Do You Worry Veterinarians Don't Have A Clue What's Wrong?

[myfamily]

My beloved 10 year old Rocky has a cough and has lost a pound since last week. I was going to take him to my regular vet, but I don't have confidence that they know what they're doing. So I took him to a new veterinarian. He said he wanted to do chest x-rays which involved sedation, and would have his assistant come back into the room to give me an estimate. I noticed him loitering around outside the door for her to come back with an answer about whether I agreed to the costs and the procedure. It was obvious he didn't have any other patients to see. I was the only human patient in the business. So maybe that's a red flag. So I agreed to the chest x-rays. He showed me the x ray and said something about this right here should have more clarity so I think it shows a little bit of asthma, then he gave Rocky a shot of Depo Medrol and I went home $400 poorer. Rocky is still coughing, and throwing up. I just get the feeling they don't really have any idea what's going on. I went through this last year with my Sweetums. She was throwing up and losing weight drastically. They did all the expensive procedures such as ultra sound and blood work and other things, but they never did figure out what was wrong. I don't trust them. I spent about $3000 on vet bills and it was useless. I just think MAYBE it's a racket where they try to up-sell you on procedures and separate you from you money with little hope of figuring out what the problem is. Now I have to decide what to next with Rocky? Do I take him back to the same vet, or do I try another one? It's so stressful.

 

[abyeb]

You can always try another vet, to get a second opinion.

I hope Rocky can have a speedy recovery.

 

[myfamily]

Thanks, I know I can always try another vet. But I have 4 credit cards, 3 of which have no balance remaining, and the remaining card with available credit has over $6000 of charges on it. So while I could just keep going to vets til I find one that I think has talent, I can't afford to do it this way. I wish there was a way of knowing who I could trust to help me ahead of time. The Google reviews of all the vets in our area are positive, with the occasional disgruntled customer.

 

[KatsPurrrsians]

I hate to say it but I know exactly what you mean and I empathize with you. My husband has all but written vets off all together. I, on the other hand, know that in certain situations seeing a vet is necessary, but I make sure to do my homework in regards to the symptoms I’m seeing and then through research I try to at least get an idea possible ailments & remedies . That way I hope to have some sort of idea as to what tests are truly necessary and which ones aren’t. I always ask a lot of questions, especially when I’m facing the dreaded “unknown ailment”. Because I know the vet can’t make the proper decision regarding treatment if they don’t have all the variables, or at least the most pertinent ones. So I go with what makes the most sense and will give the clearest answer first. Since I don’t have a PHD or medical degree I know there’s only so far my own intuition and research will take me, but luckily I’ve learned quite a bit about animals in my experiences from being around them all my life.
However, the truth of the matter is, those of us who aren’t vets ourselves must be diligent in choosing our pet’s doctor. Which is why it’s so important to shop around for your vet the same way you would for a new house or your child’s physician. I’m not shy to try a new vet, again and again if needed, until I feel I’ve found one whom I feel is the best for my pets and their specific needs.

 

[tabbytom]

Yea, best is if you can find a vet whose specialty is cats and own cats. You’ll be in safer hands.

 

[happilyretired]

When one of my (now deceased) cats had his teeth cleaned, they inadvertently slit his trachea during the procedure--and didn't know it. I had to take my obviously unwell cat back twice before they figured out the problem, and then they sent me off to a hospital an hour away where the vets are all board-certified specialists because they were unable to treat him. THAT'S where I now go for any significant problem with my cat.

I have a lovely local vet who really cares about animals, and she knows her limitations. She has no problem if I suggest going to a specialist if necessary. Yes, it's more expensive, but I don't waste a lot of money on repeated visits to vets who just do procedures and can't diagnose correctly.

 

[Kat0121]

Yea, best is if you can find a vet whose specialty is cats and own cats. You’ll be in safer hands.

I was about to suggest the same thing. Most vets deal with dogs the majority of the time so while I do respect their profession and many are very caring, I always have it in the back of my head that they gloss over stuff having to do with cats. Good luck. Lots of love and healing vibes to sweet Rocky.

 

[happilyretired]

Yet one of my worst experiences was with a 'cat only' vet, so that's not always a solution. In fact, my best vet (now retired) was definitely a 'dog' person, yet he was terrific with my cat (one that was very difficult), and when she was elderly (18+) he had some many suggestions for providing comfort for her in her final years.

It's tough to generalize, but it's good to shop around until you find a good vet. For example, my current vet has a mobile practice, which I like because I don't have to take the cat out for check ups and shots. But when one of my guys needed dental work [which she doesn't do], I had to take him to a full-service hospital. I went to one she recommended, and I was very impressed by the vet there. If I were looking for a vet, I would choose him in a minute.

 

[Neo_23]

I think it's hard to say that a "cat's only" or a "conventional" or "holistic" or "what have you" will be best. You have to just go to different people till you find the right person unfortunately. Luckily I have found one with 30 years of experience and who seems to truly care. But I will say that I have been quite disappointed in the veterinary profession from the experiences that I have had. It's difficult to find a vet that you can trust and who also has the necessary background and knowledge to take care of your pet.

 

[happilyretired]

I agree with being 'selective' with vets. For years, I had a superb vet who was co-owner of a large practice (about 10 other vets). When he retired [from active practice but still had ownership], I had a bad experience with one of the other vets, and my guy resolved it and asked me whether I'd stay with the practice. I told him that I really didn't trust any of the other vets (I'd had experiences with several), and he said, "I don't blame you." THIS from the owner! I have another vet now that I'm happy with--so far.

 

[Antonio65]

Many years of experiences with many vet practices have taught me that unfortunately the practices with one or two vets are to be avoided. I learned that too late, though, and I regret it!
My advice is to take your Rocky to a hi-spec clinic where many different specialists can be involved and where it's easier to find the best equipment and the in-house lab and all. Though it might be more expensive, it could lead to a shorter path to the diagnosis, with less stress and more benefit for the cat.
The other option, that I have considered in different occasions, is to take your cat to a Vet University, if you have a close one.
Only 11 months ago I had to took my Lola to the university because we had an emergency at 7 pm and no other clinic around was able to fix the problem. Bills at the university can also be lower.

 

[Neo_23]

Many years of experiences with many vet practices have taught me that unfortunately the practices with one or two vets are to be avoided. I learned that too late, though, and I regret it!
My advice is to take your Rocky to a hi-spec clinic where many different specialists can be involved and where it's easier to find the best equipment and the in-house lab and all. Though it might be more expensive, it could lead to a shorter path to the diagnosis, with less stress and more benefit for the cat.
The other option, that I have considered in different occasions, is to take your cat to a Vet University, if you have a close one.
Only 11 months ago I had to took my Lola to the university because we had an emergency at 7 pm and no other clinic around was able to fix the problem. Bills at the university can also be lower.

I had the exact opposite experience. The vet that I have now is amazing but she runs her own practice and is the only vet in the office. I like her because she spends an hour with you at every session and isn’t closed minded (she incorporates holistic and conventional practices and can consult on all kinds of diets). She’s also always reading up on new research and you can tell that she’s very well informed. The only downside is that the wait is long when you go to see her. But this is because she takes her time with every client. And I would rather have that than someone I wait 5 minutes for but who only spends 10 minutes with my cat. Plus if it’s an emergency she will take you in right away.

 

[myfamily]

I decided to hold off on seeing another vet for the time being. Rocky is still coughing and throwing up. But maybe he will work through it this weekend. The last doctor took $400 and provided what I thought felt like a first-year's med student interpretation of the chest xrays. Something about there should be more clarity here, but instead it is foggy looking so perhaps he has asthma, was his analysis. He was an older man, but had just rejoined the practice after being away for a while. He then gave Rocky some kind of steroid shot that did no good. I had an appt this morning at a Cat hospital, but my heart wasn't in it, and I cancelled early this morning. I imagine I would have went in there, and then walked out another $400 poorer with a bag full of medications. I hope Rocky gets better on his own. I am really stressed about it.

 

[maggiedemi]

I go to a lower priced vet clinic, and they are actually really good. It only cost me $100 when Demi had a UTI. Could Rocky possibly have hairballs? The coughing and throwing up made me wonder.

 

[ginny]

I really feel for you. I was in a situation like that about 2 1/2 yrs ago when Gracie started getting sick. I went to one vet after another. We never did find out what was wrong with her. I'd already had one of my other kitties, Nat, at the ER vet twice already that year for seizures and so when Gracie had to go to ER twice too, that really dwindled down the available credit. By the time I saw the "specialist" I was down to $67. He suggested a $2000 procedure and said even if they found out what the cause was, he couldn't guarantee it would be treatable.

But don't give up. That doesn't mean the same thing will happen to you.

Do you know the area you live in very well? If not, can you ask around for recommendations? Even if you've lived there forever I'd ask as many people as you can for recommendations. Any vet can be considered a "good vet" for just well visits and shots. But where the rubber meets the road is when the vet can help you in times of trouble. That'll prove a good vet. I agree with you that it seems vets are trying to make as much money as they can, even though there ARE some really good and caring vets out there who aren't that way. There's not that many of the caring kind though unfortunately.

So your kitty is throwing up and coughing. What food does your kitty eat? A very good respectable vet has said that "diet is the mortar and bricks of health". It could be your kitty has food intolerances and changing to a better diet might help. Here's a really good article I keep referring to from time to time and you might find it helpful too while searching for a really good vet. It's specifically for a certain condition your cat doesn't have, but it goes into great detail about the importance of the right diet and the right water which may help your kitty in the meantime. There are also plenty of other articles in the drop down boxes to read. Hope this helps.

7 Mistakes in Treating Pets With Chronic Renal failure

 

[foxxycat]

I would look for a vet who specializes in asthma and cardiac issues in cats. Did they send you home with any medications? Maybe an ultrasound on the heart and reread the xrays-it could be asthma.

check out the site fritzthebrave and see if you notice similar things-they have video of coughing cat-to see if that's what you see too.

Not all vets are familiar with feline asthma. Some are coming around. Sometimes coughing could be cardiac in dogs-I don't know if this is true for cats. but the weight loss concerns me.

Also the shot of depo sometimes takes 24 hours to start to work. They should have given something for the vomiting. Cerenia, Zofran or other medication for the vomiting. How long are the coughing fits lasting for?

I would ask vet to prescribe a rescue inhaler of Albuterol and order an aerokat on amazon=there's a yellow one that's only $25. it's a space chamber for the inhaler=the hardest part is getting the cat to accept the mask on their face. When times are bad=you have to do what you can to give the meds to the cat-one of mine fought me tooth and nail-I gave treats ALL the time I had it near them-they eventually figured out food is given when they put up with the mask.

I am concerned that they didn't give some kind of bronchodilator with the coughing..the vomiting could be because it's too much coughing. Albuterol will NOT fix the inflammation inside the lungs but it will open it up and help stop the coughing. Then you will need a script for Flovent and order that overseas as it's cheaper than here IF it is indeed asthma. The flovent is inhaled steroids. It's much easier on the cat's system to take the meds this way otherwise you will have to give prednisolone once a day at the minimum. It's important to get this inflammation under control. This is why the cat coughs..the lungs tighten up so they cough to draw in more air-but it causes inflammation and it's a never ending cycle.

There is a group on yahoo feline asthma group-they have folks who can help you out with an inhaler if you can't afford it right away. I highly recommend them. They will give you more pointers and help along the way. Plus all of us could help with recommending a vet if we are in the same area.

I know this is a lot to take in. Take a look at fritzthebrave web site then give your vet a call.

 

[vyger]

My beloved 10 year old Rocky has a cough and has lost a pound since last week. I was going to take him to my regular vet, but I don't have confidence that they know what they're doing. So I took him to a new veterinarian. He said he wanted to do chest x-rays which involved sedation, and would have his assistant come back into the room to give me an estimate. I noticed him loitering around outside the door for her to come back with an answer about whether I agreed to the costs and the procedure. It was obvious he didn't have any other patients to see. I was the only human patient in the business. So maybe that's a red flag. So I agreed to the chest x-rays. He showed me the x ray and said something about this right here should have more clarity so I think it shows a little bit of asthma, then he gave Rocky a shot of Depo Medrol and I went home $400 poorer. Rocky is still coughing, and throwing up. I just get the feeling they don't really have any idea what's going on. I went through this last year with my Sweetums. She was throwing up and losing weight drastically. They did all the expensive procedures such as ultra sound and blood work and other things, but they never did figure out what was wrong. I don't trust them. I spent about $3000 on vet bills and it was useless. I just think MAYBE it's a racket where they try to up-sell you on procedures and separate you from you money with little hope of figuring out what the problem is. Now I have to decide what to next with Rocky? Do I take him back to the same vet, or do I try another one? It's so stressful.

I remember reading an investigative report a number of years ago on dentists. They had a "patient" who did need some work done and did a full evaluation as to exactly what was needed. Then this patient went to multiple dentists in a wide area (several states) to see what they would say needed to be done. The results were very amazing and the costs were all over the place from a few hundred all the up to tens of thousands. One dentist insisted they needed to have all the teeth removed and replaced with custom dentures. Anyway, it became obvious that many of the dentists were trying to get the person to have dental work done that was totally not necessary. There were many who got the problem right and some even would charge less than the control. But the sad and shocking part was that a pretty big number were more than willing to do work that wasn't needed apparently just so they could collect on it.

I would LOVE to see the same kind of thing done with vet clinics. I have a feeling that some of the newer vets would be in the overcharge category because of the need for them to pay off expensive new equipment and to meet student loan payments. Just order a few expensive tests, just to be sure there is no problem, and you drive up your receipts by a nice amount. Are some of them overcharging or having you pay for unnecessary procedures? It's almost a guarantee that some are. How can you find out? I don't know. Maybe you need to tell them you have only a set budget and that it is not an open ended spend a thon. I do think they take advantage of those who are willing to spend whatever it takes to buy a few more months of life for their special cat. It is very sad that what is possible is that being a vet is more about the money than the animals and that being a vet is just another way to make a really good living without as much of a possibility of being sued. Because after all who really can prove that your cat didn't actually need that full body MRI just because it had a runny nose. A lot of people are in a position of not being able to pay for their own health care much less inflated unnecessary vets costs. It is a problem with no apparent solution at the moment, at least none that I am aware of.

 

[maggiedemi]

My vet knows that I don't have a lot of money to spare and I email and ask the prices of everything before I go. Plus, my two cats are former ferals, so we can't really be hanging around for lots of tests or be making multiple trips, they go insane with fear.

 

[myfamily]

I really feel for you. I was in a situation like that about 2 1/2 yrs ago when Gracie started getting sick. I went to one vet after another. We never did find out what was wrong with her. I'd already had one of my other kitties, Nat, at the ER vet twice already that year for seizures and so when Gracie had to go to ER twice too, that really dwindled down the available credit. By the time I saw the "specialist" I was down to $67. He suggested a $2000 procedure and said even if they found out what the cause was, he couldn't guarantee it would be treatable.

But don't give up. That doesn't mean the same thing will happen to you.

Do you know the area you live in very well? If not, can you ask around for recommendations? Even if you've lived there forever I'd ask as many people as you can for recommendations. Any vet can be considered a "good vet" for just well visits and shots. But where the rubber meets the road is when the vet can help you in times of trouble. That'll prove a good vet. I agree with you that it seems vets are trying to make as much money as they can, even though there ARE some really good and caring vets out there who aren't that way. There's not that many of the caring kind though unfortunately.

So your kitty is throwing up and coughing. What food does your kitty eat? A very good respectable vet has said that "diet is the mortar and bricks of health". It could be your kitty has food intolerances and changing to a better diet might help. Here's a really good article I keep referring to from time to time and you might find it helpful too while searching for a really good vet. It's specifically for a certain condition your cat doesn't have, but it goes into great detail about the importance of the right diet and the right water which may help your kitty in the meantime. There are also plenty of other articles in the drop down boxes to read. Hope this helps.

7 Mistakes in Treating Pets With Chronic Renal failure[/QUOTE

 

[myfamily]

Thanks for your replies. Rocky is still coughing. He likes to stay outside all day which is a good thing because he must be feeling pretty good. But the coughing grips me with worry whenever I see him doing it. I took a video of it with my Kindle Fire. The quality isn't that good because it's not HD quality. If I can upload to this site I will do so after this message. I don't think it is a hairball. He has never had this before. I will check out that web site (Fritzthebrave, or whatever it was), and also ask around for recommendations. I wish I could get my pulse on a community of cat lovers locally. This would provide a great resource if I could find one.