Problems with vet

My cat has been sick for nearly a year and is not yet diagnosed. My vet diagnosed him firstly with liver problems, and then diabetes, but after months of medication he is still unwell. He has extremely fragile skin which breaks when he grooms, so he has been wearing a cone for several months now. The vet then handed him to a cat specialist vet working in the same practice, who believes it might be Cushings disease. I was out of the country for a few months and when I returned, the vet had not done anything to diagnose him. My family has dropped many urine samples to the vets and when we asked for results they changed the subject. They finally told us to bring him in for a few hours. When we picked them up they had done a blood test, but only to check his blood sugars. The vet told us his diabetes was under control and to take his cone off and let him out. (He is an outdoor cat). We told her that the blood wasn't the problem, as we had done this before, under her instruction and he ended up with sores due to his grooming. The vet told us that everything had cleared up and that it would be absolutely no problem.

The next day he had the red raw sores again. We told the vet that, and they admitted that they had never tested the urine samples we had been giving them and asked for another. They told us they would ring with the results. They didn't after a few days, so we did, and they said the sample was sent to the UK and they would call us with results by the end of the week. There was no word a week later, so today we rang them. They put us on hold and then said they would ring back in 10 minutes. There was no word more than 2 hours later, so my father rang. They said that the lab had done the wrong test and they would need a new sample but couldn't take one until next week. I just feel that they couldn't care less about my cat, and my family won't hear anything against the vet, as she is the expert. She will also not allow any other vet to look at him. 

Has anyone else faced this and how did you solve it?

My question is: Why are you even dealing with this vet? It seems like they don't have a clue and are just playing guessing games.

Change vets and get a second opinion!

The vet CANNOT prevent you seeking a second opinion, and it sounds to me like you need to do this ASAP. I understand that your family trust this vet as she was presented to you as an expert, but this situation cannot continue. Try setting out the facts logically for them - hopefully they will see that, if nothing else, the service/treatment you've all been subjected to is unacceptable.

To me, it's a MAJOR red flag when any professional won't allow you to seek a second opinion. This really has gone on way too long now. Who is paying for the vet? If you're the one paying, then it's up to you who you see.

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. A second opinion really is the only option at this stage.

You really need to have your cat seen by a different Vet. You need a second opinion.

Anytime you have a question about a Vet, or what they are doing--go for a second opinion.

If you are able to do it alone or with a friend, then do it. 

It needs to be done now...and I would be careful about allowing her to go outside; especially under these circumstances.

In the human world, if a physician stops you, or tries to dissuade you from getting a second opinion; that means this doctor has something to hide. It is highly suspicious. As Columbine stated, it is a huge Red Flag! A warning to change doctors immediatley to find out what they are hiding.

The same thing applies to Veterinarians.

Please try to persuade your family. Say it is for your own benefit as well as your kitties. There is a reason for the sores. Allergies, stress, something. And having fragile skin that tears is not normal.

Good Luck... 

Get a second opinion. In fact any vet I've worked with has been more than willing to work with a second vet or see what another vet might find in complicated situations.  Your vet seems more concerned about her ego than your cat.

I agree with all the above posters. This vet doesn't have a clue as to what is wrong with your poor cat. Just because they have a license and are a vet, it does not mean they are an expert. In fact, there are very few expert vets out there today. I know that is sad, but it is a fact. You have been going to this vet for over a year with this cat and they still don't have a clue. They are just giving you the runaround and taking your money. Your cat should also remain inside until you find out what is actually wrong. Please try to convince your parents that you need another vet and get a second opinion. Sometimes you must try various vets until you hit on the right one, a vet that will actually care about your cat and find what is really wrong. All the best to you and your poor kitty! I truly hope you get some answers soon!

Unfortunately, it's my parents who are paying, and I can't afford to pay (I'm a student). I've tried and failed many times to bring them around, but they just tell me to trust the vet, or today, they got extremely angry with me, they are still not talking to me. I really don't know what I can do to convince them to go elsewhere, but I'll never stop trying.

Kind of sad to hear that they are not talking to you over this. 

Are you in hight school or younger? If you are in high school, could you promise to repay them for the new Vet appointment?  By either doing extra chores or a partime job which would not interfere with school? babysitting, helping someone, etc. 

Your poor kitty is suffering. 

I again stress that she should not go outside until this is situation is completely resolved. 

I really do think it is either from stress or an allergy. Those do not show up on blood tests. 

If it truly is Cushings Disease, it is imperative that she be on medication. I do not know how common that is in cats. 

I think President Kennedy had it. He had to be on steroids. It is a disease of the adrenal glands. I am taking you need special blood tests for it; meaning more involved ones, which are usually not available at a local Vet's office. 

I would suggest again very calmly, after doing some research on line, talking to your parents about this.

Do you have a close friend, whose parents can help you with a speech or ideas, thoughts?

In this case a large Vet clinic would be the best option. One that is affiliated with a Vet School. They have lots of specialist there. Just like humans, the Vet Schools produce specialized doctors which hand certain  things.  Not just one specialist for everything. 

Just because a Vet proclaims themselves as a cat specialist does not mean anything. It just means they only deal with cats. They do not deal with any other animals. Your kitty really needs a mores specialized Vet..

Try letting it go for today..Think about what you want to say, rehearse it, and then try it again over the weekend. ..

Good Luck.

Let us know how it goes.

unfortunately, none of us here can diagnose over the internet. No one on this forum is a doctor. We can support you and give you some ideas....

I am sorry I cannot be of any more help...

sigh

hopefully someone else can come along and be more helpful. 

sparkles93 said:

Unfortunately, it's my parents who are paying, and I can't afford to pay (I'm a student). I've tried and failed many times to bring them around, but they just tell me to trust the vet, or today, they got extremely angry with me, they are still not talking to me. I really don't know what I can do to convince them to go elsewhere, but I'll never stop trying.

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I know what it's like to be on opposing sides to other family members when it comes to veterinary treatment options.

The only other thing I can think of is to bug the hell out of that vet - or you could try talking to your original vet about the situation. A phone consult shouldn't cost much, and I'm sure your original vet would be shocked to hear of your current situation. He/she may be able to get through to your parents where you have failed.

Where are you, btw? I'm guessing Europe as you talked about tests being sent to the uk.

I really feel for you. Truly I do!
I can tell that you really love your cat and only want what is best for all concerned. I am sorry that your parents are now upset with you. Maybe just keep calling your vet and try to demand some answers. Someone should be willing to talk with you from the vets. They are getting paid and they aren't really doing anything for the money. I know vets can be expensive. They should at least be able to diagnose your cat or admit that they are at a loss as to what is wrong. Maybe if they admitted that they were clueless, your parents would try another vet. To be honest, I don't think anyone in that vet's office can help your poor cat. I really hope someone can help you soon. Maybe a friend or relative can help you and your kitty. I truly wish I could be of more help, but I have no idea what may be wrong with your cat. No one on this site can tell you that. You need a good qualified vet who won't give up until he has a diagnosis. What is your kitty's name and age? Post a picture if you can. I am sure we would all like to see him. Best of luck to you and your kitty. Keep us updated as to how he is doing. I hope you get a true diagnosis soon and he can get treated.

The only other approach that might work is that you do some serious research on the internet about Cushings disease, the symptoms, the treatment, the outcome, since your vet says he has this (even if she isn't giving him treatment for it).  Arguing with your parents will do little, but if you educate them (print some of the articles you find) so they can see that more SHOULD be done, and your vet is just collecting specimens that they do nothing with, and collecting your parents money while doing nothing for the cat, THAT might interest them in consulting another vet.  If all else fails, do you have a humane bureau where you live, or a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals?  You could go to them and beg for help for the cat's sake.

Start by educating yourself.  When you know what you are talking about, then you can educate your parents.  Heck, sometimes we have to educate the vets because they only knnow what they learned in vet school and there is a lot more to know.  You learn from experienced people, and you will certainly find some of those here.  You can even ask a vet a question for free at the following web site:

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_Hyperadrenocorticism

Good luck and good studying.  The quality of your cat's life depends on how hard you work!

Get a new vet. Google how to search for a good vet.

I personally feed my pets quality diet and self medicate with herbs. Search homapathic medicine for pets. I do not support vets who declaw or any other unnecessarily cosmetic surgeries for pets. Greedy vets love mutilate pets.

Columbine You are in the UK.Know any good vet's or specialist's for this lady?What a load of C____.Get a new one Honey.I can totally relate to your frustration.Not good period.Hugs C.They  are everywhere BTW.Dipsticks.

I don't think the OP is in the UK. If she was, she wouldn't be talking about things being SENT to the UK for testing.