Ok this is pertaining to the story i relate yesterday, its about my cat who was diagnosed with virus and fever. I brought my cat to the vet yesterday after he refused to eat and drink, and his body is getting skinnier. So I brought it to the veterinary centre yesterday night, and the doc confirmed my cat has been diagnosed with fever and virus inside his stomach, the doc claimed that my cat probably caught the virus and fever from other cat which live together with me after the doc took some blood sample from my cat. The doc asked me to leave my cat with them so they can drip my cat and analyse its behavior. I have left my cat there for 1 day now. ok, here is my question and i really need your advise because I'm not from a rich family so I can't really afford expensive medication fee for my cat, one night of stay already costs me $120 including the dripping. Is it neccessary to drip my cat & let its to stay overnight at the vet when my cat can be cured with antibiotic pills at home
2007-01-16 11:37:42 · 10 answers · asked by chuck 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there. Money situations are always a complicated issue in veterinary medicine, so you aren't alone in not knowing quite what to do in a situation such as this.
First things first... I want to clear something up: a VIRAL infection CAN'T be cured with antibiotics. Only BACTERIAL infections can be treated with them. Therefore, sending your cat home with some pills is, unfortunately, not an option in this case.
As for the rest of your questions, if the doctor believes it best that your cat receive treatement at the hospital, then he probably says so for a reason.
Viral stomach or intestinal infections are serious and can cause a great deal of dehydration. This can be severely damaging if not treated with IV fluids.
You should ask your veterinarian if it absolutely necessary for the cat to stay there overnight, but my opinion would be that it is. Again, your veterinarian knows best and will be able to tell you the best option for getting your cat better.
2007-01-16 11:43:45 · answer #1 · answered by dfredholm 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seattle is right about antibiotics being for only bacterial infections, but your cat could also have a corona virus, which could mutate into FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) which is usually fatal. Probably your bill was high, not just for the drip, but also for antibiotics and antivirals (find out what they gave him! It could be they gave him interferon.) I would think you should be able to bring him home very very soon with oral meds. If he continues to be dehydrated, he will probably need "Sub-Q" which is a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection of saline solution. Your vet can teach you how to do this yourself. I never did it myself, but I would guess you need another person to help you keep your cat calm while he is getting Sub-Q, but hopefully you won't need it. Talk to your vet and see if meds can be given at home. Don't prompt him, but ask astute question and emphasize you want to bring him home ASAP! I hope he gets better quickly.
2007-01-16 19:59:22 · answer #2 · answered by Zelda Hunter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Viruses cannot be cured with antibiotics. It is totally up to you how much you spend on your cat, but it is extremely difficult to keep a sick mammal hydrated with a fever, unless they are given fluids through an IV. I fear that if you take your cat home, you will watch it deteriorate very quickly. Relay to your vet your financial concerns and ask if they will let you make payments, and if they will only do whatever is absolutely necessary.
2007-01-16 20:12:30 · answer #3 · answered by peppersagooddog 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sure the vets did the right thing. Because of not eating and drinking your cat was dehydrated and definitely needed to have fluids and be checked the next day to see how he was doing.
When cats are ill like that it is a virus and antibiotics do nothing to help the cat (though they are sometimes given to stave off a possible bacterial pneumonia). Viruses like our "flu" have to run their course and supportive care (fluids, maybe with Vitamin B 12, and monitoring) are the best possible treatment.
So I hope your cat has been saved from dying from his illness and that he may return to you to regain his health.
2007-01-16 19:53:02 · answer #4 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your cat was dehydrated than it needed an IV of fluids to help it out. But after that you could bring him home and just keep giving him his medicine. Cats heal themselves if its only a virus and not something serious
2007-01-17 08:57:57 · answer #5 · answered by pkbrauer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there again Chuck...if your cat was severely dehyrated, which is very common with excessive vomiting that you've noted in your previous question--then the Intravenous (IV) drip and overnight observation are very necessary depending on the diagnosis.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections rather than viral infections.
2007-01-16 19:42:05 · answer #6 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Best you do what the vet suggests. If you were not willing to be totally responsible for a cat, you really shouldn't have had one!
2007-01-17 07:42:23 · answer #7 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find out if there is an animal charity that can help l;ike rspca or pdsa(peoples dispensery for sick animals.) private vets r very expensive but if he ona drip hes dehydrated and needs the fluids.
2007-01-20 19:29:02 · answer #8 · answered by Miss Karen Roe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It most likely is necessary but I would voice my opinion to the vet and explain that you aren't a rich person....they may be able to help you out.
2007-01-16 19:44:30 · answer #9 · answered by anemonecanadensis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only your VET knows
2007-01-16 20:03:19 · answer #10 · answered by nickle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋