Dear Michelle,
I was so saddened to read the vet's diagnosis for FIP (dry) w/ your sweet
Lucy.....
As I've said before, I have encountered both wet & dry FIP - at the shelter,
and at my home when I was fostering many cats,,,,,,
I encountered the 'wet FIP" w/ (too) many shelter cats....They did see a
specialist, and fluid drawn from abdomen was indicative of FIP. Along w/ the
Elisa test showing VERY high titres!
When I had FIP in my home, it was the "dry" form.....At that time, some of
the symptoms displayed that I sought treatment for were: a) High Fever
b)Lethargy and c )chronic conditions, URI, eye infections - that would NOT
respond to normal AB's.... I had FECV titers run on all my fosters, but not
my
personal clan....
I lost my Dusty, an older boy and a former street survivor from Baltimore.
And then I lost my Oden, at only 2 - who I had since I bottle fed him. Their
necropsies confirmed FIP...
Recently, my Puma was diagnosed w/ toxoplasmosis & FIP. Upon getting home
after my lengthy hospital stay, Puma was just not right.... He was eating
tons, drinking much, urinating much, even in his bed, while he slept... And,
he was lethargic, sleeping more than usual, and being very vocal.... Also,
chronic ear problems. (My room mate gave him the nickname "RattleHead"!!)
So, I expected it to be thyroid & kidney disease, due to his age (17+). So,
I had my rescue partner take us to the specialist, where he ran MANY tests!
Was I ever surprised w/ the results, as it was NOT thyroid or kidneys -
those levels were fine!!! His FECV titer was VERY high...
We cleaned his ears while at vet, and was given special cleaner to use every
week. Also, Baytril ear solution. Also, he was rx'd clindomycin &
prednisone. And, he is also on daily sub-q fluids....
When I had a question, my vet, who NEVER suggested euthanasia suggested I
bring him back in..... But, me being too soft, was afraid I might be "forced"
w/
the decision!! So, I just refilled his meds, and he is doing really well,
much to my surprise, and delight. I did promise that I would NEVER let him
suffer, and, he really seems to be doing well. He still eats ALOT, Evo &
Nutro dry, cooked chicken w/ rice, and, YES, I do give him canned Fancy Feast!
He LOVES that, especially the "new" kind.... It's not exactly a high
quality food, but at his age I figure he's entitled to eat whatever makes him
happy.....
I just "wonder" if he was exposed when I had it at my home! That was YEARS
ago.... But, he did come from a high-kill Ga. shelter, w/ no history, other
than his age! (And, because he was 11 or 12 at the time, they weren't even
going to place him up for adoption - an immediate gas chamber death sentence! )
So, he has had many good years w/ me, brought me much happiness....... I
only pray that he won't suffer, and goes peacefully in his sleep....
I do give him daily vitamins, and use RR in the water.....
I hope they are wrong about your Lucy. But, if not, I hope Puma's story
will give you inspiration.... (He's an 'ole man, but definitely a fighter!!)
Keep us updated please. (W/ my vision problems, I am not online as much as
before, but I do try to keep up w/ the threads....)
Hugs,
Patti (and Puma & the rest of my clan! )
