Last night my cat started throwing up. This isn't too unusual for a cat, although she vomits less that most cats (from what I know), but she vomited several times. The first time it was fairly normal, but then right after her wet-food dinner (a Whiska's pouch) she threw up some undigested pieces, and then threw up yellow liquid several times. This went on all night (intermittently), and then this morning she wasn't eating. This cat usually eats whenever she can, and pretty much anything she can get. She always makes sure someone gets up early to give her a snack (although she doesn't always get one). She wouldn't eat any food (not even soft treats), but she did drink a little water. She went to the bathroom and everything about that seemed normal. She was lying on the stairs, which she usually only does when she's waiting for everyone to get up, but we were all already downstairs. She seems a little lethargic (she didn't get up when we called her, which is unusual), and didn't move when we sat with her on the stairs and petted her. She is usually affectionate, and when I was petting her she would turn her head for me to scratch her chin and her other favorite places, but she didn't purr.
We took her to the vet (the Banfield in the PetSmart near us) this morning and the doctor was in surgery, so we were advised to leave her there until he could look at her, and they would call us. They called to say she'd had bloody diarrhea and they thought that she may have had intestinal blockage. (which doesn't seem to make sense).
Other notes:
The vet is charging a LOT of money (about $350 for all their doing right now, they wanted to charge $680 for and IV and other things that it really doesn't sound like she needs). We're not sure we can afford all this right now.
The vet (or the assistant, really) seems to be trying to scare us with all the things she's told us, even though most of it doesn't make sense.
I'm very suspicious of this vet.
The assistant also said that cats typically display any physical problem through their respiratory system, which I've never heard before and cannot find any evidence to support (online).
The cat has had sinus problems for at least over a year (runny nose, sneezing, etc.), but that is 'normal' for her. Not sure if it's related.
The cat is indoor/outdoor. She spends most of her time indoors but goes outside to go to the bathroom (although she has a litterbox, she doesn't always like to use it), and to sunbathe on the porch, very rarely goes out into the yard. At least 12 (was found as a fully-grown stray 12 years ago). Was perfectly healthy (or appeared to be) yesterday until around 7:30 in the evening.
Waiting on a call from the vet to find out her blood test results.
My questions are:
What does this sound like it could be?
Does it sound like we can trust this vet?
Is the respiratory thing true?
Do you have any other advice or are there any things I should be asking the vet?
Vomiting, not eating... Not sure what's going on here.
-
Sewwattsnew
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2007 1:34 pm
Re: Vomiting, not eating... Not sure what's going on here.
Her history of "vomiting" isn't normal, and this actually could have been leading up for some time (i.e, inflammatory process, but could be nearly anything)
The frequent runny nose and sneezing is also NOT normal for a cat, and this could be indicative of numerous things, like a viral or bacterial infection, sinus polyps or even diseased teeth. Has she been up-to-date on her vaccinations? Has the vet ever ruled out URI, particularly herpesvirus?
Have you had her fully evaluated and bloodwork done for her EACH YEAR? This is necessary for every cat over the age of 6 or 7, to ensure that disease processes are not left undetected, and to treat them at the onset.
Yes, intestinal blockage is a possibility, and yes, it is concerning. Since she's allowed outdoors, you cannot gaurantee or know for certain what she may have gotten into, the outdoor hazards are numerous. Likewise, she could have gotten into something in the home, so go through the home and look for tell-tale signs she might have gotten into something (plants, rancid food, human products/meds, children's toys or having been fed something by children, toxic products or chemicals in the home, string, yarn, etc etc)
If she is vomiting, has bloody diarrhea, then she is dehydrated, and yes, an IV is crucial at this point. IV's replenish lost fluids and correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The bloody diarrhea very well could indicate an obstruction or perforation somewhere, as well as hemorrhage, or viral disease.
Yes, bloodwork is essential when symptoms like this are presented, especially in a senior cat. An xray may also be warranted, since the vet wants to check for hemorrhage, obstruction, inflammation, etc.
The costs quoted are fair for the procedures and testing needed to rule out obstruction/hemorrhage, etc. IV fluid therapy is crucial to replenish lost fluids, diagnostics are imperative to get to the underlying cause.
The assistant may be trying to relay notes via the vet, but you should NEVER rely on information from an assistant, it is the VET who should be calling and discussing with you the necessary testing and other procedures in which to diagnose and treat.
I don't know what the assistant was talking about re: the respiratory system, although if your kitty IS NOW experiencing respiratory distress of any kind, it's concerning. More than likely, since you've noted she is always sneezing with runny nose, she could be more congested than usual, due to the stress she's enduring right now, or due to the underlying health problem that is yet to be diagnosed. If hemorrhage were present, for example, then her respiratory system is going to be compromised, because she's going to be anemic and not enough oxygen getting through her blood. This is only an example of what the assistant might have been saying, not that your kitty IS experiencing this, but that it may be possible if she's seriously ill.
Either call the vet back and demand to speak ONLY to the vet, or leave a clearl message with the receptionist that you expect the vet to be calliing you IMMEDIATELY with findings, tests required, etc.
Don't you have a regular vet you take your kitty to on a regular basis? If so, call him and explain the situation, and inform him of the situation. If you don't have a regular vet and you utilize Banfield regularly, then you're going to have to trust the vet at this point, and heed his recommendations on testing and other procedures. If kitty is stable and you are uncomfortable with this clinic, then seek an emergency veterinary facility immediately, one who is well established in the area and qualified in emergency medicine. I have to warn however, that the current quote the current vet has given you is fair, and more than likely necessary. You can always ask about payment arrangements, if you're a regular client there, then most vets will at least work with you if you can leave at least a sizeable and reasonable deposit.
Keep us updated on your kitty.....
The frequent runny nose and sneezing is also NOT normal for a cat, and this could be indicative of numerous things, like a viral or bacterial infection, sinus polyps or even diseased teeth. Has she been up-to-date on her vaccinations? Has the vet ever ruled out URI, particularly herpesvirus?
Have you had her fully evaluated and bloodwork done for her EACH YEAR? This is necessary for every cat over the age of 6 or 7, to ensure that disease processes are not left undetected, and to treat them at the onset.
Yes, intestinal blockage is a possibility, and yes, it is concerning. Since she's allowed outdoors, you cannot gaurantee or know for certain what she may have gotten into, the outdoor hazards are numerous. Likewise, she could have gotten into something in the home, so go through the home and look for tell-tale signs she might have gotten into something (plants, rancid food, human products/meds, children's toys or having been fed something by children, toxic products or chemicals in the home, string, yarn, etc etc)
If she is vomiting, has bloody diarrhea, then she is dehydrated, and yes, an IV is crucial at this point. IV's replenish lost fluids and correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The bloody diarrhea very well could indicate an obstruction or perforation somewhere, as well as hemorrhage, or viral disease.
Yes, bloodwork is essential when symptoms like this are presented, especially in a senior cat. An xray may also be warranted, since the vet wants to check for hemorrhage, obstruction, inflammation, etc.
The costs quoted are fair for the procedures and testing needed to rule out obstruction/hemorrhage, etc. IV fluid therapy is crucial to replenish lost fluids, diagnostics are imperative to get to the underlying cause.
The assistant may be trying to relay notes via the vet, but you should NEVER rely on information from an assistant, it is the VET who should be calling and discussing with you the necessary testing and other procedures in which to diagnose and treat.
I don't know what the assistant was talking about re: the respiratory system, although if your kitty IS NOW experiencing respiratory distress of any kind, it's concerning. More than likely, since you've noted she is always sneezing with runny nose, she could be more congested than usual, due to the stress she's enduring right now, or due to the underlying health problem that is yet to be diagnosed. If hemorrhage were present, for example, then her respiratory system is going to be compromised, because she's going to be anemic and not enough oxygen getting through her blood. This is only an example of what the assistant might have been saying, not that your kitty IS experiencing this, but that it may be possible if she's seriously ill.
Either call the vet back and demand to speak ONLY to the vet, or leave a clearl message with the receptionist that you expect the vet to be calliing you IMMEDIATELY with findings, tests required, etc.
Don't you have a regular vet you take your kitty to on a regular basis? If so, call him and explain the situation, and inform him of the situation. If you don't have a regular vet and you utilize Banfield regularly, then you're going to have to trust the vet at this point, and heed his recommendations on testing and other procedures. If kitty is stable and you are uncomfortable with this clinic, then seek an emergency veterinary facility immediately, one who is well established in the area and qualified in emergency medicine. I have to warn however, that the current quote the current vet has given you is fair, and more than likely necessary. You can always ask about payment arrangements, if you're a regular client there, then most vets will at least work with you if you can leave at least a sizeable and reasonable deposit.
Keep us updated on your kitty.....
..........Traci
Re: Vomiting, not eating... Not sure what's going on here.
And, please, Indoors ONLY!!...read the link in it's entirety please.
..........Traci
-
mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: Vomiting, not eating... Not sure what's going on here.
Traci said it all.
Throwing up is not normal at all for any feline contrary to popular belief.
Yes your kitty has a respritory problem that you say has been going on for a year, did this cat ever get care after you took him in or even if he did did he get care after he you started seeing signs of stuffy/runny nose?
A blockage is something to worry about since you allow your kitty outside unsupervised , cats will eat anything and can get into anything. It only takes one time. THrowing up is a sign of a blockage or it can be. If the kitty is blocked the food can not get past thus throwing it up. Bile is thrown up because there is nothing else left inside tummy.
If this kitty is dehydrated then yes IV fluids will be something that he needs...Not sure why you would assume he didnt since you are not a vet.
Without proper care your kitty can decline at any time. You took the responsibility of bringing him in and feeding/sheltering him...He needs you now to do the right thing and get the appropriate care for him. You saying you don't think this vet is right is not something I am understanding...Is it because his cost is too high or because you just dont beleive the cost should be this high for the care of your kitty? Either way he needs care and surgery if needed to get out anything that might be blocking him. Xrays of course would be needed to determine that.
good luck with this. And again Indoors only for kitty's sake
Throwing up is not normal at all for any feline contrary to popular belief.
Not trying to be rude here but you are not a Vet, a Tech or an assistant so you would truely not know and anything on line that you read unless it is from a lisensed Vet practice that is reputable is garbage.The assistant also said that cats typically display any physical problem through their respiratory system, which I've never heard before and cannot find any evidence to support (online).
Yes your kitty has a respritory problem that you say has been going on for a year, did this cat ever get care after you took him in or even if he did did he get care after he you started seeing signs of stuffy/runny nose?
A blockage is something to worry about since you allow your kitty outside unsupervised , cats will eat anything and can get into anything. It only takes one time. THrowing up is a sign of a blockage or it can be. If the kitty is blocked the food can not get past thus throwing it up. Bile is thrown up because there is nothing else left inside tummy.
If this kitty is dehydrated then yes IV fluids will be something that he needs...Not sure why you would assume he didnt since you are not a vet.
Without proper care your kitty can decline at any time. You took the responsibility of bringing him in and feeding/sheltering him...He needs you now to do the right thing and get the appropriate care for him. You saying you don't think this vet is right is not something I am understanding...Is it because his cost is too high or because you just dont beleive the cost should be this high for the care of your kitty? Either way he needs care and surgery if needed to get out anything that might be blocking him. Xrays of course would be needed to determine that.
good luck with this. And again Indoors only for kitty's sake
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!