Just a Cold?

[ladybug31]

Hello all! I have not been on this site in a while. I sneak at work to read all of the great advice ans support.

I lost a cat in May (Lincoln) to what the vets could not explain. Whatever it was he deteriorated FAST and without mercy. Now, my oldest and only cat Isabella is very sick. Symptoms (sneezing, a little lethargic, decreased appetite, loose stools *with meds (this cat has mega-colon), stuffy nose, fever at 103).

We took her to the vet on Thursday and had blood work done. The vet called confused because although her numbers were showing a slight (she said SLIGHT) turn of being anemic her numbers were fine. Isabella was given Clavamox 250mg a day and chlorpheniramine both given twice daily. She totally lost her appetite only taking baby food and water. I called the vet for an update and she suggested that I stop the chlor...and pick up cyproheptadine 4mg (14 days ) for Isabella instead.

I am to call them tomorrow or Wednesday for an update. Now, Isabella is taking fluids regulary on her own and she threw up once and will eat chicken and baby food. The doctor thinks that this is a bad bug or the beginning stages of something she cannot put her fingers on. She even suggested FIP. Isabella is 12 years old and I was told that FIP testing is normally not done and is often inconclusive. She is afraid that Lincoln's "unknown" illness may be the cause. he was tested before he was put down for FIV etc and was NEGATIVE.

I want to give Isabella a day to see her response to the second medication. I was told as long as she is interested in something to eat and drinking to monitor her closley for any sudden changes. She just started following me again although she is at a distance.

I jsut need some further advice. The next phase is an xray scheduled on Friday evening.

Any clues?

[slvrwhispr]

New vet. There's no logical reason not to test for something that your cat could potentially have. Anyhow, any time a vet tells you that some ailment is "unidentified," it leads one to believe that the vet is not very experienced in detailed cat care. Cats are very complex and exclusive in their traits and ailments, and for that reason, a general care vet will not always be able to correctly recognize some symptoms.

Your best bet is to find a vet who is very experienced with cats, or even a feline-only vet if one is available. If you don't have these options, push your vet to do more extensive tests.

I know this is kind of vague, as I only have my own personal experience as a cat owner, and that of a friend who worked as a veterinary assistant for a couple of years. Traci especially, and some of the others, will be able to give you more detailed information when they come around next.

[ladybug31]

Hi: Thanks for the help. This is a cat only vet and a reputable practice in Philadelphia. What stumps me is why can't a doctor tell from a blood test what the underlying problem is. This cat only perks up for baby food and chicken pieces and she needs to eat more. Mind you ashe is 18 pounds and was on a diet prior (WD).

I may have to get a second opinion.

[slvrwhispr]

A second opinion can never hurt. If the vet is reputable, I'm sure someone here can and will give you a list of questions to ask and issues to push to make sure your kitty is getting the best care possible. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[ladybug31]

I am writing because I am just plain mad. She is going downhill FAST. I am taking her to the vet and I don't think I can go through this anymore. Sorry...my heart cannot take it and she is looking at me like it is alright...

Please don't judge me for this, but my heart cannot take this. I have had Isabella since I was 22 years old. I am 35 now. She has been a wonderful companion. Something is telling me that this is okay.

Please...I just need support...no solutions. I feel like I am losing a child.

I will post back later on today. It is 521am here.

Thanks

[slvrwhispr]

Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. You have all my best thoughts and prayers for you and your kitty. I hope she pulls through, and I know she knows you love her. You'll know what the right thing to do is, and we'll be here to support you and to provide a listening ear. *HUGS*

[Traci]

First, the IBD needs to be re-evaluated, I'd suggest x-rays and/or ultrasound to rule out severe inflammation or even a mass. (a mass could be related to other organs, i.e., intestinal, etc..., needs to be ruled out immediately)

Bloodwork does not always reveal the exact cause of a condition, additional diagnostics such as x-rays, ultrasound, etc may be useful when complete bloodwork seems normal. I'm assuming a complete blood profile was done, that includes a CBC and full biochemical profile. Was a urinalysis done as well?

FIP testing is often inconclusive because it oftentimes may only show that a cat was exposed to a coronavirus, but does not necessarily indicate FIP. If an FIP-specific titer is unusually high, then additional diagnostics to check organ function is appropriate, then following up on another titer in 4 weeks to note any changes.

If you're not comfortable with your vet, then demand a referral to one more experienced or even a consult with a feline specialist at a nearby vet university, your vet should be able to do this on your behalf. In any event, I'd start right away with x-rays and ultrasound to rule out severe inflammation or a mass, no time to waste, demand your vet get on this ASAP.

Hang in there and don't give up! It's possible your vet is missing something and a more experienced vet may be able to pick up on it right away.

[ladybug31]

Thanks for the support everyone. I met with a new vet at the practice who was VERY experienced. Isabella'd blood work was fine, although she was a little anemic. The problems Isabella had:

Cold (severe)
Arthitis (severe) and her weight was not helping. One touch to her back (spine) was extreme pain.
Mega Colon advanced.

She was very uncomfortable and in extreme pain, lethargic, mewing, she would not stand and scooted with her back legs. The new vet quickly discounted the other saying that had she taken x-rays and looked at Isabella's file she could have determined the real downfall and not guess at diseases (FIP). The new Vet also went through her history and really discussed the options available.

I decided not to let my friend suffer and I was supported by my new Vet.

It has been hard these few days, but I know she is not suffering and that she thanks me for it.

[slvrwhispr]

I'm so sorry, ladybug. It sounds like she really was in pain, and I know you did the right thing. I've been thinking about you and your kitty these past couple of days, and I hope that you're doing alright. I'm completely certain that Isabella is happy and free of pain now. *HUGS*

[ladybug31]

Thanks so much! You guys are wonderful. I am so happy I found this site.