I know I am the last person you want to hear from him, but I wanted to share my experience. A couple of years ago my cat was sick. He was throwing up, constipation, not eating. I took him to one vet who did an ultrasound and told me he had pancreatitis. I took him to another vet who said he was an old cat, probably had cancer, gave me steroids and basically sent the cat home to die. I woke up the next morning about 3:00 and found my cat in extreme distress, seemed to barely know where he was. I took him to an actual animal hospital. They did an ultrasound, done by a trained person and not just a general vet, and found a foreign body. They did emergency surgery and it was a hairball that had completely blocked his intestine and was basically killing him. They removed it - I still have it - and he has been going strong ever since. That was almost 2 years ago and he is now 17 years old. My suggestion is that you take Gabby to a hospital where they have trained people and get good diagnostics. General vets are good for every day things like teeth cleaning, but when it gets serious, you have to go to serious people.
I know how painful it is to see these beautiful creatures suffer. They are so innocent and trusting, so unlike the rest of the world that we have a to deal with. I do wish you the best and will remember you and Gabby in my prayers.
Thanks - she's in the hospital - still no explanation after ultra sound and x-rays - I hope to bring her home tonight. I removed the posts which were a source of disagreement and I apologize for taking offense. I do not hold a grudge - ever - so thanks again for your comment here.
No grudges, of course. But I am somewhat gun shy now.
I do hope Gabby comes home tonite and I hope you can eventually find the cause of her distress. Cats are experts at hiding illnesses, and often don’t show symptoms until they are really sick. Don’t be afraid to question the vets. I have found them to be wrong more often than not. You know your cat and they don’t. Gabby is lucky to have you.
My dear Terry - I know just how distressed you are. Please remember that because of you, your Gabby had a very happy life. Things might have been far different for her. And, for myself, I believe we see our beloved pets in heaven. I know that isn't Catholic teaching. But a very wise priest, who had lost his dog, told me that there was a reason God gave animals the intelligence to remember kindness and pain, and a reason they had loyalty, and that he believed our pets would be with us in heaven. I will remember you at Mass today. Peace - Susan, ofs
Excuse me for presuming the worst - your post sounded so desolate. I am glad your sweet Gabby received good care - which, if she had not been your girl, she might have never received. I just got back from Mass and prayed for your consolation. Now I can hope for Gabby's healing. Thank you for the update, and God bless you - Susan, ofs
Hi - thanks for asking. She returned home, seemed fine and then this morning she was in distress again. She is resting now. I changed her litter box for the third time, 1st from light-weight clumpable, then to regular clumpable, and today to wheat - a non clay type. She has used it. I discovered that the clumpable clay dust can be ingested while grooming. I checked her stool and it was soft and grey, suggesting the litter is bad for her. I checked online and sure enough this is a problem for some cats, the clay absorbs the bodies moisture and hardens. I ran it by the vet and I will observe her. She's been in hospital, ER, and 3 visits to the vet, as well as xrays and ultra sound and several blood tests, urinalysis and so on - nothing. Thanks very much for checking in.
Please comment with charity and avoid ad hominem attacks. I exercise the right to delete comments I find inappropriate. If you use your real name there is a better chance your comment will stay put.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you dear Terry. I hope Gabby will recover fully, God willing.
DeleteI hope she will to - thanks for the prayers.
DeleteI know I am the last person you want to hear from him, but I wanted to share my experience. A couple of years ago my cat was sick. He was throwing up, constipation, not eating. I took him to one vet who did an ultrasound and told me he had pancreatitis. I took him to another vet who said he was an old cat, probably had cancer, gave me steroids and basically sent the cat home to die. I woke up the next morning about 3:00 and found my cat in extreme distress, seemed to barely know where he was. I took him to an actual animal hospital. They did an ultrasound, done by a trained person and not just a general vet, and found a foreign body. They did emergency surgery and it was a hairball that had completely blocked his intestine and was basically killing him. They removed it - I still have it - and he has been going strong ever since. That was almost 2 years ago and he is now 17 years old. My suggestion is that you take Gabby to a hospital where they have trained people and get good diagnostics. General vets are good for every day things like teeth cleaning, but when it gets serious, you have to go to serious people.
ReplyDeleteI know how painful it is to see these beautiful creatures suffer. They are so innocent and trusting, so unlike the rest of the world that we have a to deal with. I do wish you the best and will remember you and Gabby in my prayers.
Thanks - she's in the hospital - still no explanation after ultra sound and x-rays - I hope to bring her home tonight. I removed the posts which were a source of disagreement and I apologize for taking offense. I do not hold a grudge - ever - so thanks again for your comment here.
DeleteNo grudges, of course. But I am somewhat gun shy now.
DeleteI do hope Gabby comes home tonite and I hope you can eventually find the cause of her distress. Cats are experts at hiding illnesses, and often don’t show symptoms until they are really sick. Don’t be afraid to question the vets. I have found them to be wrong more often than not. You know your cat and they don’t. Gabby is lucky to have you.
My dear Terry - I know just how distressed you are. Please remember that because of you, your Gabby had a very happy life. Things might have been far different for her. And, for myself, I believe we see our beloved pets in heaven. I know that isn't Catholic teaching. But a very wise priest, who had lost his dog, told me that there was a reason God gave animals the intelligence to remember kindness and pain, and a reason they had loyalty, and that he believed our pets would be with us in heaven. I will remember you at Mass today. Peace - Susan, ofs
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan - she's still in the hospital and I think she may come home tonight.
DeleteExcuse me for presuming the worst - your post sounded so desolate. I am glad your sweet Gabby received good care - which, if she had not been your girl, she might have never received. I just got back from Mass and prayed for your consolation. Now I can hope for Gabby's healing. Thank you for the update, and God bless you - Susan, ofs
DeleteAny updates on Gabby? Is she back home with you?
ReplyDeleteHi - thanks for asking. She returned home, seemed fine and then this morning she was in distress again. She is resting now. I changed her litter box for the third time, 1st from light-weight clumpable, then to regular clumpable, and today to wheat - a non clay type. She has used it. I discovered that the clumpable clay dust can be ingested while grooming. I checked her stool and it was soft and grey, suggesting the litter is bad for her. I checked online and sure enough this is a problem for some cats, the clay absorbs the bodies moisture and hardens. I ran it by the vet and I will observe her. She's been in hospital, ER, and 3 visits to the vet, as well as xrays and ultra sound and several blood tests, urinalysis and so on - nothing. Thanks very much for checking in.
DeleteGlad you may have discovered the problem, Terry. I hope little Gabby is now on her way to a full recovery as a result. Prayers!
Delete