I'm really at a loss as to what to do (RE: my cat's health issues)

[charlie and algernon]

I know I've posted about it a few times before, but my cat has a recurring urinary tract infection. Or something, and that's the problem. She's now had two seperate stints on the antibotics and yet it still came back. I had her to the vet on Monday and the vet says that at least the crystals are gone, but Esther is still straining and not going all that much. The vet doesn't really know what it is. She gave me prescription wet food to try as well as some chew things, like UI vitamins.

So this week, Esther's been eating the prescription food, she loves the chew things, she's drinking water, but she's still having issues going to the bathroom. The Vet has suggested more X-rays, perhaps even a trip to an Internal Medicine specialist, to figure out what the cat has.

Here's the problem: I CAN'T FUCKING AFFORD ALL THIS! And it's absolutely killing me. My parents are starting to suggest that I give her up since they can't afford to help me out either.

I'm saying there's NO FUCKING WAY I'm giving her up. I love Esther. She's been with me for 3 years now. In times when I've felt lonely, she's been there. I can't give her up.

But yet... how can I take care of her if I can't afford the medical bills? What if this UTI never goes away and is just a recurring thing for even a year? I've already almost maxed out my credit card in the first MONTH of this thing.

What the FUCK do I do? I just feel like an utter shithead for even THINKING of giving her up at the first time she's really gotten sick. But I also want her to have the best care and to get healthy. I love my cat and I have no idea how to keep taking care of her.

Sorry for the language, I just had to get that out.

[NV Whino]

1. Look online for similar situations

Give her some yogurt. No guarantees that it will solve the problem, but it's generally good for her GI tract.

Review the food you're giving her. No corn or meat byproducts. Vets don't necessarily recommend the best food (as in Science Diet). Do your own research. I feed mine Trader Joe's tuna (or other selections) wet food and Chicken Soup brand for the dry food. Both are reasonably priced and highly rated.

[charlie and algernon]

2. the sites all seem to say the same thing

lots of water, canned food, etc. Esther's prescription dry food is Science Diet, but the wet food is Royal Canin. Again, she likes that, so I'm going to keep giving that to her. I have tuna, which I may try and Yogurt is not a bad idea either. I may pick some up. Is there a brand that's better for cats?

[grasswire]

3. isn't there some negativity out there against science diet?

Also, there are natural remedies for a feline UTI, including cranberry.

http://www.ehow.com/way_5142452_natural-urinary-tract-infection-treatments.htm

[LisaL]

13. Royal Canin also has dry cat food for cats with urinary problems

(Urinary SO). My cat has been on it for years.

[Gormy Cuss]

4. I have a cat with a severe struvite crystal problem.

For him, an all wet food, UT prescription diet has kept the problem at bay for years. YMMV with your cat -- she may have a different crystal problem or some other issue.

The diet is expensive compared to other food, but I would imagine that the vet bills are the real $$ concern right now. Make sure your vet knows that the cost is a struggle for you. Also, call local rescues and ask for ideas on how to keep her care affordable.

[charlie and algernon]

7. yeah, I can afford the food

it's the $150-250 vet bill that I've been paying every couple weeks or so.

[AtomicKitten]

5. This is the part of "pet ownership" that is difficult.

First of all I'd suggest you seek out low cost clinics in your area or one that allows monthly payment plans. Then with the permission of the PTB here at DU, ask for some help. Trust me, many people here feel your pain and those that can help will.

Kudos for your determination to keep the promise of a forever home. Esther picked a good one in you.

[stuntcat]

11. low cost clinic yes

I second this, C&A. I mean if you live somewhere where you can find one. I wonder, if you told your vet how you really want to help her, if they'd make a deal. I mean it seems like something most vets would want to do sometimes, it's okay to ask I think, unless the people working there are buttholes.

This is hard to read.. I know how it is. I am making wishes for good Esther.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

6. Which antobiotic?

Some are better for UTI treatment than others. Perhaps another round of a differeant antibiotic might be in order. :shrug: I am currently having the same thing with a male car of mine. 2 rounds so far with no luck, am going with a new antibotic and for a bit longer now.

[tandot]

8. Have you ever tried cranberry pills?

I've had many urinary tract infection myself and if I take them right at the beginning, it goes away.

My male cat had one last year. It was late Saturday night and I couldn't take him to the vet. I looked online and found that some people have tried that with cats with success. So, I shoved one down his throat and within a couple of hours, he was back to normal.

Maybe google cat urinary tract infection and cranberry supplements to see for yourself?

Good luck :)

[LiberalEsto]

9. Yogurt. Plain low-fat yogurt.

Some years ago our vet, who is more open minded than some of her colleagues, told me to try giving my UTI-suffering cats each a teaspoon of plain lowfat yogurt daily, and gradually increase to about a tablespoon.

To my amazement, it worked.

I give them a little yogurt every now and then -- I also give some to our two small dogs. They all love it. And whenever one of the cats starts showing signs of a UTI, the yogurt has been very effective.

Good luck with your kittie!

[snagglepuss]

10. Sorry to hear about Esther. I've never run into that problem but I can suggest

that if decide to go the yogurt route and Esther doesn't want to eat it, dab the top of her paw with yogurt and she will lick it off.


Love and vibes to you both. :hug:

[charlie and algernon]

12. The Vet put Esther on steroids Friday night

and that (thankfully) cleared everything up pretty quickly. The best part of that was that it was FREE! They had a bunch that had been donated and so gave me enough to last for quite awhile. Though I'll be reducing the dosage soon, so she won't be on them for too much longer, but now I'll have them if the UTI comes back.


I appreciate all the advice and kind thoughts though. All that worrying and it gets cleared up on FREE steroids.


:hug:

[MerryBlooms]

14. Wonderful! Happy for you and Esther. n/t

[stuntcat]

15. !!!! Yay!!

I've thought of little Esther.. so glad they were able to help her this easily!!! :hug:((Esther)):hug:

[Raven]

16. Good news but watch out of the pee freeforall. One of my dogs

was on steroids and it worked like a charm but she peed all over the place for about 10 days. Don't know if the same thing happens with cats.

[Gormy Cuss]

18. Those "free" steroids may be a sign that the vet figured out you were financially stressed.

Regardless, yea for the vet! I hope that Esther has no more UT problems.

[TuxedoKat]

17. Glad she's better

if the problem reoccurs or another one comes up, this group is a good one to ask for advice: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CatVet/