I was super gratified with all the support I got after my last post from people who regularly read my musings. Thank you! I will keep on posting, I will try to always be fair and I will just try to tell my story. One thing…we’ve been here 6 years. We left during the Obama administration. Many people now are seeking a way out of the US. But that was not why we came here. We did not leave the US because of any disgruntlement. We came here for the adventure. For the opportunity to learn a new language. To experience a new culture. It keeps us young (ish 😉). I will add, we are glad we are here now where it is easier to ride out the pandemic. At least for now…
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I mentioned Rocky has been sick. It came on very suddenly. He began sneezing and digging at his nose and face with his paw. His eyes got very runny. We waited a bit and he was no better so we took him to the vet. We had only had gone to the vet once since we have been here and that was merely an introduction visit.
I had thought it could be a dental problem since he has never had any dental work done. But, in looking at his teeth I saw no obvious problems. Laura, the vet pretty much only did one thing. She listened to his chest and said he had some congestion. She didn’t take his temperature, nor did she look at his teeth. I asked her to do that. She said his teeth looked good for an eleven year old cat. I was kind of disappointed she didn’t do any more extensive examination. She gave us an antibiotic prescription and we made a follow up appointment.
I spoke with our friend Paul who is a retired vet here and he said they don’t want to spend your money so you have to pretty much ask them to do any tests. But if you’re not a vet I don’t know how you’d know what to ask for? It is actually similar to our own care here. We must advocate for ourselves at our doctor and if we want a test we have to ask for one. It’s not at all like in the US where they, many times, do too many tests and procedures.
So, we returned yesterday. Rocky seemed much better. No sneezing, no pawing his face and his eyes weren’t running anymore. She listened to his lungs and said they sounded clear. I hope that is the end of the saga. We have lots of friends who have sadly lost their pets in the last year or two. And some still deal with chronic conditions. They all tended to go to a vet in Foligno, a town about an hour away. Maybe if either of our cats ever gets very sick, and I don’t feel confident in our local vet, I may go there.
Hi Paolo, thank you for this help. I will file this information away for the future. My cat has recovered and we are happy it was not serious…but both the cats are getting old and will need more care.
Best,
Nancy
Hi, i accidentaly come across to this post, i live in Bologna but come from Lama, few years ago my parrot had a problem while i was in Lama ( San Giustino ) , in Italy, in general, is not easy find an exotic animal Vet, anyway we run to San Giustino via Puccini, there is more then a doctor, in this case a young lady help us, almost for free and she got the right diagnosis, and she and subsequently the other doctor ( a male ) was kind and gives me great advices for that emergency situation.
I dont wanna to “support” anyone ( sorry if is not the correct translation in english, hope you understand what i mean ) there are other Vet in San Giustino ( with good review ) and for sure more then one in Città di Castello, but this was my experience, may could be helpful.
Thanks, I wonder if this is the one all my friends use. I have to say, driving an hour to the vet is not something I want to do so I’ll keep trying around here. I will let you know if I need the number. Thanks.
Our Vet in Foligno (Sant Eraclio really) is very good and very thorough. Let me know if you need her number.
Thank you Kathleen! He seems much better!
He is much better Liz. I just gave him his last antibiotic and will watch him. He seems back to his old self. 🙂
Thank you Ida. No need to comment. I’m happy you like to read it! Thanks we’re glad Rocky is better too
Thanks. I’m so relieved too! He is a special cat.
Ciao Nancy – I always enjoy your posts and pictures, keep them coming. And so glad that Rocky is better! Gary
Thanks for sharing your adventures in Italy. I dont usually comment, but I read your emails. Always such great stories! I am so glad your cat is doing better! Take care!
I hope your kitty feels better soon!
So sad to hear about Rocky. I hope he is okay. Poor kitty. Fingers crossed that he will feel better soon.