So, here's what I'm confused about.
We got chest XRays, and the vet is SURE that what we have is fluid, not
a malignancy. She was given a diuretic and her breathing has improved
quite a bit. She's not as active as a "normal" kitten should probably
be, but she's running up and down the stairs and such, with
significantly less pausing and heavy breathing than we were seeing
previously. Of course, the diuretic didn't COMPLETELY take care of ALL
of the fluid, but it's getting a little better, rather than
progressively worse. She's on Clavamox for a secondary infection
associated with the lungs (seems to be effective as far as my untrained
senses can tell) and we're supplementing L-Lysine in her wet food.
We're going in for opinions on further treatment on Monday with a
feline specialist.
So, here's my big question: does fluid in the lungs automatically mean
she's wasting away? Is it tantamount to a death sentence? I searched
the backlog and it was somewhat inconclusive. If the diuretics seem to
be helping...I mean, is that a good sign? I'm just trying to get my
bearing with how far along we are.
Lo's Background: She was, as far as anyone can tell, born with this.
She's 8 months old...she was found at 7-10 days old in a snowstorm,
having not eaten...probably ever. She's always been thin, but this is
the first time any vet has raised concern over her weight. She weighs
5lbs, 11oz. and is very small-framed and fairly thin to begin with.
She's still eating both wet and dry on her own (though she is eating
less dry...possibly because I've been giving her more wet) and she
hasn't LOST weight...she just is no longer gaining as fast as kittens
her age should. Temps normal, LB usage is normal and there have been no
behavioral changes.
Thanks for any advice or sharing any experience you have had! You guys are wonderful!
Allie
