I think I messed up!

[Squrrrl]

As you may remember my cat has torovirus.

He has been on two types of antibiotics. He finished the last set on Wednesday (Nov 17). His eyes are completely cleared up and I hadn't seen poo stuck to his fur very much so I figured diahrrea was gone and thought he was better.

I waited a few days and then brought my other cat back home tonight. I hadn't had a chance to do the litter all fresh so I shut the door until I got to do it. I forgot about it for a while.

Maximus had to go I geuss and decided to do it on the carpet, well he still had diahrrea it turns out. Very smelly, more yellow than brown. It wasn't completely liquid but it was loose and some soft chunks.

What should I do?? Back to vet for more antibiotics? It has been 5 days since he finished them so I don't believe it was them that caused it. Also torovirus is a virus so antibiotics don't help, so really am I just putting these meds in him *in case* bacteria is present too?

Is my other cat most likely infected now? My friend cannot pick him up until tomorrow and I have only one litter box so I can't split them up....

Did I mess up bad?

[Traci]

You really should have two litterboxes, and keep them cleaned on a daily basis until Max is recovered completely.

The antibiotics are used to help prevent secondary infections...I would suggest getting a fecal done to rule out other bacterial infection unrelated to the virus. Your vet may prescribe another course of antibiotics since the virus may take longer to eradicate, sometimes treatment must be done for up to two months or so.

Feed a bland diet, your vet can recommend a temporary prescription diet that is easy on the intestines.

Be sure he is getting plenty of water, since he has diarrhea, this can fast lead to dehydration.

Yes, get him back to your vet for a recheck, and a fecal if necessary.

[Squrrrl]

I do intend to have two litter boxes for them, but just hadn't gotten the second yet.

[Squrrrl]

I read that I could give him boiled rice and some source of protein such as boiled chicken, scrambled eggs or just meat flavoured baby food (no onion powder) mixed in.

He seems great otherwise, I would like to try to bland diet before going for yet again another vet visit and more antibiotics.

I would never let myself take that much antibiotics, I can't see it beinging good for him either.

[Traci]

You need to let your vet determine that...if he feels the virus is not eradicated, or if Max has an ongoing infection, then the antibiotics may need to be extended. It is not unusual for antibiotics to be extended in some cases for chronic or severe conditions. It is the same as in human med...if you're prescribed abx for a chronic infection, the infection lessens but isn't eradicated, you stop the abx, the infection isn't going to clear.

This is also the reason for a fecal exam...to determine whether or not an extended course of antibiotics are or are not necessary...only your vet can make that determination safely.

You can feed a cooked white rice and boiled chicken food, but it won't be properly supplemented, so please speak to your vet before attempting to do so. Regardless of the torovirus, the diarrhea is concerning, and since it isn't completely resolved, you still need to know if there is a secondary infection present or unrelated infection brewing.

Call your vet, tell him the diarrhea is still present, describe it, and he may allow you to simply take in a stool sample to be tested, but be prepared, he may not do much without an actual exam to be on the safe side.

[Squrrrl]

I forgot to mention, he has done a fecal exam, and I just called the vet now to check, it came back negative.

[Traci]

Ok, so what else did he tell you?

Since there is still diarrhea present, ask your vet about using panacur, discuss a temporary bland diet that is easy on the intestines, but please, discuss this with your vet before proceeding with anything on your own.

[Squrrrl]

He is calling me at 7pm tonight. I will ask him all of this!

Thank you!

--jenefer

Could the fecal exam be negative in that piece? Should I bring in some more?

[Traci]

It depends on when the fecal was done...was it within the last week? If not, find out when it was done. Yes, some samples can turn out negative if a sufficient enough sample is not taken, and since you mentioned yellow soft stools, for this reason, I would double-check with a new fecal (but your vet needs to determine this, recommend another exam, etc)

[Squrrrl]

Ok the vet called. He wants me to try boiled rice and chicken over the weekend and if I don't notice an improvement he said to come in for another fecal and blood tests on Tuesday.

Max is drinking plenty of water!



You mentioned it above and I forgot to comment!