UPDATE! Vines for Elektra

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Rachel

Rachel

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I'm asking for some good thoughts/vines for Elektra. She's at the vet. Been there all day. We had another bladder issue and this time, I walked in and said "I need answers on why this keeps happening". We just had one 2 months ago and this isn't working. So, I told them cost didn't matter (though I really can't afford it, but what choice do I have?). They did testing today and had to keep her overnight to get more urine from her. I HATE leaving her there all night. I'm afraid she'll be miserable and upset when she comes home from being abandoned all night in a scary place. But again...what choice do I have?

With luck I can get her tomorrow and we'll have some answers and can maybe stop this from happening as much? Anyway, vines for her and for me would be much appreciated.
 
Sending tons of vines and scritches for Electra, and hugs for you, Rachel, hope you find answers.:bighug:
 
Are they doing an ultrasound or some other imaging to look for abnormalities in the urinary track (could be a stone, a bladder diverticula, a number of things? That's what I would ask for.
 
Yep, they did an ultrasound today. I basically said "every test you have? run it". Tomorrow, hopefully, they get enough urine for the C&S and I get her back in the AM. And hopefully she is feeling better!

I don't have much info just yet since the vet is going to give me a thorough run down when I come in.

Thank you for the link, Sue! The vet, of course, is pushing prescription foods. That's always so frustrating to me...if only I could find a vet who didn't! I'd love to make raw, but I just can't afford the time right now. I may look into other things as they suggest a break from chicken, which is a lot of what we eat here. We started that more often when turkey seemed to cause some tummy issues. Sigh...I'll have to do some research.

I'll probably post on Health as well when/if I get some definitive answers. Here's hoping they find them! Just knowing how to reduce/remove these episodes would help.
 
Rachel...sending over healing vines and prayers for your Elektra. I hope you get some answers too. Overnight stays are no fun...I remember not sleeping well during those times. I think Elektra will be so exhausted and happy to be home, she will forgive you...mine always did! :bighug::bighug::bighug:

Dawn
 
Oh no Rachel! :( Poor Electra :bighug::bighug: I hope you can get some answers. I've been through something similar with my dog. Over 18 months she kept getting uti's every couple of months. They never did a culture or looked into it as the antibiotics worked. So the last time it happened I insisted it was sorted out. They put her on antibiotics for 3-4 weeks - was eye-wateringly expensive :confused: but she's been clear now for a year (crossing fingers that's the end of that).

Much hugs and healing vines sent to you both. :bighug::bighug:
 
She's home! Well they did tons of tests (radiograph, ultrasound, in house urinalysis, sent urine for both an out of house urinalysis AND a culture and sensitivity) and said...she's in great health. They only saw a tiny bit of bacteria and said it was probably because the urine sample was free catch (they tried hard to get the cystocentesis but she didn't cooperate). So basically, they now say that they can assure me it isn't a health issue. It appears to be inflammation due to stress. I have her on Onsior for the next few days and they gave me a glucosamine gel (haven't tried that yet as it should be given with a meal apparently). Waiting for the results of the C&S and urinalysis and then we'll go from there. They said possibly she will need anti-psychotics to chill her out (amitriptaline?). They suggested that before and I rejected it, but it may be our only option now.

They pretty much said that if we can get her that it might be enough to keep her calm and happy so we don't have this issue anymore...and if we do, to call them and they can go from there. Possibly a steroid shot or another medication....but shouldn't always have to bring her in.

So in the end, we have no DEFINITIVE answer, but we have no medical issues for sure (pending results of the urninalysis and C&S). She does seem happy to be home, but a lot more talkative than usual! Here's hoping this baby feels better and that this all works out!

Thanks SO MUCH for the vines and thoughts everyone! It helped me get through the night!
 
No health issues is good! I know I have read about members on Health who have used stress relieving meds with success. Maybe try a thread there?
 
My boy gets human glucosamine/chondroitin supplement for his back/hips. 1/8th of a 1000 mg pill. So about 125mg. Crush it and mix it into his food. Vet approved it for him. He's responded well. Which reminds me I need to add that to his info. He's also had a shot they refer to as "Depo" which is a steroid shot (I believe) that can get every 6 or 8 weeks for itchy and swollen ears. Does help but a bit pricy. Hope your baby gets sorted out.

Have to add that it was just brought to my attention that the depo can cause DM in cats, like all steroids I guess. My baby got this shot May 2, 2016 and was dx with DM on 8/18/16. ugh.
 
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I'm soooo happy she's home and safe and sound! Big cuddle for her from me! Oh and a treat too! ;)
 
Only just seen this, Rachel. I'm glad to hear that Elektra is back home.

The following Feliway products might help:

* Feliway classic diffuser

* Feliway Friends diffuser (can be used in combination with classic diffuser)

* Feliway Cystease (or similar). Feliway recommend using the Cystease in conjunction with the diffusers.

Sending healing thoughts for Elektra and lots of :bighug::bighug::bighug: for you.


Mogs
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Mogs!!! First off, I'm so GLAD to see you!

Second, we do use feliway diffusers right now. I'm not sure if they've ever done much to be honest...but I have not looked at the friends or cystease. I'll do some research on that.

Third, thank you for the healing thoughts and hugs! I'm sorely in need of them right now.

Update on Elektra. Gave her the joint gel that has the glucosamine. She then threw up her dinner. Sigh. I'll have to look into this further but it may be that it won't work for her.
 
I did want to take a moment to brag on my vet. We hear so many terrible vet stories here, that I wanted to share a good one.

When I took Elektra in yesterday morning, I told him I need answers on why this keeps happening and how to stop it. He said "If you leave her here, we can get you those answers". So I did. I told him money wasn't an issue (though of course it is) but that I just wanted him to run every test to be SURE what was happening. And he said he would. When I had to leave her overnight, I was pretty upset, but I did it so I could get those answers.

Guys, when I went in today, it was awesome. He came and gave me all the info. He'd run a ton of tests and he went over all of them with me to get to the point of explaining she didn't have any medical issues. Then he answered all my questions (and didn't even push prescription food since her pH was 6).

For all that, it was about $360. I was expecting at least $1000. He didn't charge me for a thing but the test; no office visit, no overnight stay, not even the gas he had to use once to work on her. I don't know what those tests are supposed to cost, but most were pretty inexpensive even.

So basically, I had a good experience. It seemed he truly cared to get me the answers and to do so as cheaply as possible...it was pretty awesome.
 
Great to hear that vets can be nice!
My vet also didn't charge me the visit when I came in with Baco around het diagnose because she was coming in a couple days in a row. They can be really nice! I'm happy for you Rachel! :bighug:
 
Hi, Rachel - I just read this thread. One of my male cats has/had issues with chronic sterile cystitis. It's awful. He would have a flare and I would take him in and put him on varying cocktails of painkillers, antispasmodics, and/or steroids. His flares would last 5-7 days. They were happening every 2-3 months. He was miserable and I was frustrated. His pH was always normal, no crystals, no infection. Phenoxybenzamine was the only medicine I ever thought did anything. I got it from the ER but my regular vet would never prescribe it even when I asked.

I put him on the prescription Hill's diet and it worked. I got worried about the quality of the food and I took him off of it and tried an all wet diet (fancy feast classics). The urinary issues came right back and he vomits if he can't nibble on dry throughout the day. I put him back on Hill's CD Stress and still offer him fancy feast canned food. He hasn't had an episode in almost 2 years. I've had a tremendous amount of foster cats through here in the last 2 years, one of which he detested. I know the foster cats have to add stress to his life. I hate the ingredients in the prescription urinary food BUT I hated seeing him crying in pain and straining. I finally came to terms with the fact that the food works for him.

Just offering up my experience. Believe me, I hate supporting Hill's. There is a good Facebook group for urinary issues. They can guide you on some of the homeopathic remedies if you want to give those a try. Glad you got answers from your vet and it wasn't an outrageous bill!
 
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