Cat with kidney stones needs surgery

Question
Hello, I am at a loss as to what to do. My 11 year old cat has been xrayed and ultrasound, for she is peeing bloody urine...and on our futon. This is not like her. She is taking some pills for infection; on special prescription cat food from the Vet (in NH)...dry and wet...I clean her box regularly but we need to make a decision soon...this has been going on for atleast a month now...our Vet in NH would not like to see a cat put down for kidney stones...but says that she would be lucky to pass one and the other measuring approx 1/2 inch would have to be operated on, with no guarantee that it would not come back. We cannot afford $800 to $1000 for this...we have invested alot of money already...what would you recommend? How can I locate a sympathetic Vet/surgeon that would/could do it for much much less?! Sincerely, Gisele

Answer
Gisele -

Unfortunately, I do not think you will find a "sympathetic" veterinarian that would do the surgery at a reduced expensive because that person has to be paid for his/her work. People in the veterinary profession need to be paid and should not be expected to decrease fees.

Your cat sounds as if she must be miserable.  Bladder stones and kidney stones can be excruciatingly painful. Often the stones can be dissolved by the diet.  If they cannot be dissolved by the diet, they should be removed surgically.  I do not think that euthanasia is appropriate because her condition is considered to be treatable.  


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM