Re: Brooklyn's vet visit

[PEC2851]

Rebecca, Sounds to me as if you found a good vet!  From what you wrote, I think, and it's only my personal opinion, that he gave you sound advice. (I know the vaccine issue will bring up some debate, so I'm not going to go there - I know of the pros & cons, and I'm not crazy about vaccines, I think it's more of a personal choice......)   Flagyl is metronidizole, used to treat any bacterial problems that might be present, which is a problem with most strays. The famatodine, is just pepcid, used to treat nausea, which usually accompanies GI upset.  Personally, I don't see anything "wrong" using these to treat Brooklyn's symptoms.  I feel it is possible that the stomach upset & diarrhea could possibly be a result of his diet change... I mean, who knows what he was eating to survive when he was a stray??  (You can experience these symptoms also when you change a pet from one food to another, ie: switching commercial brands, or switching from processed to raw.) Like I said, this is my opinion only, but I would not jump to the conclusion he's exhibiting symptoms caused by his Felv status. ("If" he does not respond to this treatment, then I might explore the holistic/homeopathic treatments, but initially I would go this route.)   Have you had a fecal done?  Has he been de-wormed??  I am learning so much lately about problems kitties can have with diarrhea... The possibilities make my head spin. But parasites are present in ALL cats, and they wreak havoc. And, being infested with parasites will cause both diarrhea and vomitting. ( Can also lead to much worse problems, such as anemia, etc. if not treated.) A fecal exam is a real necessity when dealing with a stray exhibiting diarrhea and vomitting, actually even when those symptoms are not present a fecal exam is "standard" for any new animals....   As far as neutering, I agree with the vet. It's been proven that animals that are spayed/neutered actually encounter less health problems.  Once he gets over this GI upset, I would definitely have him neutered.  And, with a male cat, it IS a 5 minute procedure, basically "snip-snip". Hideyo was advising you to ask the vet to use isofuorane (gas) for the surgery, and I agree with her. All anesthesia poses a risk, but isofluorane definitely poses a lesser risk than the injectable anesthesia (telazol, ketamine, xylazine and the like). Injectables also stay in the bloodstream much longer & there's just so many documented side effects to these drugs, that I also choose NOT to have them used when any of my guys need surgery.   And a 3.5 weight gain!! How mah-velous!!!   And, as far as re-testing, again this is my personal opinion, but I would have him retested. You never know, but I like to believe that just maybe, an animal will beat this da_n virus.   Best wishes to you and Brooklyn.  I hope he rebounds quickly from this GI episode.  Please keep us updated!!   Hugs, Patti   (Another thing I just love about this group is the active participation in responding to  member's postings. It is always great to see different viewpoints.....)