my cat has cryptococcosis - need help
my cat has cryptococcosis - need help
My cat is a healthy 2 yr old who was given this diagnosis 2 months ago. I'm wondering if anyone out there has had to deal with this? He has TERRIBLE bad breath, difficulty swallowing (making gurgling, slurpy sounds) and breathing through his nose. He was on Fluconazole for 4 weeks with no improvement. It's a very expensive drug and I've been also looking for holistic alternatives. He's a cool cat and has no other symptoms, but I feel it's getting more difficult for him to swallow and he might be losing his sense of smell. I don't want to loose him. He inhales through his nose and exhales through his mouth. If anyone can give me any advice I'd greatly appreciate it.
See a new vet immediately, preferrably a feline-only vet, NOW!
How exactly was this diagnosed? Did the vet perform appropriate testing? (i.e., cytology, antigen testing, or a biopsy sample?) What was the suspected mode of transmission? (do you let your cat outdoors? If so, Indoors ONLY )
Has kitty been tested for FELV/FIV? Particularly FIV+ cats are more susceptible to cryptococcosis. Do you have other cats or other pets in the home?
When treating with fluconazole, one has to expect the treatment to resume anywhere from 1-2 months to 2-6 months, with treatment possibly extending 1-2 months after clinical symptoms have resolved. Treatment is lengthy, you have to expect that. Itraconazole is also an option, but as with fluconazole, it must be prescribed cautiously, carefully.
Any time either of these drugs are used, you need to check liver enzymes frequently, has the vet been checking liver enzymes?
Absolutely NO holistic/homeopathic/alternatives, these are a waste of time, do not work, and are a waste of money....not only are they ineffective and worthless, but they deny your cat proven, proper treatment.
Please see a new vet and rule out the possibility of a secondary infection, or that the cryptococcosis has developed into pulmonary infection, very important to rule this out! An xray can also be done to check the sinuses, nasal cavities for severity that is causing congestion, etc. If he is severely congested either through the nasal cavities, sinuses or even lungs and heart, this needs to be addressed IMMEDIATELY, open mouth breathing indicates severe congestion and it needs to be appropriately treated!
Get kitty to a new, feline-only vet TODAY for a re-evaluation!!
How exactly was this diagnosed? Did the vet perform appropriate testing? (i.e., cytology, antigen testing, or a biopsy sample?) What was the suspected mode of transmission? (do you let your cat outdoors? If so, Indoors ONLY )
Has kitty been tested for FELV/FIV? Particularly FIV+ cats are more susceptible to cryptococcosis. Do you have other cats or other pets in the home?
When treating with fluconazole, one has to expect the treatment to resume anywhere from 1-2 months to 2-6 months, with treatment possibly extending 1-2 months after clinical symptoms have resolved. Treatment is lengthy, you have to expect that. Itraconazole is also an option, but as with fluconazole, it must be prescribed cautiously, carefully.
Any time either of these drugs are used, you need to check liver enzymes frequently, has the vet been checking liver enzymes?
Absolutely NO holistic/homeopathic/alternatives, these are a waste of time, do not work, and are a waste of money....not only are they ineffective and worthless, but they deny your cat proven, proper treatment.
Please see a new vet and rule out the possibility of a secondary infection, or that the cryptococcosis has developed into pulmonary infection, very important to rule this out! An xray can also be done to check the sinuses, nasal cavities for severity that is causing congestion, etc. If he is severely congested either through the nasal cavities, sinuses or even lungs and heart, this needs to be addressed IMMEDIATELY, open mouth breathing indicates severe congestion and it needs to be appropriately treated!
Get kitty to a new, feline-only vet TODAY for a re-evaluation!!
..........Traci