More UT problems for Gatsby

**krazyaboutkatz** · 10-22-2009, 01:28 PM

I'm sorry to hear that he became blocked again.

Maybe he keeps getting a mucous plug I think that's what it's called. Some cats get this and it'll also cause them to become blocked. Why did your vet say that he wasn't a good candidate for PU surgery? If he has a narrow urethra then it doesn't take much for him to become blocked. This is what my Storm had too. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

**Prairie Purrs** · 10-22-2009, 02:20 PM

KAK, my regular vet told me that Gatsby's blockages (or swelling or spasms, whatever was happening) were taking place so far back along his urethra that the surgery wouldn't be effective.

Also, I'm not willing to go forward based solely on the ER vet's recommendation because I don't entirely trust the clinic. For one thing, they're outrageously overpriced. They insist on payment in advance of treatment, but because I'd been there before (with poor Hagrid), they allowed me to get by with paying half of the $ 1000

estimate. My vet charged me $ 225 last week for basically the same course of treatment. For another thing, the ER vet wanted to operate today based on a 30-minute exam last night. There were no problems getting the catheter in, so there wasn't any need to rush Gats into surgery. I think that a conscientious ER vet wouldn't try to take over another vet's patient in that manner.

They're not going to take out the catheter until tonight or tomorrow morning. My plan is to bring him home when I can, then find a vet who has plenty of experience with the surgery and schedule an appointment for a third opinion.

**Prairie Purrs** · 10-22-2009, 05:08 PM

The vet at the ER clinic just called and said that Gatsby is doing OK, but he isn't producing as much urine as she'd expect. So it's possible that my poor sweet boy may have kidney problems.

Please think some healing thoughts for my tuxie boy. I'm so worried about him.

**Moesha** · 10-22-2009, 05:18 PM

I sure feel bad for you and for dear Gatsby. I hope that you are able to figure something out quickly for both of your sakes. I completely agree with your decision regarding the ER vet and the surgery. Has his blood work showed kidney problems?

**Prairie Purrs** · 10-22-2009, 05:42 PM

I'm not entirely sure what blood work has been done up to this point. He's been to two other vets, and I thought at least one of them did blood work, but I can't recall for sure. The ER vet will run a blood panel if there's still cause for concern by morning.

I'm a train wreck. I really need for my Gatsby to be well and happy again.

**Killearn Kitties** · 10-22-2009, 06:05 PM

My girls have their paws firmly crossed and are sending all of their healing thoughts Gatsby's way.

**Catty1** · 10-22-2009, 07:34 PM

Is the amitryptiline not helping? Poor Gatsby! Maybe there is another med they can try?

Hugs to Gatsby, and that the riddle is solved soon.

**columbine** · 11-18-2009, 07:29 PM

I may have missed this, but has your vet mentioned Cosequin? It's primarily a joint supplement, but it also strengthens the GAG (lining) layer of the urinary tract so that germs and crystals can't damage it so easily. Smudge doesn't particularly like it, but when it's mashed into a quarter can of Soulistic grain-free food (along with his antihistamine, skin/coat supplement, extra fiber, and extra water) he gobbles it right up.

Love, Columbine