Good afternoon,
This is my first time here so I hope I am using this forum as intended. I have an almost 18 year old cat that I rescued at 6mos. Lola has enjoyed very good health for most of her life. Her background: She is spayed. I was involved in fostering, TNR, and rescuing, for many years, so she received all the required vaccinations and routine exams for the majority of her life, as even vetted fosters can have ongoing health issues. She has been an indoor cat since she was rescued and now enjoys being the only cat of the family; as such in the last few years I have not subjected her to the standard vaccinations, and only took her to the vet if needed, which she hasn’t required in the last two years. Recently, I noticed she seemed to be cleaning herself more than normal, but everything else with her behavior was as usual. She was/is eating, peeing, and pooping normally; perhaps, a bit more water drinking. After returning from OOT, I noticed yesterday that she has a swollen, pink to reddish area on her urinary area that she was licking incessantly, there is no discharge or blood from the swollen area. The swollen area is the only change and I am unsure if that is solely from her constantly licking the area, or being very uncomfortable from a UTI or other underlying infection or condition. Her appetite for both wet and dry food, water fountain drinking, and toilet habits remain normal, her stools are normal and there is no blood or discharge when she urinates. I currently have an e-collar on her to stop any further irritation from her licking, and I am keeping her urinary and rectal areas clean with separate warm water compresses. I want to get my kitty the veterinary help she needs asap, but having been in rescue I know how quickly the vet expenses can add up. What are the specific diagnostic tests, (or surgery ), to focus on and discuss with a veterinarian in order to make sure she gets the vet care she needs for her presenting condition, but curtail all the add-ons that may not be immediately necessary? I recently helped a family member with her outstanding medical expenses, and that has constrained my finances at the moment. Even with my rescue discount, the usual vet I go to would more than likely be out of range at the moment as she now has partners to answer to, and I do not think my cat’s condition can wait until next month. At a minimum, I assume a urinalysis would be one diagnostic test needed and probably an antibiotic. Do you have a veterinarian in the St. Louis City area that would be more reasonable that you can refer me to?
Thanking you in advance for your time and consideration,
Patricia and Lola
(* Apologies to those who are sensitive for the close-up photos :*))