Question. Please read. (update: Doesn't seem good...)

[slleipnir]

I'm so sorry. I've not experienced this with a cat so I don't know what advice to give. What did the vet recommend?

I know several PT cats have had the operation with success. Maybe they can help you decide.

Prayers and good thoughts for you and Butter.

I haven't had him in yet, so I don't know for sure what's going on. I'm sure the vet would recommend the catheter again...but I don't think I can do that. I would rather have the surgery and know he'll be fine...They must think I'm rich or something

[Kirsten]

I just read this entire thread, and I'm so sorry that you and Butter have to go through this.

First of all, let me say that I'm more than relieved that you brought him to the ER that weekend, and it's totally beyond me how the first vet you've called could tell you it doesn't sound serious! The symptoms you described in your first posts sounded VERY serious!!

I understand your worries about the financials. But I know, none of us here would give up on his cat for that reason!

I hope there will be a way to prevent further blockages, maybe a penis amputation would do? (I know they do that sometimes with male cats that are prone to blockages).

I know you cannot compare this as my Luna is a girl, but she's having problems with UTI/struvite crystals for years. Her urine needs to be regularily checked to make sure she doesn't develope a blockage. As soon as she has problems peeing, off to the vet we go.

This year, one vet recommended some homoepathic remedies (Berberis and Cantharis) as an addition to her diet food and her UROPET paste, and she's doing much better since. Maybe homeopathy would work for Butter as well? I think it may be worth a try, and it's not expensive.

I really hope that Butter's current behavior is still coming from an irritation of the bladder tissue. I'll keep him in my thoughts, hopefully he will feel much better soon!

Kirsten

[slleipnir]

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.

[Catty1]

Is he drinking and eating?

If he is not drinking a lot, a much less expensive thing might be for the vet to give him sub-q fluids to fill his bladder quickly, and see how he does then. See what your vet says.

I am sure they must have known he could pee okay before they sent him home?

Also - TELL them how scared you are and that you don't have a ton of money. If the one vet is nice, I am sure something can be worked out.


HUGS

[slleipnir]

The vet said he WAS peeing fine...I saw him have a little to drink atleast. He was eatting last night. I think I would like the vet to check just to be sure..

[sandragonfly]

sweetie, I'm praying hard and harder!

I feel bad not having this experience with one of my cats so I don't really have much advices to share. I know one person who's really expert at this problem, who PMed me when I thought one of my cats had crystals...I'll have to find her right username! shoot, I forgot.

I think, well if I were you, by aly's description and experiences in basic vet's offices before - if nothing else more than blockages - a surgery probably would be better, especially less painful (and less expenisve) for your dear butter-boy going through this over again and again.

don't feel bad making a decision, I trust you love this boy with all your heart and I know you will find out the best for him soon! just give yourself some more time thinking on this while butter is being taken care of.

edit ~ curious.. do you feed butter RAW or what food?

[slleipnir]

I took him out again, and the vet had a quick look. He said his bladder doesn't feel big or hard or anything which is good. But he did an x-ray or something and there is a lot of "grit" in there He said if he doesn't pee by tomorrow then it's a problem...and of couse, the vet is closed tomorrow so that will be another $100 just for the visit. He said they will have to do it all over again, and if it comes back yet again, then there is the surgery. I told him I really can't afford that. He just look sorta sympathetic. I really don't want to go through all this just to have to put him to sleep in the end. I know that's a mean thought, but...