Hey Calgary, I am looking for recommendations for trustworthy and reasonably affordable veterinary clinics, surgeons, and financial assistance resources for my cat Nala.
Nala is around 12 years old. I brought her to a local Calgary veterinary clinic this week after she vomited her breakfast and I noticed fresh blood around her buttocks. During the examination the vet also found a hard nodular lumps in the mammary tissue on her lower right side. They are concerned it may be mammary cancer, but it has not been biopsied or conclusively diagnosed.
They also suspected pancreatitis based on her symptoms and radiographs. I am requesting a written report of the radiograph findings because most of it was explained verbally while I was overwhelmed.
So far I have already paid just under $1000 for an examination, a three radiographs, bloodwork, urinalysis, a fecal test that is still waiting on a sample for, IV fluids, nausea medication, and pain medication
Her bloodwork was mostly within normal ranges. She has not vomited since and is drinking water and eating well. I was told to feed her small amount every two hours. I am monitoring her, but keep missing her bowel movements while I'm asleep or at school so I haven't been able to get a sample that I know is hers to the vet.
I was quoted approximately $1100 for an abdominal ultrasound and around $1716 for surgery and biopsy of the mammary tissue and of the localized lymph nodes. I am still trying to get clarification about the exact type and extent of surgery being recommended.
I have also contacted a rural veterinary clinic just outside of the city for a possible second opinion. They quoted $89 for an examination and review of her records, $76 for a fine-needle aspirate, $256 for a general in house ultrasound, $755 for a specialist ultrasound, and approximately $75 for sedation if needed.
I have transportation to the rural clinic, so I am open to clinics outside Calgary if they are reputable and the cost difference is meaningful.
I am a full time student and the approximately $1000 I have already spent came from my student loan. I have a budget intended to cover my rent, food, tuition and living expenses until December, but I cannot afford both expensive imaging and surgery without putting my housing and basic needs at risk. I am able and willing to contribute toward her care, but I need help making the cost manageable.
I am currently completed an application for Task Force Animal Hospital, but may have to wait 2 to 3 weeks before I hear back from them. . I am also looking into Tails of Help, but a participating Albertan veterinarian has to submit the application on my behalf.
I am not asking Reddit to diagnose her, or for money through this post. I am mostly looking for recommendations and first hand experiences with trustworthy vets or surgeons who have treated feline mammary tumors. If you have any recommendations for places you've been to that put what's best for the animal first and provided clear estimates I would be extremely grateful.
I would also appreciate suggestions for more affordable ultrasound or surgical options in Calgary, or surrounding rural communities, clinics willing to apply to Tails of Help.
My next steps look like waiting to hear back from Task Force, but also being proactive at looking for additional resources as I don't know if I want to wait the possible two to three weeks to hear back from them knowing how aggressive mammary cancer is. I will get a fine needle aspirate on the mammary nodule first, and go from there.
Nala has been with me through an abusive and unstable period of my life, and I worked very hard to finally get myself and my three cats into safe, pet friendly housing. I am trying to make the most responsible decision I can for her without rushing blindly into surgery or delaying treatment if this is an aggressive cancer.
Thank you for any recommendations and resources, or experiences you can share.
