please help possible convenia issue??

 im really scared....ive been having some issues with my cat lately. I don't trust this vet anymore or anything they've done and it seems theyre trying to just do tests and take my money. my cat began having issues with 'stool' I assume. I took her in and they did xrays and bloodwork and fluids to her. it cost a good amount. She got vaccinated at this place weeks ago and prior to that was very healthy. I don't know what has happened since. it showed she has constipation? Then, I took her back for a follow up and was recommended to do a UTI after I mentioned it---the doctor didn't. I had to ask him about a UTI then he recommended it but I didn't do it yet. yesterday my cat was acting weird, and I got really scared and decided to take her in...however, the incompetent male vet tech was rough and she escaped from the cat carrier and ran around for an hour outside. This vet tech was negligent rude cruel towards me and the cat, and I had requested never to deal with him again but they sent him out to put my cat in the carrier. my cat is two years old and a female. she ran around scared and at a point when I could catch her the tech had a rabies restraint, and tried grabbing her but couldn't. we ran around for another 30 minutes trying to catch her when finally she was caught in a sewage type pipe in the ground...the tech took the rabies restraint and pulled her out of there by her neck. He was cruel in the way he carried her yes by her scruff but was aggressive and didn't hold her body at all or support it, just rushed her in a few blocks distance by the scruff. he was angry and almost tossed her in the room. she was horrified, stressed, I was trying to comfort her I was horrified of course...at everything that happened...and I was trying to pet her and this female vet tech came in and got mad at me for comforting her and told me my stress was stressing her out and yelled at me to sit down and sit her on the ground. during this time of severe crisis I was being reprimanded and yelled at by these rude disgusting people. I was then told rudely they cant put my cats in carriers anymore--ok sure. the male vet tech had also yelled at me several times during the chase and was rude/cruel. they came in, semi checked her out-- the doctor barely touched her and said "she has no blockage and her constipation seems ok." he didn't even check her out and said this? it was really strange. I don't know what kind of place this is but im getting worried now. During the course of 'recommended treatment' they recommended...a 10mg shot of turbolgesic (sp) some pain killer...convenia, fluids etc, and gave me a ton of pain meds to take with me. she was bleeding at the claws as her nails had been grounded to the bone and that's because of the stupid vet tech and how he tried to grab her several times. the other vet tech told me shes going to be still for the next day or so.

she is acting really weird now--she won't eat, and came out and rushed back in hiding. she had a 'glare' over her eyes and is breathing heavy. I was really scared about the convenia but the minute I asked the evil vet tech made me feel guilty for questioning anything the doctor prescribed and scolded me for googling information. she was horrible and I dealt with her last time...I guess these people are just evil and out  make money and don't care about the cat's health at all. im worried about her breathing....im scared...I knew I shouldn't have opted for convenia. I was just scared i'd get the oral and I wouldn't be able to give it and then these horrible people would reprimand me and make me feel like crap for not using it...as they have been doing and they are a terrible vet practice and I wont use them ever again. I had a gut feeling the oral was better. is the breathing something I should be concerned about? could the restraining or how he handled her have hurt her in any way? they didn't really check to see if she was injured...not that they would care im sure. she Is acting weird and im so scared....she is just breathing heavy and I know its to all the meds these jerks doped her up with for no reason. she seems in a lot of discomfort and who even knows what her previous condition was since the incompetent doctors didn't do proper testing or diagnosing yet they could diagnose constipation in two seconds yet needed x-rays the first time? who knows what they even did to her in the back because I normally have them do it all in front of me.  is this a common thing with convenia or a pain med...to have these symptoms or should I be worried....I cant even think straight....I feel like these creeps saved her from the escape but put her in jeopardy with their horrible negligence and bad practices and just drugging animals to make a profit. I don't trust anything they did to her and I fear who knows what they could have done for any given reason....I find it odd she developed health problems after her recent vaccines...also my other cat seemed to have problems after getting vaccinated there too. im scared these people didn't even diagnose her correctly and were trying to prolong it all to get more money. I don't know if convenia is safe for her or if shes having a reaction to it....not that anyone else would know but someone might know about initial symptoms after being given convenia and what's normal and not....I remember vaguely about hearing about convenia and side effects last year when another cat of mine had to be given an antibiotic for a wound. I googled convenia and was terrified the doctor gave it to her but she did ok. this cat however isn't doing ok and im worried about possible internal or organ damage or damage period....because of the chase handling etc, or a reaction to the drugs given to her....

I had read your first post about this vet and I know money is an issue because of the amount that you paid this first vet but she does need to be seen by another vet very soon.

This could be caused by convenia or the pain medicine.  The bad thing about convenia is that it stays in the system, if there is a bad reaction there is no reversing it.  The stuff has to work out of their system.  The stress of what happened at the vets office could have added to the situation.  A cat can also get into trouble from not eating.

I don't know what is going on but she needs to be seen by another vet today.

My gosh. I am so sorry you and your cat went through such trauma. I would report that clinic to your state veterinary board.

I hope you can find another vet clinic quickly. All paws crossed for your precious girl.

I am so sorry you're going through this with your kitty.  I'm sure being traumatized the way she was and then shot up full of drugs is part of her problem.  First of all, I would call an emergency vet or another vet's office in your area and ask them if the convenia could be causing this problem.  If the vet gave you Metacam for pain, do some research and decide whether or not to give it.  There is a lot of controversy over both Convenia and Metacam.  Do your research before deciding.  She definitely needs to be seen by a vet today or at least you need to be in contact with a vet or ER vet so you can feel better about her behavior.  Personally, I've had two cats get the Convenia shot and they both reacted like they were stoned.  The both were very lethargic and zombie like for about a week or so.  Appetite was off and they slept all the time.

When this is all said and done, report the vet and the vet tech to your state's board of veterinary medicine, especially with the way the vet tech handled your cat. 

 Hi everyone and thank you so much for the help and advice. I was really worried about the convenia and all of it, and yes it seems that she was acting stoned/out of it all day. She was under the bed..and I had to bring her food and she was semi eating it and barely drinking and didn't use the bathroom. I do agree it seemed to be caused by all of it-- the trauma and then being doped up on meds. I understand that she does need medication probably such as antibiotics and possibly pain meds, but my thoughts are too that this doctor jwas just trying to make money off it all. He prescribed buprenex (for the pain), some other medication for inflammation that you take for three days, dermachlor to clean her paws with, and the convenia shot, and injected her with turbolgesic (sp)for pain initially without even consulting with me first. In fact, it seemed after they brought out the silly "treatment plan" with like 5 different meds, he feared I would say no, and went and went ahead and just injected her with the turbolgesic right away so they could make some money off this, and with fluids. I'm not sure or think she needs all  these meds, and yesterday she just didn't seem to be doing that great, but finally did come out. She also seems to be doing better "without" the medication, so maybe I should stop giving her the buprenex?  I was scolded by the rude female vet tech who told me that she would give her cat all these things and that without the pain meds the cat would be 'uncomfortable." She seemed better today now that the initial turbolgesic pain med was wearing off since its a 24 hour medication, and I did give her one dose of buprenex and that Tylenol like pain med they told me to giver her, but she seemed to be doing worse once on that medication. She just gets drowsy and doozy and falls asleep.  This is just really horrible and its sad that you don't know who to trust and that this vet may just be prescribing all these meds just to make money while the animal could be suffering as a result.

I know the Tylenol like med is similar to metacam  or something from what I read so maybe I shuldnt giver her that? in fact, when I asked the vet about it, he said well its better to give buprenex because it lasts for a week as opposed to the other 3 day medication, but my concern wasn't money it was which was more necessary? the vet tech then got mad and said "youre not giving her the (onsior)?? shes going to be in pain! and convinced me to get that too...though I don't think its necessary...this is all over broken claws and who knows really what happened to them as they didn't explain in detail... today, she did come out thankfully but whats bothering me is that, shes rubbing her head "really" hard on things...and against me. its scaring me as she normally doesn't do this.  Its just scaring me a lot because I don't know what this behavior is a reaction to? I hope its not some kind of head trauma....she did come and drink a lot of water and I know is still constipated which was her original condition prior to this- I hope it was an accurate diagnosis? I don't trust this vet at all and im just worried/scared about everything. I'm also worried about the fact that he carried her only by the scruff at least 2-3 blocks holding her somewhat aggressively and walking fast...without supporting her body...I hope this is safe... overall the whole experience was pretty horrifying...and also the treatment by the vet techs, and who knows what this vet is really trying to do. It seems they were thinking "well we went through all this, wasted our lunch time so now we have to charge her as much as possible." I hope all these medications are necessary or safe. alse the female vet tech ignorantly said "well, if shes better after four days, then you don't have to give all the buprenex"...my thoughts are...how am I supposed to know if shes in pain or feeling better or needs it?? everything they say makes no sense and seems to be manipulation tactics to get people to spend more money which is horrible. I wonder if I should report them or not...or what they did was beyond the behavior of unethical or not since there is so much of this in Orlando, Fl it seems and no one seems to care. I also do think she does need to be seen and yes money is a small issue but not if its with a competent vet...I know this vet had really bad reviews for 'price gouging" and making pets go through unnecessary treatment to maximize profits. one woman claimed she paid 1200 to find out she had a constipated cat. I paid 450.00 to find that out...which is ridiculous. Another man claimed he paid 1700 in tests and took his dog to another vet to find out he had cancer and was put through unnecessary testing...and the clinical signs were so obvious. its really sad....I hope this cat is ok and she was properly diagnosed...I will definitely take her to another vet soon...its really hard to trust vets these days or even find good ones.... thanks for the help support and advice !! 

NO to the Metacam or Tylenol.  You can do a search here on Metacam.  It carries a black box warning and should only be used ONCE in a cat's lifetime and only for specific reasons.  Personally, it, Convenia, and Ketamine are on my "never give" list on file with the vet.  Buprenex is better, IMO.  It's a pain med and it will make her sleepy, just like pain meds do in humans.  You could try giving her a half dose to see how she does with that.  Once the antibiotic kicks in she shouldn't need a pain med.  You could always call the vet and ask (I know, not a pleasant option at this time with all you've been though.)
 

 hi Stephanie and thanks...I agree about the metacam for sure..and even the convenia. She seems to be ok on the convenia for now, but I know the doctor prescribed all these meds unnecessarily which have caused her more discomfort and pain. buprenex did seem to be ok and I gave her a few doses but she was doing better without the medication.  Here is the latest update to everything that has happened. I can't even call the vet to ask for advice as they don't give ie to me but oddly I saw the secretary talking to a customer/patient on the phone giving her lots of personal advice. but these people won't do this with me. ive received only cruelty and mistreatment from this office and its been a nightmare. I wish or hope to find a good vet here in Orlando but its so hard tehse days esp in this city....the whole ordeal has been so saddening and I regret even taking her in for the check up today as I don't like how she was handled plus she has a cyst now???  I know ive been like a wreck for days and monitoring her and im glad she has been doing a ltitle better. She seemed to be doing good except yesterday she vomited the food she ate--soft food. Overall, she seemed to be doing a lot better and was beginning to act herself. What upset me is that this vet prescribed way too many meds...first he gave this torbugesic "without" my consent, then prescribed onsior and buprenex or whatever that one is and dermachlor. Honestly...I barely used the dermachlor as the cat wouldn't let me. I gave a few doses of buprenex and one of onsior then stopped. she was doing much better "without' the meds. Now shes doing ok except for the vomiting. I finally took her back to the vet today which was a different doctor, who usually can be ok but he was such a weird jerk today. It was hard to catch her and this office has been so bad and you wonder why I took her back....because I just wanted them to check her out and get it over with, and from now on im going to take her to a new vet. The vet was cold and callous with her-- he was VERY aggressive and rough and usually he isn't this way. He's younger and was acting immature and weird. he continuously GRABBED at her in any way and REALLY hard. to where she was squirming in discomfort and pain. he was horrible and it was hard watching it. if I asked him..what is this he'd begin GRABBING and pulling at it. he was so incompetent he didn't even check her claws? which could have been infected and I had to ask him to. then he was rough with her claws. Then, I noticed a small lump and I thought it was bone..he began PULLING at it really hard and squeezing it and said it was a cyst and to watch it. I mean he was treating her like she was a stuffed animal or worse it was horrible??? I couldn't bare to watch....he was almost aggressive and angry ( he has handled her before and some of my other cats and he wasn't this way. the vet tech stated that's where she received the torbugesic and a cyst may have developed...huh???? so they gave her this med without my consent....and now she may have a cyst there??? what are these sick people doing...im really worried overall now for her health. Her problems seemed to begin after she got her vaccines there....I mean it shouoldnt be from that but im so upset at all of this and these horrible people. I don't know why the vet was so careless and rough with her...she was squirming the way she was as if she was being tortured...ive seen vets examine animals and even the last one who saw her wasn't that bad. this whole experience has been beyond horrifying....horrible vet techs, rude careless mean cruel aggressive and bad vets too. I asked the vet tech....is it ok that he grabbed and pulled at the cyst??? she said well he went to med school and he has to see what it is, if it's serious etc....and I said he didn't even notice the cyst??? I mean...I had to mention to him..what is this lump...what kind of examination did he do? he claimed too she wasn't constipated now....though the initial x-rays showed 'constipation' and I fear what if these incompetent schmucks are overlooking some serious condition? what if she has a blockage? why would she be dehydrated? this vet claims to collect urine the other vet said not to collect it and tot ake from her bladder...which is true but...this place is just so bad. Im not taking any of my cats there ever again. I hope she is ok even after this terrible examination by this jerk and low life. Im so upset after all of this....its just so scary trying to find a good vet and the kind of people that are out there and how they can handle pets and treat them. this office of course has had many complaints too...yes praises but complaints of price gouging, incompetency etc...and neglect when handling animals. Previously too this doctor stated that if she stayed constipated she would need an enema....I don't get it.....what happened to that? her constipation I guess really wasn't there...? I hope she doesn't have something like megacolon. The other vet said he wanted to check out and potentially do x-rays again last week....why would "HE" say that btu this person is saying shes not constipated anymore. its so confusing and horrible. next week I will take her to another vet....its all such a travesty....now they want to check for UTI. again I had to mention UTI no one did initially....I assume these are careless and incompetent vets...and a practice...its just so horrible....

Hi everyone,

I just had 3 cats given a shot of Convenia. I did not check it out first as I would do for myself. Much guilt there. Two of them seem well. They were all suffering from a bad URI. After getting these expensive shots, one of them, Goose, seems worse off than before. He has begun to drool and he is terrified of everything that gets near him. The shots were administered in the room with me there and the vet seemed to be very nice and gentle with them. I am worried about Goose experiencing adverse effects to the shot. He has had no food or drink for a day now. I guess he will be going back for some fluids...maybe the vet and techs will get a piece of my mind as well. 

I suggest to anyone out there that when a vet recommends Convenia, you refuse it. Take the pills or the liquid. This stuff is just disgusting. I would never put something like this into my body, why would I have let the vet put it into my cat's bodies??? I will regret it forever.

I truly feel for all of you who have lost a cat shortly after giving Convenia and I strongly advise anyone considering it to just say no.

If your cats have URIs, they will get better on their own. I don't like giving antibiotics as a preventative measure either, because it just tells their immune system to ignore the virus and the possible bacteria..if it even shows its face...When a human has a cold, they DO NOT take anti's, why should cats?

Please do not use Convenia and if you already have, report all side effects to

www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm055305.htm

All my love to every cat out there and best regards to all the mommies and daddies too.

I'm worried about Goose also.  I'm no expert on convenia or allergic reaction but I saw a reaction similar to what your describing from a different cause and it's pretty scary.  Have you talked to the vet who administered the shot yet?  I would think that he would be very concerned, and might even want to see you in the middle of the night.  I'm confident that a good vet would be all over this.  I've met more than one vet in the middle of the night.  I sure wouldn't sit on this and hope to ride it out, not without reassurance from a vet I trust. I agree with you about the other alternatives since, from what I've read this medication takes 65 days to clear from the body and in the mean time all you can do is treat symptoms.  I haven't seen any claims that this is more effective than the alternatives and when an adverse reaction happens using a medication that clears from the body in 24 hrs is much better than one that takes 65 days.