Katharine saw the neurologist today for an exam. He manipulated her legs, watched her walk, then tested her facial responses by flicking his fingers and using a long Qtip to touch her face. He saw right sided decreased response in face and legs as we noticed when she had her episode May 14. If it's a seizure, he believes it could be a left side brain tumor (as with humans, the left brain controls the right side of the body, etc.) Tomorrow she returns for the actual MRI and if that is clear, then a spinal tap to look for inflammation/infection. She was NPO this a.m. in case they did the MRI but they couldn't today due to two emergency cases. She'll be NPO tonight again as of ten p.m. So, she's just now, at 1:46 EST, eating for the first time today. Tomorrow, she goes in at 9 a.m. and will be there for the MRI all day. The MRI will take about four hours from start to finish. Then she'll go to recovery and then she will be released about 5 p.m. or later depending on when the MRI actually begins.
The cost: $2000 for the MRI and an additional $500 for the spinal tap. She will be under anesthesia for both. If she has a tumor, surgery will be required. No, I didn't ask for the price. I can imagine that it's twice the cost of the MRI. While concerned about the cost, I'm far more concerned about Katharine. At least we know her heart is in good shape and she can withstand the operation. So, we'll know more tomorrow. For today's exam, I wrote up her medical history, medication list, gave copies of the ER/cardio/vet tests related to the May 14 episode, and copies of past blood work just in case it was useful. Writing up a detailed history and current medication list always helps the new vet or vet specialist get a better picture of the cat's history, especially if there have been any illnesses.
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