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Post by deb193 on Apr 3, 2007 22:55:13 GMT -5
My cat had an ear infection last month, and does not seem to be getting better on antibiotics. His balance is off, and he does not know when his head is level. He also circles a lot to the left. After 3 weeks on the 1st two antibiotics, his ear drum was still red and inflamed. He improved slightly with the new one, but yesterday and today has relapsed a bit. He fell off the desk last night, and his head is way off level. pre-anesthesia blood work, anesthesia, x-rays ... $233. surgery to bore a hole in the bony shell around the middle ear ... $560 I only expect him to live for another year or two. There is also a possibility that when they bore the hole they extract tissue instead of fluid, and that would mean a tumor (more $$ or euthanasia) I am really debating not doing anything other than more antibiotics. he does not seem to be in pain, and does not fall over too much. The x-ray will say if the surgery is necessary, but we expect the answer to be yes. So maybe I can ask to skip the x-ray and just get the blood-work and surgery and save about $180. Still there is no guarantee it is only fluid and the hole will cure him. I am supposed to be saving up money to move in case I get a job in Oregon., or for another used car. I spent $450 on the cat that died in October and these two cats are due for senior checkups in July ($230 each), and I am really torn about spending almost $700 or more on this cat who is real old anyway. But I feel like a real creep when he sits in my lap and I pet him and think about not paying to have his ear drained. But hey, fairs fair. I got a surgical hernia that I wont pay to go get fixed. But it is not the same because his infection can move into the bone and become very painful and lethal. I'm finding it hard to make a decision.
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Apr 4, 2007 0:01:17 GMT -5
Wowza! Did your vet graduate from Yale or something? My male neutered cat had a urinary blockage (common in fixed males), twice, had to be cathaterized. Unfortunately, he died of the #2 episode on Christmas Day, 2004; major bummer. The total bill for our 'The Porcupine Episode' for 2 very quilled dogs was around $90 about 10 years ago, and that included one being anesthezed during the procedure. If I were you, I'd find a small-town vet. I guess I've never heard of a 'senior checkup' for cats. I did have a cat with balance problems, but it was a head injury, not an ear infection. I do feel for ya; how do you balance the financial vs. the feelings? It is hard. I guess I lived on a farm long enough that I am a little more philosophical now. I love animals, but I really think people come first. Good luck, and take care of yourself first!
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Rockygibraltar
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Member since February 2006
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Post by Rockygibraltar on Apr 4, 2007 0:02:04 GMT -5
It's terribly hard decision to make. My cat passed about two weeks ago, she was 19. She started walking in circles and didn't have any equilibrium. She would stumble around and fall over. I took her to the dr and they said that at her age it was likely a stroke. They also found signs of her organs failling in her, her bone marow was no longer producing blood. They gave her some meds for her hyperthyroid. That gave her about an extra year and a half of good comfort. The doctors told me that they can do tremendouse things to help animals but it won't keep them alive for all that much longer and it often cause major discomfor for the animal. In my case I once the test were in I decided that I wantd my cat to spend her last few days at home and as comfortable as I could make her. When she was ready to go she told me. I was hard be she went in peace.
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rollingstone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2009
Posts: 236
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Post by rollingstone on Apr 4, 2007 2:33:56 GMT -5
Sorry to hear your troubles. Something is obviously wrong with your cat, I'm no vet, so can't advise you there. But I do question the need for senior checkups for your cats. What are they going to tell you -- that your cats are old and you may need to modify their diet? Why pay $460 for something you already know? Buy a book, do some Internet research, call a vet office and ask about diet recommendations for older cats (which they should provide for free, in an effort to get you to buy their prescription diet product), or ask at a pet store where they'll give advice for free. Then decide how to use the $460 you saved, on yourself or on your pets.
I'm just a bit suspect that vets upsell their services to take adantage of the fact that people naturally feel that not spending money on their pet is a guilt thing. My cynical side tells me that many vets, particularly recent graduates, are schooled in upselling services and diagnostic tests to pet-owners. (I base this on personal experience, but for brevity I won't go into that here.) I don't believe those services and tests are always necessary, so maybe you can save a few bucks on unnecessary stuff and put that money to better use, whether that is for antibiotics or an operation for your cat, or for a car or job-move for yourself. Best of wishes. -Don
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Apr 4, 2007 9:52:56 GMT -5
This is sad news Daniel. My cats are more than pets.. they are companions for both my wife and I. In fact I consider my oldest cat Sparky as one of my best friends.
The descision you face is gut wrenching I'm sure... I say follow what your heart tells you and your other needs will be met somehow.. faith.
Will say a prayer for you and your buddy... what's his name?
hang in there! Dan
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 4, 2007 9:59:53 GMT -5
This sucks- Vet medicine has become BIG BUsiness (not that vets are not talented professionals- but the business end of things is really screwing it up) I had a cat that was suffering diabeties and started in with kidney problems (way way way before any food recalls) I took him to the vet- and they gave me the scoop- about $1000 for diaganostics, meds, and special food- I looked the vet right in the eye-- Asked him what the chances of recovery were- He just shrugged his shoulders- I decided right then and there- the poor cat had been through enough- It is a hard choice to make-
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Post by lbowman1 on Apr 4, 2007 13:37:40 GMT -5
I feel for you both. It's hard to be objective when you love the pet so much but you have to be. They're right. Sometimes vets are more caught up in big business than doing what the animal actually needs. That definitely should figure into your decision. They'll take however much money you're willing to throw at them sometimes regardless of whether that will actually help. Basically the only one you can really trust to make a good unbiased decision is you.
Praying for you
Lori
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Post by Cher on Apr 4, 2007 15:01:43 GMT -5
Awww, I'm sorry Daniel. I can't offer any suggestions but I think finding a small town vet is a good idea, at least it sure couldn't hurt.
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Post by rockyraccoon on Apr 5, 2007 9:28:33 GMT -5
daniel i'd suggest going to another vet for a 2nd opinion on what is wrong and how to treat it. these sr. check ups sound fishy.
kim
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chinook203
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since February 2006
Posts: 849
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Post by chinook203 on Apr 5, 2007 22:32:53 GMT -5
Daniel, I feel for you. My pets are my friends. I've had to deal with 3 in the last year. I know it's hard and I will say some prayers for you. I know I try to think of the animal before me, but also know finances play into that also. If the cat is happy and not very uncomfortable, then maybe wait, maybe get a 2nd opinion too if financially possible. Keep us posted.
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Post by Condor on Apr 5, 2007 23:25:01 GMT -5
I'm sorry to hear this, and I understand. I'm going through something similar to this right now. Very difficult to deal with. I wish you well.
Condor
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Post by rocklicker on Apr 6, 2007 2:04:24 GMT -5
Daniel, I'm sorry about your cat and sorry you have to go through this. That's a tough place to be in, for both you and your cat. Like Kim says, a second opinion is a good idea. I'll send prayers and nice thoughts your way. My dad's cat had an ear infection and was crocked like your cat it. He didn't seem to mind. Once the infection got cured he did get his ballance back pretty quick but remained crocked for a while after that. He eventually got straight again but it took close to a year. I hope for the best for both and your cat. I think he's kinda cute that way. He looks like a sweet cat. Steve
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Post by deb193 on Apr 6, 2007 7:32:56 GMT -5
It is good to hear about the year. I think it makes sense to just do lots of antibiotics, maybe with periodic followup. The surgery can't be pleasant because they disect the jaw, move past some important facial muscles, and drill through two boney shells around the middle ear. At least the stitches will not be somewhere that can be licked, but what a bother for a cat that does not appear to be in pain.
The followup exam is on Tue next week.
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Apr 6, 2007 7:38:08 GMT -5
Hoping for the best Daniel.
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Post by deb193 on Apr 9, 2007 22:55:08 GMT -5
Well, Tue at 10:30 is the checkup. Right now I figure Hoodlum cat is making a one way trip. I actually wish he was suffering more so the decision would be easier. But, unless he has a fluke viral head cold, he is going downhill fast. Five weeks of antibiotics and his balance hardly improves and he now has a bad sniffle and can't hardly stop sneezing. He has also taken a couple of falls. IF the vet can say with some confidence that he will improve, fine - but I just don't think I want him to decline more. I am thinking it would be best if his last days were reasonably mobile, he still feels well enough to purr. I suspect if I wait a few more weeks the decision will get easier for me, but he will have to stumble and sniffle through those weeks.
Well, the vet could always surprise me with an optimistic prognosis, but like I said, I just think it is going to be a one way trip.
I'll let you know either way.
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rollingstone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2009
Posts: 236
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Post by rollingstone on Apr 10, 2007 5:23:11 GMT -5
Sorry to hear that. It's obvious you want only the best for him. Best wishes. -Don
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Post by deb193 on Apr 10, 2007 11:10:59 GMT -5
Well, he came home. Two different antibiotics, an antihstimine, and ane injected anti-inflamatory. Re-check in 10 days.
So at least he gets his picture taken this Sunday.
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Post by lbowman1 on Apr 10, 2007 15:45:38 GMT -5
I hope he gets better.
Lori
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Post by rocklicker on Apr 10, 2007 15:58:11 GMT -5
It's great to hear he got to come home. I hope he gets better and the infection clears up. I'll continue sending kitty prayers your way. Steve
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Apr 13, 2007 11:10:24 GMT -5
Man I hope he he gets better now! Have you seen any improvement yet?
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