New kitten is limping

[Oliver's Human]

We got back from the vet. Oliver did have a fever, it was 105 degrees. The exam was fine otherwise. They tested for FeLV and FIV and were both negative. He put Oliver on a course of antibiotics. He said if it is a viral infection it will run its course in due time. He did not suspect anything serious and said that the fever was probably causing the achiness that made Oliver limp. In fact he was now favoring the left front leg a bit tonight. Oliver is still eating and drinking so as long as he continues to do that he will be fine the vet said. Oliver goes back Wednesday so we'll see how it's going then. Thanks again for the advice and kind words. I'll let you know how he makes out.

[Traci]

Please keep us updated.

It's not unusual for kittens to develop fevers of unknown origin, but he is very very young and you want to keep an eagle eye on him.

[Oliver's Human]

I have good news! Oliver seems to have turned the corner. This morning he was still lethargic and didn't eat or drink much, and I was going to take him to the vet again in the afternoon. But by this afternoon he became more active and has eaten three times now. He was really hungry. Plus he had a bowel movement which appeared normal. He was laying upside down wanting his belly rubbed and purring. He just finished up eating a short time ago followed by a trip to the litter box. He is still a bit wobbly when he walks but is not limping at all. I think he is going to be fine. I know if I had a fever like that I sure wouldn't be doing diddly. His big brother Max is sitting here watching over him. I'll let you know how tomorrow's followup at the vet turns out.

[momPaws]

Great news! He is such a doll.

[Oliver's Human]

Back from the vet again. Oliver's temperature was down to 103. The vet saw a couple of small blisters in his mouth. He said the blisters aren't a bad thing as it indicates a simple viral infection that will be OK and not something terrible like FIP. He examined his front legs and said the growth plates of the bones were tender too which explains why he's not too active yet. He ate well four times so far today, walked to the kitchen to eat and to the litter box no problem. He is very alert and happy when he isn't sleeping. Back to the vet again Friday.

[Traci]

Did he rule out calicivirus (and the virulent strain)? When you go in on Friday, ask about that, and ask if the vet has had any virulent system calicivirus strains diagnosed in the clinic, those are the worst, and they are deadly.

The blisters in the mouth warrant testing (a swab test) for calicivirus, or even feline herpesvirus. Also, they could be painful.

It is concerning that the temperature has only dropped two points since Monday. While the antibiotics should be targeting that, you should probably call the vet tomorrow and express that concern. Do you have a digital thermometer at home, to take Oliver's rectal temp ( how to check temperature )? Normal is 101-102.5 (F).

[Oliver's Human]

Latest on Oliver - the mouth sores are almost gone. Yesterday he started playing a little. This morning he was really active. He is actually running again in spurts. Back to the vet this evening for a recheck. Of course I just found out this morning I have Lyme's. Bummer. Doxycycline for three weeks.

[momPaws]

Gee. Sorry about your diagnosis. Hope you and Oliver will both be better soon....more pics of the cute little guy would be wonderful!

[Oliver's Human]

Oliver is all better. His temp was normal Friday evening. Yesterday he made up for lost time by playing most of the day. He makes it difficult to use this laptop since he likes to lay on it so I pay attention to him. Unfortunately Max caught whatever Oliver had now he is sick too. We had Max to the vet yesterday, he said Max will be fine, it will just take time like Oliver. Here are the boys.

[momPaws]

There are both so handsome. Olivers paws look big for his body- even as a kitten...I bet he will be a big boy...beautiful coat.