Not good news for Feeby

[FeebysOwner]

Found out today that Feeby's vet is in the process of retiring, and that appears to be why he has basically 'dropped off the face of the earth' and left Feeby and me hanging. Went to another vet in the practice because Feeby's breathing seems to be a bit off here and there. X-rays show a slightly enlarged heart, some level of what could be fluid in her chest, and probably a mild case of asthma. Of course, ultrasound would be next.

I won't know what her blood results are until tomorrow, in order to see where her T4 level, creatinine, BUN, and phosphorus counts are. All of which were higher than what I think they should be based on the last couple of blood tests that were done.

So, at first blush the vet is recommending sub-Q fluids and if Feeby won't eat kidney diet foods, then I should consider a homemade diet to help with reducing the phosphorus level - which since it is 'in range' this vet isn't overly worried about. I pointed out to her that the H-T forum and the tanyackd forum both thought that her phosphorus level should be lower given her H-T status and her last kidney values. She didn't seem impressed, or rather didn't comment on it.

Finally, given all of the above, this vet is suggesting I consult with an internist who can better manage Feeby overall. In thinking that I should really find another vet/practice anyway, an internist is probably the best bet for Feeby.

There isn't really much anyone can say/offer - I am just venting. But, I do have one question for the moment: Does Feeby have to have a 'regular' vet if she starts going to an internist? Or, is that something that would likely vary from one internist to another?

 

[AbbysMom]

I'm sorry. I've been through a vet retiring and it's stressful.

Or, is that something that would likely vary from one internist to another?

I believe it varies. I know of some that just have the internist and others that have both.

Abby goes to a feline only vet. The vet she has had since we adopted her retired about 5 years ago. There has been a lot of upheaval there. The long-time techs have been pushed out, including my favorite. They are hiring younger techs now and it seems to be a bit of a rotating door at times. They have now part of a larger corporation. I didn't know how I would do with the two new vets, but they are both extremely knowledgeable and keep up to date on things. The head vet has called colleagues that are specialists at university vet hospitals to get their opinion on some of Abby's issues. They have been really good about fitting Abby in during Covid when she has been sick. I've heard of horror stories of other local vets not seeing patients with emergencies. I always thought that when Abby passes I would go somewhere else with my next cat but now I'm not so sure. I've been to a few other local vets with my mother's cat and I'm not sure the grass is any greener.

Good luck!

 

[Maria Bayote]

Oh I am so sorry. I pray Feeby will be much better soonest. Hang in there.

 

[fionasmom]

When I saw the subject line, I was really upset thinking that something had happened to Feeby. Well, it has, but at least in the direction of needing a new vet.

I don't care for the unimpressed or disinterested attitude to begin. The information on Tanya's site is very solid and the HT people know what they are talking about. It is not like you asked for some off the wall unproven treatment or presented some of the flakier information that can be found on the internet.

At this point, I would go to the internist. As I have said many times, my luck with going to specialists has been very good. Despite the cost, they seem to provide much more immediate solutions which, in the end, saves you lots of trips to the vet who is still trying to figure out what is going on.

It probably varies, as was stated, but I would think that with an internist you might be able to continue with his/her care for many of Feeby's needs.

 

[FeebysOwner]

When I saw the subject line, I was really upset thinking that something had happened to Feeby. Well, it has, but at least in the direction of needing a new vet.

At this point, I would go to the internist. As I have said many times, my luck with going to specialists has been very good. Despite the cost, they seem to provide much more immediate solutions which, in the end, saves you lots of trips to the vet who is still trying to figure out what is going on....It probably varies, as was stated, but I would think that with an internist you might be able to continue with his/her care for many of Feeby's needs.

It isn't just her needing a new vet - it is Feeby needing someone who can address all of her issues - newfound ones as well as 'older' ones at the same time and manage them because each one impacts the others. The specialty group my vet's practice referred me to has horrendous reviews - across the entire country, as this is a huge organization - and while the location closest to me is not specifically noted (or, even recognized) by the BBB, 4 of their other offices in FL have D- ratings. I don't think I want to trust them with Feeby.

I am really kind of upset right now.

 

[fionasmom]

I understand how upsetting this is. I certainly can't make any suggestions about how far you might have to drive/transport Feeby to find a good internist. Are there any really excellent vets in your general area? People with great reviews even if they are not internists?

 

[FeebysOwner]

Are there any really excellent vets in your general area? People with great reviews even if they are not internists?

Still looking - but, one of the most recommended vets in my area was my vet. Kind of tells you something, doesn't it? Aka, they are all probably 'good' until they get into a 'gray' area like Feeby's.

 

[artiemom]

OH, I am so sorry to hear about Feeby and her Vet.

It seems my Vet practice has the opposite issues: The Vets are 'revolving', yet the techs and secretary staff remain. It has been part of a large country wide practice for a few years now.
Each Vet I have had, leaves, after a few years. My guys have always had good care, but you do not know what goes on behind the scenes.

About the IM Vet: our IM Vet, always likes to have a local vet, for easy things, and 'just in case' type of stuff.
I could use him as a regular vet, exclusively, but the hospital is difficult to get to, especially because of traffic.
It has crossed my mind, so many times.

When I had Artie, with all his issues, the regular Vet came in handy for enemas. I did have to go into the large hospital on weekends and holidays for enemas. I will say, it was a real pain.

I think the idea of having a local vet and an specialist is the way to go. The IM Vet can send Feeby's records to them.

Do you have to see the IM Vet your 'new' vet suggested? or are there others, with better ratings?

(((Hugs)))

 

[neely]

I think the idea of having a local vet and an specialist is the way to go.

I also agree it's in Feeby's best interest to see an Internal Medical Specialist but also have a regular vet.

I don't know if you mentioned it but was Feeby's original vet who retired a feline only vet? It might be helpful to search for a feline only vet who works with an Internal Medical Specialist. The reason I am suggesting this is because when our dog was diagnosed with an uncommon autoimmune illness we saw both his regular vet and an IMS. The IMS then referred us to a Dermatology specialist in the practice and all three of them worked together, i.e. the regular vet, IMS and Derm Specialist.

I completely understand your disappointment over the regular vet's retirement. This happened to us twice, both times with a husband and wife veterinary practice. They made a fantastic team and when the first couple retired they recommended us to another couple who were both feline only vets. It was a true coincidence. However, the feline only couple recently retired so I understand all too well what you are going through. Fortunately the other feline only vets in the practice remained so we are not searching for a new vet yet.

I know how dedicated you are to Feeby and how diligent you have been with her health issues. I sincerely hope you find a vet you can trust with her care. Please let us know what you decided and, of course, we are always here to support you.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Do you have to see the IM Vet your 'new' vet suggested? or are there others, with better ratings?

Looking for other options right now. If I find someone I am more inclined to trust, I really don't care what the 'regular' vet says. Odds are when I get this sorted out I will be changing practices for a 'regular' vet anyway. I was loyal to the vet who is retiring because I feel he was loyal to Feeby - don't think that relationship is likely to be replicated with those left in his practice.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I don't know if you mentioned it but was Feeby's original vet who retired a feline only vet?

Thank you for all your kind words and support! Feeby's vet was not feline only - none of the remaining vets in his practice are either. As a matter of fact I am having trouble finding any vets in my area that have denoted themselves as feline only. I am also having a hard time finding any other specialty/internal medicine vets than the one recommended to my by the vet that just saw Feeby.

I did reach out to my Next Door Neighbor web site and received some leads, but for 'regular' vets, not internal med vets. However, one person does have a kitty that sounds similar to Feeby and she has given me the name of her vet who is caring for her cat.

I am continuing the search!

 

[FeebysOwner]

For what it is worth - I have Feeby's blood work results, but posted them in the H-T thread I had started earlier, which was 'resurrected' by neely a while back (Hyperthyroidism in Feeby - Questions | Page 4 | TheCatSite). I am kind of getting lost on how to manage posts about Feeby anymore...so, this thread will probably not be continued after this.

I also shared the new test results with the H-T and tanyackd forums to see what they have to say.

Still on the search for both a new 'regular' vet as well as an internist.