- Joined
- Mar 14, 2013
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I've had Nimbus since Jan. 2013 (1.5 years) and he'll be 2 yrs old in August. When I got him he had a "kitty cold" (URI) and my vet diagnosed, with no tests done, with feline herpes virus. We tried l-Lysine supplements but within a few days he was worse, antibiotics (oral and an ointment for gummy eyes) fixed him up. He has had no recurrence of these symptoms since then. Don't know if the assumed diagnosis was acccurate, but whatever.
Fast forward to last winter. He began having attacks that I thought might be hairballs. But no hairballs or anything else ever came up. I got online and looked around and his symptoms matched asthma. Attacks can be once every few days to several times a day. Once it started happening, it just kept on happening. After realizing what this probably was, I made every effort to eliminate contaminants to the air in the house that might bother him, but the attacks continued, so off to the vet. My research indicated that steroid injections could be dangerous and while expensive, cat version of Flovent (which is what my son takes for his mild asthma) might be the best, safest, most effective solution.
Vet refused to consider Flovent, citing cost. (Which I really, REALLY don't understand...isn't it MY money??) Told me that steroid injections (Depo Medrol, as it turns out) are perfectly safe in almost all cats, cats tolerate them well, and that was the best choice. He got a shot in January, and another in March, they seem to eliminate his symptoms for 2-3 months at a time. In March, I asked again about possible dangers and side effects I've heard of, and was again told not to worry about that. However, vet told me that if the injections begin to be less effective, and wear off in less than 2 months, we would indeed have to consider other alternatives.
Well now it's June, and he's started having attacks again. Once more, I must consider this injection...or not. The vet we go to is a country vet, with an excellent reputation. They don't sell crummy "prescription" foods in their office. They applaud my all wet diet approach. They seem knowledgeable and they are close to home (important when travel is like torture to the cat.) BUT...they never, from day one, asked to take any fecal samples or blood work, he's been over a year with no rabies shot and that has not been brought up, they've never mentioned that at some point he might want his teeth cleaned...things I hear about being typical medical care for cats, they just don't ever even mention. And when I ask about stuff, they always make a fuss about what it will cost me, as though they are reluctant to do costly things for a cat, even though I've told them that money is no issue for me when it comes to my Nimbus. I'm really considering visiting another vet office and getting a second opinion, and maybe even switching altogether. While I'm not begging to be ripped off with unnecessary procedures, I also would not want a vet that didn't go far enough with things that should be done, because they were worried about how the owner will react to the bill.
Anyone else have a cat with asthma? How are you handling it? Input most appreciated, and to reward those who read my novel of a post, here is a cute picture of my Nimbus cat:
Fast forward to last winter. He began having attacks that I thought might be hairballs. But no hairballs or anything else ever came up. I got online and looked around and his symptoms matched asthma. Attacks can be once every few days to several times a day. Once it started happening, it just kept on happening. After realizing what this probably was, I made every effort to eliminate contaminants to the air in the house that might bother him, but the attacks continued, so off to the vet. My research indicated that steroid injections could be dangerous and while expensive, cat version of Flovent (which is what my son takes for his mild asthma) might be the best, safest, most effective solution.
Vet refused to consider Flovent, citing cost. (Which I really, REALLY don't understand...isn't it MY money??) Told me that steroid injections (Depo Medrol, as it turns out) are perfectly safe in almost all cats, cats tolerate them well, and that was the best choice. He got a shot in January, and another in March, they seem to eliminate his symptoms for 2-3 months at a time. In March, I asked again about possible dangers and side effects I've heard of, and was again told not to worry about that. However, vet told me that if the injections begin to be less effective, and wear off in less than 2 months, we would indeed have to consider other alternatives.
Well now it's June, and he's started having attacks again. Once more, I must consider this injection...or not. The vet we go to is a country vet, with an excellent reputation. They don't sell crummy "prescription" foods in their office. They applaud my all wet diet approach. They seem knowledgeable and they are close to home (important when travel is like torture to the cat.) BUT...they never, from day one, asked to take any fecal samples or blood work, he's been over a year with no rabies shot and that has not been brought up, they've never mentioned that at some point he might want his teeth cleaned...things I hear about being typical medical care for cats, they just don't ever even mention. And when I ask about stuff, they always make a fuss about what it will cost me, as though they are reluctant to do costly things for a cat, even though I've told them that money is no issue for me when it comes to my Nimbus. I'm really considering visiting another vet office and getting a second opinion, and maybe even switching altogether. While I'm not begging to be ripped off with unnecessary procedures, I also would not want a vet that didn't go far enough with things that should be done, because they were worried about how the owner will react to the bill.
Anyone else have a cat with asthma? How are you handling it? Input most appreciated, and to reward those who read my novel of a post, here is a cute picture of my Nimbus cat:
