Artie Dental on Monday

[micknsnicks2mom]

 
Artie was his original name. After 8 years, it was foolish to change it... I kind of fell it love with it also..It seems to fit him  

After seeing his Regular Vet; the extraction sites are completely healed. But why is he not eating today? He is now officially at 10 lbs 4 oz..... That is so much better than the 10 lbs that he was a week ago.

I had a long heartfelt talk with the Vet. She told me that I have gone above and beyond what most people would have done with this cat. She told me I have spent so much money on him. And so much emotional care.....She deals with a lot of people who have a lot more money than I do. She also worked at Angell Memorial as a secretary and a Vet Tech before she went to Vet school..That is why she is so good at handling animals.

She said, at his age, she is not planning on doing any more dentals on him, unless he is in really severe, obvious pain from his teeth. 

She also told me that he has undergone anesthesia a lot in a short period of time. 

She agrees that I am probably at the end financially; She is being realistic. 

She told me his kidneys are fine. He could have the Pancreatic Triad...It could be the IBD completely. She advised not do do any more biopsies....and to question the specialist about his Vit B12 level.

She also suggested that we just go ahead and treat him with some Vit B 12---without doing the $800 Blood Test. 

A near future ultrasound is not out of the realm of treatment. But that is also iffy if looking for Pancreatitis....I get that cuz I am an ultrasound tech...

As long as he does not have to be sedated for the scan--he was the last time they attempted it at the specialist. My vet was shocked at that...

So I guess I have some hard things to ask of the specialist. I hope I can pull off the questions...

Artie will not have any more surgical procedures...none...it is too hard on him...too complicated..

I will ask about the Vit B-12;  an increase in the steroids,  and possible chemo.....

Dam@  Cat-

--when we came home, he ran over to the prescription RC rabbit food and ate it!! 

The Vet cleared him for dry food. I gave him some NV Rabbit--he ate it!!!

I tried to get a bag of RC dry Rabbit...but too expensive: $70 a bag!! 

they did not have any in stock...and would not give me a small baggie of it to try.. so that is on hold...

I am whining...trying to collect my thought...thank you for bearing with me...

PS---I am also having a scotch on the rocks with water.....and going to get another..this cat is too much..he just went over to eat some more.....

 

I will probably give you an update after the specialist on Thursday...

is that Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein (formerly Hypoallergenic Selected Protein) Adult PR Dry Cat Food in the 8.8 lb bag? it's got only rabbit as the protein. because chewy dot com has it for $58.99 ($56.04, if you set up autoship with them...and another 20% off today/on your first order if you set up your first autoship). that would get delivered to your door in 'lightening speed' -- really, with my chewy orders, they almost always get delivered to me before the fedex tracking even gets updated that the package is moving.

and chewy has incredible customer service! i'm absolutely certain that if your Artie didn't like/wouldn't eat it, if you called chewy and told them, they'd refund your money (to the method of payment on your order).

i have two autoships set up with chewy. i pretty much never just let an order autoship. i just 'delay' the shipment until i'm ready to place an order. then i edit the items in my autoship to exactly what i need to order, and click 'ship now'. you can easily completely cancel your autoship too.

also, not sure if chewy has any facilities in your state, but if not then you won't pay any sales tax on your order. i don't! 

 

[artiemom]

 
is that Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein (formerly Hypoallergenic Selected Protein) Adult PR Dry Cat Food in the 8.8 lb bag? it's got only rabbit as the protein. because chewy dot com has it for $58.99 ($56.04, if you set up autoship with them...and another 20% off today/on your first order if you set up your first autoship). that would get delivered to your door in 'lightening speed' -- really, with my chewy orders, they almost always get delivered to me before the fedex tracking even gets updated that the package is moving.

and chewy has incredible customer service! i'm absolutely certain that if your Artie didn't like/wouldn't eat it, if you called chewy and told them, they'd refund your money (to the method of payment on your order).

i have two autoships set up with chewy. i pretty much never just let an order autoship. i just 'delay' the shipment until i'm ready to place an order. then i edit the items in my autoship to exactly what i need to order, and click 'ship now'. you can easily completely cancel your autoship too.

also, not sure if chewy has any facilities in your state, but if not then you won't pay any sales tax on your order. i don't! 

Thanks Jen,

I do have an account with Chewy. They are absolutely the best on prices and customer service. I order Artie's food from them. One time I was sent a case of kitten food by mistake. I called them about this. They apologized, and said the proper food will be shipping immediately. I asked what the procedure would be with the wrong food. They automatically said to donate it to a shelter...

Talk about good will... that sold me on them. The prices are really good also. I do the auto shipment for his food. Sometimes I do delay an order, or cancel it.

The price for the bag of dry food is about $10 less than the Vet. Jen, you found the correct one. Yesterday, Artie gobbled up the dry food. I think it is because he has not had it for a long time. Today, he is not as found of it. I will not give him any tomorrow. I think it causes some constipation in him..that is not what we need right now...so occasionally the dry will be ok.

I am trying to take it one day at a time with him; praying that I can be strong enough to deal with his specialist--not as great fan of her.....but my Vet has faith in her. Wait until she hears me argue about ordering another ultrasound...and asking about Vit B-12, to be given without a pre medication level....have to be strong for that argument...This Vet is completely by the book....

 

[Margret]

I am trying to take it one day at a time with him; praying that I can be strong enough to deal with his specialist--not as great fan of her.....but my Vet has faith in her. Wait until she hears me argue about ordering another ultrasound...and asking about Vit B-12, to be given without a pre medication level....have to be strong for that argument...This Vet is completely by the book....

Wasn't it your regular vet who suggested the B12 shots without bloodwork?  I'd think that that would count for something.  If your regular vet trusts the specialist, chances are good that the specialist trusts the regular vet.

Don't stress about it too much. I know it's been difficult, but you've done everything right so far; I'm confident you can handle this, as well.

Margret

 

[Margret]

Im so sorry. I thought it was against the law for them to fire because of worker comp? How upsetting after being there for all those years. Thats WRONG!  :wife:

Yes, it is against the law. That's why they find some other pretense to justify the firing.

The mother of my best friend in high school was a nurse. They fired her just before her retirement became vested. The problem is, what is the fired person supposed to do about it? Sue? With no income? The system is rigged in favor of the employer.

Margret

 

[zed xyzed]

How is Artie doing? 

 

[artiemom]

 

[foxxycat]

Hi Artie's mom=I know you are dead set against an ultrasound but I want to recommend that in the next few months that you reconsider. sorry for the long novel below=I started to write about one of my cats but halfway down I remembered my other cat got one done too..I just wanted to let you know sorry for the long entry. I hope this helps give you some info and maybe in 6 months you can try to get it done.

I had Dr MacGregor  from Vet referall Services in Woburn Mass do an ultrasound twice for my Honeybee-she has asthma and every now and then has some weird fainting thing going on plus she breathes weird-the vet recommended that we scan heart once a year due to her progressive asthma.

Here is his link-http://www.ivghospitals.com/staff-member/john-macgregor-dvm-dacvim/

I was impressed with how well he handled my hissy girl=she doesn't like to be on her back or stretched out=the entire appointment took only 10 minutes-it was the fastest ever appointment! I know you are not right next door but maybe he has other places that he does oncalls? He also goes to Portland Maine which is where we went last summer-that's a hike for you but I really glad I had it done.

Honeybee has moderate asthma and is on the highest inhaler for steroids but the hot humid air or dry air in winter almost always makes her wheezy and breathe faster. We were very impressed with Dr MacGregor and his handling of my girl=he lets you watch the monitor and explains what's going on. I think he is usually booked out 3 weeks so maybe in 6-8 weeks think about a scan-at least if there is any breathing complications down the road they have a baseline to go by.

Honeybee didn't need to be sedated but I am sure they can do this for your boy if he is really uncomfortable. I was impressed with them allowing me in the exam room with the ultrasound as in other places they never let me see the ultrasound in process and that honestly Ticks me off because I  don't know if they are lying and never did the scan. So I don't know what the fees are for Woburn but for the Maine office it was only $425 and no extra consult fee. I have another feline friend mommy who uses that Woburn hospital for her cats. She loves Angell but she said they were really good there.

I understand that you want to let Artie just relax and this is not to stress you out but I thought if I explained exactly what happens during the exam you can think about it. Having details about procedures always gives me some relief. Knowing what to expect is half the battle. I have had two of my cats now get ultrasounds-Honeybee and old Flo monster. Flo Monster also got her scan last summer-we did a belly/heart scan due to her constipation-they wanted to see if she Had IBS. She doesn't. But they did find she is in the early stages of HCM but she isn't far enough along for meds-I can't remember the details but I feel much better now that I know what to look out for as far as illness and breathing. So I know that money is tight-I ended up spacing these two girls out three months so I don't have them all at once.

I also want to say thanks to others recommending fancy feast I got my elder girl (Floey) lapping away at her slurry and she bugs me every morning for her slurry. I try to put some down at night too but she eats kibble. We are in the process of getting off the kibble but its hard. She is almost 17 years old and part of me is stubborn and says hey she made it this far why don't I let her eat what she wants but medically I know she would feel more comfortable on more fluidy diet=so just wanted to give you some information to process about this entire thing. My girl goes through times of eating like a pig then grazing and not eating much..its very nerve wracking because I don't want her to have kidney issues.

sorry again for the long novel. Artie is very handsome and he looks very comfy. I hope this long diatribe doesn't bother you-I just want you to know the details and maybe it helps calm some fears..keeping my fingers crossed that artie continues to do well. He is so very Handsome!!

 

[Columbine]

So great to hear about Artie's weight gain Good boy Artie - keep it up!

Slowing down a little isn't so unexpected for 12. I find Shadow (nearly 14) goes through phases of being very playful and phases of being quieter/sleeping more. You may find Artie's the same.

Love that pic :9:

 

[artiemom]

@foxxycat  

Artie did have a cardiac ultrasound, almost 4 years ago, at Mass Vet Referral Hospital in Woburn. was with Trey Schutrumpf, Cardiologist. It was an awesome exam. Very hard on him, but they were great. This doctor had 2 residents from Tufts Vet School with him. When he found out I was an ultrasound tech, he had me come in and explained everything to me. The students were great also. Artie was fighting it all. I tried to hold him down, succeeded for a while, with the help of one student, and then he got too strong for me. It ended up that the 2 male residents had to hold him down.

Artie has a Grade IV heart murmur, which turned out to be a functional murmur. 

The Cardiologist explained it all to me, he was excellent.

I was under the impression that this guy was the only cardiologist and echoes were referred elsewhere, most likely Angell.

Artie goes to Mass Vet for the Specialist (IBD), Dr Rachel Cooper. The staff is awesome. I am not so sure about Cooper; although my Vet has a lot of faith in her.

I was told that they were getting a cardiologist in July of this year.

Is Dr MacGregor new there?

I am very confused now. 

thanks for your info..not a book~~~ I write a book..

yes, help to sort this out would be great...

 

[artiemom]

Actually, I re-weighed him this morning. His weight is 10 lbs, 4 ounces  or so...a wiggle worm so who knows... 

He feels as if he put on weight. I can still feel his spine, but not the pelvic area has some meat on it. 

His ribs are not as sharp...no belly, but definitely heavier...

 

[foxxycat]

hmm  I got the wrong hospital=I didn't realize Artie  already had one done. I wonder why they want another one? John MacGregor travels to two different hospitals. I looked up the vet=its Bulgar Vet Hospital. opps I know why I got Woburn and North Andover confused-I will explain in abit. John MacGregor is at Bulger Vet Hospital in North Andover=duhh!!

Ok I was thinking the one in Woburn mass because the ER vet in Portsmouth nh port city vet didn't have ultrasound services available (Personally I think they all quit=MacGregor used to work there but all the doctors quit-which I asked why they lost some good doctors and no answers=that's a whole other thread!!! )

So portcity told me I had to travel from Portsmouth nh to Woburn mass to that one I mentioned earlier=I am sorry I got them confused!! So much to remember!!

So Dr MacGregor goes to two hospitals=Portland maine and North Andover Mass=bulger Vet hospital.

sorry again for confusion!!

I would have been fascinated working in the medical field. you must miss it? Sorry again for my big mouth...and confusion...so many dif hospitals for me to remember what service is at one then go to another-why can't they get it all under one roof??!!

In the future I am so scared about an emergency because I don't like either ER vets in portmouth NH. VEC is a cancer treatment center during the day and I have had some great vets there but then not so great..and its hit or miss=so I will have to drive to Concord NH which is easily an hour away for me...so I try to keep my eyes peeled for recommendations of ER vets in MAss. The one vet center in Milton/Rochester nh has recently started weekend appointments so its nice to have that option and gasp-they have ultrasound at Rochester nh. ok sorry for the rambling..i don't know what my problem is lately with rambling...

Give Artie some pets and a kiss

 

[Margret]

Originally Posted by foxxycat  

I was impressed with them allowing me in the exam room with the ultrasound as in other places they never let me see the ultrasound in process and that honestly Ticks me off because I  don't know if they are lying and never did the scan.

I'm "insensitive" to most local anesthetics.  When I was a girl I had a series of pediatric dentists who basically abused me.  This was before they'd found locals that worked on people who are insensitive to the usual ones, so there was nothing they could have done to actually numb me up, but they could have given me a brief break occasionally, and it's not like they didn't know this was a problem for some people.  The biggest stinker was the dentist who told my mother that of course I was numb.  Those weren't screams of pain, I was just throwing a temper tantrum, for my mother's benefit, and I'd stop screaming as soon as she left the room.  She left; I kept on screaming.  IMO, this particular dentist should have been in prison for child abuse.

Unless there's something like a sterility issue (surgery, for instance) I'm extremely suspicious of any doctor who thinks I shouldn't be present during a procedure.

Margret

 

[foxxycat]

 
I'm "insensitive" to most local anesthetics.  When I was a girl I had a series of pediatric dentists who basically abused me.  This was before they'd found locals that worked on people who are insensitive to the usual ones, so there was nothing they could have done to actually numb me up, but they could have given me a brief break occasionally, and it's not like they didn't know this was a problem for some people.  The biggest stinker was the dentist who told my mother that of course I was numb.  Those weren't screams of pain, I was just throwing a temper tantrum, for my mother's benefit, and I'd stop screaming as soon as she left the room.  She left; I kept on screaming.  IMO, this particular dentist should have been in prison for child abuse.

Unless there's something like a sterility issue (surgery, for instance) I'm extremely suspicious of any doctor who thinks I shouldn't be present during a procedure.

Margret

How horrible!! I am sorry you went through that..uggg why do parents do these things to us? I think its horrible that you were left to suffer..hopefully now they listen to you..and yes I am often suspicious of people/medical issues and I want to see whats going on-make sure they handle the cat the way I said=we know them best-when they don't listen and get bit/scratched-all I say is I tried to warn you...

 

[Margret]

How horrible!! I am sorry you went through that..uggg why do parents do these things to us? I think its horrible that you were left to suffer..hopefully now they listen to you..and yes I am often suspicious of people/medical issues and I want to see whats going on-make sure they handle the cat the way I said=we know them best-when they don't listen and get bit/scratched-all I say is I tried to warn you...

My mother had inadequate information.  She had never heard of insensitivity to local anesthesia, and she did know that I was sufficiently numb that I had problems with sore cheeks and tongue afterwards, from biting them when I couldn't feel them.  So the explanation of the first dentist, that I was reacting to pressure, not pain, seemed plausible.  And just leaving cavities untended is not a viable option.

By the time I graduated from high school I had concluded that local anesthesia works by placebo effect.  I absolutely adore the dentist who explained it to me and gave me one of the first of the newer local anesthetics.

BTW, while I don't have red hair, this is a very common problem for red heads.

Margret

 

[foxxycat]

ahh gotcha=sorry for my lack of comprehension-but still BOO on the dentist that put you  through that! So sorry Again! I personally hate the dentist. They always trying to sell some contraption or other services..I don't need an hour for a cleaning..but hey I see why they try to sell me stuff..anyways so sorry you had to have that happen.

 

[NewYork1303]

 
I'm "insensitive" to most local anesthetics.  When I was a girl I had a series of pediatric dentists who basically abused me.  This was before they'd found locals that worked on people who are insensitive to the usual ones, so there was nothing they could have done to actually numb me up, but they could have given me a brief break occasionally, and it's not like they didn't know this was a problem for some people.  The biggest stinker was the dentist who told my mother that of course I was numb.  Those weren't screams of pain, I was just throwing a temper tantrum, for my mother's benefit, and I'd stop screaming as soon as she left the room.  She left; I kept on screaming.  IMO, this particular dentist should have been in prison for child abuse.

Unless there's something like a sterility issue (surgery, for instance) I'm extremely suspicious of any doctor who thinks I shouldn't be present during a procedure.

Margret

I am the same way. I cannot be numbed at the dentist the way most people are. I am lucky to have a dentist who is very good at what he does so even though I am not numb. I barely feel pain. 

I also worry about vet and doctors not letting people sit in on procedures. I know there are some hospitals (for humans) that have viewing rooms so people can see into surgery, so that at least feels like they're being fairly transparent. I wish vets would do that to. I worried so much after dropping my cat off for surgery since I didn't know how they'd be caring for her back in surgery and after. I hoped that they'd be able to comfort her and help her feel comfortable back there, but I worry that they're too busy to really do much. I really wish it were possible to stay with the cat up until the surgery happened and be with them when they were recovering after like with humans. 

 

[artiemom]

I used to have a terrible reaction to the dentist. 

As a child, I never threw temper tantrums---- I knew better;  but,  I was absolutely terrified of the Dentist...no matter who I went to..

I carried on and on and on.. I had to be held down...and they did not use novocaine!!

They always said it was not a "deep' filling....I was actually scared of them.

The smell was enough to trigger me. I inherited really bad teeth. Genetics...

This was before fluoride..

I had a lot of cavities..so I had a lot of dentistry---and Bad Dentistry at that. 

I remember, to this day... about 52 years later..

It left such a lasting impression and phobia on me.

In the late 1980's I had to have my entire mouth restored. The money I spent on that, could have been for a very good down payment for a house and part of the mortgage...

I do not regret it, but it was a horrible experience which I will never go through again..

Psychologically and physically.. complete with root planing and multiple root canals...some which had to be done surgically because they were not done correctly when I was younger. Those 2 created a walled off abscess...

and one post went thru to my jaw and the other did not even go all the way down.

Having to go through all that dental work really did a number on me..

I was really good about follow-ups, and perio after; but then life got in the way.. My mom was became very sick and died, and then I had to help my dad...

So now that it all needs to be re-done--- I cannot do it.. financially, emotionally,---I just cannot go thru that again...

It really traumatized me...

I blame it on the original dentist..a butcher for a little scared girl..  the next dentist was a bit better in calming me down, and I was older. He also used novocaine..but he was a bad dentist.. so I paid the price...

people do not realize how traumatic things can be for a little person....sigh.

 

[artiemom]

Again, I am kind of concerned about Artie...

He is having an off day.. He ate well this morning--pee and poop ok---but he has not played for a long time, no matter what I try. And he is sleeping a lot..

I know he is getting older, 12 years old now..but...

and he is absolutely not talking to me!!

He has been sleeping on my bed. I folded and put away more than one entire overflowing basket of clothes, and he did not move!! Normally he would be watching or helping me fold the clothes, or following me around; talking to me..

He is not even interested in going into my closet.. Artie loves it in there. He always begs to go in, and talks to me to get in.. I opened the door this morning. He went in, and came right out.. not a word....scary...He usually loves to hide in there..

I will see how he is on Monday. I am trying to refrain myself from calling the Vet..

To my surprise, he just woke up to get more food! However, he is going after the gravy more than the food...

Thank you guys for listening to me...just me and my anxieties..

(hugs) to all who read this....

 

[margd]

Hoping that Artie is back to his normal self tomorrow.  He might be just feeling sleepy and lazy today - Chula and Paul have days like that.  ((((Hugs))))

 

[zed xyzed]

How is sweet Artie doing?