Update on Sam.

[mrspunkysmom]

Update on Sam. I'm not sure how long this will stay up.

He is a little dehydrated. I gave some sub-Q fluids when I got home. First time for me. He kept trying to move and knocking the needle out. But I persevered. He wasn't obnoxious over the needle. He did bite me when I gave him the oral liquid antibiotic. I really think this is a dental issue.

I met a different vet in this practice. I didn't like her. She did list some of the issues that could cause this: infection, tumor, neuro. She didn't think we should do anything until we resolved the eye problem, stating that most people can't afford an MRI to find the cause of the dilation. And that practice doesn't have an MRI. She did not offer an x-ray, nor did she ask what I want to do. I felt like she was trying to leave it up in the air or that she gave up.

I think it is his stomatitis. If it isn't we will deal with that, but for now it is the best option. He has had blood work done this year, and it is normal. He has a history of dental problems. Resorptive teeth, broken teeth, abscesses, allergies to plaque, infections., etc.

He gets bottle water rather than tap water. I encourage them to eat wet food. He prefers dry but eats the wet lately. I may soak his favorite wet food and see if he will eat it.

What is it with vets that assume people don't try to take care of their pets? I'm guessing most don't, but I have six. This isn't just a couch cat. So I had to explain to her how I do things. SIGH

I bring the food to Sam to encourage him to eat. Tonight he is getting fresh chicken broth that he loves. They get cooked Tilapia on occasion.

Pilling Sam is difficult. The last vet and the tech with her found that out. It was nice to hear her admit that he is hard to Pill. Or give oral liquid meds too. It also took at least two days for his body to absorb the Sub-Q fluids the first time.

Other than hydrating, she didn't want me doing anything including antibiotics because cats can smell them a long way off.

My response was that something needs to be done to alleviate his symptoms. I don't think this is all emotions and jealousy on his part. I've had other kitty guests in the past. It wasn't an issue.

I scheduled a dental for the 20th, and I will insist that this person not do the surgery.

Is surgery wise at this time? I have a friend that says no. The doc didn't say no when I insisted. I will call the vet office to ask for a different vet and a better consultation.

Please let me know what you think and especially if you have any alternatives I could try to help my boy. Thanks.

[cassiesmom]

(((HUGS)))) to Sam and meowmie! Sam, sweety, I hope you feel much better soon. XO XO XO

I agree with you about the timing for his dental procedure. Could the vet have given him a Convenia injection instead of you having to give him medication each day? The Convenia worked for Cassie last summer ('13) when her mouth was bad.

[catmandu]

I have had Cats with dental issues , they plaqued Juke Joint Joseph all his life and My Vet never mentioned Covenia.
WE are all praying for Sam to come through his operation , and be healthy and well.

[phesina]

I have no specific advice to give, but we all are saying our prayers and sending along all our best wishes and healing energies for dearest Sam, that you will have the most helpful treatment and feel much better.

[pomtzu]

Hope that Sam is feeling better soon, and you too, Anne. It's so stressful when our furkids have issues, but can't tell us what's wrong.

And that vet???? - geeze! I'd definitely be wanting to see a different one. That's what I love about the vet I have used for my kids for over 20 years - private practice/one vet only. She actually knows/remembers their issues every time one has to see her. When Myndi passed, she was crushed - Myn was her oldest canine patient at almost 18 years old.

[mrspunkysmom]

rg_girlca, thank you for the research. I've not had much luck finding research or descriptions that weren't vague.

Sam's eye with the smaller pupil now has the third eyelid rising. From what Lorraine shoed me, this is a classic symptom. The eye that is smaller is the problem eye. Scary.

We have a cat specialist in Greenville, I wrote on their FB page and will follow up tomorrow. I am also expecting a call from the other cat doctor at my regular practice.

He doesn't want to eat tonight. In a little bit, I will attempt to give him more liquids SubQ

I was able to get some antibiotics in his last night or this morning in his food. It was sneaky, but it worked. He doesn't seem interested tonight.

[mrspunkysmom]

Hope that Sam is feeling better soon, and you too, Anne. It's so stressful when our furkids have issues, but can't tell us what's wrong.

And that vet???? - geeze! I'd definitely be wanting to see a different one. That's what I love about the vet I have used for my kids for over 20 years - private practice/one vet only. She actually knows/remembers their issues every time one has to see her. When Myndi passed, she was crushed - Myn was her oldest canine patient at almost 18 years old.

I spoke to a receptionist today and got her to agree to have a different vet call me. It's one that has seen Sam before (in fact two weeks back). I have to use the vet that scheduled the surgery unless this one intervenes. There were more tests that could have been performed in the office.

From what I've read about Horner's syndrome, with cats there is usually an underlying cause. Hence, we need to remove this infection.

I also put out a request for the Cat Clinic in town to respond. It's a vet that treats only felines. For Sam, I might need this.