My cat is old (14). He's starting to show age-related health issues. He refuses to let us cut his nails and they become ingrown so that's $12 ever 8 weeks or so. He is currently on a thyroid medication and a potassium supplement (in gel form). These meds cost me $70 a month plus a once-a-year blood test that is $130. We just had the last test at the end of August. That test came back fairly normal except that it showed that his potassium was low again. They increased the dosage to 3/4 tsp morning and night.
The problem I am facing is for some reason the vet is harping on his potassium levels. Today when I went to get his potassium refill, they only gave me one tube instead of two and I was told I needed to have a second blood test before they would give me the second tube. I don't have the money for this. I'm already at the limit I can afford for his healthcare plus my commuting expenses for work just jumped $100 per month.
When the test was done, it was while he was being boarded with them during a weekend when I helped my sister move. I suspect that the vet staff was not giving him the supplement and were instead giving him a prescription cat food that supposedly also contains extra potassium but I kinda doubt it has the same levels as the gel. It was also summer and he was probably drinking a bit more water than usual.
Is it totally unreasonable of me to call the vet and just tell them I can't afford this? What if they refuse his meds? Has anyone had experiences like this?
The problem I am facing is for some reason the vet is harping on his potassium levels. Today when I went to get his potassium refill, they only gave me one tube instead of two and I was told I needed to have a second blood test before they would give me the second tube. I don't have the money for this. I'm already at the limit I can afford for his healthcare plus my commuting expenses for work just jumped $100 per month.
When the test was done, it was while he was being boarded with them during a weekend when I helped my sister move. I suspect that the vet staff was not giving him the supplement and were instead giving him a prescription cat food that supposedly also contains extra potassium but I kinda doubt it has the same levels as the gel. It was also summer and he was probably drinking a bit more water than usual.
Is it totally unreasonable of me to call the vet and just tell them I can't afford this? What if they refuse his meds? Has anyone had experiences like this?
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