- Joined
- Aug 8, 2014
- Messages
- 22
- Purraise
- 1
I'm positing on behalf of my grandmother. On Friday her six year old Russian Blue went to the vet for what we thought was just a UTI. He has a history of three other UTI's. However, in the urinalysis they discovered that little Winston was diabetic.
My grandmother is understandably overwhelmed. She's almost 80 years old now, still working retail to support herself, and doesn't have much in the way of extra money. . Initially she was really think of putting Winston up for adoption because it all overwhelmed her so much, but now she's leaning towards keeping him. I'm trying to give her a hand in figuring this diagnosis out and what it means financially.
I've got several vets quoting blood work and medications for me to track down the best place for Winston to receive care. In the mean time, I'm hoping someone with a diabetic cat can give me a little direction. Here are my questions:
1. I understand there are a lot of expenses that go in to this. Blood work, insulin, syringes, food, and potentially emergency care. Are there any hidden expenses she should be aware of? Things that you may not know after the initial diagnosis, but learned along the way?
2. Diet. I know the idea is to steer clear of carbs and her current vet gave her prescription diabetic canned food. Is the prescription necessary? Are there cheaper alternative wet foods? What brands, if any?
3. What are some ways to make this diagnosis cheaper? Any tips on where to find insulin cheaper? What about syringes?
4. If you were to estimate, what would you say the monthly upkeep with medications and vet bills cost? I understand it is more expensive while they try to regulate his insulin levels, but once were past that, what are you paying monthly?
5. If she keeps Winston and we get him to a good vet, are there any questions you recommend asking?
I'll admit I know almost nothing about diabetes and I'm doing reading, but it is A LOT of information. I haven't had a chance to discuss the diagnosis with a vet and my grandma didn't ask any questions at the time of diagnosis. Like I said, her initial feeling was to give him up so she didn't get a good picture from the vet of what this really means for Winston and her. I'm just doing my best to gather information until I can track down the best vet and get an appointment.
In case you're wondering, she chose not to keep her current vet since they are an hour from her house, have very limited hours, and do not have much in the way of resources. He will receive better care elsewhere.
My grandmother is understandably overwhelmed. She's almost 80 years old now, still working retail to support herself, and doesn't have much in the way of extra money. . Initially she was really think of putting Winston up for adoption because it all overwhelmed her so much, but now she's leaning towards keeping him. I'm trying to give her a hand in figuring this diagnosis out and what it means financially.
I've got several vets quoting blood work and medications for me to track down the best place for Winston to receive care. In the mean time, I'm hoping someone with a diabetic cat can give me a little direction. Here are my questions:
1. I understand there are a lot of expenses that go in to this. Blood work, insulin, syringes, food, and potentially emergency care. Are there any hidden expenses she should be aware of? Things that you may not know after the initial diagnosis, but learned along the way?
2. Diet. I know the idea is to steer clear of carbs and her current vet gave her prescription diabetic canned food. Is the prescription necessary? Are there cheaper alternative wet foods? What brands, if any?
3. What are some ways to make this diagnosis cheaper? Any tips on where to find insulin cheaper? What about syringes?
4. If you were to estimate, what would you say the monthly upkeep with medications and vet bills cost? I understand it is more expensive while they try to regulate his insulin levels, but once were past that, what are you paying monthly?
5. If she keeps Winston and we get him to a good vet, are there any questions you recommend asking?
I'll admit I know almost nothing about diabetes and I'm doing reading, but it is A LOT of information. I haven't had a chance to discuss the diagnosis with a vet and my grandma didn't ask any questions at the time of diagnosis. Like I said, her initial feeling was to give him up so she didn't get a good picture from the vet of what this really means for Winston and her. I'm just doing my best to gather information until I can track down the best vet and get an appointment.
In case you're wondering, she chose not to keep her current vet since they are an hour from her house, have very limited hours, and do not have much in the way of resources. He will receive better care elsewhere.
