not peeing! Questions to other cat owners

[Aniluver]

Hey all, WARNING - THIS IS LONG
I have posted several times regarding my cat. I wrote back the vet said he was fine and it was just stress. Just one day after the diagnosis that my cat was in fine health except for some stress - I got home from work and he was going to pee on a rug in front of me - very unusual for him to not "sneak" he went on to do this at least 3 times and I put him in his litter box. He was making awful crying sounds - I figured he was in pain and called the vet. They said if it was what they thought, I better get him there quick or he could die!
I had to call in to work - poor cat I had to force him into the carrier as he knew what that meant- got him there and turns out it was not all anxiety. He has a blockage and cannot/could not pee. His bladder was enlarged so, the doc explained they needed to operate due to too many crystals etc........they said the operation is not always successful and if he didn't pee after they might have to do it again.
Ok.....I paid $170 the other day, then medication - $200 -- all together.
I got another bill for 6 something. (I was crying so had a hard time reading all that was on the bill) I was told he'd be okay I was crying because I felt so bad he had to stay there. I had very bad luck with a dog but, not with a cat. I had a cat before but, he lived to be 21 and rarely needed to go to the vet.
The doc called me this a.m and said he's on ivs and they unblocked him and when he can pee on his own he can come home. If not, he said they have to start ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!!
My cat is only 3 and 1/2......Very young for this I know. What I am concerned about is friends of mine have a rotty and they took him to the same vet and are going to court. They feel their dog was not treated right and had to go to a new vet and are now in a dispute with this place.
I don't know!
Can anyone tell me if they've been through this with their cat? These people and this vet seem wonderful but, I don't know. I'm worried about my cat and I'm sorry to sound stingy but, I'm a single mom with a kid in college and no support -I am going broke fast here. I'm litterally sick over $. My cat is worth it but, I'm worried I'm being ripped off.
The other worry is my cat being taken care of properly (not necessarily in that order) .......sorry all over the place. I'm waiting for a call from them to see if he can come home............any advice appreciated.
OH also, why wouldn't these crystal things not have showed up just the other day? The vet said he was in GREAT physical health? The night before last the doc said "it's all stress and anxiety" and now this..........

Thanks in advance

[Lucky Rescue]

why wouldn't these crystal things not have showed up just the other day?

They should have. Did you tell the vet about the indescriminate urinating? If so, the urine should have been checked out right away. With neutered males, this is always a concern and the first thing that should be checked out.

The vet was correct to tell you that the cat would rapidly die with an untreated blockage.

If your cat is now doing fine and the problem has been corrected, it may never happen again although there are no guarantees. You must take steps to try and ensure it won't happen again.

If you are feeding dry food, then you must start feeding canned food exclusively. Cats need a lot of water to keep urine dilute, and they don't drink enough on their own. Avoid any tuna flavoured food and stick with something like Turkey & Giblets.

I have never had this happen with my males as I never fed dry food. BUT many cats come to our rescue after dumped for having crystals (which some owners will not pay for) and one needed surgery for his blockage. All are doing just fine now.

You don't sound stingy - big bills are always a concern. Just take precautions and hopefully this will be the end of the problem. I hope so!

[Aniluver]

Hi,
Thanks for that info! Well, I got a call saying he was ready to come home. Had to go get some more medicine to keep the crystals from coming back. My "baby" is laying down next to me now surrounded by all his toys and I made a bed for him and put a new litter box with some really fine litter. I have his food and water next to his bed. My other cat's food is on my side porch.
I did tell the vet about why hadn't this shown up the other day from those test results. (they tested him for everything under the sun) he said there were SOME crystals but, not enough to concern him. He was sure it was just a stress problem. He then said this was another issue and my cat is just having some bad luck. He's going to be on a prescription diet for a long time (not sure how long but, they said quite awhile) It's called c/d and they sold me a 10lb bag of that and 4 cans. They want me to get him to gradually switch over to wet food (I should have spoken with you a long time ago)! It's really my fault because that is all my cats ever eat. They're both very fussy and prefer dry food over wet so, not knowing any better or not educating myself enough regarding their diets I stuck to the dry.
Anyway, I also feel guilty about complaining about the $ because they allowed me to go on a payment plan which I've been told by a couple friends that is not too common (around here anyway) And they really just seem so nice and the dr. is definately not just an animal lover but, seems to really love cats.........so......all worth it. It's taught me to be a better more responsible pet owner so, lesson learned. And I knew I loved my cat but, when I left him there last night I realized I love him more than I even realized.
(if that makes sense)
And finally, my cousin reminded me that they saved a cat that I had when I was a kid and I don't even think they charged me. Just feeling guilty that they were so attentive and caring and I complained about anything.
Thanks again for the reply and the other replies I got as well. I really appreciate it and hope I can help someone out at some time in return.
"Ani"

[Amelia365]

Hi

I have had 2 cats (father and son) with FUS....and the problem is the crystals form from magnesium and high ash and taurine levels.....

I switched mine to friskies....whiskas and walmart special kitty.....soft and crunchies.....no more problems...just have to keep the ash, taurine and magnesium as low as is possible.....


Blessings

Amy

[Copper'sMom]

Glad to hear your cat is doing better! The vet clinic you are going to, will they allow you to make payments?? At my vet, when I don't have the funds they allow me to make payments. We have been going to the same clinic for over twenty years now!!

I've had cats all of my life (mostly females) and I thank God we have never had this problem you are going through with your guy! I lived with my Mom---she was a single mother of 3 and we always had pets, and they always received medical care when needed. Now I have my own house full of pets and wonder how my mother did it for all of those years! My clan uses up all of my extra money at the vet!! But they are worth every penny of it! If my dog needed a heart transplant, I wouldn't think twice about the cost! It's a rough time for you right now, but you'll get through it! Trust me, I know from experience!!! And thanks for taking care of your babies!!

[chico2]

I am sorry Amelia,but most grocery-store or any Wal-Mart,Zellers etc...pet-food is not good food,please read the ingredients.

[Aniluver]

Hey guys. I don't know but, it makes sense to me the wet stuff better for the boy cats. I'm using this prescription stuff til the vet says not to. I just don't get the huge bag of dry and just the 4 cans of wet. I only have 2 left (my other cat is loving it)

And to the person who asked (sorry I'm all over here someone talking to me) grrr

about the payments.....yeah I posted that in another post that they were very, very nice about letting me do that. I've also been going there for over 20 years. Just haven't been there since my last cat. These 2 my boyfriend took to his vet for shots, spaying etc.

I'll check the ingredients in this food and let you know what's in it okay?

peace out

[badger]

If you're worried about feeding him dry food (however excellent the quality), just add water. If he likes his crunchies, give it to him right away. The first few bites will be crunchy and the rest will be soft (he won't even notice). Then he gets the added water and you don't have to throw out a bag of perfectly good food).