Expert: Ali - 11/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: His symptoms are: "Dehydration, frequent urination, gurgling sounds from stomach, lethargic." Under a year old - He is a stray I just picked him up 2 days a go, he is living in my garage for now - doesnt want to go out & play, likes to hide in garage. (Many neighborhood outside cats here) I have a healthy female kitty I picked up 10 months ago from same neighborhood, living inside only in my house. I want to take him in, but am afraid to until he has been checked out. I am unemployed and can not afford extensive tests. Should I just bring him to the pound or is there somewhere that can help me?

ANSWER: Vicki,

What resources are within your community really depends upon where in the world you live. Some states and provinces in the US and Canada have shelters, not for profit vet clinics, SPCA Shelters offering a program called SPCA Cares where a pet parent can get check ups, testing, spay/neuter surgery, and routine health care taken care of for low or no cost. In your position I would seriously consider bringing this kitty indoors and providing him with a quiet, dimly lit room, food, water and a litter box behind a closed door. It can be hard to assess a cat who hasn't been regularly fed. I do very much agree that you don't want to expose your other fur baby to this kitty face to face until you know for sure what his health is like. It's possible that this kitty may be starving and dehydrated due to a lack of food and water, if this is the case he may perk up considerably in a day or two with regular care. That being said I think that it would be wise to find out whether or not resources exist in your local community that would allow you to have this little guy seen fairly promptly by a qualified vet ASAP because if this little man is sick it's best to have him treated immediately. Sometimes no-kill shelters and rescue organizations are willing to offer help with veterinary care in exchange for volunteer hours so this might be a good option to look into....If you can provide more information about the general area where you live I may be able to offer some assistance in finding low-no cost care for your new friend. If your community and nearby areas don't offer medical care that is subsidized and you can't get the help of a rescue organization to help out with the vet care then I would strongly suggest that this kitty is taken to the local shelter. It's far better for him to receive proper care than it is to keep him based on not wanting to let this kitty go, even if this means that you have to admit him to a rescue organization, a no/low kill shelter or your local humane society or SPCA shelter. It's also worth speaking with local vets, explaining your situation and asking whether or not they would be willing to consider treating this kitty in exchange for volunteer hours or a payment plan if you wanted to provide a home for this homeless kitty. If you do decide to keep this kitty and you are able to find the resources to care for his medical needs then I feel that it's important to let you know that the cats should be spayed/neutered prior to meeting face to face if they haven't already been done so that you avoid producing any accidental litters.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You said "....If you can provide more information about the general area where you live I may be able to offer some assistance in finding low-no cost care for your new friend. " - I am in the Atlanta, Georgia area - 30043. Do you know of any places that can help us? I would love to volunteer! I will offer to, if there is a place that would do that. Thank you so so much! You rock!

Answer
Vicki,

I have just spent several hours looking for resources in your local area. I have 50 pages of stuff to sort through, but I figured I would send off a couple of promising leads first since I believe that this kitty needs some care fairly shortly.

Briarcliff Animal Clinic
1850 Johnson Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
Phone: (404) 835-1216
Fax: (404) 885-9704

This clinic (listing above this info) supposedly offers low cost veterinary care, I'm not sure if it's a matter of gaining financing from an organization like Care Credit or not, but it's worth a shot....

WellPet Humane
5342 Peachtree Rd
Chamblee, GA 30341
Voice: 770-455-1011
FAX: 770-455-1017

Wellness Exams
Essential for good health - regular wellness exams allow us to evaluate your pet’s general health and become aware of any health problems before they become a serious illnesses. Since your pet cannot vocalize his/her feelings, you must rely on regular physical examinations and your in-home observations to optimize your pet’s health. Wellness Exams may require diagnostic lab tests and/or X-rays to provide a more detailed  picture of your pet’s condition.  WellPet Humane will offer these evaluation tools only if your pet's condition calls for it.
Treatments
Outpatient treatments & surgeries
Vaccinations
Some vaccines are given yearly, while others are spaced out at longer intervals. Our doctor will help design an individual vaccine protocol suited to your pet’s needs.
Diagnostics
We will examine your pet and and administer lab tests (if needed) to determine the best possible outcome for your pet.
Dermatology
We diagnose and treat skin conditions.
Viral & Parasite Testing
Routine laboratory tests include testing for intestinal parasites in dogs and cats, testing for heartworm disease and Lyme disease in dogs, and testing for feline leukemia and FIV in cats that have not received these tests.
Preventive Medications
Routine well care medication for dogs and cats includes heartworm preventive, flea/tick control and intestinal dewormers.
Specialized Diets
We offer special diets that enable optimal health.
Dental Care
Dental care is a significant part of well-care for your pets. The doctor can demonstrate the correct technique for brushing and the hospital stocks a large supply of dental care equipment for home use.  
Special Care for Older Pets
Dogs over age 7 and cats over age 8 are considered 'geriatric' pets. It is crucial to catch any changes in your older pet's health as early as possible. Early detection allows for early treatment which can significantly improve the quality of your older pet's life. We recommend:
A physical exam 2X per year
Screening blood tests annually
Special diets to control illness and obesity
Nutritional support for arthritic joints
Puppy Wellness
Young animals have special needs and require a proper foundation of wellness and a preventive care plan to promote a healthy growing body, a strong immune system, and life-long health. Packages include all the required vaccinations (and follow-ups) your animal needs to protect them from parvo virus, distemper, feline leukemia, Rabies and other common diseases.  
Category Classification
Category 1 Income Qualified  
Category 2 Shelters, Animal Control & Humane Societies
Category 3 Veterinary Referrals
Category 4 Feral Cats
Category 5 Financial Hardship
Category 6 Public Walk-Ins  
Note: WellPet will be open to all pets in need the first 2-months of operation.
Category 1 Income Qualifications
Clients, except those seeking spay or neuter will be seen on a priority basis. The mission of WellPet Humane is to offer low-cost medical services to stray or abandoned pets or to those pets whose owners are experiencing financial difficulty. Our staff will set appointments based on financial capacity. Please be prepared to answer personal questions and have the following information ready when calling for an appointment:
- Gross annual income
- Proof of residence with
- recent phone bill (in your name) or recent public service bill (in your name) and
- valid form of ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Student ID
- Social Security Verification

You are eligible for low-cost veterinary care if you can prove that your income is less than or equal to the following or you are currently receiving benefits under the listed programs:

Number of persons in household
1 or 2 $29,300
3  $34,400      
4  $41,500    
5  $48,600    
6  $55,700       

For each additional person in your household add $7,100

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)  
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Food Stamps
Medicaid
Senior citizen low-income discount plan offered by the local gas or power company
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Unemployment
Seniors living on a fixed income, living with disabilities or special needs, and other pet owners with little discretionary income.

Category 2 - Shelters, Animal Control & Humane Societies
Dogs or cats from shelters, animal controls and humane societies will receive discounted products and services.  

Category 3 - Veterinary Referrals
Pets referred by area veterinarians to to "affordability" will receive discounted products and services.  

Category 4 Feral Cats
Feral Cats will receive discounted products and services.  

Category 5 - Financial Hardships
People experiencing financial hardships that don't qualify under category 1  and are unable to afford pet medical services will be seen on a case by case basis.   

Category 6 - Public Walk-Ins
If WellPet does not fill it's daily schedule with clients from Category 1 through 5, than the general public will be scheduled and charged reasonable and customary veterinary fees.

Here are some FAQs about this service

1. What are your office hours?

Monday – Thursday 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M
Friday  8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Saturday Closed
Sunday  Closed  
Clinic closed from 12 noon to 1 pm Daily for lunch

2. What is the earliest/latest I can bring my pet in?

For your convenience, we will offer early morning drop off (7:30 a.m.) and late evening pick up. Please arrange an early drop off in advance.

3. Do I have to have an appointment?

We prefer appointments, yet walk-ins are welcome. We will see clients in the following order:

1. Emergencies, 2. Appointments, 3. Walk-Ins

4. Do you have someone here all night to check on my hospitalized pet?

No, we do not.

5.      What do I do if I need you after hours or on a holiday?

Take your pet to an after-hours emergency hospital. Here is a list of clinics in Metro Atlanta:

Animal Emergency Clinic of Decatur
308 East Howard Avenue, Decatur
(404) 371-9774

All Pets Emergency and Referral Center
6460 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta
678-366-2500

Animal Emergency Center of North Fulton
900 Mansell Road, Roswell
770-594-2266

Animal Emergency Center of Sandy Springs
228 Sandy Springs Place, Sandy Springs
404-252-7881

Georgia Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care
455 Abernathy Road, Sandy Springs
404-459-0903

Cobb Emergency Veterinary Clinic
630 Cobb Parkway, Marietta
770-424-9157

Dekalb-Gwinnett Animal Emergency Clinic
6430 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker
770-491-0661

Eastside Animal Emergency Center
2715 Loganville Highway, Loganville
(678) 985-5530

Southern Crescent Animal Emergency Clinic
1270 East Hwy 54, Fayetteville
770-460-8166

Union City Medical Center and Emergency Clinic
6702 Shannon Parkway, Union City
770-964-0700  

Westside Animal Emergency Clinic
591 Thornton Rd, Lithia Springs
770 819-1090

6. Can I just drop my pet off and pick her up after work?

Yes, as long as you can drop off (7:30 am) and pick up (before 5 pm) within our business hours.

7. Do you take credit cards?

Yes. We take Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover.

8. How much is an office visit?

Our office exam charge is $37.30 for non-income qualified clients and $25.00 for our income qualified clients. (You must qualify, please see our Qualify page.)

9. How much is it going to cost for an annual exam and vaccinations?
Cost depends on which services you choose. Some examples of vaccine charges are:

Feline and Canine 1 year Rabies: $12.00
Feline and Canine 1 year Distemper: $15.00
Feline and Canine 3 year Rabies: $20.00
Feline Leukemia: $15.00
Canine Heartworm Test: $20.00
Fecal Floatation: $18.00

10. Can I make payments?

Our policy is that you pay for services at the time they are rendered.

11. What do I feed my puppy or kitten?

We recommend that you choose a diet formulated for a puppy or kitten that fits within your budget. Remember that the more expensive brands usually have more nutritional value for your young, growing companion.

12. How soon can I bathe my pet?

If your pet has sutures – 7-10 days. If you have just applied Frontline – 3 days.

13. Is it all right to feed my dog bones?

No.

14. Do you sell pets?

No.

15. How old must my pet be in order to be spayed or neutered?

We support the concept of early age spays and neuters to prevent pet overpopulation. We will perform these surgical procedures as early as 8 weeks old, as long as the pet weighs over 2 pounds. We encourage you to have your pet spayed prior to her first heat cycle for maximum health benefits. 3-4 months is a perfect age for this surgery.

16. Is declawing my kitten cruel? When should it be done?

We do not support declawing and will not perform this procedure at our facility.

17. How long is a dog/cat pregnancy?

Dog/Cat pregnancies last 63 days (9 weeks).

18. How long is a dog/cat in heat?

A dog is usually in heat for 2 weeks -1 month at one time. This usually happens twice a year. A cat can be in heat for months at a time. There is no way to tell how or when a cat will go into or come out of heat.

19. Can my pet be spayed during heat?

Yes.

20. Shouldn’t I let my pet have at least one litter?

No, over 100,000 cats and dogs lose their lives in metro Atlanta shelters annually. You don't want to contribute to the problem.

21. How long do sutures stay in?

Sutures are usually left in for 10-14 days after your pet has surgery. (Only if skin sutures are used.)

22. Do you board pets?

No.

23. May I visit my hospitalized pet?

We will rarely let pet’s stay overnight at our clinic.

24. Can my pet have its own food, bed and toys?

In the instance that your pet is hospitalized with us, we appreciate your confidence in letting us choose the appropriate diet. You may bring comfort items for your pet, as long as they are labeled with your pet’s first and last name.

25. What do I feed an orphaned animal?

We suggest that you use a bottle with a milk replacement supplement.

26. When do I get tails docked and dew claws removed on puppies?

We do not support tail docking. We will remove puppy’s dew claws at 2 days of age because their blood vessels are so tiny.

27. When do puppies/kittens open their eyes?

Most puppies and kittens should have both eyes open at 2 weeks old.

28. When does my pet need vaccinations? What do they need?

Puppies and kittens should have boosters every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks old. At 16 weeks old they will receive their last boosters which include their Rabies vaccine. They will then come back in for their final boosters at 1 year old, then annually from 1 year old through adulthood.

29. I’ve lost my dog. How can I find it?

Go to your local shelters to physically see if your pet is there. Also, posting notices and flyers in your neighborhood and community are helpful. Contact neighbors. Studies show that lost pets are usually within .5 miles of their home.

31. Why do you have to use anesthesia to clean his teeth?

Animals don’t hold still on command, like most humans do, so for your pet’s safety and the doctor’s safety, anesthesia is necessary.

32. Why do I have to get these shots every year?

We offer 1 year and 3 year vaccines. When you visit your veterinarian, discuss which vaccine is most appropriate for your pet.

33. Can I just get Rabies only?

Yes, it is the only vaccine required by law in Georgia.

34. How do I treat for fleas?

We recommend using Frontline for dogs and cats.

35. How should I kill ticks?

We recommend using Frontline for dogs and cats.

36. What do you recommend for heartworms?

We recommend using HeartGard Plus.

37. Can my kids get these worms from my dog?

No. Your children cannot contract heartworms from your pet. However, there are other intestinal parasites that humans can contract from animals. We recommend annual deworming.

38.  Can the doctor make house calls?

No.


Hopefully one of these two resources will be able to help you out in the search for affordable and appropriate medical care for this kitty....If they don't please feel free to contact me again and I will attempt to find something else in the way of resources for you...Good luck!