What's wrong with my kitty?

[Medusa]

I'm a big one for trusting your instincts and I'm w/you, it isn't sitting right w/me either. Definitely seek a second and/or third opinion. It may very well be what s/he said but s/he should strive to put your mind at ease about your beloved furbaby. If you feel that you're being given the brushoff, then waste no more time w/this vet. S/he works for you and not the other way around. Good luck. I hope your kitty gets some relief soon, poor baby.

[momofive]

Benard is acting somewhat better today, but no real recovery. I've found a speciality referral clinic in town, will take him there Monday if no real improvement. why wait that long? Can't get an appointment until then, in the meantime, there's the good old ER!

But some great news! We do have insurance on Benard! We carried VPI for about 2 years, then decided to cancel it as part of our budget cutbacks. Well, apparently it was a clerical error, but he still has insurance. yes, I know, it doesn't pay the whole bill, our experience has been dissappointing in the past with what VPI actually pays, but its better than footing the whole bill.

Its sad when medical decisions are based in part on finances, but that's the reality of life. But its a balancing act, we would never let Benard suffer and would always seek the best care possible for the circumstances. Sometimes, its truly not a matter of money, anyways. We had a cat with cancer, spent about $6000 trying to save her, in the end the cancer got her, we had her PTS, I really think we went too far trying to treat her, she suffered too much. Our finances were different then, too. But it all comes down to a quality of life. I'd much rather take care of my pets than buy myself some useless luxury, anyways.

Benard acts somewhat better today. He does walk all over the house, but with difficulty. He continues to walk and flop, at times supports himself along the wall. Its heartbreaking to watch him struggle to his litter box, he's determined to use "his" box, not the convenient, shallow pan we've provided for him in the bathroom. He still has his pride and dignity. I stayed up with him all night last night, just kept him in my office with food, water, litter, he still insists on going to his familiar food, water and litterplaces. Its pitiful to watch him struggle, we keep trying to make it easy for him, but he's got his dignity.

Whatever this is, it isn't thyroid. A friend of mine has hyperthyroid, and she doesn't walk like that!

[Moesha]

That's good news to know that you have some assistance in paying for Benard's expenses. It's also good to hear that he does seem to be improving. I hope that he keeps doing that and that eventually you will be able to get a definite diagnosis. Thanks for keeping us posted. Have we seen a picture of your dear kitty yet? *hint*

[momofive]

That's good news to know that you have some assistance in paying for Benard's expenses. It's also good to hear that he does seem to be improving. I hope that he keeps doing that and that eventually you will be able to get a definite diagnosis. Thanks for keeping us posted. Have we seen a picture of your dear kitty yet? *hint*

I will post a pic of dc tomorrow, when the resident computer genius (my 12-year old son) can help me figure it out!

[momofive]

Well, Bernard is doing much better! He's walking around the house, not supporting himself against the wall, seems to have more energy, perhaps the vet was on the right track after all. He still has weakness in his hind quarters, especially his left hind leg, but its improving. His appetite is good, he grooms and uses the litter.

It just tears me in two to see such a proud old kitty decline. He struggles to maintain his dignity. He was so weak a few days ago we just laid him on a towel in case he had an accident but he refused to do so, struggled to the litter box instead. My sweet baby! Last night as we ate dinner I looked down and he was at his usual spot, begging for a table scrap! Funny, he always wants a scrap of whatever we're eating, but then just sniffs and walks away, rarely eats the table scrap, just wants to see what we're having.

But like I said, he is making stead forward progress and I think he will recover. We go back in about a week for follow-up tests.

Vet bills are running high, but fortunately we do have pet insurance. We submitted the claims, don't know what they will reimburse, but at least we have that.I highly urge any pet lover to get pet insurance to protect against such a scenario--a precious pet is sick and the bills are more than you can afford.

[lvpets2002]

Well I am so Glad your Baby Benard is doing so much better.. So maybe the Vet was on the right track.. Some times we wonder dont we.. Get Well Soon Baby Benard..