Can anyone put my mind at rest? Jeremy seems to be poorly.

[LitleMermaid 10]

Evening.

 

For the last couple of days our cat Jeremy has been in a bit of a mood-but to be honest we weren't too worried as he's the most sensitive cat we've ever known bless him.

 

But when he didn't come for his usual morning cuddle two days in a row-and I can't stress how unusual it is for him not to be curled up with us when we wake up-we've been a bit concerned.

 

He's hid away under the bed/table/litter tray all day, and he cries when I pick him up to have a proper look at him. He is also carrying himself weirdly, particularly around the back end. We have a suspicion that he may have some sort of UTI and are going to sort out a vet appointment tomorrow morning for as soon as possible-but can anyone put my mind at rest for tonight?

 

Also, with regards to the cost of treatment-which is not an issue, of course we'll get him seen to whatever the cost-you lot know us too well to think anything else, but I thought I'd clarify for anyone who doesn't know us--but has your cat ever had a urinary infection and how much did it cost to put right?

 

Any replies will be very much appreciated, although I probably won't reply until the morning as we don't have wireless at the moment and will be checking this thread from Andy's phone whilst we try and get a bit of rest-Andy's got a very early morning tomorrow, and we want to keep Jeremy company upstairs. Thanks.

[Strix 11]

well Spottie had a dog from the pound with a urine infection, and that was treated with a course of antibiotics, so if you know how much that usually costs, that may be a start

[LitleMermaid 10]

Thanks Strix, fingers crossed it's not too much-I know a course of anitibiotics are not normally too hideous. Of course he's worth any amount, but then again, with our bank balances, the cheaper the better:roll: Got at appointment at deepcar for later this morning, keep your fingers crossed for my big man:( He's a bit worse this morning, he was laid in the litter tray before-now we've put him into his carrier until we leave in half an hour.

[SugarPuff 10]

Aww I hope he's okay, our 7year old cat Alfie (sadly no longer with us) used to get cystitis a lot, he stopped being cuddly and would yowl and wail as he wandered round the house, and had pink/red urine in tiny amounts.

 

Putting him back on a tinned meat diet from a dry one seemed to help, but it's awful to see them feeling poorly when you can't help or explain to them!

 

We just had to keep going back to the vets each time for more medication. Hope Jeremy's okay xx

Edited February 4, 2009 by SugarPuff

[haddockman 10]

Aww I hope he's okay, our 7year old cat Alfie (sadly no longer with us) used to get cystitis a lot, he stopped being cuddly and would yowl and wail as he wandered round the house, and had pink/red urine in tiny amounts.

 

Putting him back on a tinned meat diet from a dry one seemed to help, but it's awful to see them feeling poorly when you can't help or explain to them!

 

We just had to keep going back to the vets each time for more medication. Hope Jeremy's okay xx

 

That sounds very similar to what Jeremy is like!

 

Hopefully it's nothing more serious than that! Got a vet appointment at 1010, he seems to be stable at the moment, just lying in the cat carrier waiting to go!

[MARY POPPINS 10]

Hope he's ok just thought if he's crying whenyou pick him up. and doesn't seem to be right around his back end, he's obviously in pain, you dont think he could have been hit by a car do you,

[haddockman 10]

Just got back from the vets.

 

He's got some kind of infection or blockage in his bladder, so he's not able to wee.

 

He's having his bladder drained, then they've got to work out why and see if there's any kidney damage as a result.

 

We both feel a bit guilty for not taking him yesterday, but although he seemed a bit off colour, it was only this morning he really seemed to get worse.

 

Vet said if he makes it through, it's going to probably cost several hundred pounds and depending on his kidneys, he might need treatment and a specialist diet for the rest of his life.

 

We're really worried, both about Jeremy and the money Just got our fingers crossed he's alright and we'll deal with the money when we know he's on the mend.

[LitleMermaid 10]

I've just got off the phone to the vets-Jeremy has come through the anesthetic and has perked up slightly, but has got quite a lot of kidney damage. The fee is going to be astronomical, and obviously I was very upset on the phone and asked there was any chance we could pay in instalments, but she said no. I'm now ringing the bank being passed from pillar to post trying to extend my overdraft, but not having much luck. I've tried ringing round charities to see if there's anyway of them helping; but as I work, even though it is for a pittance, no-one can help me. I've been TRYING for months to get more hours and/or another job, but at this moment in time I'm not having any luck. Does anyone have any experience of getting vets to draw up a payment plan?

 

Haddock and me are so, SO skint at the moment-obviously, OBVIOUSLY Jerry's health is the most important thing, and it's worth anything to get him better, but i don't know where on earth to turn next-if anyone has got any advice I'd be eternally grateful.

Edited February 4, 2009 by LitleMermaid

[mojo1 10]

I wish I could help, I really do. When Billy had the same thing a couple of years ago it was devastating, I was lucky enough to have the PDSA to call on. They printed out a reciept for what his treatment should have cost and it was getting on for £700, so I know what you mean by astronomical.

Which Vet is it that won't let you pay in installments? I'd be very interested to know as I've never come across such rigidity before.

[LitleMermaid 10]

Am I allowed to say? I actually cried on the phone when she said we couldn't pay in installments.

 

The reasoning behind this "it's your first time here."

 

Excuse me, no it's not. April is registered there and so were all my foster bunnies. If she means it's the first time Jeremy has been there-it's hardly surprising is it given that we've only had him a few months??!

 

I also don't understand why shemade us feel like the worst owners in the world for not having insurance-as a couple of people on here will agree, when you have a multi cat household, it's the better option not to pay a premium every month. I still stand by that. He neede to get to another one of their surgeries in Barnsey ASAP, and when we took up her offer of her taking him over there after morning surgery, reasoning that it would still be quicker then taking him on the train, she wasn't happy. I do apologise for not being a car owner. Grrrr I asked haddock if I'm overreacting because I'm so upset, but he doesn't think so either.

[haddockman 10]

It was Abbey vets in Deepcar.

 

They've got a very good reputation and I'm sure they are wonderful vets, but they lady we dealt with wasn't very nice at all! PDSA etc cant help, because we're not on benefits!

 

Typical

[Moonbird 10]

It was Abbey vets in Deepcar.

 

They've got a very good reputation and I'm sure they are wonderful vets, but they lady we dealt with wasn't very nice at all! PDSA etc cant help, because we're not on benefits!

 

Typical

 

Poor Jeremy I am very sorry to hear how poorly he is, how old is he?

 

I really do feel for you and vet bills are my worst nightmare too, a few years ago I used Springfield vets and they were fantastic, not the cheapest vet but very good, and best of all you could pay for all treatment by instalments, so long as you paid on time there was no problem at all.

 

I used Springfield all the time for every thing, inoculations, spaying worming, and I guess must have been a very good customer...it has since been taken over and everything changed, no more instalments and now I shop around....a lose lose situation, I would much rather use my local vets and have the good relationship that I had there, where they knew me and my animals well.

 

Sorry I don't mean to take over your thread but it is something that I feel very strongly about...bring back the old fashioned local vets who we knew and trusted I say!