Oliver’s Story of Survival

by Rita Reimers, Multi Cat Behavior Expert

Sometime you just have to trust your gut and get a second opinion before taking an action that cannot be undone.

Time to Say Goodbye?

One week ago today, Oliver was very sick, not eating, hiding, lethargic. My regular vet was closed, so I chose another that was about 30 minutes away (closest one I could find, I live in a small town).

While the people and the vet’s office were very nice. But nearly $900 of tests later, I was told Oliver had severe kidney damage (not unusual for his age of 15) and a high white blood cell count that indicated Cancer (it’s what they always say when they don’t know what’s wrong).

That vet also told me that he felt a mass in Oliver’s tummy. His BUN and WBC were high, agreed. But when the the Dr told me to euthanize, I hesitated. My gut said no, this was not the time for Oliver. Dr sent me home with a Subq bag and oral gabapentin for pain, and wished me luck. That’s it! No antibiotics, nothing.

Was It Really Time?

Come Monday, I did a walk-in appointment at my regular vet’s office and was able to see my favorite vet there, Dr. Glenn. I got all the tests and imaging from the other vet sent to me, and I forwarded them to Dr G. While we were waiting for those, Dr. G told me there are a number of things that can cause a high BUN and WBC. He asked me to leave Oliver there for 48 hours of observation, antibiotics, and IV fluids.

Dr. G and his awesome staff gave Oliver mega doses of antibiotic and also IV fluids. Wednesday his survival look grim, but Dr. G said lets wait one more day. Thursday I woke to a simple test from Dr. G: “Oliver is eating this morning”

He Was Going to Make it After All!

Oliver had turned a corner,  and he was going to be ok! Whatever infection he was fighting was clearing up, and he was perking up, too. They kept him one more day to be sure. The staff at the vet’s office all fell in love with Oliver, and told me his recovery was “amazing!”

I brought Oliver home yesterday afternoon (Friday). His buddy, Simon, was really lost without him, so it was a happy reunion.

As you can see, he is indeed recovering and eating with a strong appetite. Oh and by the way, there was NO MASS in his stomach.

Had I listened to the first Dr, Oliver would have been put down a week ago. Because I trusted my gut, and my regular vet, Oliver is here at home with some antibiotics and getting better!

ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT!

Get that second opinion if you feel the diagnosis isn’t right. Don’t let yourself be pushed, bullied, or cajoled into doing something that cannot be undone.