Cat problems

sherryc

sherryc

Cathlete
We've recently become owners of a 3yr female cat (2 weeks ago). I just found out today that it has a bladder infection and a bladder stone which will cost approx. 1100. to fix. The vet said that it might dissolve with diet and then we have to go back for more x-rays. I just don't know what to do, we absolutely can't afford this and I wonder if the cat will continue suffering thru this process. Anyone have any advice?
Sherry;(
 
Well, first of all, she probably came with these health problems. Do you know the previous owner? Or did you get her from the humane society? It should be their responsability to fix any medical problems that she came with.
Otherwise, I really hate to say this, because it breaks my heart, but I would probably try to see if it fixed itself with diet, and if it didn't put her down.
Good luck. Maybe others will have better advice. Where's Katherine? She's good with cat stuff. I bet she will have better advice.

Kathy
 
Sherry,
I have a male cat that had the same problems and he actually had a surgery done to make him a female and is on a special diet and has had no problems since-that was 4 years ago. If I were you I would try the special diet first and see how that goes. Animals are very remarkable and can deal with more than you think. About the money that is your decision-I would absolutely go into debt for any of my animals-but I understand that is a personal decision. Good luck to you
Lisa
 
my 5 year old female cat has suffered with bladder "issues" for about 3 years now. We did the diet thing, then drops (antibiotic), then pills, then drops and different diet, etc... and finally surgery to remove the crystals. within 2 weeks of the surgery she was having problems again. I was at my wits end and had spent sooooo much money I didn't know what to do. I switched vets in the middle of all that too, because I didn't think my first vet had a clue what to do.

The solution, for her, has been Metacam drops once a day. And that's supposed to be for dogs! But my vet gave them to her and it seemed to work, and he lets me give them to her every day. It works, she's happy, which makes me happy :)
Brandi
 
Brandi,
I am just curious how metacam is helping your cat-its indication is for pain so i am just curious? Its an NSAID so I was just wondering how it helps crystals in the urine unless its for pain?
Lisa
 
Sherry,
I certainly would not put the cat down-if you cant handle the situation or the money I would see if the someone else could take the cat-whoever had the cat before you acquired it I am sure will certainly not pay for the problems nor would I assume they are responsible for it-once you adopt or take in a new animal you assume the responsibility for it. The only way they would be is if you signed some sort of agreement and that usually is honored within 3 days or so of the contract. I totally understand your situation but I also think there are other options for the cat if you cant take care of it insted of "putting the cat down"
Lisa
 
I would see what your vet says. But the whole "put the cat down" is so offensive (unless it is truly a life or death situation). I've been there, so I know the expense can be a major issue, but this is a responsibility you take on when you decide to have a pet. If you don't want that responsibility, get a stuffed animal. I don't see killing the cat (that's what it is) over a bladder infection. Advanced, inoperable cancer (what took my cat) is one thing, but if it can be remedied......
 
Well, it doesn't help dissolve the crystals, absolutely nothing has worked with that. It helps her pain, and helps her go to the bathroom. When I've stopped it before she goes back to constantly getting in and out of the litter box, not being able to go, and bleeding. I think it must help her relax the muscles or something? I don't know for sure, but it works!!
Brandi
 
Brandi,
Thank-you so much for responding to me-I just was not sure how it worked I am so glad it does! Have a good day.
Lisa
 
Lisa,
I'm glad too, thanks!

Sherry,
Forgot to wish you good luck with your cat, hopefully diet will help!! I believe my poor cat's luck with this is not common. I would also never have put my cat down for this.

eta: My Phoebe is also on a dry food I get from the vet. She's very picky (buy really, aren't all cats?) but after much sampling, we found one that works, the name of it just escapes me now.


Brandi
 
My cat had bladder stones several years ago and we opted for surgery to remove them. It was expensive but I think cheaper in the long run than trying to treat it. He has been on prescription food to maintain a certain urinary pH and has been fine ever since.

I worked for a vet for many years and I can tell you that he probably would not have agreed to put a cat down because of bladder stones. I fully understand your woes and I'm saddened that pet ownership is so expensive anymore that many people cannot afford them. I suggest you talk to your vet. S/he may offer payment options.

As much as I am offended by the brusque manner of NYwhoever, she does make a valid point that once you buy or adopt a pet, you are responsible for it's care.
 
Amen! I actually had a boss put down her 12-year old (still very healthy) minature poodle because she had a baby...the dog hadn't caused any problems, but she was afraid it might. (The dog had been snappy before) The baby was only a couple of months old; not even crawling yet! There's no way the dog could even get to the kid at that time! A pet is not always easy, but it's a responsibility you signed on to when you decided to get it.

I remember how hard it was for me when we had to (on separate occassions) put our elderly cats down. It was such an emotional thing...I can't imagine doing that to an animal that, with proper treatment, can be just fine.
 
The good news is that bladder stones are not as dangerous in females as in males (in males, they can easily cause total blockage of the urethra, which can quickly become fatal).

Try the diet, and look online. I found a way to reverse diabetic neuropathy using B12 after a vet told me that once a cat gets it, there is nothing that can be done. Some 'alternatíve' methods might work (but be cautious about them, and use common sense).

$1100 is a lot of money: more to some than to others, but I'd try to find a way to pay if it were one of my cats. In fact, my older diabetic dude had a vet bill of over $600 last year. Would it be easier for you if you could get the vet to give you some kind of installment payment plan? $1100 in one fell swoop is a lot. $1100 in monthly payments of $110 might sound more doable (or not).
 
I have 11 cats (yes, I am crazy - but they were all homeless ferals who came to me), and 3 of them have bladder issues. All 3 are girls between ages 9 and 11. For them, the change in diet helped some, along with Clavamox drops (antibiotic that also is a mild anti-inflammatory). They needed to be on these drops for about 2 months - the shorter cycles didn't work for very long (usually it's one week/cycle). 2 of them are also on elavil/ametriptilene which an anti-depressant. many times cats who are prone to bladder stones/issues are hleped by this b/c it alleviates any stress they might feel. Stress is hard to detect in a cat, but since you just adopted this one, i'd say she's stressed right now. It take sabout 2 weeks for this to go through the blood/brain barrier and she need not be on it permanently - often a month or 2 will suffice.

Also, I give these girls fluids under the skin (and when they were on the special diet I did this every 3 days -it really helped wash out the stones and avoid surgery). It is very simple to do and cheap. actually, aside from all the visits to the vet, the drops/pills/fluids are not very expensive.

HTH - I have to dash, but if you have any more questions I might be able to help with, lemme know :)


arancini
 
Thanks everyone for the input. The cat is now on clavamox for a couple of weeks and the special cat food, so we'll see how that works and then we'll go back for another urine and xray test. Hopefully the stone will be smaller. Between my kids going to university and the animals, I'll be working until I'm 80.
:-(
Thanks again. Sherry
 
This may sound frivolous, but if you are good with your money and can afford $100 bucks a month get a credit card with o% interest for a year or 15 months; I did that when I had a dog that got ill and didn't have the money up front. Since you are probably a disciplined person anyway(because you regularly w/o with cathe!) I'll bet you can handle it! After you pay it off, cancel it! Good Luck! Our pets are worth a little creativity!
 
I do not know much about cats--I have two big dogs--but I do understand what a difficult position you are in. While I cannot offer you any advice about how to treat your cat, I can suggest to you and to others with animals that you get pet health insurance. It costs me around $30/month per dog. And while that might seem like a lot to part with each month, it allows me the security of knowing that if either of them should require some major surgery or expensive medical treatments I will be able to get them the care that they need. In the meantime, I actually break even on some maintenance medication for one of my dogs. I realize that this doesn't help you with your cat's present health issues, but it could help with any future problems.

I would also suggest that if you live near a university with a Hospital of Veterinary Medicine that you check with them regarding your cat's treatment. Sometimes their services are less expensive.



MissL
 
Sherry -
I forgot to mention that my kids were also on prednisolone for a few weeks, too - this anti-inflammatory worked wonders for them when it was given in conjunction w/clavamox. If your girl is still not better after 1 week of clavamox, I'd add this to the mix and give her fluids subcutaneously - the vet just gives you a sack of saline and some needles. Then you make like you're scruffing kitty (in a carrier) and put the needle in where the loose skin is above your hand. It takes about a minute and really flushes out those stones. Plus, it helps w/irritation/inflammation by helping her to pee effectively. I think my girls were on Hill's s/d for about a month and then went to a couple of other maintenance diets (k/d, waltham's s/o).

Worst case scenario, see if you can find a rescue group that can take her - often times they have medical funds to help sick rescuees. I don't know ehere you are, but Independent Animal Rescue may be one to check out, or look online.

Best of luck and keep us posted :)
arancini
 
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