My thoughts and prayers are with Squiggy and you. I know your heart hurts. I do not wish to intrude on your grief, but I would like for you or someone on the list to tell me more about FIP; or where to go for a reference--I do not know much about the cause, etc.; except that it seems to be a horrible disease-and I feel I should know more............... Helene
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Denise Uriarte Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2002 2:14 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Squiggy To Glenda and all, Squiggy is very lethargic. He hasn't moved much since late December around Christmas time. That's when I first started noticing symptoms (weight loss, lethargy, on/off appetite, depression). It is also obvious now that his growth has been stunted. At six months old, Squiggy was my 'Pudgie-Poo', the biggest and chubbiest of the five littermates. Two months later, at eight months old, he is the smallest. Not just in weight, but also in height and length. He is so tiny and frail, my heart aches whenever I hold him. He spends his time mostly on the heating pad in his cuddle cup. He gets up when it is feeding time and to crawl into my lap for some loving. Still purrs like crazy, just like his sister Laverne did up until her very last breath. Laverne also ate very well up until her last day. I know that seems odd. It does to me too, because we are trained to relate a good appetite with good health. I spoke to the vet about it and she said that it isn't uncommon for FIP kitties to eat and purr all the way up until the end. One web site even called FIP "the purring disease". I guess FIP hits in different ways (depending on what organs are effected and whether it is the effusive or dry form of the disease). Laverne had the wet form of FIP. The fluid built up in her abdominal cavity and it was horrible. From start to finish, she lasted only four and a half weeks. Squiggy isn't showing any sign of fluid build up, but other than that has the exact same symptoms as Laverne. The most notable is the sunken haunches. Of all the diseases, FIP is one of the worst in my book. FeLV and FIV kitties have hope and time. Pan-Luek is ugly, but swift. But FIP is slow and drawn out, a gradual withering away type of illness. Hopeless, helpless, and downright horrible. I am sorry for not keeping everyone posted on Squiggy's condition. It's just really hard to even talk about it. When I lost my little girl Laverne, my heart broke. I didn't really even have time to fully heal, because just a few weeks after she died, Squiggy became ill. Plus the round the clock vigils are exhausting, as most of you know. I just want to spend every free moment I have holding him. But I do want everyone to know that your prayers and kind thoughts have helped tremendously. I also should note that Squiggy's brothers (Carmine, Lenny, and Zinnie) are eight months old now and are all still doing fine. No signs of FIP or anything else. They are getting their Interferon and Lysine every day are playful, happy, eating well and doing great. When I first found out back in August 2001 that my foster kitties were FeLV+ (Let's see - I think they were about 10 weeks old at the time), I was told by many so-called "experts" that none of them would make it past six months. Well, even tiny Squiggy has made it eight months so far and Carmine, Lenny and Zinnie are all still doing great. And for that, I am thankful. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and advice. Without the support I've received here, I'm not sure how I'd get by. Glad I found you guys !! Denise ---------- From: Glenda Gardam [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 9:28 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Squiggy's appetite Denise, I had no idea that Squiggy wasn't getting better! I thought, unless I missed some posts, that because you hadn't mentioned his progress that he was recovering. I wish I had some suggestions. Are you sure you are dealing with FIP? It just doesn't sound like it with his appetite. I am the first one to say that I have only seen the wet form (or as we all know looked like the wet form) but I thought that the dry FIP made cats very lethargic? I'm not trying to give you false hope because I don't know anything about the dry form but have you checked this ravenous appetite symptom with your Vet? It just sounds really unusual to me. Please keep us posted. I know how cruel this disease can be. Sending hugs your way for you & Squiggy. Glenda
