I brought in my cat, Brinkley, over the weekend because he wasn't feeling well. He saw Dr. Eckstrom, who was very kind. A urinalysis and senior panel were ordered. The urine was obtained, but the ve... Read More
I brought in my cat, Brinkley, over the weekend because he wasn't feeling well. He saw Dr. Eckstrom, who was very kind. A urinalysis and senior panel were ordered. The urine was obtained, but the vet tech stated that after multiple sticks she was unable to get the blood sample and that Brinkley would have to be restrained for the blood draw sometime in the future. I stated that I felt that if I were present during the blood draw that Brinkley would cooperate, and could we try again? No she didn't want to. After awhile, Dr. Eckstrom came to the exam room and commented that Brinkley was a very sweet cat. I asked if he was being "a good boy," and she stated "yes." I received a call from Dr. Eckstrom on Sunday stating that the urinalysis showed many bacteria and WBCs, and he needed an antibiotic. I returned Sunday with Brinkley and he received the injection of Convenia. While there, I again spoke with the staff and reiterated that I believed if I were present during the blood draw, there would be no problem. Brinkley had his last blood draw there in 2016 with no problems. He has had numerous blood draws in the past 8 years with other vets with no problems. The staff then told me that if Brinkley didn't improve on the Convenia, then Dr. Eckstrom would consider a blood draw under sedation. Why is Dr. Eckstrom telling me Brinkley was sweet and a "good boy," and the staff are telling me he has to be sedated? Is it your policy to routinely sedate elderly cats for routine blood draws? Brinkley is an old, lethargic cat with no teeth. I feel concerned and troubled by this decision, and feel no one is listening to me or explaining the reasoning behind the sedation.Read Less