The health of my older cat

**erinnyes** · 02-24-2009, 05:51 PM

Okay, I just got Woobie's results today from the vet. He told me that everything looked normal and stable, after he did the blood test for kidney and thyroid function. He said Kidney was slightly elevated, but only by one or two points, so very minorly. So after he assured me all that was fine, I'm like "... So why is she pulling her hair out?" I asked if she should be taken in for x-rays now, but my vet said it wasn't necessary. Yet I feel dissatisfied... I have been going to this vet for years and truly trust his judgment, yet I read on this very site the story of someone who's vet said the same thing to them about the same problem, and it turned out it was a larger issue.

So, I guess I'm looking for a little advice? The other vet in town is thorough and very expensive. Should I trust my vet or get the second opinion, potentially to find nothing?

So confused!!

**Catlady711** · 02-24-2009, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by erinnyes

Okay, I just got Woobie's results today from the vet. He told me that everything looked normal and stable, after he did the blood test for kidney and thyroid function. He said Kidney was slightly elevated, but only by one or two points, so very minorly. So after he assured me all that was fine, I'm like "... So why is she pulling her hair out?" I asked if she should be taken in for x-rays now, but my vet said it wasn't necessary. Yet I feel dissatisfied... I have been going to this vet for years and truly trust his judgment, yet I read on this very site the story of someone who's vet said the same thing to them about the same problem, and it turned out it was a larger issue.

So, I guess I'm looking for a little advice? The other vet in town is thorough and very expensive. Should I trust my vet or get the second opinion, potentially to find nothing?

So confused!!

While the other vet may be expensive you've already said he/she is very thorough.
If it was my cat I'd try the other vet for a second opinion, be sure to get the records faxed over there so they don't have to repeat any lab work which will save you a bit of money.

Sometimes you get what you pay for in a vet. Some vets are cheap but they lack the higher tech equipment to find things, and some lack the more up to date information on current heath topics, which may be why they are cheaper.

Since your current vet has given you no information as to why your cat seems scruffy looking, hair loss, weight loss, and did not offer thyroid testing up front without you suggesting it first, I'd strongly want a second opionon if it was me.

While you may trust your vet with other issues you've already expressed doubt on this issue and it may be that your vet simply lacks the experience to deal with this particular issue on this particular cat.

If the second vet costs more and also finds nothing but reassures you as to what is causing the issue being a normal part of aging, wouldn't that extra cost be worth the peace of mind? To me it would.

Good luck.

**GILL** · 02-25-2009, 08:52 AM

I agree go for a second or even third opinion. Our ET was taken to a very high priced vet that we had used for over 30 years, but something didn't seem right. I took her to another that was highly recommended. After 3 visits and two different vets at the new clinic. She passed and we found out it was cancer. I at lest know that I tried.
We have had hair loss and it almost always comes back to diet. Good luck and please let us know how she does.

**moosmom** · 02-25-2009, 09:53 AM

My Mollie Rose, who will be 16 on Mother's day is VERY thin. Her bloodwork came back normal and the vet said it was due to age. I make her scrambled eggs with cheese and turkey every morning, and she noshes on that throughout the day. I also give her most of a can of cat food at night (splitting the remains between the other 4 cats). She's doing fine. She does drink alot of water and pees alot. But the vet didn't seem worried about it. If she stops eating or drinking water then I'll worry.

**Medusa** · 02-25-2009, 12:22 PM

I heartily concur w/the others; get a second opinion. Vets are human and sometimes just plain miss things. A second opinion will give you peace of mind and can possibly help your cat to get over this mystery.

**catmandu** · 02-25-2009, 04:25 PM

Sad to say bit Our Cats do have different biologiacl clocks , and some Ctas like JJJ3 , Michael the Dream , and Princess the Purrfect are still going strong at 18, while Bo Bo the Bodacious , Moose the Magnifi Cat and many Younger Found Cats are Angels.

All we can do is Our Best.
Prayers are coming for Dear Woobie from All Of Us!!!

**krazyaboutkatz** · 02-26-2009, 11:12 AM

I agree that you should get a second opinion. I had to do this when my Starr was very sick and if I hadn't he wouldn't be with me today. My new vet does charge more but they also have all of the high tech equipment and are also an emergency hospital too. Good luck.