So scared

The vets just called - the test results on the fluid from her chest cavity are in.

The results are inconclusive! The vet said that means it's not a chest infection and the fluid etc is being caused by either a problem with her heart, or a tumour, and they'll know more after they x-ray her on Friday.

This all seems a bit dramatic. I really want a second opinion but am worried about what extra harm it could do her through the stress of putting her in the cat carrier and dragging her to another vets.

What do you think?

Originally Posted by Jessy

I really want a second opinion but am worried about what extra harm it could do her through the stress of putting her in the cat carrier and dragging her to another vets.

What do you think?

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Awwww

It all depends on how comfortable you feel with your vet Jessy? Do you see the same one every time you go?.

In the meantime write down as many questions as you can, if you have any that is, and get the vet to answer them in dummy fashion, none of this medical mumbo jumbo.

I've phoned another vet, (Tina) whom I know is very good, and I trust, (the local shelter uses this vet) and she said that Villy needs to get her chest drained, and that I need to get her referred to this place:
http://www.dickwhitereferrals.com/site/
Tina said that at this place they can do an MRI scan, and perhaps treat the tumour if there is one.

This place looks amazing. It's probably expensive but that doesn't matter because she's insured.

I called my vet to get the referral. She said she doesn't want to do the referral until friday, when she's done the xray. I said I don't want to wait, and doesn't she need her chest drained? She said that she thought the fluid was going, because of the diuretics, and that Villy isn't as bad as she was on Saturday. She said that I could take Villy in right now to stay overnight and have her chest drained. What do I do, do take her in, putting her through more stress, and needles, or keep her home and hope the diuretics work?
She's going to refer me to Dick Whites in the morning.

I will call Tina back as soon as I can and get some more advice.

Help!

Ok, this is what bothers me about your vet at the moment?.

She said she thought the fluid was going one minute, but then the next she's saying to take her in overnight and she'll drain it?.

Is she only saying she'll drain it beacuse you've mentioned it?, if so take her to this other place.

Do you think Villy's much better than what she was on Saturday?.

I called my vet to get the referral. She said she doesn't want to do the referral until friday, when she's done the xray. I said I don't want to wait, and doesn't she need her chest drained? She said that she thought the fluid was going, because of the diuretics, and that Villy isn't as bad as she was on Saturday. She said that I could take Villy in right now to stay overnight and have her chest drained.

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IMO this vet is more concerned about making $$$ than your cat. She thought your cat was getting better until you wanted a referal... She is doing whatever you want so you wont leave her pratice, which is logical, but she should have been doing all she could in the FIRST place. Seems like she realizes you may leave her practice & she is just trying to make more $ off of you before you transfer.

If I had the $$ I would go to the Tina vet... If I didn't have the $$ I would find a diff vet than the specialist/old vet.

For tonight though, if her breathing is that labored I would just go to the regular vet and get it drained tonight.

Ok, so Villy had the earliest appointment at the regular vets this morning, the fluid is clearing, and the vet rang the Dick White Referrals place, which is like a kitty hospital from what I can gather. There was another lady in the waiting room who took her dog to Dick White and she spoke very highly of the place.

We are going to Dick Whites at 9.30am tomorrow morning.

Villy ate some food when she got back form the vets.

Dick White Referrals and my regular vets are happy for Villy to stay at home overnight.

I'm so scared for my girl, but at least if she is at home I can give her lots of love and fuss, and make sure she is comfortable and relaxed. I spent a long time last night stroking her and hand feeding her boiled chicken.

My vet didn't drain Villy's chest because she didn't think it was necessary as the diuretics were clearing the fluid, and actually draining it would be very stressfull for her.

It's so difficult to tell if she's any better as she's different all the time. Sometimes she's really perky, sometimes she just looks exhausted. She seems so thin.

I know it's hard not to worry but at least tomorrow is nearly here so

I'm pleased she's eating a little as well. Is she drinking ok?

More coming over

Many Prayers an for your little one.

I am glad she is eating!

I hope she feels well soon & that the Dick Whites visit goes well.

Get well soon Ms Villy, meowmy (& tcs) hates to see you sick!

Thank you. She's never had a huge appetite unfortunately. She is drinking her water too. I guess that's being flushed straight through by the diuretics though.

I felt so awful this morning, and I know I will tomorrow, when I have to disturb her from sleeping in her cosy little bed (in my wardrobe!) and put her in the cat carrier again, and take her to a place which is scary and probably painful for her. I had to take some time out this morning and calm myself down as I didn't want Villy to see me crying, I'm determined to be really positive and upbeat around her. My Mum told me to do that, as cats are so perceptive and pick up on our emotions, it's important that I'm not stressy and upset around her, as it will make her upset too. I must be calm and positive for my girl.

I'm so glad I have you lovely people on TCS to talk to. Thank you.

Originally Posted by Jessy

it's important that I'm not stressy and upset around her, as it will make her upset too.

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It is hard I know i was convinced the vet was going to say the marks on Sophies ears were cancerous even before i took her in, but thankfully they weren't.

Your mind just goes into overdrive on things like this

And, to top it all, I have to settle the vets bills myself and then claim the money back from the insurance.
We're talking £2 - £3K here, how are people just supposed to magic up that kind of money! Neither veterinary practices will claim from my insurance on my behalf, I have to pay first. I guess I just have to get a loan in the meantime.

Jessy are you sure?. Linny(Jaffacake) had insurance for Kitty but i can't remember her saying that she had to pay upfront first?.

Try sending her a pm to ask, if she doesn't get back to you today let me know because i can give her a quick ring

I do have to pay upfront, it's on the website of the clinic :-(
Here: http://www.dickwhitereferrals.com/site/P1721.html

I wonder if it's just the clinics policy then?

I know Linny said her money came through quite quickly, so even if you have to get a loan you can pay it straight off.

Can no on loan you it rather than go to the bank?

Phew, I just called the clinic, and I have to take in a claim form, my insurance policy and a credit or debit card details for them to keep on record, just in case, and they will do a direct claim for me.

Phew, I'm off home to look after my girls now

Aww there you go!. One less thing to worry about I thought it strange that they would do that?.

You relax with your babies tonight and keep us updated tomorrow.

More healthy for Villy

Hey

I took Villy to the specialist this morning. It's really smart, I'm impressed with the place. The vet, Rob, is really nice, he was kind with Villy and explained everything very thoroughly to me.
She still has some fluid in her chest cavity.
She has to stay in and have what sounds like almost every test under the sun! They will start with an x-ray, and blood tests again, and drain the fluid away, she'll maybe have an ECG? the heart one? and a scan too. Then they will update me. The prognosis is still either a heart problem or a tumour. Either way, bad news. My poor baby :-(
She looked so small when they took her away to the ward in the carrier, I just wanted to go with her and cuddle her.
She'll be in there until at least Monday.
She was doing really well last night, she was walking round the garden, looking at the birds, trying to chase things, and she even ran over to me a couple of times. It just seems insane that a cat who can sometimes seem so healthy can be so ill. I'm glad she's having some good times, I just hope she has plenty more good times.
I love you my sweetie, wishing I could be with you

Awww bless her little heart

Villy's going to be well looked after at the weekend, so try and not worry too much. Just keep thinking that she's in good hands, and even if it is heart problems or the other (I hate saying the C word!), always remember, where theres life theres hope, but i know you won't give up on her

If you need to talk were here

More healthy coming over

Thanks Susan, I just want her healthy and home I miss my baby so much this is so tough, sometimes it's overwhelming.