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Laundry list of "could bes" from vet exam
I am concerned that my vet is trying to scare me into additional procedures by telling me all sorts of "could potentially be but may not be" results. My cat is about to turn 6, he is healthy, playful and happy... other than having signs of constipation for the last few weeks. I brought him into the vet two weeks ago for an exam and his vaccinations.
The vet said that he was likely a little constipated, but suggested I just add some wet food to his diet and see if that helped, with no luck. Other than straining in the box, he's shown no signs of sickness. He's had no problems urinating or missing the box while urinating, no blood in his urine. He has been missing the box when pooping and eating less than usual, but is otherwise normal in activity and behavior He was very stressed, these x-rays were taken after he was carried down a busy street for four blocks (in a kennel) and then at a noisy vets office for an hour and a half.
The vet put him on a laxative for the constipation and antibiotics for the possible lung problem. The vet also said he wanted to take the cat's blood pressure, but I told him there was no point since his blood pressure was going to be sky high from stress anyway and would not really prove anything.
I'm wondering if any of these symptoms, which were presented as "unrelated" to me, could be related, if his stress/fear over the whole situation could account for any of these problems and if there's anything else I should watch out for when I get news about his blood tests/take him in for a follow up. Thank you so much!
The vet said that he was likely a little constipated, but suggested I just add some wet food to his diet and see if that helped, with no luck. Other than straining in the box, he's shown no signs of sickness. He's had no problems urinating or missing the box while urinating, no blood in his urine. He has been missing the box when pooping and eating less than usual, but is otherwise normal in activity and behavior He was very stressed, these x-rays were taken after he was carried down a busy street for four blocks (in a kennel) and then at a noisy vets office for an hour and a half.
The vet put him on a laxative for the constipation and antibiotics for the possible lung problem. The vet also said he wanted to take the cat's blood pressure, but I told him there was no point since his blood pressure was going to be sky high from stress anyway and would not really prove anything.
I'm wondering if any of these symptoms, which were presented as "unrelated" to me, could be related, if his stress/fear over the whole situation could account for any of these problems and if there's anything else I should watch out for when I get news about his blood tests/take him in for a follow up. Thank you so much!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
A few things to discuss here. First off checking blood pressure even in a stressed out cat is still very useful. Every cat we check for BP is stressed out so we are able to adjust the readings to take that into account. Stress will also not cause constipation or lung lesions seen on radiographs so it does sound like your veterinarian is correct in worrying about your cat. Constipation is often a complication of some other health concern...unfortunately I am going to say it "could be this or that" like the other vet. If constipation does not resolve itself with dietary management then running a blood profile/cbc/ and urine tells us what the systemic health of the patient is like and invariably we find a primary problem that is causing the secondary constipation.
I understand it can be frustrating not having an immediate answer but we have to look at these cases like riddles and we need more "puzzle pieces" to help us solve it.
I understand it can be frustrating not having an immediate answer but we have to look at these cases like riddles and we need more "puzzle pieces" to help us solve it.
Thank you so much for the information, it's very good to know.
The good news is, his blood work came back entirely normal, a specialist is taking a second look at his x-rays, and I have continued giving him the laxative and antibiotic. The laxative seemed to kick in early this morning, but in a very, very runny stool, not at all solid, with a good bit of mucus in it. ...And he completely missed the box. He still seems tired/low energy today, and just went back to the box, strained and was unable to poop, then hid himself away. The vets are all closed today for a holiday, but he obviously needs to go back. Any advice on how to make him comfortable until I get him in again?
The good news is, his blood work came back entirely normal, a specialist is taking a second look at his x-rays, and I have continued giving him the laxative and antibiotic. The laxative seemed to kick in early this morning, but in a very, very runny stool, not at all solid, with a good bit of mucus in it. ...And he completely missed the box. He still seems tired/low energy today, and just went back to the box, strained and was unable to poop, then hid himself away. The vets are all closed today for a holiday, but he obviously needs to go back. Any advice on how to make him comfortable until I get him in again?
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