Hello:
I visited this helpful board about 3 years ago when dealing with our last kitty, an almost 21-yr-old going through end-stage renal failure. She died several months later, and we ended up moving and being cat-less for almost 1 1/2 yrs while we were in transition after a relocation across county. We were so happy to get into our new house and go get some new babies. I never expected to have to play kitty nurse again so soon........
Ellie is a 17-mo-old Ragdoll. She has dry FIP (Dx'd 2 months ago, but has probably been dealing with it for many months with only symptom having been some lethargy until a UTI took us to the vet). She's on an experimental medicine called Polyprenyl Immunostimulant (PI) which has shown great promise in some kitties (one of the earliest cats tested on it is still alive 5 yrs out....Univ. of Tenn. Vet School study). She's only been on it less than 3 weeks (it's a 3x/week oral med). I need to "maintain" the kitty so that the drug has time to work.
Just this weekend I switched vets. The first one wrote her off with the diagnosis. He didn't even want to tell me what he thought was wrong with her, only saying FIP was 1 possibility because she didn't have any of the other symptoms--I guess he was talking about wet FIP. She got better from the UTI and I thought things were fine and then she "crashed" (losing 1.5 lbs in 6 weeks). My research about her blood work kept pointing to FIP, so I called the vet and he admitted that it is what he thought she had, too. He offered no advice, no "let's work on her anemia" (lethargy--hello! That is why I asked for blood work when I took her about the UTI); nothing. We wasted over a month of her precious life!
That's when I found out about the Univ. of Tenn. study on PI. I read an update from a woman whose kitty was in the study. Kitty was dx'd 26 months ago and spent about 15 months on the drug and is now off and doing well. I contacted UT and the drug maker. The formal study was over, but they said they could release the drug for "compassionate use". I got my vet to call them (which UT researcher requested) and supply them with the blood work results, and in 1 week I had the product in my hands, and I started Ellie on it immediately. (To his credit, the old vet did do whatever I asked him to do.)
Anyway, I took her to the new vet yesterday for a B12 shot (recommended by a FIP group as helpful for chronically ill kitties). They found she had a kidney infection, so she got a shot of ABX while there and also some fluids. Then, the holistic vet came in and Ellie got an acupuncture treatment! Ellie felt better last night than she has in a long while--active, interested in what we were doing, etc.
My on-going problem is her lack of appetite. I can sometimes get her to eat a bit more kibble if I offer it piece by piece (this is a kitty who has shunned any canned food since we got her and always eaten like a bird), but this gets old--and what if I need to be gone all day?
I have both Mirtazapine and Cyproheptadine to try but can't decide which one to try first....they each have side effects that I've read about. If I give her the Mirtazapine, I have to wait 3 days before trying it again (and probably would need to wait that long before switching to trying the other one). Do any of you have any experience with either of these appetite stimulants? Which should I try first? Vet said Mirtazapine works better.
I also have her on NuCat vitamins, which is about the only thing she excitedly eats---gee, wish they could make a food that tastes like those tablets!
I'm at my wits end as I don't want to force-feed her, so I really want the appetite stimulant to work on her. We just need her to eat while the medicine works for her (or not---we at least want it to have a shot).
Any thoughts?
Thanks for reading and any help / insights.
Tracey
Getting ill kitty to eat?
Re: Getting ill kitty to eat?
Whenever people come here saying their cats were diagnosed with FIP (whether effusive or non-effusive), I am compelled to ask, just how exactly, was FIP diagnosed? Exactly what testing was done? Putting aside the usual comments about difficulty in confirmation/diagnosis, it is still important to review diagnostic tests that were done and perhaps talk about tests that could still be considered.
Congrats on getting the PI, I sincerely hope with all my heart that it is effective for Ellie. It is a bit concerning though, that research for this is painfully slow.
As for the mirtazapine vs cyproheptadine, I would choose the mirtazapine AS LONG AS IT IS GIVEN IN RELATIVELY SMALL DOSES (I believe this is only given once or twice a week anyway).
What kind of history does Ellie have with the UTI's, kidney infections, etc? (btw, cyproheptadine generally shouldn't be given with or post UTI infection or kidney infection - although the upside of this drug is that if mirtazapine is given and there are any serious side effects, then the cyproheptadine could be considered an antidote). I think given Ellie's history of UTI's and current kidney infection, the mirtazapine would be the better choice - just be certain the dose is small, and the vet utilizes a compounding pharmacy to achieve that small dose).
The mirtazapine might also be more helpful with any nausea, which would be an added benefit.
As for food, have you actually offered her canned versions regularly? Cats can change their preferences any time, so she might surprise you if you offer something different, with a particular taste or texture. There are several commercial brands you could try, (I would only recommend Purina or last resort, Fancy Feast), and you could also try veterinary brands, particularly if she is prone to urinary tract health issues. Your vet can give you samples to try. You could try putting a few small dishes down with various dry types and see if she shows a preference.
Make sure she doesn't have stomatitis, or any oral health issues. If there is an oral health issue going undetected, this could be one reason she is so finicky with her food.
Try using a small amount of canned white tuna in water, blended in the blender with a bit of water, to mix with her food as a tempter, but do not make a habit of this unless it is to keep her eating in face of serious illness. You can also try canned white chicken and water (I personally like Swanson's canned white chicken). You could also use a blender and pulverize her kibbles with a touch of tuna or chicken and water and offer it that way. A coffee grinder also works well in pulverizing kibbles.
That said, I would suggest starting her on the mirtazapine, give it a couple days to gauge effect, then take note of her appetite and food preferences.
Now, back to the actual "diagnosis". I would strongly suggest getting a second opinion, getting all Ellie's medical records/bloodwork/etc faxed ahead to a specialist, who can then advise which other tests could be useful in confirmation.
Some of the markers to pay particular attention to would include:
Blood serum testing: A titer/PCR (not exactly confirmation but when used in conjunction with other tests and history of the cat/clinical symptoms etc can be useful). This test can also be repeated in 30-60 days for some accuracy.
Hematology: lymphocytes, non-regenerative anemia, etc.
Chemistry: protein levels, globulins, albumin/globulin ratio, bilirubin levels, α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), liver/kidney/heart/GI enzymes, (the latter particularly if any one or more are consistently altered or high - which could help indicate whether a lesion might be present or the virus spreading to other internal organs.
Xrays and Ultrasound: to detect shape/size, inflammation or lesions on any internal organs.
Since there is apparently no effusion, it is not possible to use fluid analysis, which is a cornerstone diagnostic in effusive form. A biopsy of some type would be the only other fairly reliable diagnostic in the non-effusive form, although there would have to be compelling evidence from any of the above tests/clinical symptoms/history to approach this, and the cat would have to be in a healthy condition. Liver disease, for example, might be one associated condition that could warrant a biopsy (like ultrasound-guided).
It's important to note that any of the tests above, if unusual and interpreted individually, or a couple of them are unusual and interpreted as same, should not be inferred to mean FIP, but could be any number of other conditions that would warrant further investigation and treatment (like a major vital organ condition, or an inflammatory condition). It is when most ALL of these tests are suspicious and combined with history and clinical symptoms (and when they are usually progressive), that one has a high likelihood to suspect FIP.
This is where a specialist is in Ellie's and your favor. That specialist can direct you on which testing should be utilized right now, and review of what medications she has been on and any response noted, etc. A consult with a veterinary university specialist (or feline-specific/immunologist or internal med specialist) would be ideal, preferably right away, not only so you have a better idea IF this is FIP or what to expect, but also in hope of finding out if something else is going on and perhaps mimicking FIP and requiring immediate treatment for that condition. Remember that many a case has been wrongly diagnosed as FIP when in fact, it was something else gone undetected.
Lastly, please don't get persuaded on holistic, while the acupuncture may not have hurt, it definitely is not going to help, and it's only going to cost you more for a dubious procedure that has no evidence of effectiveness. The fact she may have felt better after acupuncture is not evidence, and as a matter of fact, the fact that she was relaxed and the holistic practitioner and you, giving her attention was all that was really done. Likewise, do NOT waste your money or time or effort on any other holistic procedure, herbs, or other dubious claims out of desperation. Most are useless, anecdotal only, and no evidence to support the claims.
Please keep us updated, and in the meantime, please quickly get a professional consult to guide you in testing and so that you are better prepared on the next steps. Even if it were FIP (which I hope is not the case), with additional testing and rule-outs, you'll know for sure you have everything else ruled out.
Hang in there!!
Congrats on getting the PI, I sincerely hope with all my heart that it is effective for Ellie. It is a bit concerning though, that research for this is painfully slow.
As for the mirtazapine vs cyproheptadine, I would choose the mirtazapine AS LONG AS IT IS GIVEN IN RELATIVELY SMALL DOSES (I believe this is only given once or twice a week anyway).
What kind of history does Ellie have with the UTI's, kidney infections, etc? (btw, cyproheptadine generally shouldn't be given with or post UTI infection or kidney infection - although the upside of this drug is that if mirtazapine is given and there are any serious side effects, then the cyproheptadine could be considered an antidote). I think given Ellie's history of UTI's and current kidney infection, the mirtazapine would be the better choice - just be certain the dose is small, and the vet utilizes a compounding pharmacy to achieve that small dose).
The mirtazapine might also be more helpful with any nausea, which would be an added benefit.
As for food, have you actually offered her canned versions regularly? Cats can change their preferences any time, so she might surprise you if you offer something different, with a particular taste or texture. There are several commercial brands you could try, (I would only recommend Purina or last resort, Fancy Feast), and you could also try veterinary brands, particularly if she is prone to urinary tract health issues. Your vet can give you samples to try. You could try putting a few small dishes down with various dry types and see if she shows a preference.
Make sure she doesn't have stomatitis, or any oral health issues. If there is an oral health issue going undetected, this could be one reason she is so finicky with her food.
Try using a small amount of canned white tuna in water, blended in the blender with a bit of water, to mix with her food as a tempter, but do not make a habit of this unless it is to keep her eating in face of serious illness. You can also try canned white chicken and water (I personally like Swanson's canned white chicken). You could also use a blender and pulverize her kibbles with a touch of tuna or chicken and water and offer it that way. A coffee grinder also works well in pulverizing kibbles.
That said, I would suggest starting her on the mirtazapine, give it a couple days to gauge effect, then take note of her appetite and food preferences.
Now, back to the actual "diagnosis". I would strongly suggest getting a second opinion, getting all Ellie's medical records/bloodwork/etc faxed ahead to a specialist, who can then advise which other tests could be useful in confirmation.
Some of the markers to pay particular attention to would include:
Blood serum testing: A titer/PCR (not exactly confirmation but when used in conjunction with other tests and history of the cat/clinical symptoms etc can be useful). This test can also be repeated in 30-60 days for some accuracy.
Hematology: lymphocytes, non-regenerative anemia, etc.
Chemistry: protein levels, globulins, albumin/globulin ratio, bilirubin levels, α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), liver/kidney/heart/GI enzymes, (the latter particularly if any one or more are consistently altered or high - which could help indicate whether a lesion might be present or the virus spreading to other internal organs.
Xrays and Ultrasound: to detect shape/size, inflammation or lesions on any internal organs.
Since there is apparently no effusion, it is not possible to use fluid analysis, which is a cornerstone diagnostic in effusive form. A biopsy of some type would be the only other fairly reliable diagnostic in the non-effusive form, although there would have to be compelling evidence from any of the above tests/clinical symptoms/history to approach this, and the cat would have to be in a healthy condition. Liver disease, for example, might be one associated condition that could warrant a biopsy (like ultrasound-guided).
It's important to note that any of the tests above, if unusual and interpreted individually, or a couple of them are unusual and interpreted as same, should not be inferred to mean FIP, but could be any number of other conditions that would warrant further investigation and treatment (like a major vital organ condition, or an inflammatory condition). It is when most ALL of these tests are suspicious and combined with history and clinical symptoms (and when they are usually progressive), that one has a high likelihood to suspect FIP.
This is where a specialist is in Ellie's and your favor. That specialist can direct you on which testing should be utilized right now, and review of what medications she has been on and any response noted, etc. A consult with a veterinary university specialist (or feline-specific/immunologist or internal med specialist) would be ideal, preferably right away, not only so you have a better idea IF this is FIP or what to expect, but also in hope of finding out if something else is going on and perhaps mimicking FIP and requiring immediate treatment for that condition. Remember that many a case has been wrongly diagnosed as FIP when in fact, it was something else gone undetected.
Lastly, please don't get persuaded on holistic, while the acupuncture may not have hurt, it definitely is not going to help, and it's only going to cost you more for a dubious procedure that has no evidence of effectiveness. The fact she may have felt better after acupuncture is not evidence, and as a matter of fact, the fact that she was relaxed and the holistic practitioner and you, giving her attention was all that was really done. Likewise, do NOT waste your money or time or effort on any other holistic procedure, herbs, or other dubious claims out of desperation. Most are useless, anecdotal only, and no evidence to support the claims.
Please keep us updated, and in the meantime, please quickly get a professional consult to guide you in testing and so that you are better prepared on the next steps. Even if it were FIP (which I hope is not the case), with additional testing and rule-outs, you'll know for sure you have everything else ruled out.
Hang in there!!
..........Traci
-
TabBaldwin
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2006 9:26 pm
Re: Getting ill kitty to eat?
Hi Traci:
Thanks for the reply. Thank you for the recommendation of Mirtazapine--especially the reason why. If I use one, I shall try it first. I will use 1/8 tablet, though, instead of the 1/4 the initial vet recommended. I think, though, that I'll try assisted-feeding first. If she has her choice of food, she'll choose dry kibble (yes, every day I offer canned in 2 bowls which the other kitty does eat; she never has cared for it), but if I assist her, I'll get a better food in her--a/d to start. The thought of it used to intimidate me, but after seeing some videos of it being done, it doesn't *seem* so bad after all. Tuna--not this kitty; she threw up the first tuna juice I offered her months ago and then gagged the next time she smelled it (and thankfully walked away). Never had a kitty not like tuna before!
As for her Dx: I asked for a blood test for Ellie because of her increasing lethargy. Those results showed her globulin (determined by electrophoresis as gamma globulin) to be high at 9.1 (ref. range 2.3--5.3) and her albumin was at 2.7 (range 2.5--3.9) giving her an A:G ratio of 0.3. FIP literature says that anything below 0.4 is highly indicative of it. She also had a Hematocrit of 29.1 (I think anything below 30%, in conjunction with other blood work results, is also a "marker"). Neutrophils were high at 79 (range 35--75) while lymphocytes were low at 14 (range 20--45) with a band shift to the left. All markers of FIP along with the A:G ratio.
Other blood values were within normal range, maybe lower range of normal, but not on higher end.
It was only after those results that we did a test for corona virus--to satisfy Dr. L. enough to release the PI for us to try.
I'd give anything if this were something else--something treatable. Dr. L., who lead the study on using PI in FIP, didn't indicate he disagreed with the vet's Dx of it. (The formal test ended just last spring, and they are compiling data and writing the paper now. It's pretty much on-going, though, with many of the cats still alive.) But thanks for the idea of sending her blood work to an internist or immunologist for another opinion.
I'll report back.
Thanks again, Tracey
Thanks for the reply. Thank you for the recommendation of Mirtazapine--especially the reason why. If I use one, I shall try it first. I will use 1/8 tablet, though, instead of the 1/4 the initial vet recommended. I think, though, that I'll try assisted-feeding first. If she has her choice of food, she'll choose dry kibble (yes, every day I offer canned in 2 bowls which the other kitty does eat; she never has cared for it), but if I assist her, I'll get a better food in her--a/d to start. The thought of it used to intimidate me, but after seeing some videos of it being done, it doesn't *seem* so bad after all. Tuna--not this kitty; she threw up the first tuna juice I offered her months ago and then gagged the next time she smelled it (and thankfully walked away). Never had a kitty not like tuna before!
As for her Dx: I asked for a blood test for Ellie because of her increasing lethargy. Those results showed her globulin (determined by electrophoresis as gamma globulin) to be high at 9.1 (ref. range 2.3--5.3) and her albumin was at 2.7 (range 2.5--3.9) giving her an A:G ratio of 0.3. FIP literature says that anything below 0.4 is highly indicative of it. She also had a Hematocrit of 29.1 (I think anything below 30%, in conjunction with other blood work results, is also a "marker"). Neutrophils were high at 79 (range 35--75) while lymphocytes were low at 14 (range 20--45) with a band shift to the left. All markers of FIP along with the A:G ratio.
Other blood values were within normal range, maybe lower range of normal, but not on higher end.
It was only after those results that we did a test for corona virus--to satisfy Dr. L. enough to release the PI for us to try.
I'd give anything if this were something else--something treatable. Dr. L., who lead the study on using PI in FIP, didn't indicate he disagreed with the vet's Dx of it. (The formal test ended just last spring, and they are compiling data and writing the paper now. It's pretty much on-going, though, with many of the cats still alive.) But thanks for the idea of sending her blood work to an internist or immunologist for another opinion.
I'll report back.
Thanks again, Tracey
Re: Getting ill kitty to eat?
How often were these tests repeated? Reason why, sometimes they can fluctuate when there is any other condition going on, not necessarily FIP. While it appears they are all altered and may be suggestive of FIP, doesn't mean they necessarily are, especially if none of the tests have ever been repeated for accuracy or consistency.
I strongly advise a specialist's opinion, and potentially a new set of tests, if anything, to see if there has been any alterations since the last results and of course, to rule out other potential inflammatory conditions. If there is a primary inflammatory condition going on, that ultrasound could come in handy, even if FIP is suspect.
Don't alter the dose of mirtazapine on your own, the vet should be discussing this with you, and dosing by Ellie's weight, appetite, overall health condition, etc.
Re the tuna, try canned white chicken, I've not met too many cats who refuse this.
I strongly advise a specialist's opinion, and potentially a new set of tests, if anything, to see if there has been any alterations since the last results and of course, to rule out other potential inflammatory conditions. If there is a primary inflammatory condition going on, that ultrasound could come in handy, even if FIP is suspect.
Don't alter the dose of mirtazapine on your own, the vet should be discussing this with you, and dosing by Ellie's weight, appetite, overall health condition, etc.
Re the tuna, try canned white chicken, I've not met too many cats who refuse this.
..........Traci
-
TabBaldwin
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2006 9:26 pm
Re: Getting ill kitty to eat?
The tests were repeated once, 6 weeks later (only 2.5 weeks ago). The globulin did decrease slightly (but still high at 7.6); the albumin decreased slightly to 2.4 keeping the A:G ratio right at 0.3.
This time, some of the other things showed changes taking them outside the normal range such as:
Urea Nitrogen went from 14 down to 11 (low).
Creatinine went from 0.9 down to 0.7 (low "normal")
AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) both went up slightly to middle of the range (from low normal).
WBC decreased from 9.9 to 6.8 (normal range still)
RBC fell from 7.73 down to 5.27 (now below normal)
Hemoglobin fell from 10 down to 7.9 (from low normal to below normal)
Hematocrit went from 29.1 down to 23.6
MCV rose from 38 to 45
MCH rose from 12.9 to 15.
MCHC about the same.
Platelet count from 51 up to 151, still below normal.
Neutrophils from 79 down to 75, right on border of high range
Lymphocytes went from 14 up to 20, right on border of low range.
Bands still shift to the left (0)
Eosinophils went from 6 down to 3 (low normal)
Basophils still at 0 (range 0-1)
Absolute Neutrophils went from 7821 down to 5100 (mid of normal range)
Absolute bands still 0
Absolute Lymphocytes about the same, from 1386 down to 1360 (right on the low end)
Absolute monocytes from 99 up to 136 (better)
Absolute Eosinophils from 594 down to 204 (lower)
If anything jumps out at you, please say so. I appreciate it. I see one of the vets again tomorrow, and one of them has a call in to Dr. L. to ask him questions of the PI.
How often can blood tests be run on a sick kitty without it becoming detrimental to her health? Once a month maybe? Last one was 2.5 weeks ago.
Our first attempt at assisted feeding did NOT go well at all. Hardly any food inside of kitty but plenty on us. Amazing how much strength she has! We'll try the mirtazapine and offer the mushy concoction we tried tonight (she actually licked a spoon with it on it after we tried to force it on her, but she's only ever good for 1 small spoonful of anything).
Thank you again for your time.
Tracey
This time, some of the other things showed changes taking them outside the normal range such as:
Urea Nitrogen went from 14 down to 11 (low).
Creatinine went from 0.9 down to 0.7 (low "normal")
AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) both went up slightly to middle of the range (from low normal).
WBC decreased from 9.9 to 6.8 (normal range still)
RBC fell from 7.73 down to 5.27 (now below normal)
Hemoglobin fell from 10 down to 7.9 (from low normal to below normal)
Hematocrit went from 29.1 down to 23.6
MCV rose from 38 to 45
MCH rose from 12.9 to 15.
MCHC about the same.
Platelet count from 51 up to 151, still below normal.
Neutrophils from 79 down to 75, right on border of high range
Lymphocytes went from 14 up to 20, right on border of low range.
Bands still shift to the left (0)
Eosinophils went from 6 down to 3 (low normal)
Basophils still at 0 (range 0-1)
Absolute Neutrophils went from 7821 down to 5100 (mid of normal range)
Absolute bands still 0
Absolute Lymphocytes about the same, from 1386 down to 1360 (right on the low end)
Absolute monocytes from 99 up to 136 (better)
Absolute Eosinophils from 594 down to 204 (lower)
If anything jumps out at you, please say so. I appreciate it. I see one of the vets again tomorrow, and one of them has a call in to Dr. L. to ask him questions of the PI.
How often can blood tests be run on a sick kitty without it becoming detrimental to her health? Once a month maybe? Last one was 2.5 weeks ago.
Our first attempt at assisted feeding did NOT go well at all. Hardly any food inside of kitty but plenty on us. Amazing how much strength she has! We'll try the mirtazapine and offer the mushy concoction we tried tonight (she actually licked a spoon with it on it after we tried to force it on her, but she's only ever good for 1 small spoonful of anything).
Thank you again for your time.
Tracey
Re: Getting ill kitty to eat?
Ellie could be fighting an infection, whether shedding a virus or due to any other condition. For example, her kidney infection, and liver degeneration caused by prolonged anorexia or insufficient nutrition (malnutrition) and weight loss. Both organs are very susceptible to damage in any primary health condition. The liver is also susceptible in forms of anemia.
You do not want that hematocrit to go any lower, it is very low right now but not dangerously low - please, check her mucous membranes often for any signs of paleness, white hue to her gums, whites of the eyes (like under the lower eyelid), and skin. Jaundice is another symptom you want to check for frequently. (yellowing of the gums, skin and whites of the eyes).
Ask the vet to consider the AGP, and the PCR/titer. Again, the titer has to be interpreted very cautiously. Additionally, maybe add on an immunology panel to rule out blood-borne parasitic infections or other causes of anemia. Again, xrays and/or ultrasound might be useful as well as an ocular exam.
Here is Dr Addie's flowsheet for diagnosing FIP. It is a guide and to be used as such. Remember that all cats' labs will vary, symptoms will vary, and fluctuations will vary, please keep that in mind.
http://www.dr-addie.com/downloads/FIP%2 ... l%2009.doc
While I can see how the vet is assuming FIP, I just want to arm you with a bit of info that this could be something mimicking FIP, like a heart condition, inflammatory condition, parasitic condition, liver condition, etc. Not trying to give you false hope, just want you to be able to rule out other conditions before assuming FIP.
You do not want that hematocrit to go any lower, it is very low right now but not dangerously low - please, check her mucous membranes often for any signs of paleness, white hue to her gums, whites of the eyes (like under the lower eyelid), and skin. Jaundice is another symptom you want to check for frequently. (yellowing of the gums, skin and whites of the eyes).
Ask the vet to consider the AGP, and the PCR/titer. Again, the titer has to be interpreted very cautiously. Additionally, maybe add on an immunology panel to rule out blood-borne parasitic infections or other causes of anemia. Again, xrays and/or ultrasound might be useful as well as an ocular exam.
Here is Dr Addie's flowsheet for diagnosing FIP. It is a guide and to be used as such. Remember that all cats' labs will vary, symptoms will vary, and fluctuations will vary, please keep that in mind.
http://www.dr-addie.com/downloads/FIP%2 ... l%2009.doc
While I can see how the vet is assuming FIP, I just want to arm you with a bit of info that this could be something mimicking FIP, like a heart condition, inflammatory condition, parasitic condition, liver condition, etc. Not trying to give you false hope, just want you to be able to rule out other conditions before assuming FIP.
..........Traci
-
TabBaldwin
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2006 9:26 pm
Re: Getting ill kitty to eat?
Thank you, Traci--I'll talk with the vet tomorrow.
Re: Getting ill kitty to eat?
Just to add, if for some reason you can't open up the document linked above, here's the pdf version:
http://www.dr-addie.com/downloads/FIPdi ... wchart.pdf
http://www.dr-addie.com/downloads/FIPdi ... wchart.pdf
..........Traci