I have a 2 year old Bengal who was perfectly healthy until 2 days ago. We noticed he didn't seem like himself the other day (not playing as much) and started paying attention. He had stopped eating. He would pick up food in his mouth and then spit it out as if his mouth was sore. He kept shaking his head and sticking his tongue out. Then, he vomited 2 times and it was bile (yellowish brown liquid). He sneezes occasionally and is generally not feeling well. He does NOT have a fever.
He is at the vet now and they have no idea what is wrong. Did X-rays and found nothing stuck inside of him. Waiting for blood test results. Said it's a "mystery".
We had a kitten die of FIP (supposedly) about 6 weeks ago, but he had completely different symptoms. None were the same. Last week, we got a new kitten to replace the one that died. The new kitten had been sneezing, so he is on antibiotics for upper respiratory problems. He is very active, eating, and in good shape. Suddenly, the older cat is now ill.
If someone had a similar experience, any suggestions or help would be appreciated
Advice on sick cat - not eating, vomiting, etc
Do you have ANY plants in the house he could have nibbled on?
ANY household chemicals or personal grooming products that he could have licked at?
Did you treat him with a flea treatment?
Do you have a dog that you treated for fleas?
Did you treat your home for fleas?
Does he go outside or is he indoor only? (clickable link)
Did he tussle with an insect...2 years ago one of my cats found a wasp on my living room floor and before I could even move, he bit it, it bit back and we were on our way to the vet to have the stinger removed from his tongue...
Get down on his level...think like a cat....look around your home and see if there is ANYTHING to give ANY clues at all....
ANY household chemicals or personal grooming products that he could have licked at?
Did you treat him with a flea treatment?
Do you have a dog that you treated for fleas?
Did you treat your home for fleas?
Does he go outside or is he indoor only? (clickable link)
Did he tussle with an insect...2 years ago one of my cats found a wasp on my living room floor and before I could even move, he bit it, it bit back and we were on our way to the vet to have the stinger removed from his tongue...
Get down on his level...think like a cat....look around your home and see if there is ANYTHING to give ANY clues at all....
Re: Advice on sick cat - not eating, vomiting, etc
When are the bloodwork results expected back, and what all has been tested? Has kitty been tested for FELV/FIV? Is he up-to-date on all his vaccinations? Has the vet ruled out calicivirus or the virulent strain of calicivirus? Having a new kitten with a URI in the home probably has made him much more susceptible.
Did the vet thoroughly check for oral health problems, diseased teeth, abcesses, ulcerations in the mouth/esophagus? Calicivirus oftentimes presents the symptoms you are describing but this could also be something else entirely.
Is there any evidence of a toxic ingestion? Plant, chemical, human meds, other toxins? Has the vet ruled these out? Has kitty chewed on any electrical cords?
Is kitty indoors only?
If the current vet doesn't have a clue, it's time to see a more experienced vet, preferrably feline-only. ASAP. Bloodwork should be a full chemical profile, and include a CBC. If anything is unusual on the CBC (i.e, anemia, infection, viral etc) then addtional bloodwork for immunological problems/viral disease should be done ASAP (tick disease, hemobartonella, coombs, FELV etc).
Did the vet thoroughly check for oral health problems, diseased teeth, abcesses, ulcerations in the mouth/esophagus? Calicivirus oftentimes presents the symptoms you are describing but this could also be something else entirely.
Is there any evidence of a toxic ingestion? Plant, chemical, human meds, other toxins? Has the vet ruled these out? Has kitty chewed on any electrical cords?
Is kitty indoors only?
If the current vet doesn't have a clue, it's time to see a more experienced vet, preferrably feline-only. ASAP. Bloodwork should be a full chemical profile, and include a CBC. If anything is unusual on the CBC (i.e, anemia, infection, viral etc) then addtional bloodwork for immunological problems/viral disease should be done ASAP (tick disease, hemobartonella, coombs, FELV etc).
..........Traci
Re: Advice on sick cat - not eating, vomiting, etc
Hello and thanks to both of you.
First, I discussed the possibility of plant poisoning with the vet, but I have no way of knowing if he ate a plant. He loves to play in the plants, so it's certainly possible. What is the course of treatment if he ate a plant or some other chemical? (I doubt it was a chemical, but you never know what they might lick).
Indoor only, so no fleas or flea treatment and no dogs in the house
Funny you should mention the wasp. I told the vet I found a wasp in our house. This cat always tries to eat bugs. So, I thought maybe it stung him in the mouth. She said it was possible, but why the vomiting then??
I brought up the possibility of Calicivirus to the vet myself. She said he was vaccinated for it, so it's doubtful. She mentioned a new strain, but thought he would be much sicker if that were the case. The vet looked inside his mouth for ulcers, but couldn't see anything. However, how well can you see in there when a cat is awake and angry?
He is up to date on all shots (5/07) and tested negative for FELV/FIV.
Bloodwork will be back in the morning. I'm beside myself. It's not the same symptoms as our kitten that had FIP, but the vet said you can't rule FIP out either.
First, I discussed the possibility of plant poisoning with the vet, but I have no way of knowing if he ate a plant. He loves to play in the plants, so it's certainly possible. What is the course of treatment if he ate a plant or some other chemical? (I doubt it was a chemical, but you never know what they might lick).
Indoor only, so no fleas or flea treatment and no dogs in the house
Funny you should mention the wasp. I told the vet I found a wasp in our house. This cat always tries to eat bugs. So, I thought maybe it stung him in the mouth. She said it was possible, but why the vomiting then??
I brought up the possibility of Calicivirus to the vet myself. She said he was vaccinated for it, so it's doubtful. She mentioned a new strain, but thought he would be much sicker if that were the case. The vet looked inside his mouth for ulcers, but couldn't see anything. However, how well can you see in there when a cat is awake and angry?
He is up to date on all shots (5/07) and tested negative for FELV/FIV.
Bloodwork will be back in the morning. I'm beside myself. It's not the same symptoms as our kitten that had FIP, but the vet said you can't rule FIP out either.
Re: Advice on sick cat - not eating, vomiting, etc
Don't automatically assume FIP, since it sounds like the vet couldn't diagnose FIP specifically in the kitten, diagnosing FIP is problematic, difficult, and most often diagnosed as something else entirely. Many health conditions and symptoms can mimic FIP but without appropriate specific titer/PCR testing and weighing in all other factors of health and symptoms, it is a guessing game.
The virulent strain of calicivirus affects cats in different ways, the symptoms are a miriad for each cat...some may be slightly asymptomatic at the start, but symptoms progress within days. Each cat can have totally different symptoms, absence of common symptoms, yet some cats have full-blown symptoms from the start and rapidly decline. IF the vet suspected in the least calicivirus OR the virulent strain of calicivirus, then she needs to do a swab cytology and isolate it NOW (TODAY!)...there are labs that specialize in this, and at her disposal.
Insect bites and plants are considerations. Insect bites sting, and can cause severe allergic reactions, edema, ulcerations in tissues, etc. Likewise, most plants are toxic to cats, and if they aren't significantly toxic, they can certainly cause a toxic reaction to tisssues, cause ulcerations on tongue or anywhere in mouth or skin, and can cause vomiting and kidney failure. Simple toxin testing at the clinic and kidney enzyme testing, urinalysis can help the vet rule out such plant toxins.
You're right, some areas of the mouth, behind teeth, etc are not accessible to the vet without the pet being sedated. She should have at least considered sedation to get a thorough look.
If you're not comfortable with this vet, see a new vet TODAY, tell them bloodwork is pending (but I assume you don't know what blood testing in particular was done), get a new evaluation with any tests the current vet has not yet done. I wouldn't want to scare you with the possibility of calicivirus or the virulent strain, but the environment/new kitten is prime for the risk. If the kitten has an upper respiratory infection, he too could have calicivirus, and if he too isn't diagnosed properly, then both cats could suffer greatly. It could be he only has a mild URI, but if calicivirus is present, it can compound the situation and requires specific treatment.
Even though he doesn't have a fever now, doesn't mean he may not develop one yet, vet needs to keep an eye on his temperature. Is he recieving fluids at the vet now?
The virulent strain of calicivirus affects cats in different ways, the symptoms are a miriad for each cat...some may be slightly asymptomatic at the start, but symptoms progress within days. Each cat can have totally different symptoms, absence of common symptoms, yet some cats have full-blown symptoms from the start and rapidly decline. IF the vet suspected in the least calicivirus OR the virulent strain of calicivirus, then she needs to do a swab cytology and isolate it NOW (TODAY!)...there are labs that specialize in this, and at her disposal.
Insect bites and plants are considerations. Insect bites sting, and can cause severe allergic reactions, edema, ulcerations in tissues, etc. Likewise, most plants are toxic to cats, and if they aren't significantly toxic, they can certainly cause a toxic reaction to tisssues, cause ulcerations on tongue or anywhere in mouth or skin, and can cause vomiting and kidney failure. Simple toxin testing at the clinic and kidney enzyme testing, urinalysis can help the vet rule out such plant toxins.
You're right, some areas of the mouth, behind teeth, etc are not accessible to the vet without the pet being sedated. She should have at least considered sedation to get a thorough look.
If you're not comfortable with this vet, see a new vet TODAY, tell them bloodwork is pending (but I assume you don't know what blood testing in particular was done), get a new evaluation with any tests the current vet has not yet done. I wouldn't want to scare you with the possibility of calicivirus or the virulent strain, but the environment/new kitten is prime for the risk. If the kitten has an upper respiratory infection, he too could have calicivirus, and if he too isn't diagnosed properly, then both cats could suffer greatly. It could be he only has a mild URI, but if calicivirus is present, it can compound the situation and requires specific treatment.
Even though he doesn't have a fever now, doesn't mean he may not develop one yet, vet needs to keep an eye on his temperature. Is he recieving fluids at the vet now?
..........Traci
Re: Advice on sick cat - not eating, vomiting, etc
When our kitten was sick, he had a fever of 105.8 and was extremely lethargic and slept constantly with no playing. He had no other real symptoms - he ate normally, drank water, didn't sneeze, cough, no diarrhea, etc. They did blood work and found toxins in his blood and he was slightly anemic. They could feel a "mass" in his belly and suggested exploratory surgery. We took him to the Univ. of Pennsylvania for a second opinion and it was consistent. We went ahead with the surgery and the vet called during it. He said he was a mess inside - full of granulomas and the "mass" was actually his lymph nodes that were enormous. The vet said it was "classic FIP" and we put him down during surgery.
For this kitty, they are supposed to do a full blood panel checking liver, kidney enzymes, toxins, etc, etc.
He is not on a IV now, but they did give him an antibiotic shot (not sure what) and fluids. In fact, I'm bringing him home for the night and, depending on what they tell me in the morning, will be taking him to a Feline Only Vet that was recommended to me.
For this kitty, they are supposed to do a full blood panel checking liver, kidney enzymes, toxins, etc, etc.
He is not on a IV now, but they did give him an antibiotic shot (not sure what) and fluids. In fact, I'm bringing him home for the night and, depending on what they tell me in the morning, will be taking him to a Feline Only Vet that was recommended to me.
Re: Advice on sick cat - not eating, vomiting, etc
Bloodwork is certainly helpful, but if I may suggest, in the future, choose a feline-only vet who has an onsite lab, so you can expect the results in a matter of minutes or hours, instead of being sent to an outside lab. When idiopathic conditions are present, being able to check the CBC or other blood parameters as necessary can be crucial to diagnosis and treatment.
Ask the vet at least if a swab cytology might be helpful, and discuss the possibility of the kitten as well (i.e., calicivirus). It's possible the bengal has one condition going on that is exacerbated by another condition. Obviously, something is wrong in the mouth, head/neck/throat/ears/nose possibilities, so those should be checked thoroughly ASAP. The anorexia and vomiting could be due to bacteria entering the system, or a toxic substance from something or due to an allergic reaction to something or a pain response. First place to examine thoroughly is the mouth, followed by throat, neck, ears. Then bloodwork of course. Ask the vet if they can expedite the bloodwork results.
If they're allowing you to take him home, I would advise checking his temp at least twice tonite, first thing in morning as well (ask your vet how). Ask vet for Hill's A/D, this is most palatable for cats with mouth problems, or anorexic cats. Ensure he is drinking normally, and if symptoms progress or worsen after he's home, ER vet visit IMMEDIATELY.
Ask the vet at least if a swab cytology might be helpful, and discuss the possibility of the kitten as well (i.e., calicivirus). It's possible the bengal has one condition going on that is exacerbated by another condition. Obviously, something is wrong in the mouth, head/neck/throat/ears/nose possibilities, so those should be checked thoroughly ASAP. The anorexia and vomiting could be due to bacteria entering the system, or a toxic substance from something or due to an allergic reaction to something or a pain response. First place to examine thoroughly is the mouth, followed by throat, neck, ears. Then bloodwork of course. Ask the vet if they can expedite the bloodwork results.
If they're allowing you to take him home, I would advise checking his temp at least twice tonite, first thing in morning as well (ask your vet how). Ask vet for Hill's A/D, this is most palatable for cats with mouth problems, or anorexic cats. Ensure he is drinking normally, and if symptoms progress or worsen after he's home, ER vet visit IMMEDIATELY.
..........Traci
Re: Advice on sick cat - not eating, vomiting, etc
I'm calling to ask for swab cytology right now. If he has calicivirus, will he die? I heard there is a new deadly strain, but that the original strain is treatable. Is that true?
Re: Advice on sick cat - not eating, vomiting, etc
The original strain is treatable. The virulent strain, if detected at the onset, may be treatable, if treated agressively and for a specific period of time. In most cases, many vets don't recognize the symptoms early enough, the symptoms progress too rapidly before the vet realizes to test for this sooner.
The virulent strain first appears like common calicivirus, and affects adult cats worse than kittens (the original calivirus is the opposite, affects kittens worse than adults): common URI symptoms such as sneezing, discharge from nose/eyes, oral ulcerations, anorexia. ....but soon accelerate to more serious symptoms such as very high fever (at or above 105), edema of the head/neck/limbs, fur loss, inflammation in skin, ears, nose, etc. Some cats have pleural effusion or pulmonary edema. If your area has had any reported cases, or suspect cases, evidence of confirmed cases, etc...your vet needs to be testing for it.
The virulent strain first appears like common calicivirus, and affects adult cats worse than kittens (the original calivirus is the opposite, affects kittens worse than adults): common URI symptoms such as sneezing, discharge from nose/eyes, oral ulcerations, anorexia. ....but soon accelerate to more serious symptoms such as very high fever (at or above 105), edema of the head/neck/limbs, fur loss, inflammation in skin, ears, nose, etc. Some cats have pleural effusion or pulmonary edema. If your area has had any reported cases, or suspect cases, evidence of confirmed cases, etc...your vet needs to be testing for it.
..........Traci
Re: Advice on sick cat - not eating, vomiting, etc
We brought him home and he did eat when he got home, which was great. He had some soft treats and wet food. No dry food. He did not go to the bathroom. He seems to be feeling pretty bad, though. He is usually very sweet and he is now howling when you try to pick him up or touch him too much. And, he is lethargic. I want to take his temperature, but I feel bad after the day he has had and don't want to torture him. I guess it's for his own good, though.