The videos are free, but if you want to support the channel (and cats), this is one way. (May show as Gin-For's Odditiques, but that's also me...antique biz). Much appreciated: paypal.me/fdposton?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
In my own way, I've discovered for myself exactly what you addressed here. I think this video and topic is excellent. I've embarked for many years now on the recommendations and key questions/points you posed to keep in mind when engaging with vets I've taken my cats to and do my best to do it in respectful approach. My one sticking point here is that I have found vets, even those that I liked and interacted well with my cats and me, seem to stay stuck in in a one size fits all approach. They tend to intellectually diminish your input as an "expert" on living with and studying your cats constantly. I understand the science requires evidence-based data and practices but vets (like MDs) are skeptical; for ex., when you tell them how a specific medication affects your cat ("It shouldn't do that. The drug doesn't cause that side effect." There's a shift to what you could be doing wrong.). Meanwhile ... time or tests prove you were right about how well you know your cat. So, it's a big challenge to (1) feel believed and listened to by the actual technicians and vets and (2) be regarded as an expert of your own sort in the room. That's just a simple example for the sake of adding a comment but it does extend to the greater desire I have that vets accommodate details that are specific for our pet. In my opinion, that is how a body of practice is comprised beyond textbook answers. It's a rare vet that is open in this way.
The variation on that is that people aren't always good in their own observations or descriptions. We have to learn to see clearly, notice patterns, and express things well, which goes to some issues in the education system...a different subject. On the plus side, there are doctors who pay attention. Went for a follow up on heart issues a few months ago and took a page showing what I had been doing, the results, and what I proposed to do (which included several changes in meds, dose, etc.). Dr. looked it, said he agreed with all of it, and thanked me for making his job easier.
Your advice is priceless, and much needed for even the best cat parents and veterinarians. What you covered here is one of my biggest complaints and concerns always with vets. I notice everything they do (without being too picky) and let some things go but I usually do not return. Also if the vet tends to talk to my cat like they talk to dogs (extremely loud usually, on the border of yelling, along with firm pats on the head or nose) which cats typically don't like. another thing is if the vet office is playing loud music, which many vet offices are starting to do! Now they are putting tvs in each exam room too. usually with the tv playing news. ridiculous. But as you probably know, half of the reason for them doing these things is one the people working there want a fun atmosphere for themselves and possibly because the customers like it.. (I wont get into that......Thanks for mentioning if the veterinarian will scrape plaque off the tooth if it is easy to do, because on good vet did do this once for my cat...but most vets wont even touch the animal EVEN IF it is an issue that could be resolved right then and there. I'm just disturbed by the vets nowadays. I really mean it, your advice is extremely communicated and very useful. People need this advice desperately. The only problem for me is finding a good vet near me. I usually have to drive 40 minutes away in bay area traffic.... just to get to a vet that is not perfect but better than the other options. There are many other issues I didnt mention here but you covered a lot. Thanks so much. I havent checked yet but if you are in ca and you know of a good vet please let me know. Right now my cat is fading away with hyperthyroidism since diagnosed a month ago. she was treated with oral methimazole twice a day and I had to discontinue it because she started getting very sick in just 10 days. I noticed it as a side effect and told dr, he refused to believe it he said its just due to her thyroid.so I insisted they run some more blood work after vet insisted it was not the medication becausehe said, it only affects 3-4 % of cats. well...she was one of the 3-4 %. and the blood tests showed she had declined very abnormally fast (liver test) All other test came out fine, like kidney etc. So the vet tells me lets try the methimazole in liquid form (by the ear skin) which took 2 weeks to order. Ultimately I chose not to give it to her as soon as I saw the results of the blood work. So even though he had the facts he still insisted on the transdermal med. I have researched methimazole and hepatoxicity both oral and transdermal, and have read that if your cat has acquired hepatoxicity due to metamizole, (she did) it doesn't matter if it is oral or transdermal, it is still going to affect her the same. To me it seems like saying instead of walking across the freeway and getting hit by a car, try running and you wont.... I provided the vet with other treatment options/medicine and am still waiting for the response. I just dont know what to do. as for now I started her on denamarin right away after the blood work, but she needs more than that long term.
If you're dealing with an allergic reaction in the liver enzymes, that part should correct fairly quickly after stopping the methimazole. The Denamarin (or just milk thistle) is fine but probably not essential. Treatment options left are the I-131 radioactive iodine, surgery, or the Y/D food (last resort). There are videos about most of those on the channel. Chico Cat Hospital in Chico, CA may be a bit of a drive but is one of the top 131 clinics in the country. You can check this page for a vet who is in the Cat Friendly program, although that's not a guarantee of being a really good vet: catfriendly.com/find-a-veterinary-professional/
I drive my vet crazy with lists of questions , second guessing prescribed meds, asking to switch a prescription to a different medicine to treat an issue. Im sure my account is flagged with some marking saying I’m an annoying client but I can’t help it; my cat is the most important thing in my life. She was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism , she also has a liver shunt , im in a tough situation on how to treat her. But I know I have to do something very very soon and make a decision with treatment plan
Anything? While you aren't precise, I'm guessing that you mean formal education, and that would be in English/literature, though I didn't quite finish the Ph.D. The informal education is more varied.
