Xrays for Charlie

lolof8

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My poor Charlie has been limping for 3-4 weeks and I've finally decided its time for Xrays.  She absolutely hates the vet and will have to be fully sedated for the Xrays.  A few years back I lost a cat under anesthesia so I am a nervous wreck.  Furthermore, I don't know for sure if the xrays will be able to give us an answer as to why she's limping.  Any positive thoughts and vibes would be much appreciated! 

 

violet

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lolof8, I'd like to point out something extremely important here that should make things a lot easier for you from here on. Cats don't hate the vet. I can't tell you how important it is for us to realize this. Cats can be afraid, terribly, terribly afraid of unfamiliar environments, smells, sounds, and people. And what happens when they find themselves in a situation like that and know they can't escape. all that follows is the result of fear. The horrible behavior that sometimes makes it impossible for a vet and the techs to do a proper exam, draw blood, etc, all the things they would have to do in a cat's best interest, comes from fear. Behaviorists have a definition for this behavior. It's called fear aggression. And it's something that can be treated and remedied with a few behavior modification technics without any meds involved whatsoever.

For help I'd like to offer you the book Twisted Whiskers from feline behaviorist Pam Johnson Bennett. She has good advice in there for fear aggression.

Also, when you go to the vet, observe very closely how the vet and staff treat your baby.

You may realize they are not the right people for her. Patience and very, very gentle treatment by everyone is an absolute must.

A hospital where they are not seeing dogs - cats only - can also be very, very helpful for a fearful kitty.

Just one other thing. There are tests (X-rays) where keeping the cat (or dog) absolutely immobile for usable results is most important, so a mild sedative is usually necessary, even if issues with fear are not involved. Sedation has many different levels, it should absolutely not be strong enough to be life-threatening.
 
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lolof8

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Thank you Violet for the insight as to Charlie's behavior issues.  The last checkup was a couple weeks ago and she even snapped at me as I tried to get her out of her crate.  She eventually let me hold her, but as the doctor approached, she started growling.  I just wonder if she autmatically goes into defense mode as soon as she knows she's at the doctors office.  It's very stressful for me because they potentially would have to sedate her to even do an annual exam which would be hundreds of dollars.  They usually, from what I've seen, are very gentle with her, but who knows what happens behind the scenes.  Perhaps I will look into taking her to another vet for future appointments.

I will definitely look into the book recommendation...I appreciate it! :)
 

orientalslave

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If getting Charlie in and out of the carrier is a problem, investing in a top-loader might be worth doing - they are far, far easier to use.  Also don't bring it out just before you are about to put Charlie in it.  Get it out at least a day earlier.

Something like this is perfect - this is a very large one:

http://www.pawprints-catshop.com/wire-carrier-rectanglar-extra-large-56x40x40cm-22x16x16-453-p.asp

The drawbacks are that you need to put the carrier on newspaper or similar if the cat tends to vomit or pee in the carrier, and you might need to make or buy a cover for it to give the cat some privacy.

However they are very easy to use, very strong, and completely escape proof.  I've had mine for nearly 20 years.
 
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