Cat Blocked?

[Mamanyt1953]

I also thought about getting a pet cam to keep an eye on them when she is not around.

That's an excellent idea, and will also let you keep an eye on the pet sitter, if you don't know them well.

I will not be returning to that vet again. It was a waste of time and money when I think she should have been more proactive given the signs I had seen.

I think it may be time, as well. You need a vet you can rely on. These articles will give you some starting points for finding just the right person, and I'm including a link to a site that will let you search for feline specialists in your area.

How To Choose The Best Veterinarian For My Cat?
Cat Vet Checkup - What To Expect
How To Talk To Your Vet

AAFP | American Association of Feline Practitioners

 

[catlady18]

This is scary because my cat's situation that I just started a thread about is so very similar to the start of yours. So sad that your guy got blocked, I'm really hoping things turn around. I don't have any advice, but I have read quite a few encouraging reports over the last couple of days of cats with diagnosis and blockages that are now enjoying long periods without event. Hydration certainly seems like a common thread in the success stories, but whatever you choose, best wishes that your story is one of them.

I’m so sorry to hear that. It has definitely been a challenging time financially and emotionally and it’s crazy how common this is. I had no idea this was something that could happen yet reading others experiences with this along with two of my friend’s who have had this happen to their cats as well is just heartbreaking.

Thank you so much! I hope everything with your cat ends up similarly to mine! Beau is doing better and as far as I can see no sign of reblockage.

 

[catlady18]

That's an excellent idea, and will also let you keep an eye on the pet sitter, if you don't know them well.

Definitely! It will give me peace of mind in all aspects.

I think it may be time, as well. You need a vet you can rely on. These articles will give you some starting points for finding just the right person, and I'm including a link to a site that will let you search for feline specialists in your area.

How To Choose The Best Veterinarian For My Cat?
Cat Vet Checkup - What To Expect
How To Talk To Your Vet

AAFP | American Association of Feline Practitioners

Thank you so much for these useful links!

 

[catlady18]

I would definitely change vet, give them all the symptoms and tests your cat has had and take it from there. Wet food can work especially prescription diet food that your vet will suggest. My best wishes for you both!

Definitely! Thank you so much!

 

[catlady18]

I am sorry you are going through this. I know how scary it is. Bottom line is if you are not comfortable with what the vet is telling you then please find a new one.

My Sonny developed a blockage from a bad UTI without any crystals. The first vet I took him too did not tell me he had a UTI. The vet was not sure if he was blocked and just put him on pain meds and medicine to make it easier too pee. Thankfully my friend who is also his former foster mommy went to the vet appointment with us. She did not feel the vet really knew what was going on. The next morning she called me and demanded Sonny be seen by her vet for a 2nd opinion. Her vet caught the blockage and UTI just from looking the blood work. She did her own tests to double check. Sonny was hospitalized immediately. His kidneys almost shut down from the blockage. Her vet only charged for the office visit and she saved my cat’s life. Sonny had to be hospitalized for three days. Once the blockage was cleared his kidney functions went back to normal.

I was advised by both the ER and my friend’s vet that I did not need to change his diet. I decided to switch dry foods on my own to something that is more in line with the levels seen in the prescription urinary foods. I ran the new food by my friend’s vet and she was glad I found a better food.

Thank you. That’s terrifying yet so glad to hear the other vet was able to save your cat.

I agree - if there’s any doubt in the vet’s advice then it’s time to switch vets for sure. I’ve done the same - not prescription food yet one that is specified for urinary tract health.

 

[catlady18]

I am glad you are getting a pet sitter when you are on vacation. I think that is better than boarding (although, sometimes a pet parent may not have a choice) and kitties are always less stressed in their own homes.

Sometimes we do need to go "vet shopping" just like with people doctors. We are not always happy with our first (or second) choice and it is okay to go with your instinct and find someone else.

Definitely. I will have more peace of mind that they are in the comfort of our home.

I had a prior vet that I used that was great yet very expensive and further away from where I live which is why I found a new one that was closer yet clearly I need to return to the one I had before.

 

[catlady18]

When I go on vacation, I always leave a letter at the vet’s to the effect that I’m away, XY is taking care of my animals, I authorize him/her to make emergency medical decisions, I should be contacted (insert phone number here), charge me for all costs. I ask the vet people to put the letter in the sick animal’s chart and give a copy to the sitter.

I also leave the sitter a list with each animal’s name, age, medical history and current diet and medications.

Thank you - that’s a wonderful idea. I provided the sitter with emergency contact information and where to take them if anything were to happen. I put down the emergency vet in the case that my cat shows signs of reblockage they are open 24/7.

 

[1 bruce 1]

I am sorry you are going through this. I know how scary it is. Bottom line is if you are not comfortable with what the vet is telling you then please find a new one.

My Sonny developed a blockage from a bad UTI without any crystals. The first vet I took him too did not tell me he had a UTI. The vet was not sure if he was blocked and just put him on pain meds and medicine to make it easier too pee. Thankfully my friend who is also his former foster mommy went to the vet appointment with us. She did not feel the vet really knew what was going on. The next morning she called me and demanded Sonny be seen by her vet for a 2nd opinion. Her vet caught the blockage and UTI just from looking the blood work. She did her own tests to double check. Sonny was hospitalized immediately. His kidneys almost shut down from the blockage. Her vet only charged for the office visit and she saved my cat’s life. Sonny had to be hospitalized for three days. Once the blockage was cleared his kidney functions went back to normal.

I was advised by both the ER and my friend’s vet that I did not need to change his diet. I decided to switch dry foods on my own to something that is more in line with the levels seen in the prescription urinary foods. I ran the new food by my friend’s vet and she was glad I found a better food.

Wow, what a close call! I'm so glad Sonny was saved!!
Even if you like your vet and think they're great and are your BFF, if things aren't getting done, getting a second opinion is NOT something to feel guilty about. I learned that one myself!

 

[catlady18]

Update on Beau:

I just want to sincerely thank everyone for your replies on this thread. I appreciate your advice as it has been extremely helpful.

Beau finished his medication yesterday. He is back to himself - running around the apartment and playing with my other cat.

I’ve noticed his litter box habits have returned to the way they were - I’ve been trying to keep an eye on if he is producing any urine and he is yet in small amounts which the vet said would be normal due to the trauma that has occurred down there.

One thing he did last night that was bizzare to me was he mounted my female cat which is something I have not seen him do since I first got her two years ago. I’m not sure if this was him reasserting his dominance now that he feels better yet was still disturbing to see.

He also has these spurts of twitching where he aggressively licks himself so I am not sure if this is due to the genital spasms cats have after the catheter yet I am going to call the vet tomorrow just to see if this is normal.

Besides that, he is eating normally and seems to be content.

I leave for vacation tomorrow afternoon and I am trying to be in a positive mindset that he will be okay while I’m gone.

 

[Grey_Tuxedo]

Thank you so much! I hope everything with your cat ends up similarly to mine! Beau is doing better and as far as I can see no sign of reblockage.

Thank you, and that's great news. I'll definitely check in to read any (positive!) update after your vacation. Go Beau Go!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

One thing he did last night that was bizzare to me was he mounted my female cat which is something I have not seen him do since I first got her two years ago. I’m not sure if this was him reasserting his dominance now that he feels better yet was still disturbing to see.

It could well be re-establishing dominance. Or he's just feeling VERY good . So long as it isn't bothering her overly much, I wouldn't worry about it.

He also has these spurts of twitching where he aggressively licks himself so I am not sure if this is due to the genital spasms cats have after the catheter yet I am going to call the vet tomorrow just to see if this is normal.

Yeah, call them just for your own peace of mind, but I'm betting it's from the catheter.

Besides that, he is eating normally and seems to be content.

Best news of the day!

 

[catlady18]

I wish I was back with good news but unfortunately it seems like a never ending black hole.

I returned from vacation and the cats did great with the pet sitter. A day or two after I got back I noticed my female cat’s eye was watering and she was sneezing/wheezing constantly. I took her to the vet and was told she had a mild upper respiratory infection and they injected her with an antibiotic. She said it was mostly likely brought on by the stress of Beau being gone for a few days because of the blockage and then me leaving on vacation.

Knowing how contagious the infection is, I tried my best to separate Beau and Nala so that Beau would not get the infection. Well, today I noticed he was sneezing a lot and not eating as much. Now, he looks very lethargic and won’t eat anything at all. I tried to warm up his wet food that he loves yet he wouldn’t try it. He’s using the litter box which is a good but if he does not eat tomorrow then I’ll have to take him to the vet.

I feel hopeless and really pray that this does not trigger another blockage. I honestly cannot believe what has been happening the last few weeks and I just can’t keep running back and forth to the vet.

 

[catlover73]

Just keep an eye on Beau's litter box habits. You could try doing a steam treatment for Beau to help break up the congestion. Run the shower as hot as possible and steam up your bathroom. Take Beau into the bathroom and sit the steamy room with him for 15-20 minutes 2x-3x a day. I would try this and then try feeding Beau again. You can also use this to help Nala too even though she is on an antibiotic. I have used this for years for URI issues. I do agree about taking Beau to the vet tomorrow if he does not eat though.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

A steam shower will, at the VERY worst, help him be more comfortable until he sees the vet (who should be naming his new clinic after you at this point). I haven't run across a URI triggering a blockage yet, but I don't count anything out. Keeping a candle lit for your and your ailing kitties!

 

[Daisy6]

I'm totally confused about the thread start date. June 6 was a Wednesday. JULY 6 was a Friday. So what does "technically a Friday" mean in the first post?

 

[sweetblackpaws]

I am so sorry you both are going through all this. What happened? Did he get better or did you end up going back to the vet?

All I know is you have done everything - vet care, a sitter, proper diet, of course lots of love, etc. Please keep us posted.