New Member

Posts: 2
From:BRONX , NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-12-2004 11:00 PM         

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I have a situation where my neighbors cat was taken to the vet for an infection with her gums. The vet right away wanted to do a biopsy. Couldn't do it right away, so gave antibiotics for a week til the appointment. The meds helped the gums heal & the cat was "herself" again. The vet was shocked, then stated that the blood sample they took previously, showed there were kidney problems. He made my neighbor change the cat food to the kd hills prescrip diet & stated that the cat would have to start having a 10 minute procedure that involved a needle & liquid. He stated that he could do it 3 times a week at the clinic for a charge each time or every single day for the rest of the cats life, done at home by my neighbor or in this case by me, because my neighbor is in shock at this point losing a cat last year. What I need to ask is, because I have my doubts about this doctor (he makes this decision with many patients and he barely takes his time examining the animals...123 kind of a guy, should a second opinion be looked to? Should this precedure be postponed? the cat is 14 yrs old & always has been a moody cat. Can anyone, if this goes through, can take me step by step in doing the procedure? I will be shown by my neighbor & I am researching, but need info from people that have actually been through this. Also, is it true once starting this, is it actually the rest of the cats life and why every day at home and only 3 times a week at the vets?
Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Thank You.

MIN32SIX@AOL.COM

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Member

Posts: 240
From:Campton, NH USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 03-13-2004 06:23 AM         

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sounds like he diagnosed this cat with chronic renal failure...which can go hand in hand with lots of dental problem (chronic dental problems are very common with CRF cats). Many people give their own cats fluids when they are CRF...cheaper and less stressful on the cat if this is done at home - I choose to take my CRF cat to the vet when she needed fluids cause I just couldn't bring myself to stick her.

There are many many groups online for CRF cats.

A bloodtest will usually tell if the cat is in renal failure. My cat was also on KD food for years - she was diagnosed at 8 and passed away at 15...in her sleep on my son's bed.

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Member

Posts: 701
From:CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 03-13-2004 09:32 AM         

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quote:

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I have my doubts about this doctor (he makes this decision with many patients and he barely takes his time examining the animals...123 kind of a guy, should a second opinion be looked to?

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Hello. Some vets are very to the point and don't spend a lot of time with the animals and taking the time to explain things to people. I personally don't care too much for these types of vets (I used to have a vet just like this), however it doesn't mean that they are not qualified. If you don't like the vet you can always get a second opinion. Once you find a vet you like it's great. You just have a feeling that your fur animal is in the best of hands. I ended up finding a wonderful vet and I am very happy that I did.

If you decide to get a second opinion, just ask your current vet for a copy of the blood work. That way you won't have to have your kitty give blood again. Keep us posted.

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Member

Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 03-13-2004 12:02 PM         

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I would get a second opinion so that you are comfortable with the diagnosis.

It sounds like he would be giving fluids under the skin, or subcutaneous. Can be done at home. It would need to be continued as long as the cat has kidney problems. Maybe for the rest of her life, maybe not. I had one kitty recover and not need them anymore. My guess is he would give her more fluids at a time. You should be able to do it 3 times a week at home.

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