When is a second opinion warranted and how does a client go about getting one? Who should be seen for a second opinion? These are all important questions and the answers to them depend on each individual case.
Just like their human counterparts, veterinary emergency clinics typically charge higher fees than “day” practices. Never compromise your cat’s care by foregoing a trip to the emergency hospital for a life-threatening situation, but realize that payment will need to be made, either through a credit service (like Care Credit, where a client’s good credit history is mandatory) or credit card, cash or checks when the animal is released or as a deposit if you cat is hospitalized (the bill will need to be paid in fill on the release or death of the kitty). If times are truly tough, have a heart-to-heart with family and friends and see if they will be able to loan you the money necessary for veterinary care.
Cats can be maddeningly subtle in giving clues about underlying illnesses. But there are situations where a kitty needs emergency care. As a feline specialist, I have developed the following list of 10 other and often lesser-known feline health problems that require emergency care. No ifs, ands or buts about these. Familiarize yourself with problems listed and their signs and symptoms. If your kitty exhibits any of them, please take your feline friend without delay to the nearest emergency hospital. His or her life often depends on you making the right decision.
Today, I’d like to honor the memory of Dusty, by telling you the story of this 14-year-old grey and white kitty and best buddy of my friend, Nancy, who left her sight – but not her heart -- yesterday. He fought the good fight against pancreatitis and intestinal disease for years and passed away in her arms at a local specialty hospital.
Not all dental care for cats is the same. Choose to have your kitty’s dental work done professionally under anesthesia and know what questions to ask of the practice before you sign the authorization for your kitty’s COHAT or other surgery.
Remember that you play an important role in your kitty’s health care. Ask questions (politely, please) if you are unfamiliar with a medication that is being prescribed for your cat, having problems administering certain types of formulations or just want to know why a particular drug is being used.
Your cat’s veterinarian is kitty’s “second best friend,” and establishing a good working relationship with him or her is important. Veterinarians spend quite a bit of time and effort making sure that clients and patients are treated well and take pride in offering their patients the most up-to-date medical care.
To many cat guardians, cats are independent creatures who only need food, water and affection. It’s not uncommon for cats to never set a paw into a veterinary hospital after they have been spayed or neutered and received their first vaccines as kittens. Years pass and one day the kitty needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Most times, that exam finds a number of problems that could have been addressed simply (and inexpensively) years earlier.
Unlike dogs, who are typically brought to the veterinarian at least annually for heartworm testing and some vaccines, many cats don’t receive the same type of care. However, the annual exam for cats is really the cornerstone of a sound, preventative health program and can add years to your cat’s life and improve his or her well-being.
This month, Feline Pine will sponsor the first National “Take Your Cat To The Vet Day,” on August 22nd, with the goal of getting the word out that our cats need to be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year. The annual event is part of Feline Pine’s overall commitment to cat health.
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