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Warning Long Story Coming:
I think its fairly new, I've actually been to the one in STJ for food once and they were great there too.
I've been having some weird and major issues with my cats since FEB. Both have a cold or sorts, 4yr old acting confused, howling and walking around aimlessly, acts like she is starving, wants to eat 10 times a day and then also loosing weight. Younger one also hungry ALL the time and respiratory issue - coughing badly, sneezing but is GAINING weight. Both have random small 1/8 patches of hair loos on the tops of their heads. Very odd.
So it started in mid FEB when I took them to Dr. Moore. Not the best experience and I am sorry but the office was pretty gross. Blood slides all over the place, paperwork from other animals all over too. I won't get too nasty about it but it was $250 for one blood smear and some antibiotics. Well after the first round of antibiotics did nothing for the "cold" or whatever it is, (I was never told) she prescribed the same thing again. After 4 weeks there was 40% improvement in the coughing and sneezing but the rest of all the symptoms were still there.
I decided to get a second opinion and on recommendation from a friend I went to Imperial. Nice and clean so a good start. My boyfriend took the 4yr old that's loosing weight in by himself so unfortunately he didn't give them the full run down. The diagnosis. Stress. Maybe, but I highly doubt it. Nothings changed here, nothing new, no furniture moved, no new pets, no new work schedules, nada and all these issues are from the last two moths. My BF didn't really explain all the symptoms very well so I decided to take them both in on Saturday myself. They were able to fit me in on Saturday but after I arrive I find out that they are UNABLE to do any blood work which I clearly stated on the phone I wanted done. I guess because they are super busy? I know a couple vets left island so I get it but that was the main reason. Then I was told to bring them in on Monday at 8:00-30 to get the blood work and bunch of tests run. Great. I show up at 8:30 and drop them off and the snippy receptionist says something to the effect of "she doesn't know what they're coming in for". I am confused as we just saw each other two days before. She gets their weigh and when she takes Eden my oldest from the carrier she is pretty rough, scruffing her. I mention that Eden is the most tolerant cat ever, she likes to be carried like a baby so she doesn't need to hold her from the scruff. Actually if you call her over to the scale she will go and sit on it for you. I should have left then IMO. She takes them back to the back room and I leave. I call at 2:30 to see if they're ready to be picked up and they tell me they have two more surgeries and then they will be working on our cats. WELL then why did I take the day off of work to bring them in at 8? Pretty frustrating. When I called I spoke to the Dr. and he mentioned that he thought I was going to come in and go over everything with him on Monday. I am totally confused because at our appt on Saturday I did go over all the symptoms and dates and he chalked it up to stress. He asked me on Saturday to write down a simple list of each symptom, which I did and dropped it off with them on Monday morning. I was also disappointed that neither vet took any notes on what I was saying at any of the appts. So after I got off the phone realizing that Imperial was just not on the ball, I decided to go pick up my poor cats who are now probably really stressed out at this point, as they've never been in cages with dogs barking in cages next to them for over 5 hours.
I called CCC and told them what happened at that I am so frustrated to not have any answers after a few months, but most importantly my cats are still sick. They fit me in THAT DAY, actually an hour after my phone call to them. I went directly to CCC from Imperial. I filled out their form which was nice because you can actually put the issues on it for each animal. The receptionist was SUPER nice and put all my notes in their charts for each cat. It was also very clean inside. I spent about 40 min with Dr. Schultz, she took down every concern and every symptom I mentioned as there were a lot of symptoms of all random things. She came up with a smattering of tests, injections to boost immune systems and antibiotics. Everything was about $400. WAYYYY cheaper than Moore. I was expecting it to be $800 for as much as we did. Their entire staff was VERY nice, Dr. Schultz really listened and didn't dismiss any of the symptoms. I finally feel like were getting somewhere and now three days after the injections and the meds we got the kitties are getting better and all the blood work that we put in was negative.
Sorry its a novel but I wanted to be detailed, I didn't think finding the right vet for me would really be that hard but I do consider my cats my children and I expect to not be blown off or not takes seriously. Totally recommend CCC!!!
Posted : May 2, 2014 4:12 pm
This is great info, thanks A. If people don't share stories, good and bad, capitalism doesn't work. The good should thrive and the bad should go out of business, even thought life doesn't always work that way.
Posted : May 2, 2014 5:00 pm
I actually switched over to Dr. Marilyn Moore after Andy (Dr. Williamson) retired.
The building is much older and it's not a new facility but my dogs have been treated very well and I have found that some meds I have to have for my older dogs are quite a bit less expensive than what Andy charged. So far, I am pleased with the service that I have rec'd. I do like her employees as well and they too have been helpful and very nice.
I had a bad experience with Imperial when this Vet was taking over the business and do not like the current vet/owner there, his service, his attitude nor his prices. God help you if you wish to remove your pet from his care as he'll charge you an arm and a leg for their records or not give them to you when you've paid top dollars for decades at that facility for their care, even when they were being treated before he purchased the business from Trip. Plus, had a friend request a prescription so that she could get her pet's meds online as way less expensive and he refused to write one to send in.
I did receive a letter from their clinic telling me that I could bring my pets back since Andy retired and he would honor Andy's prices. This is after I chewed him out years ago due to his attitude and service (lack thereof) and he refused to continue to treat my dogs, which I had already decided to remove from Imperial's care and go back to Andy. He refused to release the files for all 4 of my dogs at the time as well. It'll be a cold day with snow in the VI before I would even consider taking them to him ever.
Never the case with Andy. He will be missed. He and Dave Napier who created Imperial Animal Hospital decades ago were the best.
What's his name at Imperial (I have a mental block) should be 1/25th as good and caring. That dude's in it for the $$$$$$. (IMO)
I do know that Jill and Mary (great people) who worked for Andy are now working for the new CCC Vet clinic. I wish them all the best and may see them, when and if, dissatisfied.
However, whenever not satisfied with treatment or service, one should seek a 2nd opinion (or 3rd opinion), just as one would do for themselves.
Heartfelt Condolences to Marilyn Moore, her daughter and their vet practice families/employees for the loss of her husband, Dr. John Moore who also had his own practice in Red Hook.
Posted : May 2, 2014 5:31 pm
The sudden and untimely death of John Moore was and still is a huge shock. For over 20 years, John was my stalwart knight in shining armor where his devoted care and attention to my many rescues was concerned. To even begin to document many of the most extraordinary things he did for me and my furballs (and other assorted denizens) would run into countless pages.
Thanks for the recommendation of CCC. I can say with no hesitation that I simply adored John. Building a rapport even close to that which I had with him is a very tough call but I'll keep your recommendation in mind.
Posted : May 2, 2014 6:55 pm
Whew...I though the subject said "Shoot Out" not "Shout Out".
Posted : May 2, 2014 8:35 pm
so what is the problem with the cats?
Posted : May 6, 2014 5:39 pm
Topic starter
Lol I wish I knew! Still not sure. Still not better yet although showing some signs of getting a tiny bit better. Still giving meds and all the tests including HW, feline luk / aids, and hypothyroidism and parasites are neg. going back in for more tests next week. Still have random hair patches falling out (grows back quickly) and the 2yr old still coughing although seems slightly better.
Posted : May 7, 2014 1:37 am
Whew...I though the subject said "Shoot Out" not "Shout Out".
Every time I load the front page...
Posted : May 7, 2014 2:28 am
AnA - Could your kitties be suffering from Hyperthyroidism?
Ck out this link, then ask ur vet, as some of the symptoms are similar....
http://animalendocrine.blogspot.com/2011/05/top-10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism-in-cats.html
I'm dealing with a nasty UTI with my GSD so I know ur worry!
Posted : May 7, 2014 3:19 am
Has Bartonella been considered?
Posted : May 7, 2014 11:22 am
wow, sorry to hear this. i hope they get better soon. could it be an allergy or some foreign object ( toad-lizard ) that they ate?
Posted : May 7, 2014 12:18 pm
Topic starter
They are indoor cats.
Posted : May 7, 2014 2:17 pm
I know from your previous posts about your kitties being fussy eaters so don't know how easy it would be to change their diets, which may help. I know dogs and cats have different metabolisms but recently my 11 yr. old pup, (they'll always be pups, no matter their age)
Sheba, suffered from a dry dull looking coat (usually glossy) and had horrendous skin flaking and scabby looking patches on her hind quarters which she never had before.
I spoke with the vet, took her in for a couple medicated baths and have changed her diet to include brown rice mixed with cooked carrots, sweet potato, and cabbage (I change it up to include other cooked veggies that dogs can digest properly after researching what they can or cannot eat.) Her skin is improving and her coat is again glossy. Of course, all the other dogs are enjoying her new diet. I am going to begin to add flax-seed meal to their food, as well, which may help your fussy eaters as long as they (cats) can digest without harm. Did your vet mention a change in diet?
As animals age, the commercial food doesn't always provide what they need.
I hope they are well soon.
PS/Eating lizards usually just makes cats eye's dilate and even inside kitties have access to lizards.
Eating toads on the other hand can cause seizures so best keep them far away.
I have found these terrible toads sitting and fouling the water dish I keep outside for the not so stray kitty that I have been feeding for a few years now. Strange that BOTH cats are affected which sounds like it may be something environmental.
Good luck with resolving their issue and let us know how they fare
Posted : May 7, 2014 3:15 pm
what about coconut oil? i hear a little bit is good for them
Posted : May 7, 2014 6:57 pm
