Heya,
So I have a dilemma.
Cat: Maine Coon. 1.5 years old.
Over the past few days, when I tried to comb my cat – whenever I opened his legs, he would scream and get violent – I thought it might be PTSD from the past where he got diarrhea and I was cutting the “poop” out and then washed him (this happened a while back). Today I noticed he was limping on his right leg.
So… I know Maine Coons are susceptible to hip hyperplasia… but I think he’s too young for that and it’s too sudden. My other suspicions are either 1- Rough play with my other cat – maybe got bit and has cellulitis/swelling (can’t tell – cat furry and he’ll yank me if I tried to investigate – will try again tonight). Or 2- He likes to jump – so maybe fell and bruised his hip.
I called the Vet and they told me, they can’t tell (obviously) until I bring him in. If they do an xray – it’ll instantly cost AT LEAST $350 for a basic xray (without sedation fees) + vet exam cost. Now I don’t want to be an irresponsible or awful owner… BUT OMG my out of pocket cost for my mammogram was cheaper than that!! To top it off that grain-free wet food they eat almost costs more that my own food.
So I’m in a pickle. I just don’t know what to do. Get a heated bed and monitor him for a few days? Give him pain medication? Take him instantly to the vet and then figure out how to pay for it? Any warning signs to watch out for? Advice? He moves - but not a lot. I don't think I've seen him run yet - anyway to tell if he broke vs bruised his legs/hip?
Thanks!
So I have a dilemma.
Cat: Maine Coon. 1.5 years old.
Over the past few days, when I tried to comb my cat – whenever I opened his legs, he would scream and get violent – I thought it might be PTSD from the past where he got diarrhea and I was cutting the “poop” out and then washed him (this happened a while back). Today I noticed he was limping on his right leg.
So… I know Maine Coons are susceptible to hip hyperplasia… but I think he’s too young for that and it’s too sudden. My other suspicions are either 1- Rough play with my other cat – maybe got bit and has cellulitis/swelling (can’t tell – cat furry and he’ll yank me if I tried to investigate – will try again tonight). Or 2- He likes to jump – so maybe fell and bruised his hip.
I called the Vet and they told me, they can’t tell (obviously) until I bring him in. If they do an xray – it’ll instantly cost AT LEAST $350 for a basic xray (without sedation fees) + vet exam cost. Now I don’t want to be an irresponsible or awful owner… BUT OMG my out of pocket cost for my mammogram was cheaper than that!! To top it off that grain-free wet food they eat almost costs more that my own food.
So I’m in a pickle. I just don’t know what to do. Get a heated bed and monitor him for a few days? Give him pain medication? Take him instantly to the vet and then figure out how to pay for it? Any warning signs to watch out for? Advice? He moves - but not a lot. I don't think I've seen him run yet - anyway to tell if he broke vs bruised his legs/hip?
Thanks!