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

[Cinder & Smoke]

The problem is, I cannot afford to do it again,
THEN do the surgery.

We have a very good vet collage here, which is where I took him.

Glacier gave you a good rundown on what to expect.

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

[kimlovescats]

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

[wolf_Q]

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!

[dukedogsmom]

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.

[krazyaboutkatz]

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.

[Catty1]

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.

[slleipnir]

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.

[slleipnir]

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...

[kimlovescats]

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

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

[slleipnir]

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...

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 appreciate it...I don't really know how that would work though?

Please lay off me about the money thing...you all might have good jobs, I'm sorry, I do not.

[slleipnir]

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

Yes, I appreciate it. I'm glad some people will support me...I can only do what I can do.

[slleipnir]

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.

[Catty1]

I PM'd you, hon. {{hugs}}

[slleipnir]

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.