Quick Fanny Update

Well, it's Thursday night and I can finally say the X-ray report is finally in. I spoke with the Vet late this afternoon.

Report: Fanny's hips looked okay, Right tarsal (knee) arthritis with soft tissue swelling. And arthritis of the left tarsal.

The jerk Radiologist (sorry) didn't give a reading on her spine since the reason for the X-ray was stated as "pain in right leg" The X-ray was taken with her lying on her back, and it clearly shows degenerative disc disease. I mentioned that in my previous post. 

The Vet looked at it again today and still says she sees degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with spondylosis. She was shocked the Radiologist didn't mention it just like I was.

We had a long discussion about the plan of care. We're going to continue the Gabapentin (which Fanny dispises) especially since her pain may be caused by a pinched nerve. We're also going to give her another 3-day course of the anti-inflammatory medication, Onsior, for the inflammation in her leg. The Onsior is a small pill and she takes it well with Greenies Pill Pockets.

The new thing is that we added the synthetic opiate, Buprenex. The Vet thinks we need it at this point because since she is not walking on her right leg, she is putting all or most of her weight on her arthritic left knee. It's weakening that leg and can be the reason she flops down. The leg just gives out.

She definitely has tenderness when I palpate her lower spine and touch her right knee.

Besides the cost of the Veterinarian visit, the cost of all the meds is going to add up. So far I have been using the Pharmacy the Vet office uses. But, I want to give you all a tip. I know from experience with our other cats that you can ask your Vet for a written prescription. 

After you get the prescription you can call around, or look online (ex: Chewy.com), for prices at different local or online pharmacies. Most pharmacies will fill the script for you. It will have your name on it but it will also indicate that it is for a feline, canine, etc. Don't be afraid to call with any questions. 

One time I had to give Fanny an antibiotic and the Veterinarian Pharmacy was going to charge around $60.00 for the bottle. I called around and finally found that Sam's Club could make the solution and they only charged me a little over $20.00.

And don't be afraid to discuss the necessity of tests/treatments with your Vet. Make sure you know what the tests are for and make sure they are necessary. Pet care can be very expensive. 

I was paying for pet insurance for a few years but I never met the deductible to make it worth my while. Plus they have so many things they DON'T pay for. So if you do decide to get pet insurance, be sure to compare companies and pay close attention to what they do and don't cover.

I have a great group that we have been with for many years. The staff is familiar with our pets and with "me". That's important. Build a rapport with the practice.  I have their app on my phone.

And I also have my own notes on my phone just in case I have to take Fanny to the emergency room during off-hours. I can answer most of their questions from those notes. Include conditions your pet has been treated for, any medications, vaccination dates, important lab results, etc. 

I hope I have provided some helpful information regarding how to communicate with your Veterinarian and also some cost-saving tips.

As always, give your pets big hugs as often as you can. They love hugs.

Until next time.

Darlene

PS: Don't forget to check out Fanny's book. It chronicles her bff's struggle with end-stage kidney disease and how it has affected Fanny. The Link is at the top of this blog or you can go to:

amazon.com/author/d.colaianni