bowel movement question

[Jessika]

In my experience the vet ALWAYS wants to see them in their office, even after stressing you don't have the funds immediately. Don't get me wrong, I will NEVER deny any of my pets medical attention, but for some of the minor things (worms, etc) that can be analyzed and discussed over the phone, they don't NEED to bring in the pet to be "seen". Then they run a bunch of tests without telling you and charge you an arm and a leg

You reminded me I have to deworm all my guys again today, though.

[lv4dogs]

In my experience the vet ALWAYS wants to see them in their office, even after stressing you don't have the funds immediately. Don't get me wrong, I will NEVER deny any of my pets medical attention, but for some of the minor things (worms, etc) that can be analyzed and discussed over the phone, they don't NEED to bring in the pet to be "seen". Then they run a bunch of tests without telling you and charge you an arm and a leg

Yeah I know, thats why I am asking here. Especially seeing as they just saw him yesterday and said he was completely fine. I'm afraid I may just be blowing money down the drain if I bring him in, money that can be used for other very important things.

I am the same way, my pets will get treatment if needed, thats for sure but I am not very keen on the idea of bringing them in for something very simple that can be discussed over the phone like you said.

[CalliesMom]

lv4dogs, if you bring a fecal sample back in you should request that they do a fecal flotation. Fecal flotations will float up almost any egg but with a direct smear you may be missing something if it is there. The old lab I worked in ran the fecal diagnostic tests for both the large and small animal clinics and they never did direct smears. It was always fecal floats. Hope this helps!

[lv4dogs]

Sorry I was unable to update, I was without a computer but he pooped about an hour after I posted this. :roll:

During that hour I did more research & found that a few websites stated not to worry if they don't pass a stool after every feeding or even every day (which I did get a chance to post about above). After finding that I called back the vets office and actually spoke with the Dr, she said the same thing. She said as long as the kitten is completely healthy & normal besides the fact that she/he's lacking bowel movements & as long as the kitten is getting mostly liquids, she wouldn't be concerened until 2-3 days, possibly 4 if the kitten has been through a lot of change &/or stress &/or if the kitten is under 3 weeks of age and getting completely liquids.

George is doing great! Thanks!