Chicago Cat Specialist Recommendations Please?

Can anyone recommend a Specialist in Chicago (ideally), or suburbs? My primary vet has tried about everything. My cat makes a weird coughing type sound. He's about 9, no history of allergies, we've tried adressing viral, bacterial, and allergies through a variety of methods. My cat responds positively to steroid shots (they were our last resort, in hopes they'd kick in his immune system, combined with antibiotics, we hoped he would beat it). Problem is, once the steroids wear-off he gets sick again (he's maxed out on the amount of steroids he can be safely given, and secondly, they don't address the root of his problem).

I think he has something physical going on, i hope not cancer, maybe a polyp, maybe some sort of damage to his nose, ears, or mouth/esophagus -but we just cant figure it out. This sickness came on pretty quickly to an historically fairly healthy cat.

Ive spent a good deal of $ on trying to figure this out through regular vets (I had a second opinion vet who gave Xrays too -no signs of pneumonia or physical abnormalities). Im not blaming my vet, I like the Dr., but his sickness began about a week after his annual check-up and shots, also when I opted to have his teeth cleaned. Who knows what caused it, but there's seemingly endless causes for respiratory problems.

My vet recommended some specialists -all of whom Ive been researching and reading reviews all night. All of them have their good reviews and bad.

I can't really afford unnecessary tests and tack-on incidentals. Is there anyone who can recommend a Chicago(land) vet Specialist (particularly for respiratory cough/snorting), that I can trust and not worry about being fleeced? Ive read reviews on here stating cat care costs in excess of 10k, even 25k! This isnt an option for me, but neither is euthanizing my guy. When he's had the steroid shots he's back to normal, so Im hoping that healthy kitty is still in there somewhere, and can be saved w/o the use of steroids.

Who is the best specialist in Chicago or suburbs for a feline respiratory condition? Maybe I'll sell my car and max out my cards. Im sure you guys know the feeling -money is an issue, but it's not, but it is, but it's not, et et.

Please, if anyone can suggest a compassionate, empathetic Vet Specialist (respiratory related ideally), that can cut to the chase and do their best not to fleece me and my cat, would you be so kind as to give me their name and office location? Thanks in advance to anyone who read this. I haven't gone cheap on my cat thus far, and I will always be happy to pay an expert for their help. If there's a will, there's a way. Im not ready to put my kitty down -he's only 9 (which isnt too old, right?).

Thanks again. Sorry for the long post.

I am sure your vet's already recommended Vet Specialists in Buffalo Grove. I have used them regularly and really like Dr. Mimi Noonan.(Internal Medicine) She was very honest, genuine and conservative with treatment. That was my experience with her back in 2010 - 2012 when she helped me with my elderly dog. http://www.vetspecialty.com/staff/mimi-noonan/. There is also a Holistic Vet on staff there and a close friend used this vet for her cat with serious endocrine system issues. Don't know the details but know that the cat was given more time and an excellent quality of life after seeing this holistic vet at the center. http://www.vetspecialty.com/specialties/holistic-medicine/

Check out the website and you could always call. The vet's are very willing to discuss issues over the phone as well. The customer service and care at the facility was very good, in my experiences with them. I am sure that you are going to find varying opinions, good and bad, from people on vet specialists according to their personal experience. So many emotions go into play at this point in a pet's illness. Appointments with any specialist will be much more than a regular vet. It is pricey. for your cat.

Thank you Fera! I appreciate you taking the time to respond and appreciate your suggestion! Yes, my vet did recommend her (top of my vet's list in fact -although the Dr said they were all excellent). I chose a different Specialist but again, I hope this one is just as good. This is my first pet, and I hadn't mentally prepared for stuff like this b/c he is only 9 years +/-. Thanks again Fera, I really appreciate your time & feedback!

Your very welcome and I do wish you all the best with your kitty. Not easy at all when we have come to the point of needing a specialist on so many levels.