Here is the short version, in case you don't want to read the whole thingy: Later this afternoon I need to take Hershey to the vet. The phone answerer thought it sounded like pnemonia and wanted him in right away.
What questions should I ask to be sure they are doing things correctly? What answers should I expect?
Thanks!
Here's the longer version:
Background: Hershey is 3.5 yo male who was neutered when he was about 8 mos old. I've had him since he was a baby. He has always had his own room downstairs while we were at work. When I came home I'd bring him upstairs with us. I'll admit I didn't do a very good job litter box training him, but he was pretty consistant in peeing in the box.
Heis eating and drinking normally, but I realized he is not climbing or digging in his tunnel.
I have his pellets and veggies and water in the litter box. He will jump in to eat, but even for this he seems reluctant and tries to just reach over the edge first. If he has an urge while he is in the box eating, he'll go, but he won't make a special trip!
He pees right next to the box. I finally put pee pads around the box and he is VERY consistant at peeing on these, in one of 2 places.
He poops wherever he happens to be. It's the same box, same litter, same water bowl, as he's been using for years.
This morning while we were cuddling I heard him wheezing. Everytime he exhaled, he "whistled". I called the vet and they wanted him in asap. (I didn't think he acted that sick!.) The telephone answerer said it could be pnemonia and they need to catch that as quick as possible.
So, I'm off to the vet in a few hours. The main vet is very knowledgeable and reliable, but usually I can't get in to see him and I see an associate, who are not as knowledgeable and reliable.
ray:
