you!
Carrie

1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think that this is an impossible question for anyone to answer except you and your vet. Please ask them if you think that your pet needs more analgesia.