I think Ivy is going back to his breeder or original owner.

[jenluckenbach]

I don't believe she is FORCING you to return him, I think she is going ahead with what you said you wanted......to give him back.

I think you need to decide what to do.

The breeder is correct in saying that knowing an EXACT cause may not be needed in order to provide quality of life. YES, it is helpful to know the cause, but it may not affect the outcome.

Since you say this was your secod vet opinion, it may not help to find yet a third vet, but having a vet who can be open, honest and straight forward is an asset.

[buttercup132]

Since you say this was your secod vet opinion, it may not help to find yet a third vet, but having a vet who can be open, honest and straight forward is an asset

The second vet was. He is a friend of my boss and her mom. They have known him since before he even opened up a vet office and they helped him to get it started. I would like to think he is honest and straight forward with them. If there was any treatment that could have been done there I would have got it done for free so I think he would also like to go the easiest cheapest route.

[catmandu]

It May Be Better In The Long Run To Return Poor Ivy As You Would Always Be Worried About Him And Watching Him Constantly. I Think Shes Being A Responsible Breeder By Taking Ivy Back And You Cannot Ask For More Than That. What A Shame That Ivy Did Not Work Out.

[Catty1]

I read the breeder's first and latest email, and she seems to be saying that there is no point spending $2,000.00 on tests for Ivy. As she said, most vets would treat the symptoms rather than the root cause(which $2,000 may not tell anything about).

Is his coughing worse when he runs or plays? She asked that, because if that is when it happens, then it is likely related to the heart problem.

If he does it whether active or not, then it's something else. His sinuses could be clogged, or he might have a bronchitis or something.

I think the breeder also wants to spare you expensive tests that two vets have advised on. If his coughing appears to be from something else, and that can be treated - then you could keep him in good health.

I think the breeder just doesn't want you to be overwhelmed by keeping him, that's all.

[shais_mom]

I am very sorry to hear this and I know you will do what is best for IVY.
For what its worth - It didn't think she was forcing you to do anything- if you tell her you want to keep him for awhile - I'm sure she would be ok with that - the first email said anytime...
good luck

[buttercup132]

For now I'm just going to think about it for a couple days.
Maybe make a pro and con list for what's best for Ivy myself and Ducky.

[Freedom]

For now I'm just going to think about it for a couple days.
Maybe make a pro and con list for what's best for Ivy myself and Ducky.

Excellent! this is a very tough decision. Don't rush into it.

The breeder seems to be doing 2 things: 1. stepping up to the plate, as a good breeder should, and saying hey look, things aren't right, I take the cat back, no questions. That is highly commendable of her! 2. in the 2d message, she is saying there are other tests, not diagnostic, which are less than the $2000, and those will just help to address symptoms without finding the cause. If she gets Ivy back, it sounds like this is the route she will pursue. She says "miminal tests to determine if there is fluid in the lungs," and if there is, then the vet prescribes meds to address that. And those meds improve the quality of life.

I remember the video you posted with the sounds of Ivy breathing. In your pro and con list, you need to mark down if you keep Ivy, will you let things be with the breathing like that? Or will you have some additional vetting done to address that? And I think THAT is the minimal testing the breeder is referring to. (I hope I made that clear; I re worded it three times.)

You've got some time and still be able to arrange things for the 21st if you decide to return Ivy. Bless you, this is such a tough one!

[jennielynn1970]

For now I'm just going to think about it for a couple days.
Maybe make a pro and con list for what's best for Ivy myself and Ducky.

I think you need to take yourself and Ducky out of the equation and focus on what is best for IVY.

Will you be able to care for him if his condition worsens? How much are you and your family willing and able to afford?

I'd contact the breeder and see what you can do about the shipping, and decide on the date if you cannot or do not want to have a pet that may be sick for his entire life. He may have good days, and he may have bad days, but that is reality.

Do what is best for IVY. That really doesn't take pros or cons. That takes one decision. Do you want to have him live a life with you, knowing that he may become very sick at some point in the near, or not so near, future? If so, keep him and love him for the sweet boy his is, and know that it may be a long life, but it may not. Or do you want to have the breeder to take care of him and find out exactly what is wrong (if that is what she was saying she would do). If she would not keep him but have him PTS, I think I'd keep him!