Miss Chicken (the cat) is ill

[Miss Chicken]

Last night, Miss Chicken - the little three-legged cat extraordinaire - was wobbly on her feet and tilting her head. This morning she was worse. One of her eyes was dilated but she didn't seem to be in any pain and her appetite was good.

We decided to take her to the vet.

After examining her the vet said it was one of two things a) damage or infection of the middle ear or b) a brain tumour.

The vet said that only way to tell which of the two it was would be to give her an X-ray. To give her an x-ray she would have to be given an anaesthetic. Miss Chicken is a senior so anesthetic is a bigger risk for her than a younger cat.

The vet suggested that we take her home and treat her for middle ear infection. If she is not better in a week, or if she worsens, we can have the x-ray done. An x-ray would only be of her ear to make sure it isn't damaged. The only way to determine if it is a tumour is a CT scan or am MRI. He says that if it is an tumour a week won't make much difference to her treatment. I also think he was suggesting if it is an tumour we should think about putting her down.

All we can do now is hope that it is only something wrong with the middle ear and the antibiotic tablets work.

 

[Amaris]

All my good vibes and wishes of a happy, healthy recovery for Miss Chicken.

 

[Captain_Nick]

Realistically, it's probably a middle ear infection. Tumours are rare. I hope your cat recovers speedily MC, I don't know what I would do if mine got sick.

 

[Miss Chicken]

Yes, I have been reading up that brain tumours are rare in cats.

She has a normal temperature. The vet suggested that she might have damaged the ear in a fall rather than it being an ear infection as such. As Miss Chicken likes to climb up onto the furniture and the window sills it is possible she had a fall without us knowing.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

I hope she is okay!! How old is she?

Poor Miss Chicken..

 

[Miss Chicken]

She is 12 years old, so I am hoping she still has a few good years in her yet. I think the average age for an indoor cat is about 15 with some living to 20 or even more.

 

[JRS]

I hope she will be fine soon

 

[Orac Zen]

I'm hoping your owner will be okay, Miss C.

 

[F. King Daniel]

Wishing you all the best, Miss Chicken (both of you, but especially the cat).

 

[RJDiogenes]

I hope it's just an ear problem. Poor Miss Chicken.

What is the treatment if it's an injury, rather than an infection?

 

[Miss Chicken]

Thanks everyone for your concern and best wishes.

I hope it's just an ear problem. Poor Miss Chicken.

What is the treatment if it's an injury, rather than an infection?

I am not sure. I was quite upset when talking to the vet and I think most of the questions I asked were about brain tumours and about the x-rays.

The x-ray will cost me $680 if it has to be done. I hate to think how much any additional treatment will cost especially as the vet demands immediate payment.

 

[Amaris]

I'm guessing that you don't have some kind of pet insurance?

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

^ Is there such a thing?

 

[Amaris]

Oh yes.

http://www.petinsurance.com/

http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/

http://www.petsbest.com/home_il.aspx

Just to name a few.

 

[Jadzia]

After examining her the vet said it was one of two things a) damage or infection of the middle ear or b) a brain tumour.

In my families experience with vets, diagnosis seems to be mostly guesswork, and reassuring the owner.

I'm wondering what value an xray/CT scan would be if it isn't going to lead to a specific treatment.

Just for sake of finding out isn't worth the trauma/cost in my opinion. It's not like your cat can be told what is wrong with her, meaning that would only be for your benefit.

I hope things turn out well for you both.

 

[Miss Chicken]

I'm guessing that you don't have some kind of pet insurance?

When I looked into pet insurance I found out that she couldn't be insured for anything that could be related to her congenital deformity and could include not being covered for falls, arthritis treatment etc. This means that if there is a possibility that her current condition could be a result of a fall the insurance company could refuse to pay.

 

[Amaris]

I'm guessing that you don't have some kind of pet insurance?

When I looked into pet insurance I found out that she couldn't be insured for anything that could be related to her congenital deformity and could include not being covered for falls, arthritis treatment etc. This means that if there is a possibility that her current condition could be a result of a fall the insurance company could refuse to pay.

Ah, I see.

 

[PlainSimpleJoel]

Hope your cat feels better soon, Miss C.

 

[pigletsgiblets]

I hope Miss Chicken feels better soon.

 

[Mary Ann]

Oh, poor Miss Chicken. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she'll soon be on the mend.