Friday, August 26, 2022

UPDATE on Momma

 Well, yesterday was much to do about nothing!   I could get NO help whatsoever!  To say I am p**sed is an understatement.  This would be a great city to have Vets that actually do what they pledged to do.

I called 6 different vets yesterday - all I got was "we are 2 weeks out", "end of Sept.", and "no new patients".  Then go 'to the emergency vet'.  We have 2 - one I will ever go to again (they killed a cat of mine years ago - yes they did).  The other was at least a "6 hour wait to be seen" per them!!!!  Then you are there for 3 - 4 hours.  One vet on duty.  I can't see to drive at night - and it would have been late coming home from there.
Seriously!!!!!!!

I got testy with the last of 6 that I spoke with.  I said Indy would be a great place to have a vet clinic.  She said - they are everywhere.  I said well, they all appear to useless as crap!!!!!  
I used to call and could get in my regular vet anytime.  They would squeeze you in for an emergency.  Not anymore.
I truly don't understand why things like this have not gotten back to normal.

SO, this Mom is taking care of her baby herself.  I learned how to take care of her glands on the Internet (you can find anything).  I did that - doesn't seem to be a problem.
I think she may not be pooing as much, since she is eating less.  She is drinking and urinating, that is good.

She has had hip problems for a long time (being a big girl) and she is 13+ years old.  That is substantial for an outdoor cat.  Monday she quit meeting me at the back door.  She jumps up on a trash can - then over the fence to a table - then jumps down to drive.  I think she acts like she is just hurting in her back end more (her stride is a little different).  We have been through this before.  I have given her a little pain med, increased CBD, and yesterday just to be sure - a dose of milk of magnesium.
Yesterday morning - she wasn't even outside when I went out in AM.  This morning she was waiting at the gate.  She only ate a couple bites of wet food - but appears to be eating some dry. Not losing weight.
She is resting a lot.

I will take care of her and make her comfortable as can be.  She seems to be responding slowly.
I will make an appointment for Sept. to have her checked.
Thank you for your kind thoughts - please continue to send good vibes for her.



54 comments:

  1. You can bet we are keeping you and Miss Kitty in our thoughts and prayers. I understand your frustration. I believe I have said before you may have to make an appointment to die...and not in the near future! Doggone it! Sounds like you are giving her excellent care. Hugs for you both!

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  2. Do you have any colleges or vet tech schools near you that see patients?
    May be worth a try or a pet health clinic at a pet store? SPCA?
    Glad you are nursing her. She is a pretty cat!
    Bun

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    1. No where close - maybe 80 miles from here. Never thought about a pet store. She is a beauty! Thanks

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  3. She is a very pretty cat! I can understand your frustration. You are taking good care of her so prayerfully she will be better soon.

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  4. We have been using the same vet practice for over 30 years. Things changed since the covid pandemic. Even though my elderly dog has cancer which required surgery (at the height of the lockdowns), I have trouble her a "sick" appointment. The new normal I guess. What a shame. Good on you figuring out how to care for your kitty yourself!

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    1. Yep everything changed in the past couple years. You would think they could get back to normal now. Sorry you had such problems too.
      All I can do is my best for her.

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  5. I meant getting her an appointment. Ha!

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  6. She is a beauty, Cheryl. And YES, there isn't any reasonable excuse (in my book) for things not to have returned to normal by now. I'm glad she has you to look after her. We had a 15 lb. cat who started doing the same thing when he was about Momma's age and switched him to a dry cat food for senior cats. He improved. I also gave him unsalted, homemade bone broth as a treat from time to time for his joints. Sending a big cyber hug!
    --Elise

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    1. Thanks for the tips. She suddenly doesn't seem to want wet food. Bone broth is a good idea. Thanks for the tips.
      No reason at all in my book either!!!!!!
      Doing my best

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  7. I am so sorry to hear this. As a retired vet, I can tell you that as society has changed, so has vet med. Day practices send clients to the ER or can’t get you in for several days or more. They are still understaffed-vet med doesn’t pay well so it’s harder than ever to find staff, including veterinarians. Many or even most practices have been bought out by large corporations, so they run according to “company policy”. I’m thankful to have practiced back in the “older days” when the client was always right…if they thought it was an emergency, we worked them into our schedule. We also worked to get everyone in within 24 hours which was also good for business-give clients peace of mind, and for the business-see them before they had the chance to get better in their own ;)! Today’s litigious society has also effected substantial change.

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    1. I agree - the old days (2 years ago) was so much better. Mine operated as you are saying. They saw you - no matter how busy. If a pet parent thought it was important - it was important. These are still the small clinics around as before - just limited people I guess.
      What they don't realize is these patients they don't see - may die and then they have fewer patients!
      Thank you for being such a caring vet.

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  8. Hopefully Momma is just off soft food for the moment though I suspect you are correct and she is in some discomfort. You're doing the best you can for her and she obviously appreciates it. I hope all goes well when you do get an appointment.

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    1. Thanks - I am trying. She doesn't feel well - you can tell a difference. I have seen it before, but she was younger.

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  9. I hope momma kitty will be okay. It sounds like you are doing good for her. My granddaughter is a vet tech and comes home most evenings very frustrated because the vets are leaving, and they are always down in personnel count. She is such an animal lover and it hurts her to have to turn people away but feels like their hands are tied. It is sad.

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    1. It is sad. We had enough 2 years ago - where did they go? You would think they would go back to what they trained for.
      It is very sad. Tell her thank you for being so caring.

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  10. How frustrating! I can imagine myself completely freaking out at someone. I don't handle it well when I'm stressed out over my babies. We've had a changing of the guard at our vet. Tolerable so far, but I'm leery. The older vets are retiring and young lady vets are coming in. They are what I call the screaming meemies lol. They bypass all the simple explanations and go for the worst case scenario. I HATE that. My pup has a bad habit of eating other animal poop in our yard. Our old vets used to say, "Ahh, a possible poopsicle connoisseur!" and would treat it simply first. The first of the screaming meemies that started immediately wanted to order up $1000 of tests and insisted that eating poop wouldn't cause the symptoms. She was very pissy when I told her I wasn't going to pay off her student loans and I wanted a second opinion.
    Yup, a $30 antibiotic and we were all normal 2 days later. So, that youngster is on our "NO" list.
    We've been with this clinic for 18 years. We'll see if they keep us as customers.

    I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, Cheryl. I think you're handling it as well as possible and I hope you get good results.
    I like the broth idea. Sounds like a good thing.

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    1. WOW - that is crazy. I mean dogs eat poop! That is well known - why she would have an attitude is beyond me. They think they went to college so know more than everyone - but we know our babies. Yeah, I would be gone as well.
      The prices they are charging are crazy. I mean the equipment is there, and at some point it pays for itself - why all the dollars?
      I am doing my best - what she allows!

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  11. Unfortunately I think this may be our new normal and it is SO frustrating. Can't get in anywhere without a 4-6 month wait it seems. You're doing a great job making her comfortable and trying to give her what she needs. Hugs to you. It is stressful.

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    1. You may be right - and it is ridiculous. No reason for it - except maybe greed. So many people and pets will die before being seen.
      Thanks - yep it is stressful. I will do what I can as long as needed.

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  12. So sorry your having this trouble...everything is effected even the vets. She is a beautiful cat and I'm glad she has you to watch over her.

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    1. Yes, and I am so tired of people in business using it as an excuse. Things do not need to stay this way.
      Thank you - she is my eldest!

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  13. Good Grief! What is this world coming to??

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  14. This seems to be the new normal, even in a big city. The only way I could be assured that my pup would be seen in the event of an emergency was to get him on an annual wellness plan. The cost of the annual plan = his immunizations, and I get an annual exam and 10% off any purchases of services (including boarding, grooming, and training) and goods (specialty sensitive stomach and prescription foods, should he get a sensitive tummy). Those with a "wellness package" can schedule an appointment; all others are walk-ins and have to wait. During/after covid, we were told there are three factors playing into the situation -- (1) LOTS of people adopted pets during Covid, since they were working from home and wanted the companionship, and (2) older veterinarians retired during covid and (3) there are fewer vets in college, leaving a shortage in the animal care centers. Our vet had 12 locations in his practice and he sold them all earlier this year. The new owner brought in a couple of interns this summer and offered externships for vet school students not ready for a medical/veterinary internship, in order to develop a relationship and draw in these students as they get closer to graduation. Hope kitty continues to improve.

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    1. Well at least with pet 'insurance' it get you in. I mean that is basically what it is insurance.
      I guess that all makes since - but it sure doesn't help us pet owners who would like care for our babies.

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  15. To add to the above, re: wellness plan, the cost = immunizations, but is paid in equal monthly installments via autopay to a charge card. It would be slightly more, if I used NO goods or services. But because I use grooming there, and occasionally do day-care, day boarding, or overnight boarding, it works out in my favor.

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    1. I still find this incredible. The average person with no plan offered - is kind of out of luck.

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    2. I'm sorry Kitty is unwell and you can't find a get to see her. My sister used to take her car to Noah's animal hospital in Indy. I hope that wasn't the one who killed your other cat. It's sad how hard it is to get in to a vet. I hope your cat gets well soon!

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  16. I remember, at our old vet who died, we could just walk in with our sick dog. Now, at this vet, I have to make appointments for any little thing and I won't even mention at Cost. Hope your cat gets well soon.

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  17. I still have to wait in my car to take my dog to my vet. This has been going on for two years.
    No one can go inside due to COVID. So bars,gyms,malls,theatres
    Are all open. Not to mention Buffett restaurant's but I can not
    Go inside my vets office . I feel some businesses are taking advantage of the situation. I think they can see more animals without dealings with the
    Owners. But I fear customer service is a thing of the past.
    Sorry your kitty is not feeling well .

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    1. I did that at the emergency vet once - had to wait outside. Yes, they are taking advantage.
      That has changed here - for most things - but businesses are still using it as an excuse.
      OH 100% customer service is dwindling!!!!!!
      Thak you

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  18. That's so frustrating, Cheryl!
    We've been fortunate that we have been able to see our veterinarian when we needed to. We did have to go to the emergency clinic during 2020 in the middle of the night but the wait was only an hour (though it seemed longer!). I am wondering if we should look into pet insurance while our kitty is still young.
    ~margaret

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    1. It is very frustrating. Just trying to do the right thing - and I get kicked. I know farm/barn/feral cats go through all kinds of stuff outdoors - but mine have been pretty spoiled!
      It might not be a bad thing to look into - it seems crazy it has come to that.

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  19. Definitely keeping the two of you in my thoughts. How frustrating that you couldn't get in to have someone look at your fur baby at a reasonable hour or length of wait.

    God bless.

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    1. Thank you. SO frustrating. Not sure what to think of this world today!

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  20. OH how frustrating and sad. May God bring healing for your baby in Jesus' name.

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  21. We just took our dog to a vet yesterday. We started using them because the other one we used almost killed our dog. She got vaccinations & had a bad reaction almost died & when I called them they said I don’t know what to tell you. Ended up going to an ER hospital & she almost died. It was $2000.00. This new vet is nice but when I took her in yesterday they did X-rays on her back & urine test. $380.00. She was acting poorly & wouldn’t jump. I think she might have sprained herself chasing bubbles. All this to say I think they charge too much & jump to tests. We are retired & if I had to borrow the money I would because she’s like our child. I just wish they wouldn’t charge so much.

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    1. Oh I understand completely. Around here you can't get out for less than $350 and emergency care is through the roof.
      I took a cat to emergency once and there were 2 animals in there - my kitty and a huge dog. They gave her the dogs meds and the dog hers. She hallucinated and had a heart attack. Let me tell you - they probably have a framed picture of me hanging up for No service. I told everyone what they did - including TV and newspapers. Horrid.

      We love our babies and just want the best for them.
      So sorry you have gone through all of that!

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  22. Hi Cheryl
    I have read your blog for about four months now and really enjoy it and the people who post. After reading your post about your Mama cat I truly understand your frustration as well as others. What has happened out there with these clinics is a large corporation has gone around the country and offered large sums of money to clinics that have been successful and many of these clinics, the owners are or were close to retirement age. Students coming out of vet school with hopes to buy an already established clinic cannot afford it any longer and with school debt and the cost of living or having a family makes this a very difficult possibility for them. Also, this large corporation has its fingers in pharmaceutical for animals and guess what...foods! The vets who sell out know that if they don't sell out when the offer comes, most likely they won't be able to if they are close to retirement. This corporation has three initials. I will not say the name, but many will know who this company is and you can look further to see who owns it.

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    1. First so glad to have you here and joining us!
      Thank you for the info - you are basically the second one relaying the same sort of story. It sure is a sad story - when profit come before health and well being. I understand why the doctors do it - it just doesn't make it any easier to swallow the outcome. Not that they care - I just hope that these organizations know that they have 'death' on their hands.
      As you can tell, I am not a happy camper!!!!!
      Thank you!

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  23. My suggestion to the above is even if you do not use a particular clinic, call and become a client and give all the information on any pets that you have so if you cannot get into your usual clinic, there could be a possibility to use the other. Also, find out if they have slots through the day for animals that are sick that need to be seen. Some clinics if you call early, like the opening hour, in the morning of the day you need to take your pet in because of true illness, can place you in a spot. Usually and hopefully they have those slots for "must be seen". That's why it's important to have another clinic available with all your animals information and shows you are a client, new client.
    When kitties get older as you already know, their bowels do not work as well, or they can get hairballs that make it difficult. I would suggest possibly trying to see if she will eat some turkey or chicken baby food from a jar with warm water on it and see if she will take some mayo on your finger or in a small bowl. It has oil in it and some cats really like it and also, Chewy.com has in a tube that is tuna flavored that many cats like that you could offer her that is a laxatone. I feel for you as I truly know your frustration and others who have posted. We love our fuzzy babies and want the best for them. Our world has definitely changed and so has the care of our pets with those we have trusted. I suggest to all to do your homework on checking on other local clinics. Call and see about possibly having slots between their regular appointments for animals that need immediate care. This is something that they really do not tell you unless you ask and be sure to get the person's name who gives that information to you so if there is a question in the future that you can recall who told you. Prayers for your Mama kitty and hope she gets to feeling better. She is lucky to have you as her person!

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    1. Thanks for the info. I called 6 clinics - not just my regular. Most say no new patients at all, and no one would allow me to work her in. I have tried all kinds of gravies and food - mineral oil and even milk of magnesia. I don't see her all day - so she may have pooed. She is getting worse as far as eating - she wants nothing I try. I have her secluded now and I am just keeping her comfortable. I think her time is close. She just wants me to hold her - that is not normal.

      Yes this world has sure changed in the past couple years - and I might add - not for the better. I am so disillusioned right now it isn't funny. That is not at all like me.
      Thank you!

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    2. Hold her close, Cheryl, and absorb the gentle rhythm of her purring. It'll bring you both some comfort. Still praying for both of you. --Elise

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    3. Elise - exactly what I have done. Thank you

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  24. Thoughts and Prayers for you, and your beautiful fur baby. Hugs! prayersforpets.org

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  25. Just saw this story. Understand your frustration and pain. One year ago my 18 year old dog was dying and in sio much pain but regular vet was two weeks out. Everyone I called could not help her and I live in a town where vets are almost every block. After hours of calling finally found one who said if I could get her there in next 20 minutes they would see her. I broke many speed limits but I made it but by then there was nothing that could be done. She was put down but this wonderful vet let me stay and did not charge me. I am now living in another state but I will never forget his kindness. After so many years she my dog was family and very loved.

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    1. I am sorry for your loss. It used to common for vets to take you in when you needed in and to show all the love and tenderness in the world. Now it seems, short staffed, hurry up and wait, and economics are most important! It sure isn't the same!!!!! Not by a longshot.
      Our pets are most definitely family!!!

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