Poor Butter. :(
I'm sorry he's not feeling well. :(
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Poor Butter. :(
I'm sorry he's not feeling well. :(
Is there a vet hospital anywhere? You are in the Maritimes, right?
Not to nit-pick - but did they make sure poor Butter was grit-free the first time they sent him home?
Although - his bladder isn't enlarged or hard...so something is getting thru.
Try this - get some good cranberry capsules. Put about 1/5 of the powder in one of them in wet food, yogurt, pumpkin, whatever he might eat. That will make the urine more acidic and will help.
Also, get more water into him. Add warm water to his wet food...having anough bladder pressure might be enough to get the rest of the grit out. The pH food for urine will do this also, help dissolve stuff, and fairly quickly.
Please try to not panic (I know), and get lots of water into Butter.
Poor baby Butter!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Glacier
The problem is, I cannot afford to do it again, THEN do the surgery. It's way to much money.
We have a very good vet collage here, which is where I took him. A lot of people come from different places to come to our vet collage.
I am just wondering if it is possible that they didn't do everything right the FIRST time - like making sure he was peeing ok before being sent home - that might give you leverage on the price?
I'm not saying be a pain....just get the facts.
HUGS
quoted by slleipnir
I know that's a mean thought but..
:( .. but will you try out IMOM.org first before you end his life? just in case, since you would have time preparing for a surgery if possible, I'm sure they, the fundraisers can help you with billings. they've helped me with half of a couple thousands before.
ah, cranberry caspules was part what an expert PMed me about - I've heard good results about them and you should try 'em out.
what I don't understand here, did the vet cleared butter's tummy all way before he was sent back home? sometimes vet is a rip-off that way.
www.carecredit.com
THEY HAVE IT IN CANADA! LOOK INTO IT!
I was talking to my dad.
He said it doesn't make sense to keep paying 700 everyday for nothing. Then have a surgery which will cost like what, $2000? I mean if it costs 700 just to stick a tube in him, I can't imagen what the surgery will be. So I guess I will try this one more time, my dad said he could pay for half of it, but then I should not put anymore into it.
Has anyones cat actually had the surgery? how much did it cost compaired to being catertized?
What are the chances the second time being caterized will actually work? Especially when he never actually got over the first one? I mean, he was home for one day and already couldn't pee.
I'm really frightened. I honestly don't think I can have him PTS, but I honestly don't think the money thing is going to work. He might also need heart surgery...and that/s after a $200 ultrasound. I know you all think I should do that payment thing, but I have xmas coming up and 3 other pets with a lot of high payments for them. I honestly do not think I can pay for this. I'm sorry if I let you all down, but I don't know what to do. I can't stop crying thinking of it. He hasn't pee'd all day so if there is no pee by morning I'll have to take him in.
Glacier gave you a good rundown on what to expect.Quote:
Originally Posted by slleipnir
You need to be asking questions (Cost?, Success Rate?, etc) of the VETS at the College - not us!
The chances of the Catheterization "fixing" the problem permanently are very slim ...
the OPERATION is a more permanent "fix".
ASK if they can do the Operation tomorrow - they can relieve the urine buildup AND
make the "fix" at the same time.
COST?
The operation is a common one - not super expensive in most hospitals ...
I paid under $1,000 for Boots when he was re-plumbed.
I would NOT do just another Catheterization without the operation.
Good Luck to Butter - but don't *wait* to see what happens or try some
"remedy" ...
he's probably blocked again (not uncommon) and NEEDS the Operation quickly.
/s/ Phred
You are in a very difficult situation, and you need to do what feels right in your own mind and heart. We all have to draw a line at times in our lives between what we desire and what is actually reasonable or practical!!! I support you in whatever you decide, and pray that you can find comfort in your choice! The only thing I would be most concerned with is letting it go on and Butter having to be in severe discomfort. I know it has to be a very sad time for you! :(
Hugs,
Kim ;)
It sounds to me like getting the surgery would be a better idea then just having them do what they did before (which it sounds like it didn't really even work well). But I honestly do not know much about these problems with cats. I really hope you are able to find a solution for Butter!
Audrey, you shouldn't worry about what people here think. You know what you should do and can do. None of us have unlimited amounts of money but you know we'd do anything we can for our sweet animals. I also know how your heart must be breaking. You need to decide what is right for you and for Butter. If Duke weren't sick right now, I'd even offer to help you but I think he's got pneumonia :( I know how sad and frustrated you must feel. It's horrible to have to put a pet to sleep but sometimes it's in their best interest too, you know? I had to do that with my Siamese a long time ago. Whatever you decide, we will back you.
Audrey, If I were you I'd also have them do the PU surgery asap. Storm became blocked 2 times and they only recommended the surgery after the 2nd time because he had developed scar tissue so they couldn't even catheterize him. A lot of vets don't like performing the surgery unless they have to because the cats are at a greater risk of developing infections and some of them may also become incontinent if their bladder has become too stretched out.
I paid a lot more for Storm's surgery than I should have but I needed to have it done by a board certified surgeon because of his scar tissue. The surgeon told me that he had a very small urethra and that it was only a matter of time before he became blocked. She also said that the more times a cat is catheterized the greater the chance of developing very bad scar tissue. If this happens then sometimes even after the surgery, the cat will become blocked. She doesn't understand why most cats are put through so many catheterizations before even considering surgery.
Storm was 8 years old, almost 9, when he had the surgery and he'll be 11 in Jan. He developed some more cystals one time since the surgery but this was because I started feeding him a different food. I learned the hard way so now he's on Royal Canin Urinary S/O for life which helps both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals from forming. Now all of my cats except for baby Ziggy are on it so I hope to never have to go through these problems ever again. If Butter was my cat I would definitely have the PU surgery done. Hopefully his heart problems won't interfere with the surgery. Good luck.:)
If it's only the money, hon....
Look, there will be other Christmases. There isn't another Butter.
Find out how much the surgery is.
I am sure you won't have to 'put him to sleep in the end'. The surgery works most of the time.
To take the pressure off you, ask the vet what THEY would do if Butter was THEIR cat.
hugs.
I'm sure it's easy for your all to say "it's only money"
but it's not? Ok? It is not that easy. The last thingI want is for butter to be gone. I cried all night thinkng about it...but the fact is, I just am not rich. I'm tyring my best. I'm only 21 yrs old, I don't have a great job, I have xmas coming in which i have gifts for my family, I have 3 other pets who need attention, food and vet visits, I have school to save for, my family does not have money to give either...I'm sorry but if it comes down to it, I just don't know what to do. And I will give leave PT if you all give me a hard time over it, and I already hate myself. I really don't need others hating too.
They can't do the surgery till tuesday...so they need to caterter him...the surgery will cost between 1000-1600, ontop of 700 to catertierz and whatever for his heart....i cant do it....i just cant...
I am very sorry to hear this. I think to myself, "If only Tenny could be fixed with a surgery. If only.". So, I guess I am just not a good person to relate to this right now. Christmas gifts? Christmas gifts? I can't think of a single gift I could recieve or give that would replace my pet. :(
Just got caught up, and I'm so sorry you are going through this.
Many MANY hugs to you both!
:(
Sweetheart, I never for a minute meant "It's only money." All I thought is that if not getting Christmas gifts for others this year would help you take care of Butter, that you could do that and hope they understood.
And you know...maybe the catheterization will WORK this time!
What a horrid time you are going through!
You will make the right decision - but you know, from being here a while, that a few people are more than happy to send help, because we know what our furkids mean to us! Please don't be ashamed to ask. So many of us have been there!
I think you mentioned getting food the other day? Was that the urine food?
HUGS HUGS HUGS and PT Prayers that Butter's treatment today will WORK and he will be home and happy and WELL soon!
Quote:
Originally Posted by kimlovescats
Did you read this post from me? I am saying that some times we have to make decisions that are based on what is practical. In your case, it is not practical to spend money that you don't have ... right? I agree! I am sure you don't want Butter to keep being in discomfort and pain, because you love him so very much! :( I'm not judging you at all, sweetheart! I hope you understood that in my above post!!!! I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this, plus having to feel that you are being judged as well!
HUGS,
Kim
Some of you aren't really helping at all. My pets mean the world to me. I was going to ask for money for xmas instead of presents. I would feel extremely guilty not buying my family a present. My mom, I can draw her a picture or something...I don't know. I was also thinking about having a yard sale...I don't know if I could make any money there. I have a cat thing I think I can sell for close to $100.I'm going to cash in my "change jar" Nothing is more important than my pets, and when I saw I'm doing everything I can, I am. If I don't have the money then unfortunatly I just don't have it. I'm not going to rob a bank? I'm not going all out on nice xmas gifts this year, but I really need to get my family something...
I appreciate it...I don't really know how that would work though?Quote:
You will make the right decision - but you know, from being here a while, that a few people are more than happy to send help, because we know what our furkids mean to us! Please don't be ashamed to ask. So many of us have been there!
Please lay off me about the money thing...you all might have good jobs, I'm sorry, I do not.
Yes, I appreciate it. I'm glad some people will support me...I can only do what I can do.Quote:
Originally Posted by kimlovescats
And I can't spend EVERYTHING I have because I do have a couple bills I pay, plus I have 3 other animals I need to buy food and stuff for, along with their vet bills. Josie has epilepsy and needs pills everyday, Zeke has had an itch problem I've just spent a lot of money to get fixed...It just wouldn't make sense to spend everything and go "oh, sorry dogs, no food for you because I have no money" or Josie, too bad you don't get your meds...I hope you don't have a seizure. does that REALLY make sense? I'm sorry to get so worked up but it really p*sses me off to hear people make it sound like I don't care for my pets life enough. I'm hoping you can understand my situation a little better.
I PM'd you, hon. {{hugs}}
Heres the thing...
He gets catherized, again. It doesn't work so he needs surgery. That doesn't work, so then what? Another surgery? What about if it does work. He may get a lot of infections. How often? How much does that cost? How effective is the surgery? What are the chances of it coming back?
With all THAT aside, what about his heart? Will he need surgery for that too?
Come on now.....Lets be realistic here...That is a lot of stuff, a lot of money, and a lot for Butter to go through. Is it fair for him to be in the hospital all the time getting shots and tests? Surgery after surgery? I don't have the money to put him through all this stuff, and then $3000 down the road realize it's never going to end. Will it end? I don't know but I don't have the money.
If someone else thinks they can do a better job, then maybe you should adopt him...because I'm near the end of the line with it. I'm going to strongly consider having the surgery if this doesn't work. If that fails, then I'm afraid Ive done everything I can do. At that point, if someone wants to take over his care, that's great, if not, then you have no right to hate me for it.
Audrey - the what'if's can really start running at a time like this, for any one of us.
Let's see what step two brings. One more Cath might do the trick!
Step at a time...and you will do the right thing, whatever it is!
HUGS
I got a call from the vet.
They gave him a shot of something to relax his urethra. He was able to pee a little this afternoon, but not anymore. The vet can empty his bladder by squeezing it, but it's not a solid stream. She said his bladder isn't as firm as before, which is good. They're going to give him the drug again and leave it over night. If, by morning, he is not doing well then they will cath him again.
If there is a god, then please, please help my boy!
Prayers that this will work for dear Butter!
At least they are trying to spare him the cath procedure...hope the drug will work better! :)
How's Butter?
He's ok for now. I wasn't planning on updating anymore. I feel some of you are awful rude and don't seem to see how difficult this is for me.
Kimmy, thank you for asking about him. I'm holding off on either surgery or another cath for now. He is peeing little bits, and the vet said as long as he is peeing SOMETHING then it's good. If he stops peeing for more than 8hrs...take him in. He was pretty playful the other night, and acting more like himself...but that was just after he came back from the vet with an empty bladder. He's been going back and forth from the vet almost everyday. It's really stressing him out, but he's handling things really well. Things don't seem to bother him as much as it might for most cats. We're hoping he will continue to pee more and more. The vet said it's not uncommon for cats to not pee right after being unblocked. Butter, however, is more of an extreme case. So at this point, it can go either way. He has an appointment on thursday for his heart and a urine check.
Here are some pictures I took.
http://www.tainted-sky.net/butter2/IMG_8146.jpg
http://www.tainted-sky.net/butter2/IMG_8150.jpg
He sleeps a lot...
http://www.tainted-sky.net/butter2/IMG_8158.jpg
http://www.tainted-sky.net/butter2/IMG_8159.jpg
http://www.tainted-sky.net/butter2/IMG_8161.jpg
http://www.tainted-sky.net/butter2/IMG_8162.jpg
His eyes look funny cause I tried to fix them :o
Awww...I didn't notice the shaved bit on his front leg before. Lots of get-better kisses from Meowmie?
Prayers for healing to continue, and for Butter to be as good as ever.
What a beautiful shiney boy! :)
Thank you for the update, Audrey. It's great to see some pics of your Butter boy. He is such a handsome cat. I really hope everything will be ok with him, let us know how the appointment on thursday goes.
Thanks for the update. I've been thinking about him and wondering how he was doing. He sure is a very handsome boy and I hope that he continues to pee. Lots of positive vibes are going out to him for Thursday's vet visit. I'll also continue to keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care.
I've been thinking about you and Butter a lot. I have been checking this thread but I just don't know what to say except that I'm very sorry that you are going through this. I know that you will do whatever you can for him and I'll support whichever decision you make.
Thanks for the update and pictures Audrey. Handsome little Butter.
I hope his Thursday appointment goes well. :)
How is Butter today?
I am sorry people are being rude to you...
Please know there are those of us who do care though and are willing to help you as much as possible.
I want to snuggle cute lil Butterboy!
Yes, I know the majority are very kind people.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kfamr
I took Butter out for his heart to be checked. He said Butter was excellent, and sat right where he was suppost to. Everyone keeps telling me how sweet he is. There was like 3-4 vet students today, and Butter went around and got his love from everyone.
I can't remember what the condition is called, but he said it is genetic, and unrelating to his bladder problem. Part of lining in his heart is larger than normal? Anyway, he said for now he is fine, but needs to be checked again next year and closely monitored. He may someday have problems with it...like trouble breathing, panting, stiffness, etc. He will need to go on meds for the rest of his life when that happens...but that is managable. Phew! I'm glad that part is done with.
As for his pee...They took a sample and I won't know until tomorrow what the results are. He said his pee looked clear to him (no grit etc) but the tests will say for sure. He still isn't peeing properly, but it could be taking him longer to get better. I'm afraid to feel releaved, as I know when I do he'll get sick again. Hopefully the tests come back good anyway.
He is being his normal very happy self lately.
slleipnir, it's such a difficult situation you're in. I understand your money problem, if one of my girls would need a treatment that expensive, I'd be in the same dilemma.
I'll keep you and Butter in my thoughts, and I hope his bladder problems will get better without an expensive surgery that's also risky for him because of his heart condition. Maybe the test result of the urine sample will give you some answers.
BTW, thanks for posting his pictures, he resembles my RB Katz a lot!
Kirsten
Butter is beautiful!!! And, I'm still praying that he will continue to improve and PEE nice ungrainy PEE (did you hear that, Butter?).
Let's hope things continue for the better. He is such a little sweetie; no wonder everyone at the vet's loved him!
He is such a wonderful cat. I love him to death. I hope if the problem does come back that it's not for a while so I can save my emergency funds up again. I'm just glad I had the extra money.
I took him into my work after his vet visit. He just wanted to explore everything. I gotta try and get a picture of his big eyes someday...they are like saucers.
I'm glad to hear that Butter is showing signs of improvement!! :D He sure is a handsome boy!!!