Appointment request (NEXT DUE: 8/16/14)

Upon examination on 5/13/14, Darkness seemed to be doing pretty well for his age!

At approximately 22 years old, Darkness is definitely one of the oldest gents in PSOS' veterinary clinic. Deterioration of eye sight noticed, which is normal for Darkness' age; advanced cataracts. Missing some teeth on oral exam, as to be expected. Heart sounds remarkably well! Stomach palpitated, small nodule felt. X-ray and or ultrasound strongly recommended for further diagnostics. Because of Darkness' age, it is not recommended to load him up on vaccinations, so foregoing the feline Distemper vaccine, only a Rabies vaccine is recommended.

Upcoming appointment: Up to you, Kayla, you can opt to save up for an x-ray or ultrasound of Darnkess' abdomen to further assess the nodule felt, or you can decline and leave it alone. Be aware if left alone, this could have been something preventable, however, his age is also a consideration and the stress a ultrasound/x-ray would put on his body. An x-ray will run you $80, and an ultrasound will be $105. All diagnostic prices are randomly generated on a patient to patient basis. Being that ultrasounds are generally more thorough in seeing masses, it will naturally cost more. 
A Rabies vaccine is also recommended.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask here!

Exam on Friday, 5/16/14

Total bill: $125

Darkness does remarkably well during the ultrasound! Not even needing a cat muzzle and using minimal restraint, the ultrasound technicians are able to complete the procedure quickly and efficiently thanks to Darkness' great mannerisms! The ultrasound is reviewed by the doctor and she states at this point in time, the nodule that was felt seems to be pushing up against Darkness' stomach. The doctor estimates in about 1-2 year's time, it will have grown exponentially. Now, realize that there is no way to know if this mass is cancerous or not without a biopsy, then of course if it turns out to be cancerous, you have to make the decision of proceeding with surgery (which of course always carries its risks, especially in older patients), or leaving things to take their own, and sometimes very disturbing (for both the pet and the owner who has to watch nature take its course) way. Darkness is well enough at this point in time that he did receive his rabies vaccine and it will be good for 3 years. You now have the option to proceed with a biopsy for $280 or to let things take its course and see how things go. There was not an exam fee for today.

Although you spend $125 today, because of our current promotion, you earned $400 for requesting an appointment! Congratulations!