We got to the Chicago area July 1 and had been working on a wean from Maxwell's methylprednisolone down to 2mg about every 10 days. We finally found a method of blending two litters that met the needs of everyone... Low dust, good odor control, low tracking (Blue multicat clumping and EquisiCat multicat fragrance free clumping). Diet is on point with 3oz of raw chicken breast mixed with 1/4t of kitty bloom twice a day and 1/3c of Blue Indoor chicken dry twice a day, per cat.
Fast forward to today... Max' breathing issues had been getting worse over the past three weeks. Found a really nice and experienced vet office nearby. His weight is up 2 lbs in a little over 2 years to 18lbs, 8oz. They review his records and tell me that two years ago the tests suggested possible IBD or lymphoma. No one ever mentioned the lymphoma thought. $360 of x-rays later and "its definitely pneumonia in one lobe, most likely asthma, but we can't rule out fungal infection or cancer without a trans-tracheal wash... Which runs $1500. And we need labs which will run you $260 or more." I opted out of both of these for now and his films will be sent to a radiology specialist for review. He'll be on a $97 compounded antibiotic for a month and another $40-something for 10 days. I love this beast, but I can't handle cancer treatments and such. They want to start inhaled steroids based on the films.
My husband left Wednesday for a 10-day hike on the Appalachian Trail. I'm just bummed and sad. I can't afford to do anything aggressive, but I don't have answers now, so I feel like I'm jumping ahead.
_________________
|