When aspirin is given for blood clots, it is to thin the blood, which then takes away the pain (by getting rid of the clot); it is not primarily for pain. They also give small amounts of aspiring to lower fevers sometimes. But pain is usually treated with something else, like metacam, which also can have very bad side effects. Not a lot of good painkillers for cats. When Patches needed some for a few days until she could get some teeth pulled, the vet gave me narcotic shots to give her (can't remember the name of them-- something like buprenol). I understand the way you feel about the vets. We depend on vets a lot, both for treatment and for discounts so we can afford to treat, and it can feel like a very uncomfortable and thin line to walk when you want to press them on something. We want to get the best care we can without making the vet stop treating the animal, unless we have someone else to go to. So I do understand, and have been there. With humans, general practitioners realize that is what they are, and if there is something like an eye problem they refer to a specialist. Vets are not any more trained in the specialties, and yet many seem to take offense at being questioned or asked to look into something or to refer to a specialist. It is weird. The vet I have now is my favorite of the local vets I have had, mostly because he is very clear on the fact that he is a gp, and will frequently tell me he has no experience with something and wants to do research or to talk to a specialist. He recently consulted with a GI vet about Lucy's IBD and gave me a new treatment suggestion from her, which has really helped. Saved me a trip to a specialist. Not many vets will call other vets for suggestions like that. Michelle In a message dated 12/4/2006 8:28:03 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Ok … Part of the confusion is my fault. Although I knew Junior’s eye was sore. I did not think the eye was hurting as much as it was until after I had seen the vet. The antibiotic given I am sure is for the URI. Aspirin was mentioned for its anti-inflammatory properties not as a pain killer. I do know from experience with a cat that had a blood clot that the aspirin took away the pain almost immediately. So part of my reasoning is from my past experience with another cat. I will most likely not give anymore at this point. He does not have as much pain as he did. As I said already I need to discuss his condition with his regular vet. I am not very good at pressing for anything. I am a wimp sorry. This vets office has been very helpful in getting all the cats(11 of them tested, and vaccinated giving me a discount almost every time I have been in to see them. They are the ones who said yes to treat Junior and Tiny when Junior’s old vet wanted to euthanize him a month ago. So I am happy about that. I turn to you guys for your experience and expertise with this dreaded disease. I will discuss pain with the vet next time I speak to her. Thanks for all the suggestions. I was a bit depressed over the situation. I love all my kitties. Sally
