The only way to view the brain is with an MRI or CT Scan...every day Xrays or an ultrasound will not work as the scull is too dense. And the MRI/CT Scan is $2000 and "may or may not" tell us anything. I think of a hundred other ways to to use that to at least rule some things out or even in for that matter. I feel like it sounds like I am trying to borrow trouble but what if there is something underlying that is treatable but being ignored because no blood work was done? I should have asked for it while I was there, I know that, but having delt with this vet before and seeing how I was totally disregarded there really was no point I'm afraid.

Editing because I stand corrected: I just called Doc's office to have one of the receptionist look up who the vet was on each of these cases as it has been several years and I don't want to present info that is not correct. I noted in red my mistakes below.
(Dr. P was the vet on Baggy's case) I asked her if Baggy could have a polyp after many months of ear meds and she said "I have no reason to suspect a polyp as I don't see one"...yet a week later I take him to Andrew who says his simptoms are consistant with a polyp and he wants to place him under anesthesia to scope his ears and get a better look. Guess what! They call me to tell me that he has a polyp the size of a raisen WAY DEEP in his ear...and it was removed.

This was a different vet at Doc's and one who was actually let go because of her behavior with clients -- This entire event took place over the phone with this vet and I never saw her, Kevin took her to the vet...techs drew blood or Doc did...so I couldn't put a face with a name which is why I wanted to check my facts on this. I have told everyone about the "partially positive" FeLV test that in the end was indeed negative but she was sure to tell me that I didn't care about my cats because I wasn't willing to pay for yet another test after several were already negative and I didn't care about my cats because I wasn't willing to let her give FeLV vaccines to all my cats either! She blatenly called me a poor quality breeder. Doc called me back that same evening and offered to pay for the test if I would allow it to be done -- I did, and it too was negative! In the initial diagnosis of this particular kitty -- my hubby took her in and Dr. P flipped out on him saying the cat needed returned to the breeder ASAP because she came from a "poor quality breeder". So far from the truth.

Still waiting to hear from Andrew...

My thoughts are with you and I certainly have no knowledge of these things except that I want the best for my pet which is what you are doing.

Sending hugs and praying for you and Libby. x

thinking of you.....

Sending you and Libby hugs, Heather.
There is absolutely nothing wrong in asking
to see another vet..one you are more comfortable with.
I hope there are more precise answers for you with your
dear Libby.

Hugs,
Joan

Heather,

I think that a second opinion would be advisable for any potential serious illness. Just get the
best care that you can afford for your kitties.

Best wished for a good outcome.

Thank you guys so much -- I go back and read my words in this thread and feel horrible for painting Dr. P with the same brush by mistake and wanted to set the record straight. But it really doesn't change the fact that I am not comfortable with this diagnosis. It really does boil down to a simple second opinion and doing the best I can. I don't want Libby suffering unnecessarily and I am full of questions right now. We will see where this leads.

Here's my take on it.. I treat my babies the same way I treat myself re 2nd and even 3rd opinions if necessary. If I'm not comfortable with a diagnosis just like if I were not comfortable with one given to me or a family member of mine (and my cats and dog are my family members) I make certain as best I'm able they get the same preference I would give myself of family with regard to making sure I'm comfortable with a diagnosis or treatment before I agree to it for them.

Something is making you question this dx and that's just what we do in human medicine so don't worry about how it appears just go with your feelings here. It is after all your pet that you love. You are Libby's Mom for all intents and purposes. You have the right to make these decisions.

Heather, Simply put - talk to the other vet. I have been in a situation similar. Took an ill cat in and saw the vet I didn't like, She palpitated the cat, told me she had cancer and said she need to be put down that day!! No tests, no x-rays -nothing but normal exam. I refused. Took her to a cat only vet in neighboring town. She had Pyo - not cancer. If I had listened to that idiot I would have lost a sweet girl. I always believe you start with the easiest (and usually most cost efficient) tests when you have options. If nothing shows up, then you move on to other tests. Go with your gut on this - you know something isn't right about the diagnosis. The vet should respect you as a breeder who has the best interest of her cat at heart for disagreeing with her findings. I think if you tell them that you want to make sure that you have done everything you can manage there shouldn't be a problem.
By the way, I wasn't so pleasant about my cats situation. I told them I did NOT want that vet EVER again. I also called when my girl came out of surgery and told them to tell the vet. You can mess with me, but never my kids or my pets!

Thank you all so much for your support and advice! I even talked to my mom about this some tonight as well. She even told me to call and just get an appointment with Amy or Sara. I'm going to as I have not spoke with Andrew as he didn't call.

The good news is (and the night isn't over yet I know) Libby hasn't circled so far and even jumped on the couch for the first time in a few weeks. She stole my seat...ha ha! Still I think we need to investigate this further as I know steroids can mask or hide other underlying issues. Bloodwork might have to wait until she is off the pred...but I will find out for sure.

BIG HUGS!!!

Lynda -- I don't blame you one bit!!!! That would have infuriated me to no end for sure!!!!