... and the said they could do surgery for $1100 to cut open the lump. I'm a new mom and can't afford that bill so they sent us home with some meds. I was giving her the meds for a week and there was no change. I also did warm compresses and that hasn't helped. Her eye is getting worse. It can hardly close and its always runny and guppy. I noticed today also that she is starting to lose weight rapidly. I love her so much but I think it's time to put her to sleep. What are your thoughts. Is there anything else I can do?
Answers (2)
She has a major infection - that is obvious. Did he tell you what it is and if the surgery would heal her??
Any decent VET will try and help with a payment plan...have you tried that???? Mine has something called the angel fund just for that reason.
Also, if you decide to put her down...please do not get another pet until you can financially care for the medical needs that can crop up. Love is great but .....not fair in the big picture.
Did your cat have any early symptoms? Cats can mask their health problems because it is their natural reaction. If they would come across a predator in the wild, they would act like they had no health problems as much as possible to not appear weak. Even though they mask their pain there are always signs if you know your cat well and have researched common symptoms to check for daily to make sure they are healthy. It could be as small as their inner eyelid swelling slightly, which would be early sign of eye infection.
But I do agree with the first answer. Most vets will be more than happy to do a payment plan that will work for you. I would take your cat to a couple other vets and get their opinions and prices. We have excellent vet that shows how much he cares for animals because he will often do certain shots or give us some medicines our pet needs for free. And his prices are very reasonable. More than most. You just have to find a vet that you know is in the field for the love of animals, rather than for money. Call around to other friends who have pets and ask about their opinions of local vets.
I understand that most people have cats and usually wouldn't have a problem like this, but you should expect the unexpected and when you get a pet be prepared for what you can. And again, always look for symptoms and signs of anything wrong or that is bothering the pet. I usually brush my cat daily and check his body while he is being brushed so he doesn't really realize.
Make sure the vet said the procedure could heal the cat before proceeding. The best bet is the vets in your area. Listen to what they recommend but get a second opinion. And if your cat has something like a bulging eye, don't try and take matters into your own hands by using wet cloth (which may actually spread the infection). It will only prolong the poor cats misery.
Just a note: many get cats and have them till they die with no health problems. It's not like she could have planned much for this to happen. You say not to get another unless they can afford the finances like she did this on purpose. It could be as simple as going to get a second opinion and finding a payment plan. I'm just saying that's kind of a big unexpected expense. Granted, a owner should prepare as best they can. A lot of owners don't seem to understand that cats are the masters when it comes to masking pain but you just have to know what to check for. Misinformation and lack of research are common when it comes to pet problems.