We call this, "Nip Aftermath"
I want to share a little about Annie's vet travails. She's been countless times this year, both in PA and CA, in an attempt to help her back pain. The main way the pain/discomfort manifests itself is when she uses the litter box. It prevents her from being able to hold the crouch pose cats have to be in to go #2. Her legs always give out and she has to walk and poop to get it out. Urination is almost as bad. She therefore almost always goes outside of the box where we have a ton of piddle pads. She walks very stiffly and wobbly and has what seems to be a touch of lameness in her left rear leg. Her spine is prominent due to muscle wasting. She's otherwise happy and doesn't seem to be in a lot of pain. Friday, I took her to see a neurologist. I learned a little more, but without an MRI he cannot see what's going on with her discs. X-rays only show bone. The estimate for the MRI is $2,400 and she would have to be anesthetized. If the MRI showed a bulging disc, the next step would be surgery. I really don't want to put her through that, and honestly, the expense of these things is just too high. I've already spent more than I care to think about with the vets. I've decided I have vet fatigue. She's also had two senior blood panels this year, the most recent showing anemia and potassium deficiencies as well as an increase in red blood cells. She's taking a supplement for the deficiencies and she'll be retested for the RBC in December. If you've read this, thank you. I don't talk much about these things on the blog, but this has been a big part of our lives this year, and I just needed to vent.
We're sure sorry about Annie's back problems, poor sweetie. We know all about the Vet fatigue thing here.
ReplyDeleteNever apologize for venting. I suspect a lot of us understand the whole vet fatigue thing, and a lot of us are in the same boat re: the costs. There's no way I could afford to have that kind of testing done for either of my two, even if any clinics here did that kind of high-end test, which I doubt.
ReplyDeleteAs much as we have this idea that we can somehow keep our fur companions with us for oh, 30 or 40 years, that's not reality. Some vets ca$h in on our emotions, I suspect, when the outcome is going to be the same.
Just love Annie and take care of her to the best of your ability, as you have been doing. It's enough, I promise.
(((Hugs)))
We are so sorry to hear about her troubles. And yours. We are all here for you; it's very unlikely that any of us haven't been where you are now. In the end you have to make the best decisions you can, and it's not always about keeping them alive as long as possible.
ReplyDeletePoor Annie. :-( I'm sending lots of purrs to her.
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry Annie is having so many issues. I had a cat previously that developed a spinal compression and had to have back surgery. Yes, it was expensive and give that he was 13 years old I was hesitant about putting him through that. But the orthopedic surgeon assured me he could fix the problem. So Scooter had the surgery and while he still had some issues, he was about 80-90% back to normal and lived another 3 more years. I’m not suggesting you do the same for Annie, but if you need to vent or have any questions, l’m here. ~Island Cat Mom
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that Annie has been through so much. She is always in my prayers. If you do decide to continue with more treatments/testing, I will help you if you want to start a Gofund me. Did the vet have any ideas as to what is causing her anemia? XO
ReplyDeletePurrayers and POTP to you and Annie & Pierrot too. Is there any vet who does acupuncture near you ? That might help her and not be too expensive.
ReplyDeleteannie....we iz sorree ya haz had such a time oh it thiz yeer; we ask st francis ta send ewe sum blessingz...N if yur mom wantz ta vent itz aye oh kay; better her doez N getz it outta her self.. than knot.. N keepin it bottled up; then her wood have ta go two de purrson vet... purrhapz yur mom could getz a second opinionz...may bee it woodna cost az much $$$
ReplyDelete♥♥♥♥♥♥ ~~~~~~ wavez two ewe pie
We couldn't tell she was struggling so much. She always appears so sweet and loving. She's one of our favorites to check up on :)
ReplyDeleteWe're sending love and purrs and prayers to all of you.
ReplyDeleteThe Florida Furkids
We're so sorry to hear that Annie is having problems, we love her so much. We're sending lots of healing purrs her way.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Annie's back problems. For what it's worth, I wouldn't do the MRI either, if all it will tell you is that she would need surgery that you wouldn't want to put her through. I don't know if it would help or if you've tried it, but would warm packs on her back help alleviate some of the discomfort? I'd think it would help increase blood flow, and what kitty doesn't like a warm massage?
ReplyDeleteNip is always a good thing. Annie and all of you are always in our purrayers. And mommy totally unnerstands the needin' to vent. Big hugs
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Raena
I'm so sorry about her problems :( I totally understand how worried you are at the moment. If there is no other option surgery is a good idea. But I also think it's better to wait for a while and check if anything else won't help.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep my fingers crossed for Annie <3