MommaLuxie here:
Sorry to keep everyone waiting so long, but Luxor was at the vet's office all day, receiving some IV medication, getting x-rays and having an EKG done. He had another episode of fluid filling his lungs and causing congestion, which has improved this evening.
I'm terribly frustrated right now, because I couldn't see the vet when I picked him up and a piece of paper I was given said, "Diagnosis: heart disease."
When I asked for more information, the tech came back saying "Primary muscle heart disease." ??? Is that still the dilative cardiomyopathy? I don't know.
We have another appointment in a week when, presumably, more information will be forthcoming.
His medication dosages have been changed and another one added for 10 days.
Luxor ate well when we got home and is now relaxing on the sofa with Silky.
Question of the year: Why, when you least want to stress a cat out, does his medication come in tablet form? And why does one have 11.6% alcohol with assorted food colorings included?
I'm sorry - I'm feeling really down tonight, but thanks for your concern and for stopping by to see how the visit went.
{{{hugs}}}
Yr Upset 1,
Elaine
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Luxor's vet visit
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70 comments:
Well, imagine you are frustrated if that's all the info you got.
Glad Lux is resting at home now, where he can heal.
We're all purring for him. And for you, in dealing with the vet.
Wish we could do something to help...
Love & Purrs,
ML & KC
Well, that sure helped inform you about Lux's condition. (We're being facetious.)
We are glad Lux is home and we hope things go better than you are thinking about giving him his med.
We're crossing our paws for Lux.
We are sorry to hear you did not get more information today after Lux's vet visit. We understand how frustrating that can be. It is good to hear that he is resting comfortably right now.
All the best to you and your family in the New Year.
Brenda & Boots
Very frustrating indeed! I'm glad that Luxie is home and resting, but we are worried that he had another episode. We hope the medication will help. Huggs and lots of purrs.
We're sending over some hugs.
Oh, sweetie ... Those "in the know" tend to keep their information from those who need it most. Did you get Lux some Pill Pockets for those dastardly tablets? I can imagine the wrestling and the biting that come with stressed out cats an' frustrated 'beans trying to help those stressed out cats.
The fact that Lux is eating ... an' cuddling with Silky ... bodes well.
Purrs to you an' your fambly ... Felines with heart disease can live a furry long time (Fudge Ripple lived an additional fourteen years after being diagnosed).
DMM and Jessica
Elanine, I am so sorry he's had another episode. I am also sorry you couldn't talk to the vet. I would be full of questions as I am sure you are. I can't answer either of your questions. Is there any way you can purchase some of those tools to break up his tablet so you can add it into food? I almost bought that for brutus. I found it in Wal-Mart. Wish we could make it better, we are thinking of you.
Stacy & Brutus
Mommy Meg Edit::: So sorry Lanie you must be beside yourself. Hugs to you and hubby and snuggles to Luxie and the girls.
I would think the heart disease on the ticket is the same as what the other vet said, but they should be able to give you more info, Arrg.
Medicine for 10 days sounds like an antibiotic or maybe prednisone which would reduce inflamation... It may take some time to get all the meds just right, I am hoping with all my heart these dosages do the trick.
On the positive side, it's good that Lux is home and eating, but we can understand your frustration. You must be wiped out with worry and what you really need is information so that you know how to deal with this situation.
We're no longer at seriously amused (we're giving it back to Mom) and have started our own blog.
Mom would be happy to send more Reiki for your entire family to help you cope, to help Lux heal and to the vet staff so that they can truly do their best.
Hugs and purrs from all of us.
Ms. P, Cinza and Mom
I can only imagine how frustrating it is not to be able to get answers, to ask questions, and to really understand what is going on.
All of us here are sending jingles to Lux and positive thoughts to his family.
Take care
oh Lux'sMom, we doesn't blame you at ALL for being flustrated. Poor Luxie!!! we are all purring that you get straight and accurate answers when you see the v-e-t next week.
Many many many purrss to all of you
I think being frustrated is very natural. Sometimes the V-E-T people seem to forget that we both want and need as much information as we can get about the health of our loved ones.
I got a pill popper for pilling the kitties. It is like a long syringe, with a rubber bit on the end that holds the tablet. You put it in the mouth, and then shoot it down their throat. It makes giving tablets a lot quicker and easier. Maybe you could ask your vet about it? It saves Suey from a lot of stress- she hates tablets with a passion.
We hope you get the answers that you are after very soon.
-Lissa.
I'm glad that Lux is home and doing well with Silky watching over him.
As for your frustration, it is certainly understandable. The vet should know better than to have them hand you a piece of paper with that written on it without more information. I certainly hope you don't have to wait until next week for more answers.
I am sending many prayers that Lux doesn't have any more episodes and that the new medication works. I sending you both many (((hugs))).
Sharla
Grr at that vet. Call the owner of the hospital, I'd be appalled at that treatment. When Latte was sick with his femur issue I had the owner call and apologize. Our vet would never ever just write something down like that- poor customer service. Ugh, we're so sorry. I'm sure it will get itself figured out though and we know you take the best care of Lux.
The LL
We second the recommendation on the pill popper. It works great and as long as the pills aren't too big we like it better than liquid medicine. My mom also got a pill chopper at the drug store if we need to make the pills smaller. Hope you can call the vet tomorrow and get more detailed information. At least he's eating!
Oh good heavens to Betsy! Sometimes Vets and their techs can be rather dense when it comes to dealing with clients!!! Argh. We're sending positive purrs and heartfelt thoughts and hugs to you and your family right now. We're very sorry to hear that Luxie had the congestion again. We hope that his pills get sorted out properly so all will work the way it should! Many {{{hugs}}} and purrs.
Luf, Us & Maw
Okay! Thanks for the great patient care, there, Mr. V-E-T! And a whole 'nother week until you see them? (Elaine, I'm being facetious/sarcastic, but not toward you, just the vet-I'm helping you vent! [g])
I'm sorry this is happening and I'm sorry you're feeling down-and justifiably so. I wish I could-along with the rest of the Cat Blogosphere-come fight your dragons for you-in fact, I'd like to fight all the Sickness Dragons attacking our friends in the CB! And slay them all!
I would call the vet tomorrow and ask her for clarification on that note.
If you can send me a list of his medications, I can see if my wife knows about them. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know. My wife knows a lot about Lux's condition (dilative cardiomyopathy), so if you need additional information on that, I can get it for you. Just leave a comment on my site and I'll help as much as I can.
I would be seeing a new VET.. what is it with VET's in the States.. I can't even imagine being treated that way by one here.. oh my goodness I would not even pay the bill until I was treated as the caring customer I was..
Sorry Momma taking over... we think you have been treated terribly and should storm in their tomorrow and ask about this, considering it's seriousness...
YOU are the paying CUSTOMER and you should reaffirm this!
We loves you Luxie!!!
V-V
We are so sorry that the V-E-T was so closed mouthed. We hope that you can call them back tomorrow to find out more information.
Tavi, Cody, Camie and Miss Jade
PS - we are purring for Luxie and you.
(((hugs)))
Sorry for your frustrations... sometimes there just aren't easy answers. We're glad that Lux is home and resting, and hope you get some more info on his condition soon. Thanks for looking after him so well!
Not OK, Not Ok at all. I would be right on the phone or in person tomorrow with a list of questions. I am glad Luxie is home and comfy tho...
Purrs to him and to you Elaine,
Parker and family
Oh momma bean kitty person, we send yoo purrs and headbutts.
Lux, we is sending sum heavy duty purrs yer way dude!
with mu shue i fund out most medication can be called into a compting place to make in lquid form. It can be very price but can be done
Laura
Luxor - we are thinking of you, you are one of our very favorite pussy cats, hugs from the topcatrules girls, Trixie and Tigger and Pyewacket.
{{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to MommaLuxie! How aweful to have Lux go through all of that only to have them tell you nothing new! Duh! Hope they can find medicine that won't stress Lux out to take them.
Lux's mom, we would be frustrated too. As others have suggested, it might be worth calling the vet tomorrow to try to get some answers. Also, as far as medications, I use a veterinary pharmacy located in Houston that compounds medications into flavored chewable treats or flavored liquids. They also do transdermal meds. Shipment is usually overnight. If you are interested and would like more info, please let me know.
We will keep Lux in our thoughts and hope he feels better....
Island Cats' mom
Oh Luxie's Mom that was not good what that Vet did! We agree with everyone that you should call tomorrow and get more answers!! We are sending ((((((((BIG warm kitty hugs to you all!))))) That is so nice that Silky is taking care of Lux, too!
Your FL furiends,
Never worry about demanding to talk to the doctor or someone if you don't get an answer that makes sense. Keep asking. This is your life and your cat! It's their business to answer questions--at least with an answer, even it's "We don't know".
Now we are purring that Luxor won't get all stressed out and that he's a good cat for his meds!
A tech came back not the vet, maybe the tech dumbed it down but it sounds like it's the same thing, the dilative cardiomyopathy. You deserve a better explanation from the vet.
Purrrrrrrrrrrs and hugs
Mog and Meowza
Sheesh, da vet has a concerned (and probly frightened kitty) pet mom and he is "not available"...didn't even say "he'll call yoo later?" Our vet called us on a Sunday afternoon just to see if da medication he gave Speedy had settled his tummy. Dat is real service and why, even tho mom could find a cheaper place fur us to go, she will keep taking us to our regular vets. Well, we do hope dat Lux is feeling better and dat his medications help.
I've looked up the pill popper and that does sound like it might be easier - I'll see if I can find it at one of the pet stores tomorrow.
Our vet's a lady and she really cares about the animals (she loves Lux) - it's just the office procedures I have a problem with. Plus they're really busy, all the time. That can be really frustrating when you feel you've got something serious going on.
That can be quite frustrating. I am glad that Lux is home and hopefully, a pill popper will help with the tablet.
I remember going to pick up Praline after she had spent the day in the Emergency Animal Clinic and the vet didn't come to talk with me. I think I will be more assertive in the future.
We sure hope the pill popper works for you Lux. When our brofur was taking heart meds and not feeling good, mom bean tried everything, even the pill popper. She ended up getting his meds in liquid form and beef flavoured. The smell and taste of meds is hard to disguise, but this worked. This is expensive, but he needed to feel better first. When he got used to meds in his stinky goodness mom bean was able eventually to simply crush the tablets with one of those pill crushers and mix with wet food.
We hope Lux, you feel better real soon, but you gotta take dem meds.
hugs,
Mindy, Moe, Bono
You haven't gotten your money's worth of service, no matter how caring the vet is. I can't add any advice, but there has been a lot of good advice given before me. We had Kelly's pills compounded and that made it much easier to give him his meds.
All of us hope Lux continues to eat and improve. Take care of yourself...
-- Kelly Cat's favorite human, missing the Big Guy
Ditto on what Parker said. Write out a list of questions and call every 15 minutes tomorrow until you get the vet. Unfortunately, Vets are Doctors. They seem to only see the symptoms and treatment and not the patient and family's feelings. The fact that they let you bring Lux home is a good sign in my mind. When my babies are kept at the clinic overnight I go absolutely crazy. Sleep is not even an option. Try to hang in there, don't give up hope. I've imagined the worst and more often than not, things work out better than I thought possible. Give Lux a kiss form me, and know you are in my thoughts.
Hugs & luv
peggy & the Cats
Oh gosh, I am jes happy to heer Lux is hangin in thare and enjoying Silky. And foods! You'll get more informashun soon. Don't be 'fraid to growl at em if yoo need to.
Hed butts for you and Luxie.
xxoo
Mixed feelings... I'm so glad Lux is home resting, but frustrated with you about the info. Can't you call the vet personally? Anyhow, hang in there! Your furriends around the world are thinking of you!
I'm sorry Lux had another episode and that you have to deal with clumsy support staff at the vet. Could you put together a list of questions for your vet and request/insist on an immediate telephone consultation? Your vet does need to spend some time explaining the ins and outs of Lux's condition and its management. Some more knowledge about his condition and its management will go a long way in helping you feel less frustrated about his condition and less anxious about the unknowns. Finding a compounding pharmacy sounds like a good idea if Lux gets stressed when you have to give him pills.
We send you and Lux love and rumbly purrs.
Whicky Wuudler
I will feel down if I were you,
All of us all hope Luxie will be fine.
I hope Luxor will be doing fine at new year, because new year always meaning hope~!!!
I will keep praying and purring for him, and all of you.
Michico & Adan
Dear Luxies mom, we are sorry to hear about your frustrations at the vet. I hope they take the time to explain things a bit more clearly at Luxies next visit.
We went to the vet the other week, and our usual lady was away. The locum didn't even introduce herself and wasn't very helpful - grrr!!
Happy new year, and we hope things get better in 2009. We'll be thinking of you and Luxie, and sending purrs your way.
Julie and Poppy Q
Pixie used to get a cardiac ultrasound every 6 months, and after the exam and testing, we always had a consultation with the cardiologist where he explained the findings and his treatment plan, and we were also given a really detailed report with the technical results of the u/s and a summary of finding. "Heart disease" is about as vague as you can get! Maybe the meeting you have scheduled for next week is for the doctor to go over the findings?
Also, certain pharmacies can compound medications for you if that helps.
Oh dear, that does sound vewy fwustwating. I'm sending out mine bestest purrs for Wux.
Boy
Mom Barb here:
I can understand why you are frustrated. If it was at the end of the day and you couldn't see the Vet, then you simply call or go in this morning. Waiting a week? I certainly would not, especially after he just had another episode AND that all his meds were changed. Either of those 2 situations warrants a conversation directly with the Vet.
I can tell you that my Vet would not have allowed me to take them home without speaking with me to explain things, even if he had to stay late. And I expect nothing less.
Oh Elaine, that would be so frustrating. Hopefully you will get all your questions answered ASAP!! I wish I had the knowledge to help but I have no experience in these matters. We are sending out lots of purrs and hugs.
~Danica and all the Sumac felines
We're so sorry that Lux had another episode. We hope he's feeling better. We're sending lots of hugs and purrs.
We are glad Luxie is home again and resting.
Our mum would be spitting feathers if she was treated like that. Your vet may be good, but she still should have found time to speak to you, if not in person, then by phone.
Our vet ALWAYS explains things in great detail and sees our mum in person. If he has an emergency and can't see her he rings her as soon as he is free.
We are sending you stress relieving (((hugs))) and purrs to Lux.
We cannot add anything as there is already lots of good advice. We agree that speaking to the Vet soonest is best.
We just want to add our support to you and give our strongest purrs to Lux. (((((((((((( HUGS))))))))))
We hope you have a HAPPY NEW YEAR too.
Purrs Mickey,Georgia & Tillie
I had to take the evening and calm down. I agree with others....write down a list of questions and go back. I don't think I could wait another week. I would be calling and setting up an earlier time to speak with the vet.
The boys are purring and I am praying for Lux and all of you!
Meowm Rhonda
(((hugs))) and purrs to all of you. We are so sorry that Lux had another episode and that the office was so vague. We can organize a pillow pooping campaign if you want. Is there maybe a cardiologist that you could be referred to? Our regular vet has a cardiologist come in every couple of weeks to look at test results and such, but I was referred to a cardiologist when our shepherd had troubles and we couldn't wait for an appointment. He was so knowledgeable and explained everything so well. Plus he was sooo kind to our girl (and she could be an handful).
And ditto on the pill shooter. Those things are awesome. Lots of hugs for you. We're purring and purraying for all of you.
The Furry Kids' Mom
Oh, our vet gave us a pill shooter...see if your has one to give you. If not we will send ours and we can get another.
Purring for a miracle of recovery.
Junior and Orion
Oh Elaine, I'm sorry you're not getting better info and help (re meds) from the vet. The holidays make it all worse to deal with any medical folks, I think. I hope you get more info when you go back. A pill shooter sounds like a great idea, maybe that would help. We're sending prayers and Reiki and purrs from here for Lux. I hope they can help him feel better and give you better info soon.
~~Robyn
We are sending major purrs and purrayers your way. Feel better soon!!
XOXO
Grrrrrr at the v-e-t for not explaining everything to you, Luxie's Mom! China Cat & I are purring like crazy for you, Lux, and we hope that your mom gets answers regarding your health issues today!
Purrrrrrrrs, Willow
Mom Teri here: I would be so frustrated too if I didn't get answers right away. I saw there was a lot of good advice already so I'll just hope that you get information today, not next week. I would be going crazy not knowing for another week.
Purrrs and headbutts to Lux and you!
We wish you all a Happy & Especially Healthy New Year. We are sorry you don't have the answers you are waiting for. We are not usually spiteful, but when it comes to your children (furry and nonfurry)the gloves come off! Keep calling the vets office until they are as aggravated as you are.
I think the least they could do was to give you a phone call. Can you phone the vet ? I wouldn't wait a whole week, I'd be on the doorstep demanding answers !
I know this must have been so frustrating since Luxor's condition is a scary one. I do know that sometimes the vet staff is told not to say too much in case they give out bad information (understandable, but irritating!)
Two of my Rainbow Bridge kitties had cardiomyopathy (different kinds) and I learned that it was OK to call my vet if she wasn't available to talk to me when I picked them up or if they were in there overnight. I am usually reluctant to do that, but she told me it was OK - she told me she spent an hour at the end of each day answering phone calls and that she considered it part of her job.
We ended up going to a nearby vet school for tests my vet could not do (an echo cardiogram and consultation with a cardiologist) - I am not sure if that's an option for you.
Also, my vet always asks me if I want meds in liquid or pill form (my cats actually do better with pills than liquid), so I know that's possible.
Wishing you and Luxor all the best - and I hope you get more information ASAP. Glad he is feeling a bit better...
It's so frustrating when you can't discuss things with your vet. I feel for you. Perhaps she intends to discuss it all with you next week.
I hope things improve for Lux soon.
Many hugs to Lux & all of you.
Not to stress you out ... But, don't hesitate to find another Vet. Also maybe a specialist Vet is a good idea. I just went through this sort of & have a new Vet that communicates very well ... Which for me is key. Follow your instincts!!
Much kitty love & nose touches,
The Whippy Curly Tails
=^,,^=
We are so very sorry to read that Lux has heart disease. From what little we learned during Pepper's illness, the Hypertrophic is something that affects mostly the left ventricle and the Dilated has to do with the hearts ability to contract properly. At first we assumed that Pepper had the Hypertrophic because it is prevalent in the Maine Coon breed. However, his ultrasound showed the contracting issues. We pray that Lux's has been found in the early stages and he will respond well to medications! LOVE AND PURRS AND PRAYERS COMING TO YOU!!!!
wull, HAY-ul (as they say here in the ozarks). the meowers and dad & i feel furry sad fur you, an' hope that there will be quick and full relief for all your worry and for luxie's problems. and yep--what THEY all said--be waiting on the doorstoop when the vet comes in next, and don't take no for an answer.
most meds CAN indeed be in liquid form; if it doesn't already come that way, ask if the doc knows where it could be done by a compounding pharmacist, or whether you could just smoosh it and add it to broth or something else lux likes. i don't like wearing meds, so i prefer pills, but it just depends on what works for you and lux.
best wishes for a MUCH better new year for each and all of you!!
meower mom, cheryl
I hope next week's meeting will explain some things..but it sure is hard waiting a week for what you need and want to know.
We have a pill popper that our vet handed us one time, and with Momma Bobbie's RA she can't hold it right. Will be glad to send it your way.
Sending lots of ((Hugs)) and good thoughts to you, dear Luxor.
~ The Bunch
I can understand your frustration...and confusion.
We are so glad that Lux is home and resting and comfortable.
We are keeping you in our prayers.
Purrs
Abby
How furry frustrating! We hopes you git to da bottom of this soon. Can yer momma smoosh up yer pill and mix it wif some yummy stinky goodness?
We are so sorry to hear that the vet visit was not as informative as you would have liked. Mom thinks she would have gone ballistic if they hadn't given her information either. We hope you get your answers soon.
Roxy
Oh we are so sorry Lux that you are feeling so poorly! Please get well soon!
Mommy Elaine we ae sending hugs and purrs your way too!
Oh darn. We are not sure if our maid would be as sweet about this all as you are.... We are so sorry that you can't just get a diagnoses, and a treatment, and a healing.... Poor Lux - but we are glad that he seems to be feeling better and is home and resting. We keep purring for him, and you! And we do hope that whatever the specific diagnoses will be that it will be something easily treatable and hopefully repairable....
I got my pill shooter in the dog section at PetsMart. Mommy gives me treats afterward, so I like taking my pills. The last time we had questions, Mommy e-mailed my cardiologist a long list and they called back with the answers. Good luck!
Tiki
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