Health Certificate Snafu/Zest has a heart murmur
The kittens haven't flown down to NC yet. There have been some bumps in the road which is due mostly in part to the issuance of health certificates. In order to fly, the kittens have to have health certificates issued that state that they are vaccinated and not a health risk to other animals or people. The FELV shouldn't be a problem because the virus is fragile.
I called a week ahead of time to see what I needed to do to get the certificates. The person with whom I spoke told me I could just come and pick them up that she would fill them out and have the vet sign them and fill in any information they might need. So, between them and the hours of the office, I wasn't able to get the health certificate until a week later, shortly before they closed for the evening. So, that delayed the trip one day.
Then as I am getting the kittens ready for their trip in the morning I noticed that the health certificate was dated from their last exam, which was October 8. Health certificates are only valid for 10 days after the most recent examination, so when the doctor signed it it was already expired. I needed to have them reexamined, which I wasn't told. Another flight delay. Made an appointment for today to have them examined and now I have the health certificates.
The exam should have been routine, but nothing ever is anymore. When listening to Zest's heart the vet noticed that she has a grade I heart murmur. I asked him what that meant and he said it means that in 3-4 years she could develop heart disease but that it shouldn't hinder her ability to travel. I have written to the rescue in NC to see if it changes their acceptance of Zest. I have offered to send a different kitten. I would understand if they tell me they can't take her--FeLV is hard enough, but with a heart murmur as well, it would be asking even more of them.
I am sad, frustrated and nervous. I am also emotionally tired. I feel like I try to do the right thing and the road keeps getting harder and harder. I have been trying to not ask "Why me? Why them?" but when these issues arise, it takes more strength and some days I worry I am not up to the task.
Think good thoughts for the kittens today, and Zest in particular.
I called a week ahead of time to see what I needed to do to get the certificates. The person with whom I spoke told me I could just come and pick them up that she would fill them out and have the vet sign them and fill in any information they might need. So, between them and the hours of the office, I wasn't able to get the health certificate until a week later, shortly before they closed for the evening. So, that delayed the trip one day.
Then as I am getting the kittens ready for their trip in the morning I noticed that the health certificate was dated from their last exam, which was October 8. Health certificates are only valid for 10 days after the most recent examination, so when the doctor signed it it was already expired. I needed to have them reexamined, which I wasn't told. Another flight delay. Made an appointment for today to have them examined and now I have the health certificates.
The exam should have been routine, but nothing ever is anymore. When listening to Zest's heart the vet noticed that she has a grade I heart murmur. I asked him what that meant and he said it means that in 3-4 years she could develop heart disease but that it shouldn't hinder her ability to travel. I have written to the rescue in NC to see if it changes their acceptance of Zest. I have offered to send a different kitten. I would understand if they tell me they can't take her--FeLV is hard enough, but with a heart murmur as well, it would be asking even more of them.
I am sad, frustrated and nervous. I am also emotionally tired. I feel like I try to do the right thing and the road keeps getting harder and harder. I have been trying to not ask "Why me? Why them?" but when these issues arise, it takes more strength and some days I worry I am not up to the task.
Think good thoughts for the kittens today, and Zest in particular.
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