Ember the wonder cat is losing weight, and we're not sure why.

[randomness]

So bedfull_o_books and I are looking around for a place that's good at diagnosing mysterious feline weight loss. Any ideas for places to visit in the general Somerville/Cambridge area would be greatly appreciated. We'd certainly consider places that are a bit farther away if they were worth the trip.

Thanks in advance to all.

Comments

[donnad.livejournal.com]

How old is the cat? If he is older than about 10 years old, I would guess he has a kidney problem. Weight loss is the first sign of kidney disease. Kidney diseas is easily managable and even if he does have it, he can still live a long time with proper care.

We take our cats to Angell Memorial in Jamaica Plain. It's the best place around. Ask specifically for Dr. Jean Duddy. Her specialty is older cats with chronic issues. But we take our kitten to her as well. She's absolutely fantastic with the cats and they actually like her and aren't afraid of her.

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

Ember is 15. When I brought her to the vet about a month ago the bloodwork did indicate slight kidney problems (I can't remember the exact numbers, but they were in the borderline, rather than the "oh my ghod" range).

I just want her to gain some weight. She was 7 lbs. when she was weighed at the vet. Don't think she has gained anything.

Angell Memorial is one of the places we were considering, actually.

Poor baby....

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the links, btw. It'll save me some searching.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

15 years old... Then you definitely want Dr. Duddy, tell her I sent you to her. She's the best! When Keisha was sick with her kidney problems she would email us randomly asking how she was doing. We kept in touch via email about her treatment and whatnot.

Last week when our new kitten was sick I emailed Dr. Duddy, explained the symptoms, and didn't even have to take her in to be seen,(thus saving me $80 visit fee) Dr. Duddy called in the anti-biotic and I just had to go pick it up.

She's a cat person herself, I think she has 4 or 5 of her own.

You need to specifically ask for appointments with her, otherwise they'll give you to whomever is available and they have quite a few interns there (it is a teaching facility). I wanted a resident Doctor for my cats so I could have continuity of care and didn't see someone different every visit, which happens if you don't specifically ask to see a specific person.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

One of the other good things about Angell that you wont get at regular vet offices... They are open 24/7. Which means if you ahve a crisis in the middle of the night you can walk in anytime with no appointment and they have your records available.
They take credit cards and they have a payment plan called CareCredit. We used the CareCredit for Keisha thyroid treatments.

[tamidon.livejournal.com]

IAMAV, but look into hyperthyroid, really common in older cats and has hit both of ours

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

I have to check with the vet, but I think they tested for that and it came back normal. Worth checking again though.

[bex77]

We are very happy with Dr. Parker at Porter Square Vet, which is actually in Davis, very close to the Rosebud, on Summer Street. The entire staff there is very personable and helpful. We've had some nightmare vets, so we are estatic to have finally found a great one.

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

That's Em's regular vet. If they can't figure it out I will have to bring her someplace else though....

[bex77]

We use Angell whenever we need off-hours emergency visits, or higher level visits when the regular vet recommended it or couldn't help us. They are marvelous, in a "big hospital, emergency" sort of way.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

Angell is great for everyday wellness care as well. We use them as our regular vet.

[signsoflife.livejournal.com]

My most specific information is in re. cancer specialists, but we also had "good" experiences with Angell. Also, if ultrasound/endoscopy is indicated by your primary vet, Dr. Rossi at the Animal Ultrasound Clinic in Salem was probably the single best health care professional Darcy saw -- he was the one who properly diagnosed him after the surgical tissue biopsy failed.

Much, much luck.

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, for the recommendations and the good wishes.

[bloodstones.livejournal.com]

It just occurred to me that you could call hokulea who is starting a vet clinic.

[amandab3.livejournal.com]

And while she's waiting to get the actual site up and running she is doing housecalls. She's absolutely brilliant and you should definitely call her. http://www.prospecthillanimalhospital.com/

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

Aewsome. Thanks.

[mmeubiquitous.livejournal.com]

I took our kitties to the Cat Hospital in Brighton...they were good folks and took good care of Jane and Babs, even if they were a little pricey.

Poor Ember... The cats I've known who have gotten really old and passed away from old age got really skinny the last couple of years. I don't remember how old Ember is...

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Em is 15. 15.5, actually. I discovered that she scarfs down Sheba (Grilled Ahi Tuna, if you can believe it). I have no idea if this is good for her kidneys, though.... (cf comment on wonky kidneys above...)

I still owe you that picture of P. and the lion. L has it on his computer. I'll get him to send it to you....

[mmeubiquitous.livejournal.com]

Actually, you sent it to me a while ago :) Quite cool, thanks! :)

I hope you can find out what's going on with Em, and that she has many good years ahead of her :) I also hope you're doing ok! Take care :)

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

Really? I have no memory of sending that to you...

Thanks for your good wishes.

Hope you are doing well too.

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

I go to Dr. Looby's office in west medford, just over the town line from Arlington on route 60. I find a surprising amount of people who go there. They were extremely kind with Warren's illness, even sent me a sympathy card about a week afterwards. Lots of good vets work there, about 6-7 of them.

I found that while Angell does quality work, they didn't seem as personable, likely because they have so many people coming to them. But you can't beat Angell's hours! (however you can beat their premium price).

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

Yes, Angell is up there isn't it. They do good stuff though.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

Angell can be expensive, but they are the best and they are non-profit.

The Cats Hospital, Rt 9.

[ddreslough.livejournal.com]

Dr. Cosimini of The Cats Hospital on Rt. 9 in Wellesley is a cats-only practice I've had excellent experiences with.

He only does cats and is associated iwth SPIN (Stray Pets in Need), although I'm sure he's a for profit practice. He's who I'd go to...but it's good to know Angell's another option too.