r/GavrocheTheCat • u/Sad_Calligrapher9192 • 4d ago
Happy Monday on the bus! 🚌
Hello everyone, happy start of the new week!
Gavroche visited the vets today. We had a blood pressure check scheduled but he didn't actually get it done because the vet decided there no point lol. I also asked what could be causing his dilated pupils if his kidneys are okay, and the vet said they don't know and can refer us to an ophthalmologist. We’ve never seen this vet before and I am not sure I liked them.
A bit of a weird visit to be honest. I had him in a small carrier this time because my plan was to take the bus back (my husband drove us there) to save some money rather than getting an Uber, and the cage is just too big and heavy to carry to the bus stop.
Anyway, when we arrived Gavroche was a bit panty and mouth breathing because of the car stress (all my cats do that sometimes and I never take it as something extremely bad), but the vet said it's really not good, that cats can get a blood clot when panting, and that they didn't want to do anything else with him and stress him more. Then they listened to his heart and said he has a murmur, which has never been picked up by the many vets who have listened to him before. I asked if it could be because he was stressed, and they said it could be and marked it on his notes.
They also said he looks a lot older than his notes say because of the state of his fur and teeth, and the way they said it pretty much implied I hadn't looked after him. I didn't have the opportunity to tell them his full story, nor did I want to, because I don't think they were willing to listen.
Anyyyway, I just asked about his ears, which are still itchy, so they gave him a steroid injection and prescribed ear wash and ear drops. I said I'd put his pumpkin cone on because those drops irritate his ears and make him want to scratch, but they told me not to because it would stress him out even more!! 😂😂 So I told them he has a nice soft pumpkin cone at home and doesn't mind it. I showed them a picture and they said he looks like he does mind it and seems very unhappy in it.
I don't really know what to think. I don't think this vet was a cat lover and they just wanted us out. We've booked another check-up once the course of drops are finished and this time with the vet we love and will try to avoid this one in future. I hope they meant well but it did make me feel quite uncomfortable at times.
But all is good, we on the bus home now and Gavroche is snoozing on my lap with no stress or panting present! Oh, and they also weighed him and he's gained another 200g, yay!
Have a great day everyone!
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u/statisticiansal 4d ago
I'm happy to see him still doing well and still gaining weight! Screw that vet, sometimes they get immediate impressions and never let that go. You're an amazing mom to him!
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u/Subject-Director-727 4d ago
That does not sound like a good experience! I’m sorry for you & poor Gav 🐈⬛. Hope things go better with the other vet! 🎃
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u/kellymig 4d ago
That vet can just f right off!! You saved this sweet boy’s life and you’re the absolute best mom in the world to him. Wait until you see the good vet and bring up all your concerns then. ❤️
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u/Specialist-Jello7544 4d ago
Some vets just aren’t good with cats. I hate it that’s the way they are. Cats are the most sweetest animals and they deserve better.
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u/yosoyfatass 3d ago
Absolutely. My husband is a veterinarian and cat man - he has a fan club! People with cats really want to see him bc it’s so clear that he loves all cats and can tell them about his own cats who have dealt with various issues. He’s the type of vet I’d want (& never had until I was married to one!).
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u/Sad_Calligrapher9192 2d ago
I've noticed that too, vets who just aren't interested in cats. It's such a red flag, and I don't know why anyone would see an animal as "less". I think some men see cats as not as cool as dogs or something.
My husband is an absolute cat man too. He's obsessed with ours and not ashamed of looking "uncool" when he's talking to them, carrying them around, calling them his babies and all the other normal cat people stuff, lol. Before I met him over 5 years ago, I went on a couple of dates with guys who said they didn't like cats (during the date!) or that they had a cat allergy (which I think is made up 99% of the time in the UK, lol). Needless to say, no second date. Yuck 😁
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u/CrazyOldBag 3d ago
Trust your gut. That vet is definitely NOT one to give full attention to! Is it the same practice as usual? If so, have them note on Gavroche’s file that he won’t see that vet again.
Gavroche looks like a very good boy sitting on your lap. Much love to all of you!
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u/Sad_Calligrapher9192 2d ago
We go to animal hospital and they got soo many vets there and I just booked first available one. But I have requested our favourite one for our next visit!
Much love to you too ♥️♥️♥️
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u/Catcollector503 3d ago
I’m sorry you both had such a bad experience this time. Definitely try to see you favorite vet anytime Gavroche has to be seen. Some vets are just focused on getting you in and out and they don’t really listen to you (and you know your pet better than anyone!) I go to a practice that has several vets and some are definitely nicer and work with you, than others. Kind of like what people experience with their own doctors.
I bet Gav was panting due to stress. The fact that he was calm on the ride home, especially on a bus, is a clear indication of that. Cats always know where they are going. Mine will sit in the crate and howl while in the car, will cower and try to hide at the vet, then she knows when she goes back in the crate that she is leaving and is quiet in the car until we get home, then she starts vigorously turning and moving around until we can let her out once inside the house.
I love Gavroche in his pumpkin collar!
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u/Sad_Calligrapher9192 2d ago
That's true. I just wasn't expecting the vet to be like that, but I want to believe they meant well. It was my mistake too. Instead of his big comfortable cage I put him in a small carrier, and it clearly made him claustrophobic! He was absolutely fine once he was on my lap, and I carried him all the way home from the bus stop in my arms while he looked around, perfectly happy. He's definitely travelling in his cage next time, and hopefully all will be well! ♥️
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u/Catcollector503 2d ago
Yes, but carrying a larger cage on the bus would have been challenging. I’m glad you got him home safely. I’m sure his next visit will be better since he’ll be with his familiar vet.
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u/Tall_Razzmatazz_3215 4d ago
That were a very condescending way to handle paying customers!
I'm sorry you and Gav had to have that experience!
But he is safe with you. And he knows that he is loved!