More advice please re Max

[smokytopaz]

I agree with everyone - get the vet.

I once had a cat that poisoned himself (they think on antifreeze, but from where? Anyway...) and he behaved like that, he had damaged his kidneys - oh please Vet, right now.

[jan]

Hello everyone,
I was going on what the vet who examined max had said on the phone at six o clock - Max does have kidney problems but is on the senior diet and we agreed to have a further blood test due about this weekend to see if the deterioration had altered. His right pupil she said indicated horners disease which according to things can be a tumour, or a neurological problem amongst other things. She ruled out thyroid as she did a blood test for that. I have a problem that I am not insured for vets bills and to have scans and x rays are she said very expensive. The stupid thing is if I applied for council tax rebate which I would be eligible for I would get free care from the pdsa but I havent. She suggested waiting a few days to see if there is any improvement and maybe opting for steroid s to buck him up. I am terrified of taking him back as said before it stresses us both and even have it in my mind if he needs to be put to sleep to have the vet out to us to make it gentler. I feel awful having to consider the cost but where do you stop if it starts running into hundreds of pounds? I paid sixty six for the other week and was happy to do so as I felt Max had a thorough check over but now I am at a loss what to do. I am just hoping it is something minor that will pass but the small pupil and diagnosis of horners syndrome the other week is telling me it is something more serious. To be honest I dont know what to do. If I take him to the vets and he needs umpteen tests to determine the problem where do you draw the line? I suppose I should have bought pet insurance years ago but as I have always had three or four, even five cats once it is a costly monthly outgoing straight away. My son is unemployed so he cannot help and so even is my boyfriend, though we dont live together. I honestly dont know which way to turn at the minuite for the best. Please dont think me uncaring because I love and spoil my cats very much indeed. Someone gave me the name of another vets today they recommended but I suppose that would just be starting over again from the beginning. Dont know what to do. Should i return to the vets I used before knowing I cant afford scans etc and let her see Max again? Will she be able to offer anything different or will her hands be tied? Sorry to sound so bleak its actually how I feel today. Jan x

[Elaine]

Oh Jan, I am so sorry and I do understand, I dont think you uncaring at all.
I didnt have insurance for my dear old Winston and in all honesty, I wouldnt like to count up how much I spent on blood tests, meds etc. I gave up on having a social life to make sure he was ok and I did have some financial help from my partner.
There is no harm in calling the other vets and discussing the situation with them and what course of action they would consider, including the financial cost.
On the other hand, none of us like to think about the option of having a loved one pts but, and i dont want to sound cold here, it may be the best option you have and at the end of the day it may well be an act of love and kindness in itself.
Thinking of you both xxx

[smokytopaz]

Here is one of those choices between muck and more muck.

I don't think anything you do at the moment or indeed ever will really help. Get some advice from a vet.... you know I can't even say what I think you should do.

Get some serious medical advice - do they charge for that? Then make up your mind.

[farthing]

You would have to pay for a consultation fee, but if you inform your vet of your finances and ask for a quote, it will give you an idea if you can afford it. Hopefully they should get a good idea by checking him over- a thrombosis may affect the temp and pulse in the leg for example.
If you decide to change vets, they should contact your previous vets and get his history from them, you shouldn't have to go through every thing again.
Sometimes, we just end up denying the inevitable, and PTS will be the only option at the end of the day.
The thing to remember, if it comes to it, is that to him it will be no different to a blood test, he won't know what is going to happen and if you choose to do it at home, he will be even less stressed.
If I have a choice, all mine are PTS at home, with me assisting.
Hope it doesn't come to that and it is something easy to 'fix'.

[Bronte-sis]

I know how hard it is to make the decision, but in the end if they or suffering or in pain it's more cruel to keep them, I lost my 18 year old Sooty, 2 years ago, he had hyperthyroidism and was loosing weight, medication helped for a while and he did improve, then suddenly went down hill I kept trying but in the end he was so weak, I knew it was time, I was there and they don't feel it, they really do just fall asleep, you will know in your heart when it is time, I don't know how to explain it but they sort of let you know.

Please let us know what happens.

[Leesy]

I am so very sorry for your dilema, it is heartbreaking when you know at some stage you are going to need to make that final choice . I do know how you feel about the love of your baby and the financial side to it all, as I was in the same predicament last year with my baby Charkie, he had been poorly for about 3mths on and off backing and toing to the vets having different treatment and trying to find out what was wrong, they never did for definate find out what was wrong even at the cost of £700 pounds later,
(we were not insured) either.
It reached the point where he was just really deteriating and the vets were wanting to do more extensive investigations which we could just not afford and had sadly made the choice to have Charkie PTS, that night before we could see the vet he passed away in my arms having the biggest most lovvvvving cuddle ever.
So as I said my heart really does go out to you and I wish I could make the pain of all that you are going through disapear Xxx.

[jan]

I thank you all so much, i felt so mean and horrible trying to explain my problems regarding paying for all the treatments he could possible be offered or go through. He s not seeming to be in any pain or discomfort as of yet and still devouring the food just losing his balance esp when turning round or moving quickly. I might try getting him back to the original vet 2m nyt see what she thinks when she sees him now. His paws dont appear to be hot as she suggested I check if there was a blockage in the veins of the right leg but she said that would cause lots pain. Does anyone have any idea if steroids help and how ? Going try and sleep now as shattered with the constant worry its with you all the time as you go about your daily business. Nyt jan x

[jan]

By the way leesy very touched to hear your sad story - god bless charkie and bless you too for doing your best by him. take care jan x

[jan]

Another day - felt a bit cheered as Max seemed a bit more sure footed steadier on, seems able to walk in a straight line a bit better without too much wobble, but tonight again - tipping over without any warning when trying to settle down in front of the fire - turned the gas fire off as I was worried he would fall into it. I might sound daft but I trained at reiki several years ago and tho I havent used it for ages I gave him a bit of reiki healing for a couple of minuites just on his back and rear end - bit wary of being too close to the head with him at the moment. My hands went red hot and he sat very still probably enjoying the warmth. To all of you who have advised me and who have all been through the pain of losing a much loved pet (as I have lost quite a few) thankyou all so much for your support. Some people dont understand how it feels to care for an animal and it is very hurtful when they dismiss you out of hand. It is their loss at the end of the day. I am so glad to have found this wonderful site! Jan x