Dear Most Esteemed and Knowledgeable Kitties:
A young calico was roaming the neighborhood and naturally found me. She seemed to have been an indoor/outdoor cat as she would walk in the house without hesitation. She would allow heself to be petted on her terms and it seemed to me that she that could be placed in the proper home. My husband took her to our vet for test and shots. He was told it took three people to hold her enough to draw the blood and give the shots. They sent home the Advantage and said they could not apply it. She did not eat for two days and hid. She never acted normal and had very little appetite. Seven days later I woke up and she was puling herself along the floor paralyzed from the waist down, and had thrown up a few times. I rushed her to the closet vet, who said she needed to be put down not knowing her history. So it was done. I have agonized over this. I asked my vet, the one who saw her, if she could have had a reaction to her shots. The answer was no. My intent was to have her spayed and place her. I feel the rough handling could have been avoided by a whiff of gas and a hurried exam. Am I wrong to feel that they caused some injury to her during the rough exam? I really think I am going to change vets as this has haunted me and I have no answer.
~ Sherry
Siouxsie: Sherry, we’re so sorry. What a heartbreaking and tragic end for your rescue kitty!
Thomas: Unfortunately, you may never know exactly what happened at the vet’s office that day.
Terrified cats can become extremely aggressive. Photo by Flickr user Smial, distributed under a CC-BY-SA 3.0 license.
Dahlia: Although your cat may have behaved better if she’d been sedated, it’s very hard to sedate a cat who’s squirming all over the place. Attempting to give an injection to a cat that’s writhing and screaming and carrying on can result in serious injury.
Siouxsie: When a cat is put under anesthesia, he’s typically placed in a small plexiglass box where he breathes a mixture of gas and air until he becomes unconscious. Again, it’s hard to put a struggling and fighting cat into a box the size of a cat carrier.
Thomas: Judging from what the staff told your husband, there’s no way the clinic staff could have sedated her without making the situation worse.
Dahlia: A lot of people do change veterinarians if they have a cat who died under the care of a vet they used regularly. It’s a normal grief response — and particularly so if you have questions about whether their handling of your cat may have resulted in her death.
Siouxsie: Whether and how you choose to change vets has a lot to do with the relationship you’ve had with your current vet so far.
Thomas: Have you felt that your current clinic has taken good care of your other cats?
Dahlia: Do you feel you’ve been able to communicate well with your vet and get the information you need in order to make decisions about your cats’ health care.
Siouxsie: Has the staff been courteous? Have they shown that they know how to handle cats properly when they’ve examined your other cats?
Thomas: If the answer to each of these questions is yes, it may be worth it to you to schedule some time to talk one-on-one with the vet who was in charge of the care of your little calico.
Dahlia: Ideally, your vet will want to help answer the questions you have about what happened to your cat at the clinic that day.
Siouxsie: But vets are human beings too, and some of them are better communicators than others.
Thomas: If you’d already been questioning whether you want to stay with your current vet, this may be the time to investigate your other options.
Dahlia: Remember, you’re grieving right now, and the rawest, most painful stage of grief is not a good time to make major decisions.
Siouxsie: Be gentle with yourself and try not to beat yourself up over this. You were genuinely trying to do a good thing for this cat — give her a home where she could be safe and loved for the rest of her life.
Thomas: What happened to your little calico cat is a tragedy. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We hope you can talk to your vet and perhaps find some peace of mind.
JaneA Kelley is a punk rock cat mom and award-winning blogger. She is a regular columnist for Catster Magazine, and she and the Paws and Effect Gang share a home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
My cat Benji hates the vet through a very bad experience when he was a kitty he is 6 years old now and when recently he had to have a blood test done , I placed him in another cage so they were able to inject the sedative straight away and when he came round they transferred him back to his own cage. It was all very gentle and I was really happy in the way he was handled.
Sorry frr your loss its sad
Sue
Yes, there is a chance that what happened at the vet harmed your cat. There is also a chance that there is a worker there that really resents cats that are difficult to handle and sneaked something in that harmed the cat. Unless there is a track record of problems, its hard to prove. Have you gone online and looked to see if there is a track record of problems, especially similar ones? The vet my mother used to take my dog to annually to have him treated for fleas and other bugs you can pick up in Hawaii dipped my dog in a bath of chemicals that caused nerve damage and eventually death. The death sounds a bit similar to what you described. My mother was devastated that she had killed my dog. But the vet felt he was blameless. He has not done any sort of test to see if my dog would tolerate that bath before he administered it and he was aware of this potential side effect that was actually rather common. As I understand it this happened to enough pets with that particular mix that eventually there was a change in how the treatments were done. At this point all I can say is again check the internet where you can look up the record of problems a vet might have had and see if this sort of thing happens very often there. I’m heart broken about your little cat. She sounds very sweet
First, let me say that I am sorry for the loss of this sweet kitty. Time is a good healer and while you might not think that at this moment, I promise you it does work. I lost my own kitty in December.
I am not sure it is fair to either yourself or the kitty to make the assumption that something the vet did was the cause of this. There is absolutely no way to ascertain that. Indeed, I think veterinarians and their staffs try to do the best they can for our animals. You said this kitty found you. By that we can conclude that you really have no idea what her life had been like prior to that time. She may have had a hidden injury or illness. There also may have been someone desperately looking for her to give her much needed medicine for that matter. What we do know for sure is that she found a kind and decent and caring person in yourself.
As for the trip to the veterinarian:: I have spent a great deal of time recently in the back treatment room of a veterinary hospital and can assure it is not at all unusual for a cat to require two or three people to hold her still. This is for the cat’s benefit as well as that of the staff. Cats are not wiling participants in having their blood drawn and other simple veterinary procedures. Further, it is typical in my experience for Advantage to be sent home and to be administered there so there is nothing abnormal in that regard. That your kitty hid for a couple of days after the trip to the vet is indicative of nothing other than the strong possibility she was wary and assessing her environment. My current cat hid for almost three days when I first brought him home. That is typical cat behavior.
Someone has responded here about the possibility of your cat being dipped while at the veterinarian. Simple logic tells me that is not even possible (did you cat arrive home wet?) since your story leads me to think there was only one trip to the vet. There are infinite possibilities when it comes to what could have happened to your kitty. I could list several which immediately come to mind (none involving the trip to the vet at all) but that would be cruel to do. Please do not go looking for the answers to this situation on the internet. The amount of misinformation, however well intentioned, is staggering. I tried to do this very thing when my cat first got sick and it turned out to be a very costly mistake (and I am not referring to financially).
As for having to put your kitty to sleep: it is never easy and it hurts our heart when that time comes. Under the circumstances it was the right thing to do which you already know or you would not have done it. I once read that this is the dark side of love, an expression which, when considered, is very true. This little calico cat came into your life for a reason. Maybe it was as simple as providing love and comfort for a few short days.
I wish you the peace and understanding of this situation which only time will provide. Until then. be kind to yourself and your veterinarian and staff. They are not to blame. No one is.
–Shari
Could it be possible that this kitty had a hidden heart problem called HCM and that it threw a blood clot and the paralysis was from this? That would be something to ask your vet.
OMG the vet didn’t do it on purpise! vets help AMAP as much as possible! WHY WOULD THEY KILL A CAT? geez think first please, but sorry for your loss…
I am so sorry you had this experience! I too believe that some of the treatment or lack of may have had something to do with your cats death. I know where I work, sometimes people can be very rough when it is not necessary. What might have helped, is maybe if she was stressed to give her some time, and then go back and try again. Taking time can make all the difference—working slowly with some animals is sometimes the only way to get a positive outcome. Stress can be very harmful…especially when treatment is involved. 3 people holding her????…what were they thinking……take a break, use a towel….manhandling is never the way to go. Again….I am sorry for your loss. If she had come to my clinic….maybe she would still be here. Hugs to you and yours!
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I (about 9 to 11 years ago) picked up a stray kitten (around 6 weeks old) off my porch because my mom fell in love with her and it was starting to get chilly nights. I finally got her (and she bit my thumb doing it) and she was inside. The problem? She was 100% feral and STILL is. The only time I have ever got close enough to touch her (without her attacking me trying) was when she came back from the vets after her operation. She was still under the anesthsia so I could pat her. Her next rabies shot is due this spring/summer (not to mention last fall we had a terrible flea problem and she’s had a bad reaction to it, but can’t get her to the vets for treatment) and have no idea how I’m going to get her there. She’s been known to attack me when trying to catch her (one time my hands and arms were all bit and scratched bloody to get her to the vets,) she climbs curtains, once she had made a whole in my box spring and she went inside that and I had to take off the bedding and mattress an rip off the cloth on the bottom of the box spring so she’d come out. Around the house and toward the other cats she’s a normal cat. It’s just when you try to catch her she becomes WILD. ANY suggestions as how to handle getting her for appointments? OR should I just explain to the vets how she acts and see if I can forgo her shots? When calling the vets to see how she made out with her operation (spayed) THEY nicknamed her “Wild Cat.”
You had a bad vet if it took 3 people to hold her down she was scared to death, this happened
to a kittie I had I took her in to get fixed and the vet called and said she was having panic
attacks and she should not be in that state so they did blood work she had feline leukemia,
which she had when I got her from a pet store that was inbreading,(it was reported and they
were closed down),
So sorry about your Calico. I, too, have taken in a young calico cat that someone must have dropped off. She seemed just like yours but she took medicine and was recently spayed. However, the only shot I got her was a rabie shot. That’s all my cats get. I do work for a rescue that gives even small kittens the feline leukemia shot (if they are negative) and I’ve seen cats not eat for 2 days and seem lethargic afterward. One set of kittens actually died within a few days of the shots. If she was given this shot the reaction that should leave after two days may have affected her. We feel bad when we take them in thinking we are doing the right thing and they end up like this. It is not your fault. Next time if this happens I would recommend asking to stay with the cat while they draw bloood and do shots (I recommend only the rabie to start). This way you are with it and it knows you. By the way, I have a cat who has been an indoor/outdoor for the last 14 years, recenlty had successful oral surgery, and only gets his rabie shot (every 3 years after the initial first two).
A co-worker’s husband took his dog for routine shots as well and within two days the dog died. The vet refused to take any responsibility. She was beside herself. Either someone did a double shot or the dog had become allergic somehow. I recommend staying with the animal. That family, too, was heartbroken.
To Ms Benoit–have you tried asking the vet for a sedative in pill form. I think you can crush it up and mix it with hamburger, before the vet trip? I know they have these for animals on trips.
I like what Shari said about cats coming into our lives for a reason…it’s been a year since I had to put my Kitty down(a stray with too tight collar) and I still feel the guilt of ‘what ifs’. Fact is, she had cancer and 3 surgeries later, the tumors just kept coming. I keep telling myself that if she was left on her own, she never would have lasted very long and I got to thoroughly enjoy her for 4 yrs. Taking her off the street and loving her…. 4 days or 4 yrs… it still hurts, but know you did good by your little calico and shes at peace now.
Some vets are very, very bad at handling unruly animals. They get mad, frustrated, lose their tempers (oh yeah, some vets have TEMPERS) and generally behave in ways we would consider very un-vetlike.
Check out The Veterinary Abuse Network for more info. I founded it back in 2000 when a vet killed my beautiful Siamese.
I am so sorry for your loss as I had a precious and beloved calico whom I lost right before Christmas. She had great vets (yes, plural, I never permit only one vet to be in control of my pet’s care anymore) but I know what to look for now.
Just my two cents, but I would DEFINITELY change vets after this. Listen to your gut. I wish I had 13 years ago.
It may not have been the vet visit or the vet’s fault. Our Miss Kitty had to be put to sleep on New’s Year Day. She had thrown a blood clot and it went down her spine. She too dragged her back legs and threw up several times. Apparently this in not an uncommon thing in cats.
1.) Your cat was paralyzed from the toxic vaccines. Do your research online on the dangers of vaccines, and how they actually CAUSE the very diseases they purportedly “save” us and animals from! There are many, many books and outspoken [and very knowledgeable Holistic Vets and Journalists] who have clearly talked about the horrifying dangers of vaccines routinely and wrongfully given at conventional vets offices.
2.) Remember, LIVE viruses, heavy metals [such as Aluminum and Mercury] along with adjuvants that are known carcinogens are ALL installed into vaccines! Check out “The Pet Whisperer” online [by Dr. Stephen Blake] and Dr. Richard Pitcairn’s books and web site.
3.) ALL bad vets deny responsibility. All bad human doctors do the same thing. They want your money but none of the responsibility.
4.) All you need to do for fleas, etc. is give chopped or powdered Garlic into high quality food [like Weruva or Wysong] along with a bath with non-toxic pet shampoo. There are several good ones on the market. You can also put a few drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract into their water.
5.) I have a beautiful cat who also came to my back door a few years ago. He is still with me, and has been treated holistically with top quality food, including raw food and vitamins, and has NEVER been to a toxic Vet! He is healthy, happy, well adjusted and will most likely live out his life without ever needing a Vet.
Remember, the medical community exists to make money from your lack of knowledge to help yourself or your loved ones, including pets.
We need to stop relying on the outright lies and misinformation of bad vets, and the ignorance that wants to keep you enslaved to their sick-care system.
Finally, you need to file a complaint with your State Veterinary Board, and also file a complaint online with a public website like “Rip Off Report” and NAME THE VET on your complaint to forewarn other people.
This behavior of giving several vaccines at one time is atrociously bad medicine. The Vet should absolutely be held liable for this. He knows better, but wants all the money up front.
Vaccines kill.
I feel your loss, I recently took my cat to the vet to get his tooth examined. They had to sedate him to examine him cuz he was hissing and being fussy. He appeared to be ok and allowed him to go home with me after 25 min of being sedated. On our way home he began to make weird noises and appeared to be chocking. We tired to hurry him back to the vet but was stuck in traffic. By the time we got to the vet he died. They said he had a bad reaction to the sedation medication they gave him. I feel as if they should have kept him there longer to observe him to make sure he would be ok’d had they kept him there just 10 min longer, he could have been saved! I am going through the same thing. Your being your pet to the clinic to get treated to get better and they kill them. How are you not expected to get upset? We trust their knowledge and work, so when they die because of something they gave him its a little tough to swallow that. My cat was everything to me, he was my best friend and it sucked watching him die in front of me and not been able to do anything about it.
I should read your post at five years ago!!! I had a same experience of you… My cat was my everything and it was so hard to see he passed away in my arms!!! The Vet killed my cat and not admitted her faults!!!
I know I am grieving and may not be thinking clearly. However, I took my precious kitty to the Vet’s to be neutered. I kept calling to see how he was doing and was told that the doctor had not started the procedure on him. I took him in at 7:00 that morning and he was not seen as of 1:30. The assistant informed me that he was in the “box” and had been sedated. At 3:00 the assistant called me and told me that my kitty was having a hard time coming out of the anesthesia and she would call me back in ten minutes. In ten minutes I got the call telling me that he had passed. My question is first, why was he sedated 5 hours before the surgery, and secondly, what is the “box” and thirdly, is that standard practice to sedate and then anesthetize for the surgery? He went in for a routine neutering. I don’t know how this could happen. I am devastated by all of this………………
Brought my boy in for a urinary track issue on Friday. They sedated and then anesthetized him as well. Then we too got the phone call that they were unable to wake him up. Idk, I’m not a vet, but sounds weird to me. He was 3 yeas old. I think they were rushing.
I shuddered when I read Ginger’s comment about vaccines. I just lost my 5-year-old cat, who was the love of my life, to vaccine-associated sarcoma because I unfortunately was taking him to a vaccine-obsessed vet. He began developing health issues when he was 2. Unbeknownst to me, not should he never have been vaccinated further, the vaccines caused his initial issues in the first place. (I found out about this from a second vet I took him to after he got sick, and I fired his first vet.) But Dr. Death never bothered to tell me this, and continued to vaccinate him literally to death. I would like nothing more than to see this greedy, unethical b**** lose her license!
I took my 17 year old cat, to vet yesterday to be euthanized, rather than did in the next few days as told to me by the vet. I saw another vet, mine had day off, this vet took her into back room, and with no sedation tried to put catheter in, I heard my cat screaming, the vet came back, put cat on table, I put my arms around my cat, does anyone think my cat knew I was there, drugs had not been given yet, I have never experienced putting a loved pet to sleep like this, she was so gentle, I blame myself for her suffering.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I had a very similar experience except that the paralysis in my Ronald’s back legs was immediate. Initially the vet thought he was exhausted from the trauma of getting a blood sample but overnight there was no improvement. It was distressing and I stayed up with him all night bathing him and trying to give him little bits of food as he soiled and wet himself and cried. In the morning I returned to the vet who admitted he most probably caused the injury whilst holding him as he was not very cooperative. The vet cried with me whilst we put him to sleep. I didn’t know how to feel. The vet admitted his part and I was thankful for that. I did not pursue the matter. 2 years later the vet closed down but I never found out why.