coughing
Hi all. I've noticed that BooBoo gets these coughing spells. I described it to the vet and he says it sounds like fur balls. He does use his litter box so I don't think there is an obstruction or anything like that, but I'm not convinced this is the problem. I'll get some of that fur ball stuff in a tube for him today, but could this be something else? I have no idea if this was a problem before we got them because the previous owners will not offer up any more information on him to me. I do know that the previous owners smoked in their home and that certainly could not have been good for him. Is this a typical problem for a Felv cat ? If so, should I be getting him back to the vet for some kind of medication? Thanks Lynne
Re: [PHISH]RE: Immuno-Regullin and exercise
Thank you for your advise. Yes, he love to run around and play like a maniac - after all he is only 8 - 10 months old and really still a kitten. He seems to get out of breath and his breathing is a little raspy when he has been playing hard, but maybe that is something that is normal for any cat. Because of the FeLV I am just noticing things differently with him. Right now I have to decide what will help him most and what I can afford. I have already switched him to an all canned Wellness diet. The Immuno-Regulin sounds pretty expensive. I also have two boys in college that I have to think of also. Do you know how many cats actually ever end up eventually testing negative with this? I guess there is a part of me that is still in denial. He tested negative when my brother first rescued him, then he tested positive when he had the in-office test at the vet when I got him. They then gave him the blood test which was also positive. I think April is when I will test him again. Meanwhile I will spoil him as much as I possibly can when he has to be stuck in one room. It's so nasty and snowy today that there isn't even a good view out the window from his chair. Sue - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 9:56 PM Subject: [PHISH]RE: Immuno-Regullin and exercise I don't know about the IR, but as far as the vaccs- it sounds like he handled them fine, so there's no need to stress yourself out about it now. Now you know better tho and can better protect him in the future by being better educated. And you are very to lucky to have found this site so early on. I only got to it when Monkee was in the throws of the illness and most hope was lost. And I felt horrible when I realized all the knowledge and information that was out there on the internet that I didn't think to take advantage of. I just took Monkee's incredible health for granted and thought if I kept him happy and not stressed, his beefy body would beat the odds. When I realized I could have been more proactive with things- like no vaccs, better diet, supplements, even meds to ward off the disease, I felt horrible, but I didn't have time or energy to cry over spilled milk at the time b/c I was so desperate for immediate help with Monkee's sick condition. It's since his passing that I realized the depth of what I allowed myself to miss out on. Could any of those things have made a difference in Monkee's individual case? I don't know? I never will. But if I can help someone else get to resources and better information SOONER than I did, then my guilt is lessened. You should feel really happy that you are taking full advantage of what is out there now- early- while Buzz is healthy. You have the chance to do all you can for him early on. Don't worry about him playing- if he's happy and healthy for now and he wants to run around like a maniac and play toys, by all means, let him do it. It's important to not treat him like an invalid, especially if he does not feel like one/doesn't know he is one b/c he will pick up on that. For most of Monkee's illness my mom kept telling me to stop crying around him and treating him like an invalid because at that point (until the last 2 wks), he didn't know he was sick- even when he was getting chemo. She didn't want Monkee to pick up on my cues and then in turn, get depressed and get further stressed. Asymptomatic Felv cats don't know they are sick, so allowing him to play and act like a normal boy is all part of providing him a stress-free environment which is really key for Felv+ cats. caroline From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Immuno-Regullin and exercise Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 21:32:52 -0500 When is the best time to start Immuno-Regulin? When they still have no symptoms? I can still hardly believe Buzz has this horrible disease. He seems so healthy and loves to play and has a great appetite. How often do the success stories like Minstrels come along? These postings have so much new information and the internet sights have so much conflicting information that it is hard to know what to think. I just know the little guy cleaning himself in my lap right now deserves all I can do for him. Does anyone know if a lot of playing exercise is good for a FeLV + cat? He chases his toys so hard that he gets out of breath sometimes. Buzz had some vaccinations about a month ago, is he still in danger? I have always had cats but this is so new and I feel so ignorant. I am so glad for this site, I have already learned more real information that seems like it will actually help Buzz then from all the reading I've done for the last several weeks since I learned he was FeLV positive. Thank
Re: coughing
Thank Lance and Laurie for your advice. I definitely am going to start keeping a journal so when I do see the vet again I will have it all written down. To me it sounded like a fur ball cough, nothing came out though, but I also notice him licking his lips a lot and when he eats, he snorts. Oh I don't know. This is just all so foreign to me. Like I've mentioned, I've never had serious problems with cats. They just get really old, develop a kidney issue and have to be put down. This guy is a whole different story. If nothing else I certainly can appreciate that I was very fortunate to have one kid that grew up with no health issues. Some people have children with serious health issues and it must be so very difficult for them with the worry of losing them. Lynne - Original Message - From: Lance To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 1:32 PM Subject: Re: coughing I'd just watch him closely for the next few days to see if the cough changes in any way. If it's going away, or seems to happen less, then it might not be anything to worry about. Ember did this weird panting thing several weeks ago, and it hasn't happened since. She may have had a reaction to a high dose of Flagyl. If BooBoo actually does hack up fur, then it's highly unlikely to be something abnormal. Cats are prone to that, as you know. One thing I've done, though not as regularly as I should have, is to keep a text file on my computer of dates and any unusual health occurrences for Ember. I used it to track a diarrhea problem over a year ago, and I still have the file, in case I need to refer to it. Lance On Feb 10, 2008, at 12:25 PM, Lynne wrote: Hi all. I've noticed that BooBoo gets these coughing spells. I described it to the vet and he says it sounds like fur balls. He does use his litter box so I don't think there is an obstruction or anything like that, but I'm not convinced this is the problem. I'll get some of that fur ball stuff in a tube for him today, but could this be something else? I have no idea if this was a problem before we got them because the previous owners will not offer up any more information on him to me. I do know that the previous owners smoked in their home and that certainly could not have been good for him. Is this a typical problem for a Felv cat ? If so, should I be getting him back to the vet for some kind of medication? Thanks Lynne
Re: [PHISH]RE: Immuno-Regullin and exercise
Me again. Mine don't eat if they have a cold, upset stomach or diarrhea (I sound like that commercial). Cats need to be able to smell their food. Coco won't eat her normal food when she has a hairball she is trying to get rid of. I usually find a hairball the next day and she is back on track eating again. As Lance suggested, watch carefully and make notes. I quickly forget which days things happen unless I make a note. I actually keep a notebook in the kitchen now for notes. L - Original Message - From: Lynne To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 12:36 PM Subject: Re: [PHISH]RE: Immuno-Regullin and exercise Sue, I so know how you feel. I just posted about our little guy coughing. I didn't believe the positive test at first and asked for more blood work and it's worse than I thought. Now every little thing I think is unusual I panic about, like this coughing. I just don't know how none of this concerned the previous owners. He's also becoming a ridiculously fussy eater. I've tried many different can foods and some hard foods and he just sticks his nose up. Fortunately our 19 year old pig-cat likes it all so it isn't totally wasted. It is all just such a drain on one. Lynne - Original Message - From: Sue Frank Koren To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 1:23 PM Subject: Re: [PHISH]RE: Immuno-Regullin and exercise Thank you for your advise. Yes, he love to run around and play like a maniac - after all he is only 8 - 10 months old and really still a kitten. He seems to get out of breath and his breathing is a little raspy when he has been playing hard, but maybe that is something that is normal for any cat. Because of the FeLV I am just noticing things differently with him. Right now I have to decide what will help him most and what I can afford. I have already switched him to an all canned Wellness diet. The Immuno-Regulin sounds pretty expensive. I also have two boys in college that I have to think of also. Do you know how many cats actually ever end up eventually testing negative with this? I guess there is a part of me that is still in denial. He tested negative when my brother first rescued him, then he tested positive when he had the in-office test at the vet when I got him. They then gave him the blood test which was also positive. I think April is when I will test him again. Meanwhile I will spoil him as much as I possibly can when he has to be stuck in one room. It's so nasty and snowy today that there isn't even a good view out the window from his chair. Sue - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 9:56 PM Subject: [PHISH]RE: Immuno-Regullin and exercise I don't know about the IR, but as far as the vaccs- it sounds like he handled them fine, so there's no need to stress yourself out about it now. Now you know better tho and can better protect him in the future by being better educated. And you are very to lucky to have found this site so early on. I only got to it when Monkee was in the throws of the illness and most hope was lost. And I felt horrible when I realized all the knowledge and information that was out there on the internet that I didn't think to take advantage of. I just took Monkee's incredible health for granted and thought if I kept him happy and not stressed, his beefy body would beat the odds. When I realized I could have been more proactive with things- like no vaccs, better diet, supplements, even meds to ward off the disease, I felt horrible, but I didn't have time or energy to cry over spilled milk at the time b/c I was so desperate for immediate help with Monkee's sick condition. It's since his passing that I realized the depth of what I allowed myself to miss out on. Could any of those things have made a difference in Monkee's individual case? I don't know? I never will. But if I can help someone else get to resources and better information SOONER than I did, then my guilt is lessened. You should feel really happy that you are taking full advantage of what is out there now- early- while Buzz is healthy. You have the chance to do all you can for him early on. Don't worry about him playing- if he's happy and healthy for now and he wants to run around like a maniac and play toys, by all means, let him do it. It's important to not treat him like an invalid, especially if he does not feel like one/doesn't know he is one b/c he will pick up on that. For most of Monkee's illness my mom kept telling me to stop crying around him and treating him like an invalid because at that point (until the last 2 wks), he didn't know he was sick- even when he was getting chemo. She didn't want Monkee to pick up on my cues
Re: [PHISH]RE: Immuno-Regullin and exercise
Sue, I so know how you feel. I just posted about our little guy coughing. I didn't believe the positive test at first and asked for more blood work and it's worse than I thought. Now every little thing I think is unusual I panic about, like this coughing. I just don't know how none of this concerned the previous owners. He's also becoming a ridiculously fussy eater. I've tried many different can foods and some hard foods and he just sticks his nose up. Fortunately our 19 year old pig-cat likes it all so it isn't totally wasted. It is all just such a drain on one. Lynne - Original Message - From: Sue Frank Koren To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 1:23 PM Subject: Re: [PHISH]RE: Immuno-Regullin and exercise Thank you for your advise. Yes, he love to run around and play like a maniac - after all he is only 8 - 10 months old and really still a kitten. He seems to get out of breath and his breathing is a little raspy when he has been playing hard, but maybe that is something that is normal for any cat. Because of the FeLV I am just noticing things differently with him. Right now I have to decide what will help him most and what I can afford. I have already switched him to an all canned Wellness diet. The Immuno-Regulin sounds pretty expensive. I also have two boys in college that I have to think of also. Do you know how many cats actually ever end up eventually testing negative with this? I guess there is a part of me that is still in denial. He tested negative when my brother first rescued him, then he tested positive when he had the in-office test at the vet when I got him. They then gave him the blood test which was also positive. I think April is when I will test him again. Meanwhile I will spoil him as much as I possibly can when he has to be stuck in one room. It's so nasty and snowy today that there isn't even a good view out the window from his chair. Sue - Original Message - From: Caroline Kaufmann To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 9:56 PM Subject: [PHISH]RE: Immuno-Regullin and exercise I don't know about the IR, but as far as the vaccs- it sounds like he handled them fine, so there's no need to stress yourself out about it now. Now you know better tho and can better protect him in the future by being better educated. And you are very to lucky to have found this site so early on. I only got to it when Monkee was in the throws of the illness and most hope was lost. And I felt horrible when I realized all the knowledge and information that was out there on the internet that I didn't think to take advantage of. I just took Monkee's incredible health for granted and thought if I kept him happy and not stressed, his beefy body would beat the odds. When I realized I could have been more proactive with things- like no vaccs, better diet, supplements, even meds to ward off the disease, I felt horrible, but I didn't have time or energy to cry over spilled milk at the time b/c I was so desperate for immediate help with Monkee's sick condition. It's since his passing that I realized the depth of what I allowed myself to miss out on. Could any of those things have made a difference in Monkee's individual case? I don't know? I never will. But if I can help someone else get to resources and better information SOONER than I did, then my guilt is lessened. You should feel really happy that you are taking full advantage of what is out there now- early- while Buzz is healthy. You have the chance to do all you can for him early on. Don't worry about him playing- if he's happy and healthy for now and he wants to run around like a maniac and play toys, by all means, let him do it. It's important to not treat him like an invalid, especially if he does not feel like one/doesn't know he is one b/c he will pick up on that. For most of Monkee's illness my mom kept telling me to stop crying around him and treating him like an invalid because at that point (until the last 2 wks), he didn't know he was sick- even when he was getting chemo. She didn't want Monkee to pick up on my cues and then in turn, get depressed and get further stressed. Asymptomatic Felv cats don't know they are sick, so allowing him to play and act like a normal boy is all part of providing him a stress-free environment which is really key for Felv+ cats. caroline -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Immuno-Regullin and exercise Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 21:32:52 -0500 When is the best time to start Immuno-Regulin? When they still have no symptoms? I can still hardly believe Buzz has this horrible disease. He seems so healthy and loves to play and has a great
Re: coughing
Asthma can look like a hairball cough. There are many other things it can be, too, if not a hairball. Lung worm, heartworm, upper respiratory. An asthma kitty can also have a wet sounding purr. The hairball cough are what both Keisha and Frankie had. Both have/had asthma. Frankie's attacks alway finish with one big cough but everyone is different. Teddy's was evident only after he played.There are 3 good feline asthma yahoo groups. Asthma is diagnosed via chest xray and owner report. Don't let anyone suggest a BAL (bronchial avelor or something like that wash) ~ unnecessary and it reduces the airways of an already breathing compromised cat. Pls keep us posted. Laurie - Original Message - From: Lynne To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 12:25 PM Subject: coughing Hi all. I've noticed that BooBoo gets these coughing spells. I described it to the vet and he says it sounds like fur balls. He does use his litter box so I don't think there is an obstruction or anything like that, but I'm not convinced this is the problem. I'll get some of that fur ball stuff in a tube for him today, but could this be something else? I have no idea if this was a problem before we got them because the previous owners will not offer up any more information on him to me. I do know that the previous owners smoked in their home and that certainly could not have been good for him. Is this a typical problem for a Felv cat ? If so, should I be getting him back to the vet for some kind of medication? Thanks Lynne
Re: coughing
I'd just watch him closely for the next few days to see if the cough changes in any way. If it's going away, or seems to happen less, then it might not be anything to worry about. Ember did this weird panting thing several weeks ago, and it hasn't happened since. She may have had a reaction to a high dose of Flagyl. If BooBoo actually does hack up fur, then it's highly unlikely to be something abnormal. Cats are prone to that, as you know. One thing I've done, though not as regularly as I should have, is to keep a text file on my computer of dates and any unusual health occurrences for Ember. I used it to track a diarrhea problem over a year ago, and I still have the file, in case I need to refer to it. Lance On Feb 10, 2008, at 12:25 PM, Lynne wrote: Hi all. I've noticed that BooBoo gets these coughing spells. I described it to the vet and he says it sounds like fur balls. He does use his litter box so I don't think there is an obstruction or anything like that, but I'm not convinced this is the problem. I'll get some of that fur ball stuff in a tube for him today, but could this be something else? I have no idea if this was a problem before we got them because the previous owners will not offer up any more information on him to me. I do know that the previous owners smoked in their home and that certainly could not have been good for him. Is this a typical problem for a Felv cat ? If so, should I be getting him back to the vet for some kind of medication? Thanks Lynne
Re: coughing
Lynne, licking lips is indicative of upset stomach. Snorting is a new one. It really could just be a hairball...breathe and make notes! I know that I can easily go to a fear place. Frankie (blind, asthmatic and previously had pancreatitis) has been calling out in the night the past few nights. He sounds distressed and I don't believe I had ever heard his voice before. He's been with me for 10 years. This is totally new. So, is it a thyroid problem...or is he wanting the Drinkwell which is downstairs or is he maybe hungry. I'll keep notes and try the easy fixes first...but boy I know that I can go to the worse case quickly. Not good for me or him! L - Original Message - From: Lynne To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 12:45 PM Subject: Re: coughing Thank Lance and Laurie for your advice. I definitely am going to start keeping a journal so when I do see the vet again I will have it all written down. To me it sounded like a fur ball cough, nothing came out though, but I also notice him licking his lips a lot and when he eats, he snorts. Oh I don't know. This is just all so foreign to me. Like I've mentioned, I've never had serious problems with cats. They just get really old, develop a kidney issue and have to be put down. This guy is a whole different story. If nothing else I certainly can appreciate that I was very fortunate to have one kid that grew up with no health issues. Some people have children with serious health issues and it must be so very difficult for them with the worry of losing them. Lynne - Original Message - From: Lance To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 1:32 PM Subject: Re: coughing I'd just watch him closely for the next few days to see if the cough changes in any way. If it's going away, or seems to happen less, then it might not be anything to worry about. Ember did this weird panting thing several weeks ago, and it hasn't happened since. She may have had a reaction to a high dose of Flagyl. If BooBoo actually does hack up fur, then it's highly unlikely to be something abnormal. Cats are prone to that, as you know. One thing I've done, though not as regularly as I should have, is to keep a text file on my computer of dates and any unusual health occurrences for Ember. I used it to track a diarrhea problem over a year ago, and I still have the file, in case I need to refer to it. Lance On Feb 10, 2008, at 12:25 PM, Lynne wrote: Hi all. I've noticed that BooBoo gets these coughing spells. I described it to the vet and he says it sounds like fur balls. He does use his litter box so I don't think there is an obstruction or anything like that, but I'm not convinced this is the problem. I'll get some of that fur ball stuff in a tube for him today, but could this be something else? I have no idea if this was a problem before we got them because the previous owners will not offer up any more information on him to me. I do know that the previous owners smoked in their home and that certainly could not have been good for him. Is this a typical problem for a Felv cat ? If so, should I be getting him back to the vet for some kind of medication? Thanks Lynne
Re: coughing
Laurie, This really got my curiosity, my Joey has episodes where his purr sounds wet, rumbly and his breathing too, is how I would described it to my vet. She has checked his lungs when he is having one of these episodes and says his lungs are clear, that it is contained to his sinuses. He has never had coughing but I'm curious, can he have asthma without coughing. These epsodes don't seem to bother him, they affect me more than him, he doesn't seem to notice them at all. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
Re: coughing
Belinda, Teddy had no coughing. He panted after exercise. Keisha and Frankie had/have the coughing. Frankie has coughed for 10 years (since the day I rescued him from my yard). Keisha really only coughed for about 2 months about 3 years ago (every day). Prednisone stopped it. She had two of the hairball coughing type attacks in the week before she died unexpectedly last summer. Her purring always sounded very loud, deep and wet. My vet said Frankie's problem was post nasal drip. He said this for 6 years. Frankie had a coughing attack twice a week (this is very common with asthma). A (finally) second opinion revealed asthma. (ps no we don't smoke...and yet had 3 cats with asthma). Laurie - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 3:27 PM Subject: Re: coughing Laurie, This really got my curiosity, my Joey has episodes where his purr sounds wet, rumbly and his breathing too, is how I would described it to my vet. She has checked his lungs when he is having one of these episodes and says his lungs are clear, that it is contained to his sinuses. He has never had coughing but I'm curious, can he have asthma without coughing. These epsodes don't seem to bother him, they affect me more than him, he doesn't seem to notice them at all. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
Re: coughing
Hi Belinda, small world. Lucy has HCM. Her meds have greatly improved her quality of life. She is much more active now. Frankie's early chest xrays did not show the donuts as there was no damage yet. That is why my vet said it was not asthma. Inhaled meds have resulted in improvement in chest xrays. This is Frankie's good time of year (winter) amd he's been attack free for several months now. From my experience, Joey's attacks could be asthma. Does he hunch way down and get his neck way out when he's coughing. How long does coughing last? Frankie's are always 10-15 minutes. My personal belief is that asthma is tied to allergies. Frankie's asthma is worst in fall (moldy leaves outside) and when we have remodeling done. Wonder if you kept track of times of year or suspected triggers for Joey's asthmawonder if there is a relationship between asthma and HCM. I have not heard of one. Keisha did have fluid around her HEART and died of congestive heart failure... Normally we have no spray or scented anything here. We have HEPA air cleaners, an air exchanger, and air cleaners on the furnace. I take many precautions. We live in the woods so dust is a factor. Laurie - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 6:22 PM Subject: Re: coughing When Joey was about 5 months old he panted after playing, I took him to the vet and he sent me to a specialty place. They did lots of tests and said he was early HCM, this was in Missouri. Moved back her and a year later had him rechecked, he was on medication for his supposed heart disease and looked awful, he looked very unhealthy, he looked 100 times better before he started the meds. The year later check up here in Washington state by a cardiologist revealed in his opinion Joey never had heart disease and he told me to stop the meds. He looked and acted better after stopping the meds. My sister moved in with me about then and brought 2 cats with her. Shelbee seemed to have an upper respiratory thing going on which cleared up but if memory serves me right Joey's breathing and purring thing started after that. Can't say 100% it did but that seems to be the time I associate noticing it with, so that is why I never doubted my vet telling me it was all in his upper respiratory area. Joey has these episodes 4,5 maybe 6 times a year and then he is fine, they usually last a week or two. I'm pretty sure I have insisted on a chest Xray at some point because I wanted to be sure it was nothing to worry about and he does have HCM now and is on medication for it these last 3 years. He gets a heart ultra sound once a year. Would a chest xray show asthma for sure?? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
Re: coughing
Hi Laurie, Joey has never coughed, it is the panting he did but only when he was 5 months old and then put on the heart meds stoppd that but he looked very unhealthy. When he was checked a year later he was taken off the meds and given a clean bill of health for the heart disease. He really developed heart disease at 9 years of age and has gotten benazepril since then and his heart disease is progessing very slowly. He is losing weight though and recently has starting vomiting one or two times a week. He also was diagnosed with eary CRF about a year ago and my vet wanted me to give him fluids 3 times a week, but he acts like I'm killing him so I have not done that. I know his kidney disease has progressed and the vomiting is partly from that because sometimes its just foam which goes along with CRF. BUT he never, ever vomited in his whole life so I will be taking him in to get that checked out because sometimes it is his food. His weight loss over the last few years has me a bit worried, he has gone from 10 pounds 5 or 6 years ago to just a little over 8 pounds now. I'm scared what she is going to say about his CRF, with his heart disease fluids are tricky so I have to be careful but advanced kidney disease sometimes requires alot of fluids, Fred get 150cc a day. We discovered Joey's HCM because he developed a heart murmur and we did an ultra sound and saw the slight thickening of the left side. His murmur has stayed the same for the last 3 years. From my experience, Joey's attacks could be asthma. Does he hunch way down and get his neck way out when he's coughing. How long does coughing last? Frankie's are always 10-15 minutes. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
Re: coughing
Sometimes it is, he doesn't gobble his food though, I try to make sure they get food several times a day, 4 or 5 times a day. Is the vomit undigested food? If yes, is he gobbling his food? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
Re: coughing
Hi Laurie, Why would they take her off the meds? Joey will be on them for the rest of his life. He hasn't had to increase them because his HCM is progressing slowly, his thickening is about the same but his arotic value has dilated slightly more so there is progression. He is failry active for his age, he still doesn't like the fluids but I know he'll get used to them, Fred has been getting them for almost 2 years and he used to bite me and run under the bed. He figures out it wouldn't do him any good so now he just waits for me to take him out to the couch and do them. BUT the second I close off the valve he is gone. Fred is 17, Joey is 12 now, 13 this July. He hasn't panted since he was 5 months old, I have noticed something recently and I don't know what it means, I have never seen any other cat do it, he will open his mouth and sort of hiss, just a very short hiss, he just does it out of the blue. Ever seen that? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
Re: coughing
Belinda, that sounds like a challenge ~ HCM and CRF. Is the vomit undigested food? If yes, is he gobbling his food? Might check to see if the food refusal is connected with the vomiting (refusing before or after). I wonder if the panting might be associated with the HCM (if his heart is racing). I can't imagine he has asthma too... Bless his heart (literally). Lucy was diagnosed with HCM when she was 9, too. Hers has stayed the same on the benazepril and she will go off that med if she continues the same (via ultrasound) at her next appt. L - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 6:53 PM Subject: Re: coughing Hi Laurie, Joey has never coughed, it is the panting he did but only when he was 5 months old and then put on the heart meds stoppd that but he looked very unhealthy. When he was checked a year later he was taken off the meds and given a clean bill of health for the heart disease. He really developed heart disease at 9 years of age and has gotten benazepril since then and his heart disease is progessing very slowly. He is losing weight though and recently has starting vomiting one or two times a week. He also was diagnosed with eary CRF about a year ago and my vet wanted me to give him fluids 3 times a week, but he acts like I'm killing him so I have not done that. I know his kidney disease has progressed and the vomiting is partly from that because sometimes its just foam which goes along with CRF. BUT he never, ever vomited in his whole life so I will be taking him in to get that checked out because sometimes it is his food. His weight loss over the last few years has me a bit worried, he has gone from 10 pounds 5 or 6 years ago to just a little over 8 pounds now. I'm scared what she is going to say about his CRF, with his heart disease fluids are tricky so I have to be careful but advanced kidney disease sometimes requires alot of fluids, Fred get 150cc a day. We discovered Joey's HCM because he developed a heart murmur and we did an ultra sound and saw the slight thickening of the left side. His murmur has stayed the same for the last 3 years. From my experience, Joey's attacks could be asthma. Does he hunch way down and get his neck way out when he's coughing. How long does coughing last? Frankie's are always 10-15 minutes. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
Re: coughing
Belinda, Lucy had no symptoms with her HCM so they think, if she continues as she is, that maybe that is just how her heart looks. (We did chest xrays and blood work on everyone after Keisha died). I think she feels better on the meds and her BP was pretty high (200+). I think the meds can cause...is it kidney problems? Anyway, I think the side effects and lack of symptoms are the reason. Interesting about the hiss. Cooper does that. For no reason, he just hisses. He also will also sometimes get winded when he plays and will pant/open mouth breath. This does not happen often so I am just watching it for now. I can't even fathom the idea that I would have FOUR asthmatic cats. Laurie - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 7:14 PM Subject: Re: coughing Hi Laurie, Why would they take her off the meds? Joey will be on them for the rest of his life. He hasn't had to increase them because his HCM is progressing slowly, his thickening is about the same but his arotic value has dilated slightly more so there is progression. He is failry active for his age, he still doesn't like the fluids but I know he'll get used to them, Fred has been getting them for almost 2 years and he used to bite me and run under the bed. He figures out it wouldn't do him any good so now he just waits for me to take him out to the couch and do them. BUT the second I close off the valve he is gone. Fred is 17, Joey is 12 now, 13 this July. He hasn't panted since he was 5 months old, I have noticed something recently and I don't know what it means, I have never seen any other cat do it, he will open his mouth and sort of hiss, just a very short hiss, he just does it out of the blue. Ever seen that? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
Re: coughing
Winston (I feel like I just keep pulling another cat out of my hat!) will occasionally vomit undigested food about 1/2 hour after he's eaten. He does this sometimes and seems to be when he's eaten a larger that normal volume of food. L - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 7:16 PM Subject: Re: coughing Sometimes it is, he doesn't gobble his food though, I try to make sure they get food several times a day, 4 or 5 times a day. Is the vomit undigested food? If yes, is he gobbling his food? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ...
RE: Brumley is gone
Caroline, belated condolences on Brumley's passing. He was a little fighter, and you were his angel. Diane R. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Caroline Kaufmann Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:06 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Brumley is gone Hello all. Sadly I have to report that my sweet foster kitten Brumley is gone. I know that so many of you championed his cause and helped me with his very intensive care that started the minute I took him home from the condo at the store on Dec. 22. I so wanted him to be a success story and in a way, he was. His story was about not giving up, even in the face of impossible odds and other vets writing him off as having FIP and then not wanting to continue forward with alleviating the pain his affected eye was causing him. But my mom and I kept going and by the time we got to our 5th vet, we found someone who was willing to keep working on Brumley and in the meantime, alleviate the pain his eye was causing him- which he did and Brumley's quality of life increased and I thought he might make it. He didn't stop eating and drinking until the 18th of Jan. and that is also when he became ataxic. But he never stopped interacting with his environment and doing the small little things that he wanted to do- like continue to walk around, even tho he fell sometimes- that never stopped him, hang out with the dog whom- he loved, sniff things, curl up on me and purr, bird watch, family wathc, and try to eat soil from the plant, etc. He never stopped purring either until the very end. I was worried that with Brumley I wouldn't know when it was time. And his vet even said to me about 5 different times that he would drag his feet on this one because he loved Brumley's grey and white coloring and the way Brum was such a trooper and would just not give up at all! So I worried that if the vet drags his feet, and I drag my feet, will we keep a cat going who is suffering? But that didn't happen. I don't believe Brum suffered much, if at all. He was perky last night and purring away in a cat box he found the other night- after somehow making it all the way up the steps to the housecats room and climbing in it! He had started to fight me a lot with syringe feeding (which I have done since Jan. 19th) and the subqu fluids- also since the 19th. So I was concerned that the fighting- which he had never done before- was either a good or bad sign. But he was fine last night- he got his two prednisones and it was my typical evening of treating, medicating, feeding, and babying The Brum. But this morning, he was not standing up in his crate and looking around and meowing- which had become his usual morning routine. He was laying flat and my mom thought he had already passed. His little front paws were gripping the crate and I had to pry them off- he was obviously in respiratory distress- as this is my 3 time since Monkee died in my arms in July to see this, so I know the signs b/c I live in fear of them. He was craning his neck like he was trying to breathe and his breathing was rapid. So I threw on clothes and we rushed him out to the emergency clinic- the same one that also took my Possum on the 22 of Jan. Brumley's regular vet wasn't in until 9 today and he had surgeries scheduled, so we couldn't go there. Which I think is good b/c when I saw his vet, I would have started balling instead of being composed and I just think it would have been a mess for both me and him b/c he really liked this cat. The emergency vet said it was grave. Clinically, he was dehydrated (despite my 2x day fluid treatments), his liver was failing, she suspected kidneys were next, she found granulomas throughout his body (other places besides the eye), his temp was down again to 94, and she strongly suspected brain damage. She said he was definitely dying and whether it was dry FIP, Toxo (which she doubted), or she proposed a very severe fungal infection-- either way, none of it was reversible and everything that could be done for the cat had been done. It was definitely time. Which I already knew when I decided to take him out there. I was with him. Brumley was so bad off that the ER vet couldn't get a vein, couldn't get the juglar and had already decided to euthanize with a shot to the heart. He was even less alert than Possum was when we did this with him, so it was definitely the right time- he just crashed so fast and so hard in light of how he was last night. Since the shot went to the heart, Brumley left this world very quickly. The vet gave me a hug and told me I did a good job. Honestly, I am exhausted. I have been doing very intensive care on Brumley and it has taken up all of my mornings and my entire evening. I would get up, take care of Brum, go to work, come home, take care of Brum, go to bed, and it would start again the next day. So mentally and physically, I am just worn out. But I know that-
