Yep just read that (and edited my post). I could see the sedation costing more.A phlebotomy is when blood is drawn and often replaced with saline (to maintain the same volume). It's not a blood test/panel. Some cats need to be sedated or even anesthetized (totally depends on the cat). This might be bringing the cost of the procedure up for some.
Wait... It's not called hemochromatosis in humans? I was tested for hemochromatosis when they were trying to figure out what was wrong with me, (turned out to be fibromyalgia).I know someone (a human :tongue2 with polycythemia vera. The doctors take a few pints of blood every couple weeks. But I don't think that costs him $400 a month! No reason taking blood should cost that much for a cat either.
I'm not sure of other causes, sorry . Maybe a specialist would be helpful.
Hello all, I have been following this thread as my
I found him after coming home from a trip acting extremely strange so he went to the ER vet right away. His RBC levels were at 80% and he suffered a stroke because of how thick his blood had gotten.
He had his first bloodletting done right away which helped him bring it down to 64%. Because of the stroke, he wasn't very responsive and not showing much signs of life. He had multiple seizures overnight and His RBC levels climbed up again to 68% and a second bloodletting did not help him. Things seemed quite bleak but after a night of rest and regular visits over the next 24 hours, his levels dropped down to 56% and suddenly is able to groom, speak, and walk (although very wobbly). The vets want to move him over to meds as soon as possible.
He is currently still resting at the ER vet, waiting for another bloodwork test in the next 12 hours and will see how his RBC count is. Otherwise, 3 hours ago he showed a significant improvement in recovery and really hoping for the best.
I'm extremely grateful for this thread for guidance on how to approach this issue.