Conference misery::feline_v1

    I'm not qualified to speak on your vet's qualifications.  However,
    C/D Hills worked fine for our cats; and 2) I'd check for a second
    opinion (check with Tufts Veteranary School for references, if no
    other).
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    Maybe you should try another vet for your own peace of mind.
    
    BUN is blood urea nitrogen - 
    
    If you select another vet, the new vet can call the old vet
    and get the results of the tests already performed so maybe
    they won't have to be repeated and your cost will be less.
    Also, if you transfer to another vet, the new vet can 
    request that all the records be transferred - or copies.
    I would think that most vets would cooperate - maybe - maybe not.
    It's worth a try - when and if you call a new vet, you could discuss
    this over the phone before your visit.
    
    C/D is expensive.  There are other alternatives.
    
    If you ask what the minimum things a food can have, you can
    go to Erikson or another feed and grain place you can purchase
    other (better?) food.  Buying from a vet is fine, but expensive.
    I don't buy from the supermarket, but if a person has to do that
    well, you gotta do what you gotta do or what you can afford.
    There are a lots of cats alive today have had nothing else but
    supermarket food, and they do fine.  
    
    sorry to run on, but I hate to see a Vet intimidate a person
    that really wants nothing better than to help their pet be a
    healthy animal.  There's more than just one way of doing that.
    
    E.T.

    Elaine - I guess what I was trying to ask, without sobbing, is what
    is that BUN and what does it do.  You seem to know lots about kitties
    and what they need, does their food make that much difference? 
    I know that's a dumb question because we are what we eat and suppose
    it's the same for our little friends.
    
    How could what I've been feeding Cocoa make his glucose high or
    was it genetic?  If he has the start of diabetes will his food make
    it better or worse?
    
    Price doesn't matter as long as I get my allowance.  It can go on
    his food *IF IT WILL HELP*.  What scares me is if I spend all this
    on his food can he still get the diabetes?  I'm dumb about these
    things.
    
    BJ
    

    I went to the vet with Cloud yesterday for his first visit, and
    the vet gave me a package of samples (shampoo, vitamins, coupons
    and cat food) and he gave me Friskies. If it's such junk, why would
    any vet give it away?
    
    Michelle

    BJ, I don't have anywhere near all the answers, but please feel
    free to give me a call 264-8298 - we can chat - maybe you can
    sort some of the out.  I was a lab technician in my former life.
    I, now, am masquerading as a software editor!!
    
    Give a call if you feel like it!
    
    E.T._who_hopes_you_stop_feeling_guilty_NOW !!

    I had noticed that both Bandit and Smokey's coats were not what
    they really should be and Smokey under changes to the household
    (stress) would end up with diarrhea.  I spoke with the vet during
    a routine visit and he suggested the science diet and although it
    is expensive I have had both cats on it since September and it 
    has made a difference in both problems.  
    
    Another vet might be able to relieve your mind as earlier notes
    suggested.  Some cats might need a more special diet and others
    can "make do" with anything.  Bandit got included because it was
    easier than separating the cats during feeding and random nibbling
    during the day.  Smokey never has had diarrhea since a few days
    after the new food.  There have been changes in the house, but it
    doesn't affect him in that way.
    
    I should think it is like children.  Most are bottle fed and do
    fine and then there are the few that are allergic to cows milk.
    same principle.  I will have to admit at first I was sceptical as
    the advisor just happened to be the seller, but it did work out.
    Let us know how it goes.
    
    Cathy (Smokey and Bandit)

    If you do get a second opinion, I would recommend the Hudson Animal
    Hospital.  The vets there are very caring both to the pet and the
    owners.
    
    Kathy

    I feed my three older cats nothing but Hills CD.  My vet also feels
    its the best on the market.  The kitten is getting Hills PD.  I
    feed canned in the morning and dry at night.  As far as expense
    is concerned, I really don't think its any more expensive than store
    canned food and is many many times better for your cats.  In general,
    one ?15 oz? can costs about $1.25.  Since we have four cats, I buy
    it by the case or 10 lb bag depending on whether I'm ordering canned
    or dry.  It really does make a difference.  Their coats are noticably
    shiner, the 11 yr old has almost as much energy as the 7 month old
    and most of all, the 9 yr old who seemed to be developing major
    tartar buildup on her teeth, has no more teeth problems.  Her mouth
    looks significantly better.  
      Oh - also about expense, you feed 1/4c of the dry per cat per
    feeding!  That means that a 10 lb bag which costs about $15 if I
    remember correctly, will last a LONG LONG time.  Same thing with
    the canned.  You don't tend to give them quite as much.  I was feeding
    1/2 can split between three cats for the morning meal.
      The prescription diets (CD,KD,RD,PD) are generally available only
    through your vet.  Science Diet and Feline Growth etc are not
    prescription diets and are therefore available at Pet stores.  There
    is a place in Belmont Ma that will sell the prescription food at
    a reduced rate once they have approval from your Vet.  I don't remember
    exactly where it is, but I can find out for you if that would help.
      
      Feeding your cat the right food can significantly prolong his/her
    life, especially where there is a problem like Cocoa's.  I highly
    recommend that you follow your Vet's advice and start using only
    the Hills KD.  I know you love Cocoa very much.  That is obvious
    from your notes about him.  You should be able to justify the cost
    like this:  1. it really doesn't cost any more because you feed
    smaller amounts and 2. it will probably cut down on vet's bills
    and save money there.
       Good luck and keep us posted!
        Nancy DC

    Kathy - I didn't know Hudson had an animal hospital.  Where is it
    located?
    
    Just spoke with E.T. and she was a big help.  Thanks to all of you
    for listening and commenting on my babbling.  Was so scared for
    Cocoa.
    
    Will keep you informed!
    
    BJ
    

    I'm not Kathy but I live in Hudson. It is on High Street, right
    across from The catholic school. I can't give any opinion of them
    becuase I use Dr Frazer in Southboro whom I like very much but he
    is expensive.
    
    Jan
    

    Most vets sell C/D at cost or near cost to their patients.
    
    Deb 

    BJ,
    
    We don't mind you babbling.  We have all done it ourselves.  
    Besides, if we don't babble, how can the other feliners learn
    or try to help.  That's what this conference is all about.
    
    Sandi (Lightning, DejaVu & Thunder's mom)
    
    

    
    
                  Another vets whom I really like and have heard only
    good reports on is Countryside also located in Hudson.  They're
    in the phone book.  I can't remember which one we see but she is
    fantastic.  Maybe some other noters out there use Countryside and
    can think of her name?  Anyway just another option and I truly hope
    you feel better as far as the case of the guilts :^).
    
                                                      Kim
    
                Whose_Fed_All_3_Of_Hers_Iams_Since_They_Were_Babies
    

    Thanks Sandi!
    

    I have also fed my cat Friskies, 9 Lives and Tender Vittles and
    he just had his 16th birthday.  I have always gone to the Marlboro
    Animal Hospital and always have our visits set up with Dr. LeVan
    (the former Dr. Swartz -- recently married.)  She has a much nicer
    "bedside manner" than Dr. Nelson, who at one time upset me very
    much.
 

    
    I've ALWAYS fed my kids 9 lives and Crave crunchies and they both
    seem to be in great health (ages - 7+ and 4+).
    
    My kids go to Dr. Fleishmann at the Northboro Vet Clinic (393-8339)
    right on Main St. in Northboro.   I just started going there and
    I have to say that I was very impressed by his 'bed-side manner'-
    He was great with my baby's (he has several cats of his own).  I did
    think of going to the Marlboro clinic, but after reading the vet
    recommendations notes, I changed my mind real quick - I don't need
    or want any vet 'yelling' at me for trying to do the right thing.
    
    To set your mind at ease, why don't you just call another vet and
    get their perspective on Coco's position....a second opinion can
    only help!
    
    I'm sure you'll do the right thing for Coco, but keep us informed.
    
    Good luck.   
    
    Barbara, Ebony & Ivory
                            

    re: .13
    
    I think the vet you are trying to think of is Nancy Lung. She's
    great!
    
    Ken

    IMHO, the vet was very rude.  You are doing your best for the kitty,
    no one has the right to tell you otherwise.  Some types of food
    are better for the cats than others.  There are kinds available
    in your grocers that are good as well.  I feed Science Diet Light
    Dry and Old Mother Hubbard canned.  They seem to do all right. 
    
    Don't worry, your kitty know you're doing your best.
    
    Mary-Michael, Niniane, Charm, Boogie and Dream

    I think vets are like doctors -- if they aren't willing to explain
    and answer your questions until you understand the problem, you
    get a new vet/doctor.
    

    RE: 15
    
    I second that!!  I too had dealings with Dr. Nelson.  My second
    visit back I was all ready to tell him off if he treated my
    like that again, but we ended up with Dr. LeVan, thank god.
    She was real caring and did not intimidate me.   To tell you the
    truth, I thought Dr. Nelson had left but now finding out that he's
    still there, I will definately request for Dr. Levan when making
    an appointment.
    
    Sue, Chrisue and Webster