Eureka! Thanks to all who followed the post about my kitty and for your great advice.

[Paper Roses]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/116124750

After taking a lot of great advice and searching/calling Vets in the area, I brought my kitty to a new Vet. What a good experience. Even though my kitty had an exam and Rabies shot in August, the new Vet gave her another exam as required for new patients. She checked, poked, prodded and also--of great importance, checked her teeth. Everything was great.

After discussing what I thought was going on, she drew blood for complete lab tests. Included were: CBC/profile/Electrolytes, Thyroid function, Urinalysis, Cystocentesis.
We also discussed the state of her teeth. The prior Vet led me to believe she was in danger of some serious problems. This new Vet said her gums were a little pink but suggested that I wait until January(National Pet Dental Care month) and take advantage of the discount to have her teeth cleaned. She said she saw no indication of any real problem now and certainly no need to have teeth pulled.

I spent $350.00 for the exam and tests. This was great news. The Vet called and told me that every test came back 'normal' and that I should rest easy. Seems as though my kitty had gone through a little personality change in her old age. She is healthy and I have saved a bundle. Thanks also for advice about facilities where I might be able to get a lower price for teeth cleaning. I have saved the information and will follow through to see how I can qualify.
Thanks to all DUers for the help, what a wonderful group of caring people!

[shenmue]

1. Yay! Squee.

[irisblue]

2. glad it is working better....

[Phentex]

3. Happy to hear it!

We all want to take care of our fur babies. Hope all continues to go well for you.

[ginnyinWI]

4. great news!

Unfortunately there are some vets who are on the "take". Others just don't care anymore. I've been to the latter type: just wave their hands and assume they know what's wrong just because they see something all the time. Example: a few years ago my daughter's senior cat showed signs of a urinary problem. She strained and couldn't go. So the vet just assumed it was crystals and an infection and put her on first one, then another antibiotic. All the time the kitty was not comfortable and didn't improve. It turned out to be a bladder tumor blockage and he could have noticed this if he had done a thorough exam. She died soon after--it was inevitable--but her last days could have been less painful for her without the needless delay.

I encourage everyone to stop seeing vets whom you suspect of not doing their jobs! I should have switched earlier than I did. And also the ones who seem to want to bill you through the roof.