HELP!
Re: HELP!
I don't like FIP tests and I personally don't bother with them. You're right, they only test for the presence of the Corona Virus which could mean just about anything. Did your vet do any presurgical bloodwork to ensure that your kitty could be put under safely? Also, I would maybe suggest another vet to get their opinion on the ulcers.
Re: HELP!
catlover,
First, did your vet test for FELV/FIV *before* testing for FIP? Usually, we would test for FELV/FIV (snap tests) before even considering the FIP ELISA specific. If positive on FELV or FIV, then the ulcers could be a result of the virus or stomatitis, as Cleo has outlined for you. To my knowledge, stomatitis is not commonly associated with FIP, but rather FELV, so for this reason, I would ask about the FELV/FIV snap tests, find out if they were done, if NOT done, I would definately opt for at least testing your 5-year-old right now. If it happens that she is positive, then test the remaining cats. (again, we're talking about testing for FELV/FIV)
It's unusual that ALL your cats have tested positive for FIP, considering the environment you've described, previous vaccination history, health histories, etc. Unless they were all exposed to a kitty with FIP.
How many cats do you have, and what are their ages? How old is the kitty you last introduced into the home, and were they all previously tested for FELV/FIV?
As the others have mentioned, I would definately get a second opinion from a new clinic if possible (unless there is a vet in your current clinic that you trust completely to review kitty's records and may form a different conclusion). Opt for FELV/FIV snap testing, and take it from there. You are correct about the coronavirus not being conclusive of FIP, plus clinical signs and symptoms should be part of the diagnosis. Do you know what the titer was specifically? (if over fourfold, i.e., 4:4 or 4:8, this may be a suspicion for FIP, but if much lower, is not confirmative, but for a coronavirus only). Do you know if the vet interpreted the titer correctly, and did any of the other vets in the clinic interpret it and agree with him?
If, and this is a big if, if the FELV/FIV snap test comes back positive, you might then consider restesting the FIP ELISA specific 4 weeks from the date of the last one. If the titer increases, then the FIP suspicion may be fairly accurate, but again, clinical signs and symtoms, plus unusual bloodwork should also be used to diagnose.
As for anesthesia and dental work, I would suggest holding off on that until you get the FELV/FIV snap test done, rule out FIP, and if a new vet doesn't agree with the FIP diagnosis, then at least start new with a blood profile, including liver and kidney function, an ECG to monitor heart function and take other steps as they apply. Find out from the first vet what type of pre-anesthetic was used, in addition to the gas anesthetic used for maintaining your kitty during that episode. Knowing that would certainly help your new vet determine if the correct type of anesthesia was used, how long she was under, etc etc. He should be given permission to review your kitty's current records.
To control the ulcers, I think the prednisone would be fine at this point, but it also depends on the dosage, and not knowing for certain what is causing the ulcers (bacteria vs stomatitis, vs virus, etc). If the dose is relatively low, it was probably prescribed for approx 2 weeks, but make sure you followup with the vet who prescribed it, he may require a followup vet visit or even a recheck on a CBC to test platelet function (which should be done with most prednisone treatments, especially in view of immunocompromised conditions, as he suspects). In any event, please do seek a second opinion immediately, and talk about FELV/FIV testing immediately.
First, did your vet test for FELV/FIV *before* testing for FIP? Usually, we would test for FELV/FIV (snap tests) before even considering the FIP ELISA specific. If positive on FELV or FIV, then the ulcers could be a result of the virus or stomatitis, as Cleo has outlined for you. To my knowledge, stomatitis is not commonly associated with FIP, but rather FELV, so for this reason, I would ask about the FELV/FIV snap tests, find out if they were done, if NOT done, I would definately opt for at least testing your 5-year-old right now. If it happens that she is positive, then test the remaining cats. (again, we're talking about testing for FELV/FIV)
It's unusual that ALL your cats have tested positive for FIP, considering the environment you've described, previous vaccination history, health histories, etc. Unless they were all exposed to a kitty with FIP.
How many cats do you have, and what are their ages? How old is the kitty you last introduced into the home, and were they all previously tested for FELV/FIV?
As the others have mentioned, I would definately get a second opinion from a new clinic if possible (unless there is a vet in your current clinic that you trust completely to review kitty's records and may form a different conclusion). Opt for FELV/FIV snap testing, and take it from there. You are correct about the coronavirus not being conclusive of FIP, plus clinical signs and symptoms should be part of the diagnosis. Do you know what the titer was specifically? (if over fourfold, i.e., 4:4 or 4:8, this may be a suspicion for FIP, but if much lower, is not confirmative, but for a coronavirus only). Do you know if the vet interpreted the titer correctly, and did any of the other vets in the clinic interpret it and agree with him?
If, and this is a big if, if the FELV/FIV snap test comes back positive, you might then consider restesting the FIP ELISA specific 4 weeks from the date of the last one. If the titer increases, then the FIP suspicion may be fairly accurate, but again, clinical signs and symtoms, plus unusual bloodwork should also be used to diagnose.
As for anesthesia and dental work, I would suggest holding off on that until you get the FELV/FIV snap test done, rule out FIP, and if a new vet doesn't agree with the FIP diagnosis, then at least start new with a blood profile, including liver and kidney function, an ECG to monitor heart function and take other steps as they apply. Find out from the first vet what type of pre-anesthetic was used, in addition to the gas anesthetic used for maintaining your kitty during that episode. Knowing that would certainly help your new vet determine if the correct type of anesthesia was used, how long she was under, etc etc. He should be given permission to review your kitty's current records.
To control the ulcers, I think the prednisone would be fine at this point, but it also depends on the dosage, and not knowing for certain what is causing the ulcers (bacteria vs stomatitis, vs virus, etc). If the dose is relatively low, it was probably prescribed for approx 2 weeks, but make sure you followup with the vet who prescribed it, he may require a followup vet visit or even a recheck on a CBC to test platelet function (which should be done with most prednisone treatments, especially in view of immunocompromised conditions, as he suspects). In any event, please do seek a second opinion immediately, and talk about FELV/FIV testing immediately.
..........Traci
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Guest
Re: HELP!
Thanks Traci.
I have 5 cats total - including the one I mentioned. All the cats were tested for FIV/FELV before they came into my house. I am very strict about that. Since I have had this cat for a while, we re-tested for both of those when she started having trouble. The tests were negative.
All the cats are completely indoor. None go outside at all and are not exposed to any other cats.
As for other blood tests, she did come back with a high white blood cell count. I know that this could be indicative of FIP, but it is also indicative of some type of infection right? If this is stomatitis, would this also be true? My vet did not diagnose stomatitis even though it is obvious after looking at pictures that she has this.
He is supposed to call me back today or tomorrow. Should be interesting.
Meanwhile, the cat is doing wonderful. She is energetic, eating well, no fever, and doesn't seem to be sick at all. She is still on the Prednisone right now. We are down to every other day. The back of her mouth is still a little red, but is much improved.
If it was FIP, wouldn't she be dying right now? We are talking about many months since she first started having some symptoms.
I have 5 cats total - including the one I mentioned. All the cats were tested for FIV/FELV before they came into my house. I am very strict about that. Since I have had this cat for a while, we re-tested for both of those when she started having trouble. The tests were negative.
All the cats are completely indoor. None go outside at all and are not exposed to any other cats.
As for other blood tests, she did come back with a high white blood cell count. I know that this could be indicative of FIP, but it is also indicative of some type of infection right? If this is stomatitis, would this also be true? My vet did not diagnose stomatitis even though it is obvious after looking at pictures that she has this.
He is supposed to call me back today or tomorrow. Should be interesting.
Meanwhile, the cat is doing wonderful. She is energetic, eating well, no fever, and doesn't seem to be sick at all. She is still on the Prednisone right now. We are down to every other day. The back of her mouth is still a little red, but is much improved.
If it was FIP, wouldn't she be dying right now? We are talking about many months since she first started having some symptoms.
Re: HELP!
Well as difficult as FIP is to diagnose, plus the absense of symptoms, I'd be hard-pressed to say it was. Usually, once diagnosed and clinical signs are obvious, it's rare for a kitty to survive longer than 6 months after true diagnosis. I'm wondering if your vet either misinterpreted the titer, or simply jumped to conclusions and did not take the time to explain to you. This is where a second opinion would be to your benefit (also ask the second opinion vet about retesting the ELISA in 4 weeks)
As for the stomatitis, don't mistake this for something else...other rule outs would include eosinophilic granuloma, pemphigus, lupus,, even diabetes, vitamin deficiency of overload (vit A, protein or calorie deficiency), etc. If your vet never took a swab cytology or culture, he may not be diagnosing correctly. (was there severe gingivitis involved at that time?)
Yes, any type of bacterial infection or inflammation can elevate the WBC's, as well as any immunological problem.
Definately get a second opinion, as soon as possible.
As for the stomatitis, don't mistake this for something else...other rule outs would include eosinophilic granuloma, pemphigus, lupus,, even diabetes, vitamin deficiency of overload (vit A, protein or calorie deficiency), etc. If your vet never took a swab cytology or culture, he may not be diagnosing correctly. (was there severe gingivitis involved at that time?)
Yes, any type of bacterial infection or inflammation can elevate the WBC's, as well as any immunological problem.
Definately get a second opinion, as soon as possible.
..........Traci
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Guest
Re: HELP!
Thanks Traci. I am definitely going to do that. I am giving Pet Tinic (liquid vitamin). I started doing this two weeks ago on my own. She looks like a cat in great health now. The only way someone would know anything is by looking at the back of her mouth. Even the smell is gone now.
I am really not sure if she had a tooth infection or not. I didn't notice anything. This is just what we assumed, since she had bad breath and her mouth seemed to be bothering her. He never got a good look at the teeth on the table when she crashed under anesthesia.
Thanks for all the rule outs. That helps a lot and will give me something more to talk to the new vet about.
I am really not sure if she had a tooth infection or not. I didn't notice anything. This is just what we assumed, since she had bad breath and her mouth seemed to be bothering her. He never got a good look at the teeth on the table when she crashed under anesthesia.
Thanks for all the rule outs. That helps a lot and will give me something more to talk to the new vet about.
Re: HELP!
Now I'm totally confused. When the vet told me Keeks had a condition called stomatitis, I asked what that was and he said they really didn't know much about it. The only follow-up meds she had was an antibiotic called Antirobe that she couldn't even finish the full course of because it gave her major tummy upset. Her bloods are all good and is negative on the FELV/FIV counts. Aside from recent puffy gums her mouth looks allot better. Maybe it was just a case of bad teeth (she's only 3) and the vet just called it stomatitis to name it something ?? And of course if I call them and question it, it'll just add to my "neurosis".