Sophie needs 'reconstructive' surgery

I've been fostering Sophie for 3 months now. She's had chronic nasal discharge for most, if not her entire life (8 years). Both her previous owners had taken her to vets that told them it was chronic. It may well be - but a huge part of her breathing problem is a poorly shaped nose.

I took her to a second vet for another opinion, knowing it would be difficult to adopt out a cat w/ such breathing problems - and I really do not need to be keeping another cat. I love my vet, but another perspective can change things.

Her eyes & nose need to be fixed. The vet can open her nose so she can breath properly through it (most of her breathing is through her mouth). Her eyelids roll inward so while it's not too bad while she's getting her nose done they can do her eyes.

The expense of the surgery isn't that much in the grand scheme of things, only a few hundred dollars. I need to think about it, her adoptability, etc. I realistically shouldn't be keeping her permanently - but how many people will adopt her given her medical problems? She may need more care throughout her life, which many people cannot take on the expense. Even if we fix her nose so she can breathe through it, that may not stop the nasal discharge. We are going to try a month of daily antibiotic injections to see what that dose for the chronic congestion (it's an infection that's settled into her sinus).

She is the most amazing cat, though.

Here she is after getting home from the vet visit

What a beautiful kitty! I hope that the antibiotics work and that Sophie feels better soon. You are a wonderful foster parent for taking care of her. Would you ever consider keeping her? She looks mighty comfortable laying on your kitchen floor.

Oh, WCL, I'm so sorry. You're definitely in a tough spot and I feel your pain.

When Ralph came to me last February, he was incredibly ferociously aggressive. The clinic that neutered him called him Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (emphasis on the latter) and the first visit to my regular vet ended with him being taken into the back room where three techs attempted to burrito him just long enough so the vet could listen to his heart; even then, in the words of the vet, Ralph was, "trying to take my face off the whole time." Ralph routinely attacked people who came into my home and even bit and clawed my neighbor pretty bad when he slipped out into the hallway one morning when I was on my way to work. He kept her from entering her apartment for over an hour while I was returning (thankfully, she understands cats and has several of her own).

The chances of finding a suitable home for such a cat were pretty miniscule, and the chances of his being put down within an hour of arriving at any shelter were pretty high.

So I choose to keep him, as you are contemplating with Sophie. It's a hard choice, sometimes, but better we make it than someone without our understanding, I think.

Many thoughts and vibes to you and Sophie for the surgery and after. Who knows, maybe this (and the round of antibiotics) will give her just what she needs to get herself completely healthy? If that happens, I can't imagine you'd have too much trouble finding a furever home - she's an amazingly beautiful cat!

Good luck!!!!!

AC

Don't get me wrong, I'd love nothing more in the world than to keep Sophie. I've cried many times at the thought of having to let her go to someone else's home if we found an adopter.

But she makes 13 cats - in my house. Plus another 5 outside. Granted I expect given age/health to lose several cats in the next few years - can I afford another "high maintenance" cat in terms of vet expense?

Oh hun, I truly feel for you and this predicament with Sophie. She is a lovely cat, and I can't imagine her not getting a home with someone willing to take on her medical issues . There ARE people out there that would truly love Sophie, we just have to find them!!!! I don't know that much about Persians, but I do think alot of them have some sinus issues. You are doing a fantastic thing for Sophie! . Just sending you tons and tons of vibes today . I know this is hard on you....... Good luck with the antibiotic injections, I sure hope it clears her infection

Originally Posted by white cat lover

Don't get me wrong, I'd love nothing more in the world than to keep Sophie. I've cried many times at the thought of having to let her go to someone else's home if we found an adopter.

But she makes 13 cats - in my house. Plus another 5 outside. Granted I expect given age/health to lose several cats in the next few years - can I afford another "high maintenance" cat in terms of vet expense?

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*gulp* Thirteen? Wow, WCL, I knew you had several; I had no idea it was that high. I have my hands full with six - in fact, I stopped fostering because I feel I'm at my max (and fostering was clearly causing an unhealthy amount of stress for everyone) - I can't imagine the work and time and love investment in caring for thirteen.

You really do have a dilemma. <<<Hugs!>>>

AC

You are a hero in my book Sending tons of vibes for Sophie to heal from this infection. She is a baby doll for sure...What an incredibly difficult spot to be in. I too hope like Lauren said that the universe has a home, a loving and caring home lined up for Sophie...

Nat, given she's "the most amazing cat," and the surgery may fix the problem, I think it's worth it. I can never get over the cost of surgeries - I'm amazed it's "only" a few hundred $$. That's a lot - but nothing like what I was expecting to hear for something like that.

I know it's a gamble - but unless you want to end up keeping her (which you do but don't and would prefer not to), this may (dramatically) increase her chances for adoption.

Originally Posted by Auntie Crazy

*gulp* Thirteen? Wow, WCL, I knew you had several; I had no idea it was that high. I have my hands full with six - in fact, I stopped fostering because I feel I'm at my max (and fostering was clearly causing an unhealthy amount of stress for everyone) - I can't imagine the work and time and love investment in caring for thirteen.

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Yes - I have 18 total, with 4 with chronic health issues causing either Rx diets or meds 2x/day. They seem to do fine behaviorally (for the most part).....but I have to set my limits & I just can't keep her. It wouldn't be fair to her or my other kitties.

Right now I count my blessings I have "cheap" vet care in this area.

Originally Posted by white cat lover

Yes - I have 18 total, with 4 with chronic health issues causing either Rx diets or meds 2x/day. They seem to do fine behaviorally (for the most part).....but I have to set my limits & I just can't keep her. It wouldn't be fair to her or my other kitties.

Right now I count my blessings I have "cheap" vet care in this area.

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God bless you, Nat! You're very strong and compassionate and those cats are lucky to have you.

I'm praying that everything turns out well for Sophie and her forever owner shows up before she even finishes recovering.

AC

Surgery is booked for Tues July 26th.

for a successful surgery

for Sophie... ......

NAT!

Rescheduled surgery for the following Tues, I think the 2nd? I won't be available to monitor her after surgery as much as I'd like if I did it on the 26th.

Wishing Sophie all the best. She looks truly lovely! I'm sure anyone who loves Persians knows they can have sinus issues and I bet after the infection clears and with the surgery she's much better. Hugs and Kisses to her.

We're just a few days away from surgery. I'm getting nervous, she has no idea, & the vet apparently considers this a 'minor surgery'.

Nat, I'm sure all will go well.

I'm encouraged that the vet considers it minor surgery. Obviously has experience and confidence.

It's 10:15pm, I just got the call from the vet that surgery went fine. I can pick her up in the morning.

Awesome!!! Glad it went well! Now for speedy recovery!

Originally Posted by white cat lover

Surgery is booked for Tues July 26th.

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Been reading the thread. You are a saint in my book. 13 cats. WOW! And taking on this special issue to boot. I'm sending my best vibes for you and Sophie!