Cassie has now seen three veterinary specialists and I’m very grateful. Each sorted out troubling problems — during a worldwide pandemic! Perhaps my experiences can help you decide if you need similar help, in this four-step how-to guide. 1. Has your vet tried everything?
Persistent problems may need the help of an expert. Our cat-friendly, capable veterinarian was still puzzled when Cassie had persistent bladder infections. We had tried everything: special food, Feliway plug-ins to lower stress, omega-3 oil, medication, antibiotics… but before long, the painful problem came back. They gave her one more dose of antibiotics, the only treatment that seemed to work, this time for two weeks instead of one — and a referral to an internal medicine specialist. I was game. After trying everything, I trusted our vet that the specialist could give fresh insights. She was right. Thankfully, all Cassie’s internal organs were fine — not inflamed as they were in the middle of an infection. The specialist deduced that Cassie’s “neurological/orthopedic abnormalities” of an unknown cause (which lead to her wonky back legs) may have affected her bladder emptying, predisposing her to infection. A lingering deep tissue infection was thought to now be the issue, and indeed, a staph infection was found after her urine was cultured. After a 30 day course of a strong antibiotic, I could now go back to normal canned food instead of expensive veterinary food, and drop other treatments. What a relief! The second specialist we saw was a veterinary cardiologist. Cassie needed dental cleaning, but her heart had to be checked first. An earlier X-ray seemed to show an enlarged heart, and she often had a heart murmur at the vet. The internal medicine specialist had a quick look at the heart and it seemed good, so I was hopeful, but we needed a full workup by a heart specialist. Thankfully, we now had a veterinary cardiologist locally, recently arrived from the U.S. He found a leaky mitral valve, which caused the heart murmur, activated when stressed. Otherwise her heart was in good shape, and not enlarged! No medication was needed. It was such good news, especially after I overheard another patient receiving terrible news about their dog’s advanced case of heart disease. I felt so sad for that family! But Cassie was safe for surgery. Then came the third specialist, who does only dentals. I was satisfied with my regular vet’s decision not to take it on, as my cat would be helped by people who really knew their work and would be the best prepared to keep her safe. Cassie had four teeth removed and is now recovering well. Her breath smells great and this young cat, five years old, has a long life ahead of her to enjoy playing and cuddling at home. 2. Be ready for pandemic protocols. Make sure that you are healthy and safe to go out. The early days of the pandemic delayed our first appointment when the internal medicine specialist cancelled anything but emergencies. Then they started calling me when they had a cancellation, but I was being cautious and staying home. I only rescheduled after Cassie urinated outside the box again, a sign that an infection was nearing. Don’t expect to go into the office. When I arrived, I called from my car. I was told that someone would wave when they were ready for me, when I brought Cassie in her carrier to a designated area near the front door, handing her off to the staff member. Lately masked staff members have been coming directly to the car to get the pet, and returning her in the same way. Consultations happen over the phone, unless the vet prefers to come out to the parking lot to speak with you. The specialist explains their plans to you after an initial physical exam. Then they call after the procedure is complete. A final call is the convenient payment over the phone by credit card, although some people are now going in to pay. Be prepared to wait. Most people wait in their vehicle, but I like to stretch my legs. Near the last specialist, I discovered a beautiful park with a duck pond, where I had my final consultation. A long wait means preparing for certain physical needs. I always bring food and drink. But what if you have to use a washroom? Early in the pandemic, restaurants were closed and there were no public washrooms I knew of (or trusted). As the vet didn’t allow anyone in the office, I opted to drive some distance home. At least traffic was lighter than usual! Things have opened up more since then, and some veterinary offices now allow you to use their washroom. It’s best to ask ahead of time. I had to mask up and call the receptionist, who let me in. She asked that I spray everything that I touched with a spray bottle provided. At a second office, I wasn’t asked to spray surfaces, probably because they did it themselves. I saw the receptionist spraying the front door afterwards, even though I only touched it with my sleeve. 3. Give a good case history. The specialists emailed me forms to fill out about my kitty and her situation. This was a snap for me. I used to collect my cat’s medical records in a file folder, but with Cassie’s complexities, her records are now in a small binder. I scanned my completed forms and sent them ahead of time. Filling out the forms recently caused me to realize that they might be interested in a report from another specialist. I didn’t want to overshare, but they were grateful for the report. It’s convenient that email is being used more instead of handing you paper copies of records. 4. Prepare for after care. You’ll want to give yourself and your kitty a break after the procedure. I always find it a bit stressful, even though I try to keep an upbeat attitude. If she’s crying in the car, I tell Cassie how much I enjoy travelling with her. But the next day or so are quiet for both of us. I like to talk to the vet about how any medications will be administered. It’s no use getting a huge syringe of icky fluid to force down Cassie’s throat, as she resists and I don’t like forcing her. Cassie does well when medication tastes okay and is mixed with a bit of tuna. Her thirty-day antibiotic after the internal medicine visit was a tasty liquid. Recently I opted for an injection rather than a bitter-tasting antibiotic to deliver along with other medication. Of course there will be added costs for specialists. Medical insurance can help, but I adopted Cassie knowing that she had pre-existing conditions, and wouldn’t qualify for insurance. That’s called self-insurance. I appreciate receiving an estimate before the procedure. When the cost ends up lower than the estimate, it seems like a bargain! Would I ever regret asking to adopt an older cat with special needs? Never. I’m so glad to have this sweet kitty in my life. It’s been fascinating learning how to meet her needs and receiving the help of dedicated veterinary specialists. I hope that sharing my experiences may benefit others. The best of health to you and your kitties! - Irene Plett
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