My cat had a seriously infected foot with multiple sores. I described the symptoms to a retired vet tech friend who then suggested it sounded like classic foxtails in his feet and toes which caused an... Read More
My cat had a seriously infected foot with multiple sores. I described the symptoms to a retired vet tech friend who then suggested it sounded like classic foxtails in his feet and toes which caused an abscess. I called the vet to see what it would cost after giving all the details. I was quoted 60 from the vet from the details given, not the receptionist. I walked out paying 140 for the visit, cleaning his foot, and shots. All of which should have been expected in the initial quote. When I went in he had a 105 temp. They soaked his foot and scrubbed it, then gave an antibiotic shot. And suggested it was an animal bite and to give a rabies booster even though he had one less than 6 months prior. The vet never looked at the wounds. I asked about the fever and was told the antibiotics would bring it down, and to do epsom salt soaks.
The fever did not go down, in fact it went up. His foot infection spread and his breathing was raspy and fast by the next night. I had put a fan on him, but it didn't help. I called the vet at 11pm. The same vet answered. I told her his foot has spread the rotting infection and his temp was very high and his breathing was bad. She asked if I soaked it, and I told her yes. She asked if it was with epsom salt and I told her yes. She said I could bring him in emergency if I wanted. I told her I could not afford a high emergency bill if she didn't do anything like last time, and since she didn't actually look at the wounds the first time, she can't tell how much worse it is. I told her I had used the fan but what else can I do for his fever at home since it didn't work. She didn't answer me. I told her that I need to do something, because it was most likely foxtails like I suggested in the first place and the infection is spreading, and she hung up on me.
I brought him in the next day to have the other vet see him. I had thought the fever broke because he was better than the night before, but he had a fever of about 105 still. I can't imagine how high it had been the night before. The vet ultrasounded his foot and said the abscess had drained, but did not try to determine if it was bites or foxtails. I told him that he now has fluid in his lungs and is raspy and wet coughs. He used the stethoscope to listen, but never said anything to me. They just wrapped his foot and sent him home again today. Tonight his wet cough is much worse. He sounds like he has pneumonia and I don't know what to do. I do not have another 150 to pay another vet because of their incompetent care. Foxtails can reach vital organs and spread infection on the way, and you are not supposed to give animals with fevers, let alone high fevers, rabies shots. He is probably going to die from pneumonia now. Awful care. Read Less