My cat is in ER with high calcium. Do I need all these expensive tests?

Question

I’m away on business travel and my cat needed to be taken to the ER. She was severely dehydrated and constipated to the point of abdominal pain which had her walking wonky. She was estimated at $1100 (lowend) for 2 days IV for hydration, blood work, xrays and monitoring. Bloodwork showed high calcium levels. Now they want to do ultrasounds, feeding tube, sonographs and new estimate is $26-3600. Which I can’t afford. Are all of the tests necessary immediately if her calcium levels decrease? Pet's info: Cat | American Bobtail | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

Makenzie Kurth, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I’m so sorry to hear about Beyoncé! This may be a good one to open a consultation with us about because there are lots of variables. First, if the calcium was a little high, kidney disease seems most likely and further testing may not be needed. If the calcium was significantly elevated, I start to worry about cancer and it may be worth doing the ultrasound. I’m not sure how long you’re out of town, but it may be worth just rehydrating her to help her feel better and get her stable. Then holding further testing until you get home. Obviously if there is something serious later found on the ultrasound, you may have wished you had just done the ultrasound in the first place. A feeding tube is indicated for fatty liver disease or if she has been more than 3 days without eating. Otherwise I’d probably hold on that. Of course all of these are general rules and I cannot make the same kind of judgements as the vet who is there looking at and examining her. I’d recommend calling that vet with questions and a budget. The vet will be able to best use your money if you are up front with how much you can spend. Hope this helps and very best wishes to you and Beyoncé!

My cat is in ER with high calcium. Do I need all these expensive tests?

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