We interrupt this rainy day Tortie nap for a rather lengthy update...
As a recap, four months ago we went to a new vet (Dr. T) because our old vet (Dr. H) was dealing with kitty asthma by just giving me prednisolone. Since it's not good for my svelte figure or my health to be on that medication over time, Dr. T put me on the inhaler Flovent 110mcg once a day. It worked to cut my 5-6 severe asthma attacks a day down to 1 or 2 mild attacks. It also made me more alert which is something I'm still getting used to...
Anyway, Mommy has been talking to Nicki from
Fuzzy Tales' mom since he's also on an inhaler. She told us that 110mcg is the minimum here in the US and since I am still having attacks, I could have that upped to 220mcg. When I needed a new inhaler, Daddy called Dr. T* and asked for a higher dose but instead she wanted to put me on an antibiotic, a wormer and hairball medicine* - all decided without even seeing me or doing any tests! Daddy let her know in no uncertain terms what he thought of her using me as an experiment! He then called Dr. H again and talked to her. He relayed what we'd learned from Nicki's mom and Dr. H researched more before my appointment this week. She saw my x-ray and test results and agreed that Dr. T had no basis to put me on the antibiotic, wormer or hairball stuff* but she also wouldn't increase my dosage to 220mcg. She wants me to have 110mcg twice a day instead of once for a total of at least 7 breaths. She was surprised when Daddy told her that I take 25 breaths because I fall asleep during my treatment! Hopefully twice a day treatment will help me finally stop having attacks. The prescription now costs $200.36 for 60 days worth but I'm worth it! It's been frustrating for Mommy and Daddy and I certainly don't like having attacks even if they aren't as severe or long lasting. I do sorta kinda like being awake more and I do enjoy playing with my sisfur Angel. She's a lot faster than me but I'm a master at the sneak attack!
We all have to be proactive about what's going on with us because as we're finding out firstpaw, even vets don't know about everything!
Hope you have a healthy day!
Isabella
Notes from Mommy:
*Isabella has never had a hairball and the now old new vet (Dr. T) couldn't believe that. The now new again old vet (Dr. H) has a 7 year old kitty who's never had a hairball either so she believes us.
*I don't do well with vets which is why Isabella's Daddy took care of all this. I did go to her appointment with Dr. T because I had no experience in that place. I cannot go back to see Dr. H because that's where my cat Panther and also Sadie went to the Bridge. I start crying in the parking lot so I'm useless there.
*Despite being off prednisolone, being much more active and not eating a lot, Isabella lost no weight. Once we get the asthma taken care of we'll figure out if something is causing her to not lose weight.
29 comments:
It is true, that vets don't know everything! My human was so frustrated that nobody could help her with Sparkle - and honestly, the vets were frustrated and unhappy too. I'm glad you have one that will work with Isabella to keep her asthma attacks to a minimum.
The last time I was at the vet with Leo I burst into tears! I had to leave to compose myself...
Sammy has never had a hairball his entire life. I think it's great the way you take care of your furbabies. Glad Isabella is responding to the inhaler. As far as weight goes, Sammy hasn't lost any despite being on diet food for years. He's simply a big cat :)
It's kind of hard for me at the vet sometimes especially if I go in the last room that Duke was in.
Finding a good vet is tough. I have lots of people who tell me I should switch because they think the one I go to is a bad vet
I misunderstood when we were emailing, I thought you meant your vet wanted Isabella to have 110 mcg per day, not 110 mcg twice per day. That's perfectly reasonable. I hope that works for her. You know it didn't for Nicki, but his asthma had progressed to the point that he was having daily attacks and of course every cat is different. I think the inhaled meds stay in the canister for only a minute, so not sure it's worth doing 25 breaths at a time. I usually do 12 or 14 for Nicki and even that's more than the vet had indicated. But 10 - 12 is what is suggested on the FAIM group. Good luck, I hope the double dose (the 110 x 2) works for her, I so do. Purrs from the boys.
P.S. Dr. Padrid's protocol mentions a wide range of effectiveness for cats, from 110 mcg per day right up to 880 mcg per day. You just need to find what works for Isabella. Just please remember that if she continues to cough daily, no matter how "mild" or severe, it means her asthma still isn't being controlled at the dose she's getting. I think I mentioned that I feel it's taken a good 3 - 4 weeks for the Flovent to reach full effectiveness at Nicki's dose.
Oh, do you have Albuterol for emerg situations? It was less than $10 CAN for 200 doses, it's the short-term bronchodilator meant for rescue/emerg situations. Not for daily chronic use, but if Isabella has the occasional attack on the new dose, you might want to administer it right after her attack stops, to open her airways. So far, I've only had to give it to Nicki that once. Some cats ARE on long-term bronchodilators (I think usually pill form) in conjunction with the Flovent, definitely not to given alone as the bronchodilators don't treat/control the asthma.
So you do have lots of options, it's just a matter of finding what works best and probably educating your vet too.
(((Hugs)))
http://canadapharmacy.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/site.keyword_search
Sharla, Canada Pharmacy has this medication for $41.00 for a 1 month supply. You just send the prescription to them and they fill it and send it out to you. This is where I get my Asthma meds. They are a quality Pharmacy and "approved" by the FDA here in the U.S. While it is coming "internationally" it is perfectly legal (the state of New York uses them for their employee medication coverage). If your Dr. writes the order for a 60 day supply you'll get 2 and it will only cost you $82.00 instead of the $200. If you need any other info let me know...they are great there!
Hmmm, link didn't work....just go to http://canadapharmacy.com then in the search bar put Flovent. Go down to the second one and select Flovent 225 (110mcg) to see it.
That is all very interesting. I have a couple of cats that do a sneeze cough kind of deal but not very often Glad you are doing better now Isabella, and we know Angel is glad to have you back in the awake column. Take good care.
Kitty doctors are no better than human doctors - they just like to write prescriptions rather than think...We travel pretty far to our kitty doctors but we like that they are sane and reasonable people who think before prescribing. Love that last photo - looking so goood!
Wow, what a story. We are getting ready to have Little Bits blood test again to see about her liver enzymes. We think we know what the problem is too and you're right. Vets sometimes don't get things right.
Have a purrfect day Isabella. My best to your wonderful mom. ♥♥♥
sorry you all are going through this.
I'm glad Isabella is feeling better. I hope the new dosage is effective.
Poor Isabella, I am glad you have a vet that listens now. I hope you feel much better soon.
We hope the new protocol works well for sweet Isabella. All paws crossed.
Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning
I'm glad Isabella is getting a little bit better.
Thats a good update! No hairballs? Wow! Oh and purrhaps you need a GFM for all of this? 😛😄
I'm glad to hear Isabella is doing much better. I'm not aware that any of our cats have ever had hairballs either. I know Mama Kitty hasn't had one since she's been in the house and I've never heard any of the other cats make that terrible noise either.
Sounds like vets are just like human doctors...ugh. I get more excuses than answers these days!
Has Isabella ever had her thyroid checked? (sorry, can't remember) Could be related to the weight?
We hope the new protocol helps you, Isabella. We're glad to hear your more alert now, though napping the day away sounds nice. :)
Isabella, I hope your new protocol works well for you and also that your humans can save some money with the Canada Pharmacy. Also, be sure you are using a dust free litter.
It's complicated, isn't it? Well, good for you for not just listening to the vet, but asking questions and doing your own homework.
Medicine in general is like that--you have to be your own advocate. I once went in for medical clearance for surgery to straighten my toe and they wanted to run all sorts of tests on me. I ended it when the surgeon told me that I need my gall bladder out! I just laughed and walked out. (I still have my gall bladder years later!)
Hope you are feeling better soon, kitty friend!
Oh my, that was a big to do! I hate it when doctors don't listen and try to tell you to do XYZ because it's easier for them. Good for you for getting a second opinion! I'm glad Isabella is feeling better.
Oh Isabella....we didn't know you were struggling with asthma. Carmine is turning 10 on Feb. 18, and he has never had a hairball, either!
We really hope that the inhaler twice a day helps. We think that makes sense to try. Maybe twice a day will help control the remaining daily attacks. If it doesn't help, we hope the vet will try the Flovent at a higher dose for you.
Please keep us posted, okay?
Purrs and hugs,
Carmine, Milita, and Mom Sierra
I am glad to read this factual update. I never know..none of us do when our fur babies will have this problem and it's good to get a heads up on what to expect, possible treatments and silliness that vets sometimes say. Thank you Isabella. XXOO
Katie's Mom
I'm so sorry you are having this trouble. I have vast experience with animals with allergies so I can relate. Allergies can present with many symptoms and vets have a hard time diagnosing them. Have your vets considered a food allergy? It is something to think about and easy to treat. Good luck, I know how frustrating this must be.
isabella....pleez ta knot get uz started on vetz..
inn sted we will just say we hope yur asthma a tax... take a hike, dont come bak for a visit ...due knot show up fora ree union...N mewve outta de nay bor hood
and meowloz ta angel
heerz two a mustard eel & marlin kinda week oh end ♥
Sounds like things are getting better and that's wonderful!
I'm wondering if wherever you get the inhaler has a program like most human drug companies where you can get the drug/inhaler discounted or even free? Worth checking into?
My husband uses Flovent too... for his lungs .. and, this week he is really sick... and, now coughing non stop...so has to up his dosage... to 250 ... wow... same as cats... I also just gave him half a sleepy time tablet..in hopes that his throat can relax a bit so he can at least 30 seconds without coughing....it is totally wearing him out...
I hope you get some perfect dosage figured out... we definitely just have to fend for ourselves most of the time don't we? ... doctors, vets... clowns... they're all the same ... weird.....
hope this finally helps Isabella's asthma ! must be so frustrating trying to figure out how to help her!!
Paws crossed the twice daily does the trick, Isabella! Bibs is doing really well on Pred (for something completely different as you know) and she'll proly take it for life. Mommy hopes that there's no side effects, ever, except a good long life.
It is so difficult to advocate for our cats when we have a vet who will not listen to the parents. Some don't think we know enough to question them. Wishing Isabella luck in the weight loss department. We are so happy she has more energy and is awake more. Sending love and hugs to all. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
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