Awww, I'm so sorry to hear about your poor kitty! Not only is it stressful on the poor gal, but you as well! I know, I've been there and it's terrible.
I definately agree on the second opinion. Talk to another vet. Get a copy of her current records, any tests and take it to another doctor. You never know and it's better to have someone else take a fresh look at your poor kid.
Did they suggest any vet food? Any other holistic approach? We went through a terrible experience with my poor cat who had struvite crystals backing up and after 4 terrible bouts of UTI's and almost kidney failure we finally got a new vet to refer us to a surgeon who did a PU and also recommended prescription Royal Canin for UTI health and an acelytator for PH balance. So far so good! Almost a year has gone by (as well as close to $10k!) but he's healthier than he's ever been and I swear happier! But it took us pursuing a few different vets AND being extremely persistant that he needed something other than being unblocked/liquids/catheter, ect.
It was sooooo stressful so I can definately relate to your pain and worry. During last bout of UTI then surgery we just worried, cried, worried, cried. For a few weeks. But it's all good now and I hope for the same outcome for your poor kitty!
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. "
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I know, I know, there will be someone who says something crude about "sick kitty" but please. I'm serious with this thread:
Anyways, as some of you know, I have three cats. Madeline, Aubrey, and Caitlin.
Aubrey is special needs, as she has IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). She spent the first 5 months of her life living in a glass box at Petsmart. I adopted her, from a shelter who was renting out space at Petsmart to show their cats. Anyways, they were feeding her some generic cat food for months, and she was subject to people starring at her all day, and people bringing dogs in, and such. When we first took her home, we noticed that there were blood spots on the floor. They were little round drips. Nothing like pools of blood. So I took Aubrey to the Emergency Vet. right away. Needless to say, I was told that she has IBS. She has to have special food, for the rest of her life. So I found the right food, I put all of my cats on it, so I wouldn't risk Aubrey eating anything bad for her.
So for months, she seemed to be doing well. Then that pet food recall hit, and lo and behold the one kind of Natural Balance cat food that was recalled was the special kind. So I researched, and came up with a new food that was comparable to the other kind. So, I put Aubrey on that. A few months passed and I started to see the blood spots, but this time they were a lot more frequent. It got so bad, that I refused to keep her on this food. So I called Natural Balance and they told me they released a new food that was the same formula as the old stuff.
Okay fast forward a week. Aubrey has been on the "semi-new" food for a week now, and the blood is still there, and now she is throwing up. It makes me sooooooo sad to see her like this. The doctor tells me this is how its going to be. For some reason I just can't accept that. She leads a stressful life. My other cats sorta pick on each other, but they both love Aubrey and they don't bother her. She never goes outside, ever. And she receives tons of love from us. But my heart breaks for her. She's getting skinny too.
I need some support or something. I don't know what to do for her.
Damn, I can make a smartass remark out of anything (punching infants especially) except a sick cat. I have a cat that is healthy but she's a puker. Doesn't matter what we do, what we feed her, she still goes through cycles where she throws up just about everything. We've talked to vets about it and they say some cats are just that way and they lead an otherwise totally normal and healthy life. I hope that is what is up with your cat. Good luck.
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I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. If there was the food that helped before the recall, I'm sure there's another kind that would help with her digestion. Poor kitty. Hope she gets better.
"The leads are weak!"
"The leads are weak? Fuckin' leads are weak? You're Weak! I've Been in this business 15 years"
Sarah...I think a second opinion could be in order here.
I did that with my cat once...they told me he needed $1000 eye surgery...went to another vet (eye specialist) and found out he only needed drops.
Think of it like when you go to the doctor...if you aren't comfortable with a diagnosis what do u do?? Second opinion right? Same thing goes for yer babies.
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Hey Gray Saturday....This is awful news about your kitty Aubrey! You were supportive to me when my Meow-Meow Kitty was sick just before Christmas...and now you're going through a tough time with one of your own....
It does sound like a second opinion is needed...yeah, it costs more $$ but it might be worth it in the end. Our local vet here misdiagnosed our pooch a few years back and wanted us to pay for all these super expensive treatments...took her to another vet who said that she was even exhibiting symptoms of what it was she was supposed to have. In fact, her blood work was normal...Saved us a few thousand, that did...
Anyway, I truly know you're worried. Meow-Meow was the same - wasting away, not eating, but still playing and acting normally otherwise...so make sure your Aubrey isn't yellow! Apparently, when they stop eating - that feline hepatic lipidosis can come on fast!
Hey Gray Saturday....This is awful news about your kitty Aubrey! You were supportive to me when my Meow-Meow Kitty was sick just before Christmas...and now you're going through a tough time with one of your own....
It does sound like a second opinion is needed...yeah, it costs more $$ but it might be worth it in the end. Our local vet here misdiagnosed our pooch a few years back and wanted us to pay for all these super expensive treatments...took her to another vet who said that she was even exhibiting symptoms of what it was she was supposed to have. In fact, her blood work was normal...Saved us a few thousand, that did...
Anyway, I truly know you're worried. Meow-Meow was the same - wasting away, not eating, but still playing and acting normally otherwise...so make sure your Aubrey isn't yellow! Apparently, when they stop eating - that feline hepatic lipidosis can come on fast!
My thoughts are with you and your kitty....
PS. How is your brother doing?
I remember!! Poor Meow meow! Aubrey is actually doing a lot better.. she is eating her new food, and hasn't had an upset stomach since I posted, go figure right?
She was happy as a clam today.. silly girl. Today she let Madeline give her a bath. She is sitting here trying to watch me type, but she keeps falling asleep sitting up. I think she had a rough time getting used to the new food, but it seems to be kicking in. No blood today either. Makes me feel much better.
She might be getting a new baby sister too.. we shall see. !!
And my brother, bless you for asking, he's doing MUCH better! He went back to school after the christmas holiday for the first time. He is slowing gaining back the 30lbs he lost. He is already back on the slopes snowboarding, and his skin healed amazingly! He has some scarring right now on his arms, but it should all fade together. I cannot BELIEVE he looks like he does after the shape he was in. He was his fiesty self when I saw him over the holidays. 16 year old boys.. quite the age! He will make a full recovery. And within a year will have NO signs that he had this at all.. AMAZING. Thank you again for asking!
That is so great about your brother! I remember it was touch and go there for awhile, but if he's back snowboarding, well...to be 16 again...
And also very glad to hear Aubrey is doing better! Meow-Meow was dripping blood and urine here there and everywhere last week....this time we took her to our regular vet (not the same as the ones last time)...and yeah, she had at urinary tract infection...(probably from the catheter used at the previous vets)...so he gave her a shot of antibiotics that lasts two weeks, and a shot of pain killer that also lasts two weeks! No pills to shove down my somewhat combative kitty...
So now she's all perky and meow-meowing all over the place, demanding food, demanding to be cuddled, smacking the dogs...she's actually quite annoying! Be warned - cats WILL do anything for Wiskas treats....like start kneading your face at 3am or scratching the wallpaper off...
....I've found a lot of them really push Science Diet though, which I've read a LOT of bad stuff about. SD funds a lot of Vet schools, so that always rubbed me the wrong way.....
So glad you mentioned that. I felt like I was going mad when every other vet would foist the bloody stuff on me at exhorbitant prices like it was the be all and end all of dog food. Lukin's been off it for a while now, I am happier because it's not costing nearly as much to feed him AND he is so much healthier without it.
S I'm so sorry about kitka. I guess these things are trial and error and educating yourself as best you can. Working out what works best for your girl. But you can do it! Muttley gets a lot of raw now, but I do suppliment with a quality dry food because that's what works best for him. It will be like a puss puzzle, but you'll work it out. Just keep trying till you hit upon the solution.
I know, I know, there will be someone who says something crude about "sick kitty" but please. I'm serious with this thread:
Anyways, as some of you know, I have three cats. Madeline, Aubrey, and Caitlin.
Aubrey is special needs, as she has IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). She spent the first 5 months of her life living in a glass box at Petsmart. I adopted her, from a shelter who was renting out space at Petsmart to show their cats. Anyways, they were feeding her some generic cat food for months, and she was subject to people starring at her all day, and people bringing dogs in, and such. When we first took her home, we noticed that there were blood spots on the floor. They were little round drips. Nothing like pools of blood. So I took Aubrey to the Emergency Vet. right away. Needless to say, I was told that she has IBS. She has to have special food, for the rest of her life. So I found the right food, I put all of my cats on it, so I wouldn't risk Aubrey eating anything bad for her.
So for months, she seemed to be doing well. Then that pet food recall hit, and lo and behold the one kind of Natural Balance cat food that was recalled was the special kind. So I researched, and came up with a new food that was comparable to the other kind. So, I put Aubrey on that. A few months passed and I started to see the blood spots, but this time they were a lot more frequent. It got so bad, that I refused to keep her on this food. So I called Natural Balance and they told me they released a new food that was the same formula as the old stuff.
Okay fast forward a week. Aubrey has been on the "semi-new" food for a week now, and the blood is still there, and now she is throwing up. It makes me sooooooo sad to see her like this. The doctor tells me this is how its going to be. For some reason I just can't accept that. She leads a stressful life. My other cats sorta pick on each other, but they both love Aubrey and they don't bother her. She never goes outside, ever. And she receives tons of love from us. But my heart breaks for her. She's getting skinny too.
I need some support or something. I don't know what to do for her.
That is soooo sad :( I'm sorry to hear that. My poor little kitty has terrible asthma attacks. Poor thing is extremely delicate and has punctured her lungs more than once. Sick kitties are a very heart-breaking thing to go through. :( Sorry about your kitty.
When life gives you lemons, throw them at somebody.
Poor Aubrey bear has been getting worse.. More blood spots all the time all over the house. She uses the litter box like 55 thousand times a day and never goes much at all. I am convinced that this isn't IBS and I am seeking a third opinion. I actually think she is having kidney or bladder problems and I am worried sick because the blood is getting worse.
Tomorrow night I am taking her to the vet.. Please keep her in your thoughts :(
Poor Aubrey bear has been getting worse.. More blood spots all the time all over the house. She uses the litter box like 55 thousand times a day and never goes much at all. I am convinced that this isn't IBS and I am seeking a third opinion. I actually think she is having kidney or bladder problems and I am worried sick because the blood is getting worse.
Tomorrow night I am taking her to the vet.. Please keep her in your thoughts :(
Poor Aubrey bear has been getting worse.. More blood spots all the time all over the house. She uses the litter box like 55 thousand times a day and never goes much at all. I am convinced that this isn't IBS and I am seeking a third opinion. I actually think she is having kidney or bladder problems and I am worried sick because the blood is getting worse.
Tomorrow night I am taking her to the vet.. Please keep her in your thoughts :(
i hope things go better, my grandmother had to take her calico cat to the emergency vet today and she's spending the night.
my thoughts are with your kitty.
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Poor Aubrey bear has been getting worse.. More blood spots all the time all over the house. She uses the litter box like 55 thousand times a day and never goes much at all. I am convinced that this isn't IBS and I am seeking a third opinion. I actually think she is having kidney or bladder problems and I am worried sick because the blood is getting worse.
Tomorrow night I am taking her to the vet.. Please keep her in your thoughts :(
:( oh poor baby! you must be beside yourself GS.
I'll be thinking of you both. ~positive kitty vibes~
Poor Aubrey bear has been getting worse.. More blood spots all the time all over the house. She uses the litter box like 55 thousand times a day and never goes much at all. I am convinced that this isn't IBS and I am seeking a third opinion. I actually think she is having kidney or bladder problems and I am worried sick because the blood is getting worse.
Tomorrow night I am taking her to the vet.. Please keep her in your thoughts :(
Aubrey's in my thoughts. Let us know how it goes! Poor kitty. :(
"The leads are weak!"
"The leads are weak? Fuckin' leads are weak? You're Weak! I've Been in this business 15 years"
About the cat.
I'm vet.
I guess she had all necessary examinations (biopsy too?)
In our practice if animal with this disease getting worse, we try to make more simply its diet. As somebody already said - many times it showed that natural food (even it doesn't have all necessary ingredients) was better than vet diet for animal with this kind of problem. Yes, that's because commercial pet food has many ingredients which can irritate digestive system. But from the other side - they are specially prepared to be less irritable for bowel...
Anyway, beside the diet, if there is a problem such a blood with diarrhea - we use pharmacology - unfortunatelly - many drugs (steroids- first, and others, ie. relaxantia (sorry, not sure it's correct in english).
It's difficult problem, but, anyway - i have to say - the treatment depends on patient - some of them needs changes of diet, but some - need medical therapy too).
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My kitty had serious GI problems a couple of years back and we went through all of the tests and food switching. For diagnosis puposes, it is OK to cut back to just plain chicken or turkey (I used the Whole Foods organic chicken when I did this). It's obviously not a balanced diet for long term, but it's fine for a week or even two to help diagnose the problem and give the intestines time to recover if they're inflamed.
Many - if not most - kitties show improvement on just plain protein. Although in some instances it is the protein they're sensitive to, in the vast majority of cases it's the grains or other ingredients. We cut back to chicken and then started adding in liver and then added in vitamins until we had a balanced recipe that worked. Let me know if you want the recipe and I'll dig it up.
I just got home from the vet, and poor Aubrey bear is so sick.. She has a huge bladder stone! They took an x-ray and showed me and it was just horrible. The DR said, sadly enough they kept telling me the wrong thing, and it wasn't IBS. (This is a new DR) How can you confuse IBS with bladder issues!!!!!!!!
So she has to have surgery, and it will cost 1300.00. :eek: Poor poor aubrey.. he said she is in a lot of pain, and eventually she will no longer be able to go to the bathroom. He said that there is nothing they can do aside form the surgery and then the bios of the stone to see what causes it, and get her on the right food.
My husband was SOOOOO nice about it, and is giving up a lot of the money he has been earning while working 80 hours a week to have extra money. There truly are selfless people in this world. He is the best! I am trying to schedule the surgery for Friday. They also have to remove part of her bladder..
Send Aubrey your kind thoughts please.. she needs it so much :(
I just got home from the vet, and poor Aubrey bear is so sick.. She has a huge bladder stone! They took an x-ray and showed me and it was just horrible. The DR said, sadly enough they kept telling me the wrong thing, and it wasn't IBS. (This is a new DR) How can you confuse IBS with bladder issues!!!!!!!!
So she has to have surgery, and it will cost 1300.00. :eek: Poor poor aubrey.. he said she is in a lot of pain, and eventually she will no longer be able to go to the bathroom. He said that there is nothing they can do aside form the surgery and then the bios of the stone to see what causes it, and get her on the right food.
My husband was SOOOOO nice about it, and is giving up a lot of the money he has been earning while working 80 hours a week to have extra money. There truly are selfless people in this world. He is the best! I am trying to schedule the surgery for Friday. They also have to remove part of her bladder..
Send Aubrey your kind thoughts please.. she needs it so much :(
That' so nice of your husband!!!! Your kitty is in my thoughts! Give her a tickle under the chin for me! (If she likes that, that is! That's what my cats always loved. )
Meow-Meow sends her warm kitty thoughts to Aubrey...
I also wish Aubrey a successful surgery and a speedy recovery...that's really a rough thing for her to go thru -- good for you for getting the third opinion....and that sounds like one heck of a hubby you've got there...
well the positive side is at least you know what it is! that's half of the problem. Glad you saw a different vet who knows what they are doing. I am sure it will go well and your kitty will be better soon
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat's bladder stone! What a great thing that you caught it though. I don't know whether this will help you feel better, but my cat Nacho had a big bladder stone a couple of years ago which required expensive surgery and he's been doing fine ever since. He was in some pain after the surgery - didn't want to be picked up and couldn't jump up on the bed - but I just made a little bed and slept with him on the floor until he was feeling better and he was up and going in no time. Of course I still haven't paid off my credit card and the special food's not cheap, but that's another story! I'll keep Aubrey in my prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat's bladder stone! What a great thing that you caught it though. I don't know whether this will help you feel better, but my cat Nacho had a big bladder stone a couple of years ago which required expensive surgery and he's been doing fine ever since. He was in some pain after the surgery - didn't want to be picked up and couldn't jump up on the bed - but I just made a little bed and slept with him on the floor until he was feeling better and he was up and going in no time. Of course I still haven't paid off my credit card and the special food's not cheap, but that's another story! I'll keep Aubrey in my prayers.
Aw that does make me feel better.. Haha Nacho is an awesome name. How much is the food that they put him on? I have 4 cats and they are all going to have to eat the same thing! The food she's been on was 40 dollars a 10lb bag, so I am used to paying somewhat of a high fee..
I'm glad Nacho did well with it. I feel so bad for her, I wish it was friday so I could start to take away the pain for her..
Aw that does make me feel better.. Haha Nacho is an awesome name. How much is the food that they put him on? I have 4 cats and they are all going to have to eat the same thing! The food she's been on was 40 dollars a 10lb bag, so I am used to paying somewhat of a high fee..
I'm glad Nacho did well with it. I feel so bad for her, I wish it was friday so I could start to take away the pain for her..
The food he's on now is about the same price as the food you've been buying, so hopefully that won't be any worse for you. The other difficulty is that it has to be purchased at the vet's office and they usually close right as I'm getting off work.
Two things though (and I don't remember all the details off the top of my head, so let me know if you'd like me to look it up in my records and PM you with specifics):
1. Nacho had a urinary blockage about 6 years ago, which is basically the same thing but worse since the crystals are small enough to get into and block the urethra. (My uncle is a vet, and he said this would have killed him had he not been taken to the hospital as soon as it became evident that he was in pain.) So they flushed it out without need for surgery and put him on special food for bladder problems. But then about 3 years later he got a bladder stone. It was the same kind of crystal, so we're not sure how that happened since the food was supposed to prevent it. It could have been that that food just didn't do the trick for him, so I switched him to a different food that's supposed to do the same thing. It could also have been the non-prescription treats I give him, so I stopped giving him those. I also only give him filtered water now. He's been fine since then, but I try to have him pee in the box before I put the litter in when I change it, because that's the only way I noticed the problem to begin with (when I saw him pee and hardly anything came out and what did come out was bloody). Also, I think it's possible to get some of those Ph strips and test the Ph of his urine periodically to see if the new diet is working, in case you want to try that.
2. I used to have 3 cats and I put them all on the same diet so Nacho wouldn't eat the wrong food. The vet said this would be fine. I always buy the food at a different vet though, since they're open later, and after a couple of years of this the vet tech one day said something like, "I hope your vet is doing regular blood tests on your cats because this food can sometimes damage their [kidneys? liver? I can't remember which organ she said]." Well I wasn't getting regular blood tests to watch out for any problems the food might cause; the vet I took them to said it wouldn't cause any problems. Then one day, out of nowhere, my 7 year old cat Kitty was running around jumping on counters, full of energy, acting normally, and I went into the other room and when I came back a few minutes later he was laying on the floor dead. Kidney failure. Cats commonly die from kidney failure, but usually they're old and have a prolonged illness and get really weak. I spoke to about 6 different vets about it, including my uncle and the vet where I bought the food, and every one of them said it wasn't the food and that I should keep my other cats on it. (I couldn't remember which tech had told me that or exactly what she had said, but no one seemed to know what I was talking about.) So, given the fact that another bladder blockage could kill Nacho, and he's been doing fine since he had his surgery and got on this food, and I have nothing but an off-hand remark I can hardly remember to make me think the food killed Kitty, I've kept them on the food. Zach's blood levels are fine. (The vet refuses to draw blood on Nacho for their own safety, but that's another story.) BUT I just wanted to tell you this completely meaningless anecdotal story just so you'll know to be extra-vigilant about monitoring your cats' kidney health - just in case.
So sorry for the long post. Ya got me talking about my cats and all...
The food he's on now is about the same price as the food you've been buying, so hopefully that won't be any worse for you. The other difficulty is that it has to be purchased at the vet's office and they usually close right as I'm getting off work.
Two things though (and I don't remember all the details off the top of my head, so let me know if you'd like me to look it up in my records and PM you with specifics):
1. Nacho had a urinary blockage about 6 years ago, which is basically the same thing but worse since the crystals are small enough to get into and block the urethra. (My uncle is a vet, and he said this would have killed him had he not been taken to the hospital as soon as it became evident that he was in pain.) So they flushed it out without need for surgery and put him on special food for bladder problems. But then about 3 years later he got a bladder stone. It was the same kind of crystal, so we're not sure how that happened since the food was supposed to prevent it. It could have been that that food just didn't do the trick for him, so I switched him to a different food that's supposed to do the same thing. It could also have been the non-prescription treats I give him, so I stopped giving him those. I also only give him filtered water now. He's been fine since then, but I try to have him pee in the box before I put the litter in when I change it, because that's the only way I noticed the problem to begin with (when I saw him pee and hardly anything came out and what did come out was bloody). Also, I think it's possible to get some of those Ph strips and test the Ph of his urine periodically to see if the new diet is working, in case you want to try that.
2. I used to have 3 cats and I put them all on the same diet so Nacho wouldn't eat the wrong food. The vet said this would be fine. I always buy the food at a different vet though, since they're open later, and after a couple of years of this the vet tech one day said something like, "I hope your vet is doing regular blood tests on your cats because this food can sometimes damage their [kidneys? liver? I can't remember which organ she said]." Well I wasn't getting regular blood tests to watch out for any problems the food might cause; the vet I took them to said it wouldn't cause any problems. Then one day, out of nowhere, my 7 year old cat Kitty was running around jumping on counters, full of energy, acting normally, and I went into the other room and when I came back a few minutes later he was laying on the floor dead. Kidney failure. Cats commonly die from kidney failure, but usually they're old and have a prolonged illness and get really weak. I spoke to about 6 different vets about it, including my uncle and the vet where I bought the food, and every one of them said it wasn't the food and that I should keep my other cats on it. (I couldn't remember which tech had told me that or exactly what she had said, but no one seemed to know what I was talking about.) So, given the fact that another bladder blockage could kill Nacho, and he's been doing fine since he had his surgery and got on this food, and I have nothing but an off-hand remark I can hardly remember to make me think the food killed Kitty, I've kept them on the food. Zach's blood levels are fine. (The vet refuses to draw blood on Nacho for their own safety, but that's another story.) BUT I just wanted to tell you this completely meaningless anecdotal story just so you'll know to be extra-vigilant about monitoring your cats' kidney health - just in case.
So sorry for the long post. Ya got me talking about my cats and all...
Thank you for taking the time to tell me!! We had a family cat growing up that had the crystal blockage. I guess thats way more common in males? At least thats what they told us.
So sorry about your other kitty! I will keep an eye out and for sure ask the vet about any food they think aubrey should have. I'm such a sucker for cats.. my cats are lucky! haha
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I definately agree on the second opinion. Talk to another vet. Get a copy of her current records, any tests and take it to another doctor. You never know and it's better to have someone else take a fresh look at your poor kid.
Did they suggest any vet food? Any other holistic approach? We went through a terrible experience with my poor cat who had struvite crystals backing up and after 4 terrible bouts of UTI's and almost kidney failure we finally got a new vet to refer us to a surgeon who did a PU and also recommended prescription Royal Canin for UTI health and an acelytator for PH balance. So far so good! Almost a year has gone by (as well as close to $10k!) but he's healthier than he's ever been and I swear happier! But it took us pursuing a few different vets AND being extremely persistant that he needed something other than being unblocked/liquids/catheter, ect.
It was sooooo stressful so I can definately relate to your pain and worry. During last bout of UTI then surgery we just worried, cried, worried, cried. For a few weeks. But it's all good now and I hope for the same outcome for your poor kitty!
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Damn, I can make a smartass remark out of anything (punching infants especially) except a sick cat. I have a cat that is healthy but she's a puker. Doesn't matter what we do, what we feed her, she still goes through cycles where she throws up just about everything. We've talked to vets about it and they say some cats are just that way and they lead an otherwise totally normal and healthy life. I hope that is what is up with your cat. Good luck.
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"The leads are weak? Fuckin' leads are weak? You're Weak! I've Been in this business 15 years"
"What's your name?"
"FUCK YOU! THAT"S MY NAME!"
I did that with my cat once...they told me he needed $1000 eye surgery...went to another vet (eye specialist) and found out he only needed drops.
Think of it like when you go to the doctor...if you aren't comfortable with a diagnosis what do u do?? Second opinion right? Same thing goes for yer babies.
It does sound like a second opinion is needed...yeah, it costs more $$ but it might be worth it in the end. Our local vet here misdiagnosed our pooch a few years back and wanted us to pay for all these super expensive treatments...took her to another vet who said that she was even exhibiting symptoms of what it was she was supposed to have. In fact, her blood work was normal...Saved us a few thousand, that did...
Anyway, I truly know you're worried. Meow-Meow was the same - wasting away, not eating, but still playing and acting normally otherwise...so make sure your Aubrey isn't yellow! Apparently, when they stop eating - that feline hepatic lipidosis can come on fast!
My thoughts are with you and your kitty....
PS. How is your brother doing?
I remember!! Poor Meow meow! Aubrey is actually doing a lot better.. she is eating her new food, and hasn't had an upset stomach since I posted, go figure right?
She was happy as a clam today.. silly girl. Today she let Madeline give her a bath. She is sitting here trying to watch me type, but she keeps falling asleep sitting up. I think she had a rough time getting used to the new food, but it seems to be kicking in. No blood today either. Makes me feel much better.
She might be getting a new baby sister too.. we shall see. !!
And my brother, bless you for asking, he's doing MUCH better! He went back to school after the christmas holiday for the first time. He is slowing gaining back the 30lbs he lost. He is already back on the slopes snowboarding, and his skin healed amazingly! He has some scarring right now on his arms, but it should all fade together. I cannot BELIEVE he looks like he does after the shape he was in. He was his fiesty self when I saw him over the holidays. 16 year old boys.. quite the age! He will make a full recovery. And within a year will have NO signs that he had this at all.. AMAZING. Thank you again for asking!
And also very glad to hear Aubrey is doing better! Meow-Meow was dripping blood and urine here there and everywhere last week....this time we took her to our regular vet (not the same as the ones last time)...and yeah, she had at urinary tract infection...(probably from the catheter used at the previous vets)...so he gave her a shot of antibiotics that lasts two weeks, and a shot of pain killer that also lasts two weeks! No pills to shove down my somewhat combative kitty...
So now she's all perky and meow-meowing all over the place, demanding food, demanding to be cuddled, smacking the dogs...she's actually quite annoying! Be warned - cats WILL do anything for Wiskas treats....like start kneading your face at 3am or scratching the wallpaper off...
So glad you mentioned that. I felt like I was going mad when every other vet would foist the bloody stuff on me at exhorbitant prices like it was the be all and end all of dog food. Lukin's been off it for a while now, I am happier because it's not costing nearly as much to feed him AND he is so much healthier without it.
*~You're IT Bert!~*
Hold on to the thread
The currents will shift
*~You're IT Bert!~*
Hold on to the thread
The currents will shift
Poor Aubrey bear has been getting worse.. More blood spots all the time all over the house. She uses the litter box like 55 thousand times a day and never goes much at all. I am convinced that this isn't IBS and I am seeking a third opinion. I actually think she is having kidney or bladder problems and I am worried sick because the blood is getting worse.
Tomorrow night I am taking her to the vet.. Please keep her in your thoughts :(
GS,
Sorry to hear that. :( Let us know how things go.
stb
i hope things go better, my grandmother had to take her calico cat to the emergency vet today and she's spending the night.
my thoughts are with your kitty.
6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
:( oh poor baby! you must be beside yourself GS.
I'll be thinking of you both. ~positive kitty vibes~
*~You're IT Bert!~*
Hold on to the thread
The currents will shift
Aubrey's in my thoughts. Let us know how it goes! Poor kitty. :(
"The leads are weak? Fuckin' leads are weak? You're Weak! I've Been in this business 15 years"
"What's your name?"
"FUCK YOU! THAT"S MY NAME!"
I'm vet.
I guess she had all necessary examinations (biopsy too?)
In our practice if animal with this disease getting worse, we try to make more simply its diet. As somebody already said - many times it showed that natural food (even it doesn't have all necessary ingredients) was better than vet diet for animal with this kind of problem. Yes, that's because commercial pet food has many ingredients which can irritate digestive system. But from the other side - they are specially prepared to be less irritable for bowel...
Anyway, beside the diet, if there is a problem such a blood with diarrhea - we use pharmacology - unfortunatelly - many drugs (steroids- first, and others, ie. relaxantia (sorry, not sure it's correct in english).
It's difficult problem, but, anyway - i have to say - the treatment depends on patient - some of them needs changes of diet, but some - need medical therapy too).
halszka123@op.pl
My kitty had serious GI problems a couple of years back and we went through all of the tests and food switching. For diagnosis puposes, it is OK to cut back to just plain chicken or turkey (I used the Whole Foods organic chicken when I did this). It's obviously not a balanced diet for long term, but it's fine for a week or even two to help diagnose the problem and give the intestines time to recover if they're inflamed.
Many - if not most - kitties show improvement on just plain protein. Although in some instances it is the protein they're sensitive to, in the vast majority of cases it's the grains or other ingredients. We cut back to chicken and then started adding in liver and then added in vitamins until we had a balanced recipe that worked. Let me know if you want the recipe and I'll dig it up.
Sending lots of good thoughts your way
power to the peaceful
So I am SO sad....
I just got home from the vet, and poor Aubrey bear is so sick.. She has a huge bladder stone! They took an x-ray and showed me and it was just horrible. The DR said, sadly enough they kept telling me the wrong thing, and it wasn't IBS. (This is a new DR) How can you confuse IBS with bladder issues!!!!!!!!
So she has to have surgery, and it will cost 1300.00. :eek: Poor poor aubrey.. he said she is in a lot of pain, and eventually she will no longer be able to go to the bathroom. He said that there is nothing they can do aside form the surgery and then the bios of the stone to see what causes it, and get her on the right food.
My husband was SOOOOO nice about it, and is giving up a lot of the money he has been earning while working 80 hours a week to have extra money. There truly are selfless people in this world. He is the best! I am trying to schedule the surgery for Friday. They also have to remove part of her bladder..
Send Aubrey your kind thoughts please.. she needs it so much :(
That' so nice of your husband!!!! Your kitty is in my thoughts! Give her a tickle under the chin for me! (If she likes that, that is! That's what my cats always loved.
I also wish Aubrey a successful surgery and a speedy recovery...that's really a rough thing for her to go thru -- good for you for getting the third opinion....and that sounds like one heck of a hubby you've got there...
good luck!
Aw that does make me feel better.. Haha Nacho is an awesome name. How much is the food that they put him on? I have 4 cats and they are all going to have to eat the same thing! The food she's been on was 40 dollars a 10lb bag, so I am used to paying somewhat of a high fee..
I'm glad Nacho did well with it. I feel so bad for her, I wish it was friday so I could start to take away the pain for her..
The food he's on now is about the same price as the food you've been buying, so hopefully that won't be any worse for you. The other difficulty is that it has to be purchased at the vet's office and they usually close right as I'm getting off work.
Two things though (and I don't remember all the details off the top of my head, so let me know if you'd like me to look it up in my records and PM you with specifics):
1. Nacho had a urinary blockage about 6 years ago, which is basically the same thing but worse since the crystals are small enough to get into and block the urethra. (My uncle is a vet, and he said this would have killed him had he not been taken to the hospital as soon as it became evident that he was in pain.) So they flushed it out without need for surgery and put him on special food for bladder problems. But then about 3 years later he got a bladder stone. It was the same kind of crystal, so we're not sure how that happened since the food was supposed to prevent it. It could have been that that food just didn't do the trick for him, so I switched him to a different food that's supposed to do the same thing. It could also have been the non-prescription treats I give him, so I stopped giving him those. I also only give him filtered water now. He's been fine since then, but I try to have him pee in the box before I put the litter in when I change it, because that's the only way I noticed the problem to begin with (when I saw him pee and hardly anything came out and what did come out was bloody). Also, I think it's possible to get some of those Ph strips and test the Ph of his urine periodically to see if the new diet is working, in case you want to try that.
2. I used to have 3 cats and I put them all on the same diet so Nacho wouldn't eat the wrong food. The vet said this would be fine. I always buy the food at a different vet though, since they're open later, and after a couple of years of this the vet tech one day said something like, "I hope your vet is doing regular blood tests on your cats because this food can sometimes damage their [kidneys? liver? I can't remember which organ she said]." Well I wasn't getting regular blood tests to watch out for any problems the food might cause; the vet I took them to said it wouldn't cause any problems. Then one day, out of nowhere, my 7 year old cat Kitty was running around jumping on counters, full of energy, acting normally, and I went into the other room and when I came back a few minutes later he was laying on the floor dead. Kidney failure. Cats commonly die from kidney failure, but usually they're old and have a prolonged illness and get really weak. I spoke to about 6 different vets about it, including my uncle and the vet where I bought the food, and every one of them said it wasn't the food and that I should keep my other cats on it. (I couldn't remember which tech had told me that or exactly what she had said, but no one seemed to know what I was talking about.) So, given the fact that another bladder blockage could kill Nacho, and he's been doing fine since he had his surgery and got on this food, and I have nothing but an off-hand remark I can hardly remember to make me think the food killed Kitty, I've kept them on the food. Zach's blood levels are fine. (The vet refuses to draw blood on Nacho for their own safety, but that's another story.) BUT I just wanted to tell you this completely meaningless anecdotal story just so you'll know to be extra-vigilant about monitoring your cats' kidney health - just in case.
So sorry for the long post. Ya got me talking about my cats and all...
Thank you for taking the time to tell me!! We had a family cat growing up that had the crystal blockage. I guess thats way more common in males? At least thats what they told us.
So sorry about your other kitty! I will keep an eye out and for sure ask the vet about any food they think aubrey should have. I'm such a sucker for cats.. my cats are lucky! haha
Yes, it sounds like they are lucky.