Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Here We Go Again

Tilly, Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed in November Before Spring Grooming
For the third time since last September, our cat Tilly displayed curious behavior indicative of a urinary tract infection. It began Sunday afternoon as happened on December thirtieth last year. Once again, I got lucky making a same day veterinary appointment.

The first time, dear readers may remember we chose the Convenia antibiotic shot as we left for our autumn vacation before receiving diagnosis. Our pet sitters, a wonderful couple, handled her care.

Upon the second occurrence, I requested tablets. To my surprise, the vet that New Year’s Eve day told me they are more effective against the average UTI than a one time shot.

Okay.

It would have been nice to know earlier, but we had no real choice in the matter anyway. The pet sitter prefers not to administer oral medications after a nasty dog bite. I can’t blame her.

This past Monday, I got a more disturbing surprise. For an additional $95, a urine analysis on the specific bacteria will allow us to better target treatment.

What?!

Why didn’t they offer that months ago? I wonder if past treatments never even cleared her of whatever bacteria strain’s plaguing our poor darling, resulting in these uncomfortable reoccurrences. I’ll have you know, I kept my cool in the examination room and beyond, until returning home and raving to my equally bemused DH.

Meanwhile, I spent over $300 and still have to purchase more of whatever pills are recommended. And for now Tilly endures not only her preliminary antibiotic twice daily on top of the regular thyroid medication, but also ear drops and a liquid oral pain medicine morning and night, as well. I must admit, the mild sedation of that last seems to bring us more peace and quiet until she decides it time to demand another serving of canned food.

Tilly is spoiled, and loves pestering my husband for attention. And thank heaven, goes into peaceful sleep on his lap every afternoon. Now, let’s hope the ear drops clear up some mild irritation and reduce her wax overproduction.

A call should confirm our next step toward her UTI in a day or so. Meanwhile, her blood work otherwise showed the feline in good health, especially considering her age. That’s a relief.

If she suffered kidney dysfunction, antibiotics could be prescribed for up to six weeks (!) as opposed to two. Unless someone goofed up reading reports on our phone message, she won’t need that. We have been given false hope with a past error. Wish us luck.

Are you aware that people not completing a prescribed course of antibiotics is a contributing factor toward the emergence of resistant bacterial strains?

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21 comments:

  1. If it says to take them 10 days then I take them 10 days. It's served me well so far.

    I'm glad spoiled Tilly is on the mend. Spoiled is a good thing.

    Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. ♥

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  2. I totally would have gone off on the vet. Why didn't they test for the specific strain before? Seriously?

    Yes, I know about taking the full antibiotic prescription. My mother was a nurse. She explained, and we always finished the course.

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    1. I hate making a scene. ~sigh~ I'm glad you finish your prescriptions as directed.

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  3. Poor Tilly. It is too bad no one offered to check her urine originally. I will add her to my prayer list. She is a cutie. And yes, I know they always say to finish a course of antibiotics for people and pets. :)

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    1. The dumb thing is that they tested her urine both times in the past, just didn't apply this additional test. If I'd only known... Thank you for the prayers. I appreciate it.

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  4. I make sure that all meds are given, if I stop to soon it is usually on the last pill. With the dogs, I make sure they get what they need. Funny how that care seems more important than mine!! I am sorry poor Tilly is not well. How do you know when she is having issues. I guess so far I am lucky that Lily has not bad any problems except that one time when I noticed she was not peeing and they shot her up under the skin with fluid. We had stayed a week at my brothers house, one a day and back out to my daughters house for four days.....I think her system was on overload with maybe stress, although she never appears to be stressed. I hope Ms. Tilly is better soon.

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    1. Thank you for all the kind words. I hope Lily stays healthy!

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  5. Overproduction of ear wax in cats is a sign of allergy of some sort going on. A vet told me that years ago. Convenia really isn't useful for most infections, fyi.

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    1. Thanks! I was told about allergies during this last visit. And I'll never use Convenia again. ~shakes head~ Be well!

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  6. Yes, you are right about antibiotic...
    Hope, everything goes well with Tilly

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    1. She seems to be feeling better. I do think she's got intermittent diarrhea, though. I'm hoping it's from the antibiotic messing with her healthy bacteria. Thanks for checking in!

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  8. We sure hope Tilly is okay. My word, kitty healthcare is almost as costly as human healthcare, isn't it?

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    1. Thank you both, Cleo and Tanza. I didn't think healthcare was too costly for the cats, but prices seem to be climbing.

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  9. Sad that proper diagnosis wasn't done. Hope Tilly is better now.
    Yes, I have been told many times that antibiotics have to be taken till the course is over, even if the symptoms have disappeared. And I do that.

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  10. I hope Tilly is feeling better soon. Poor kitty!

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