Remember Lenny & Squiggy?

[ociboys]

Hi Traci! I wanted to check in with you and everyone to provide an update on my boys. My prior post was "Kitten with a Chronic Illness".

Here we are 11 months later and the boys are healthy, happy, and full of energy and life! Squiggy had a Rhinoscopy and ear scope in May which came back inconclusive. Soon after Lenny ended up with the illness and was worse off than Squiggy. A Respiratory Specialist from Cummings School/Tufts ended up getting involved and the were diagnosed with Viral Bronchitis from a post nasal drip causing inflammation and fluids accumulating in the throat/lungs. The Sinusitis/URI was wild virus (or 2) with secondary infections adding to the illness. I am advised that is why they always responded to treatments and then declined while on meds. It was the specialist's opinion that they were "in good health", meaning not immune compromised, lungs, heart & organs were good and growth, coat & muscle mass was fine too...this provided a good prognosis for the boys despite being so ill.

What has finally worked to was injecting 2cc of Saline/Gentamicin solution direct to the nasal cavity 2x/wk, increased to 3x and adding in a round of Zeniquin. I was very fortunate to be able to have cats who tolerated such an ordeal. The alternative is a nebulizer w/ the solution for maintenance and doing 2500 cc, under sedation. The Dr.'s opinion: keeping the sinuses flushed was they key to getting this situation under control.

If that did not work or they got sick again, another TTW, Cat Scan and viral screening should be considered. So far, the treatment has been very successful. We are 6 wks symptom free, 2 months healthy and thrilled.

I wanted to share what we learned and possibly help others faced with the same situation. Squiggy was sick for 9 months, Lenny 4 1/2 months. The boys are now 15 months old.

Thank you so much for all your help, knowledge and support!

Regards,

Lisa
Lenny & Squiggy

[Cleo]

Hi Lisa! This is great news! I'm so glad your boys are doing better and this course of treatment is working. What troopers to put up with saline injections into the nasal cavity!

Thanks for the update. My continued prayers and hopes it all works out and your boys can finally enjoy the life you intended for them. Thanks for doing all you have for them!

[Traci]

Thanks so much for the update, I'm thrilled to hear both cats are doing so well. Please get regular followup checkups for them, ok?

Here's giving them tons of hugs, what little troopers!