Re: [Felvtalk] Is my kitten having his first FIV/FELV episode?
On 02-28, Lynda Wilson wrote: Any update? I'm thinking of your kitty and hope everything is better. Please let us know, thanks! I hope we hear from this person. When we don't hear how the cat is doing we imagine the worst.such as the cat was not taken to the vet and just died :-( - Original Message - From: [1]Rashel Mereness Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 12:12 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Is my kitten having his first FIV/FELV episode? Hi - I'm new and have been reading the threads but I don't seen anything that addresses my situation. We have an 8 month old kitty that tested positive for FIV (or was it FELV?) at a young age, and we plan to get him retested. He has been healthy, playful and had a great appetite. A few weeks ago, however, he started eating less and less of his kibble, which we attributed to him wanting only the wet food we were giving to the dog. So we kept mixing a little into his kibble but he was eating less but was otherwise fine. Then we went away over the weekend and came back to find him very lethargic and breathing very heavy - not making a lot of noise with the breathing, but we can see his lungs expanding and contracting a great deal and very quickly. He won't eat, except he ate some of his favorite treats. We had someone (who he doesn't know) staying at our house Friday and then a person (who he knows) stopping in on Saturday and Sunday. They said he didn't eat much. No mucous, no sneezing. Sound like anything you have experienced? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off topic but if anyone can help with info? fluid in lungs
Time is of the essence here, she's not getting enough oxygen if she's turning blue so brain damage is a real possibility. Feral (and if she was born feral from feral mom but you took her in before she was 4 months, even if she didn't tame she's still less feral than a true feral, I know I've 5 of those)or not bd will happen, specially at 13 yrs old. I had both a housecat and a feral die in a week with that condition b/c we couldn't reverse the pneumonitis quick enough, the feral was FeLV+ but the tame was just fine and she was abt 12. Fluid in the lungs is just not uncofortable, it is very painful as she struggles to breath, I know the last kitten I had that got pneumonia moaned with every breath. The other cats were semi conscious so don't think they felt much. My point is that stress here can't make much difference in outcome..you'll do whats best for her but don't let her suffer Marta http://homelessnomore.webs.com/ From: GRAS g...@optonline.net To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, March 3, 2012 5:47 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off topic but if anyone can help with info? fluid in lungs My vet is and his assistant have become expert in dealing with feral cats by using towels/blankets to wrap and rewrap as needed for examinations. I have also learned this in dealing with feral cats. You could also get some Bach Flower Remedy – RESCUE, use it in the cat‘s water, you can put it onto the cat’s gums, or even on the skin inside the ear or on the forehead….every little bit helps. Use some Feliway spray inside the carrier (one spray of it about one hour before using the carrier (it’s quite potent) – all that should calm the cat. From:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of MaiMaiPG Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2012 6:19 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off topic but if anyone can help with info? fluid in lungs Talk to a holist vet (MHO). Kitty and Dixie, feral similar to yours, did wonderfully with the care of both a holistic vet and a regular vet. I know, I am blessed to have both and they respect each other. Also, if possible, find another regular vet. Killing a cat without symptoms and true pain (not discomfort) is beyond me. I have dealt with ferals a really long time. In fact, every cat who has moved into my home or chosen to live where I can provide some comforts (food, outdoor shelter) has been feral. They are the smartest of the smart (again MHO) and will let you know exactly what they want. On Mar 3, 2012, at 5:09 PM, dppl dppl wrote: Melinda, thanks for taking the time to respond so quickly. My fear is, if this vet didn't want to draw blood since she said cat's gums started turning blue, how will she endure further testing? How much stress should I put her through? She was born to a feral cat, I have had her over 13 years she is tame for me, but freaks out when i try to put her in carrier . ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off topic but if anyone can help with info? fluid in lungs
I hate to tell you this, but I just had to put my cat down two weeks ago because of pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs). He had lung cancer. I had the fluid drained about five times in the course of three weeks. The fluid build up got too rapid and I couldn't put him through any more lung taps. I tried everything, but in the end the breathing was so labored I had to let him go. You need to find out what you're dealing with. In an older cat, my bet is on cancer (especially if no history of felv). FIP is a possibility, but with just as dismall a progrosis. This is the differential I faced - wet FIP, lymphoma, lung adenocarcinoma, chylothorax (this is from a ruptured duct that drains fluid from the abdomen into the lymphatic system - it courses through the chest cavity and if ruptured drains fluid into the lung cavity - the fluid is a milky white kind of color. It can be treated fairly well with rutin.), and finally infection (pneumonia with abscess and empyema). A sample of the lung fluid is often very helpful in differentiating the disease process. You need a chemical analysis of the fluid as well as a pathologist looking at it for malignant cells. Lasix helps but it takes time to remove the fluid. I tried it and noticed that I dehydrated my cat but the fluid in the lungs remained. The only thing that worked was physically tapping and draining the fluid - they would mildly sedate him with a morphine type med and he was looped out for the rest of the day. The rate at which the fluid reaccumulates will tell you about his prognostic status. A little hint, lung cancers in cats often have metastases to the paws - look at your cats paws for any indication of a tumor or bleeding or anything abnormal. (my cat had the met and I stupidly treated it with a salve without getting a diagnosis i may have been able to treat it sooner if I would have looked at that). FIP is bad, but I know of one individual who beat it with IV vitamin c. I don't know of any chat groups on pleural effusions but hope this helps. Jenny On Sat, Mar 3, 2012 at 4:23 PM, dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com wrote: *I have been posting here about a positive kitten I found but now need* *help with my 13 year old cat. In summary, can anyone direct me to* *a website discussion group on topic realted to fluid in lungs to help* *me Details **are:**I took her to the vet today b/c she* *had a discharge from her eye wasn't eating too much. Since I* *had just had two other cats treated for upper respiratory infection* *I thought she had it now. The vet said no fever, heart sounded ok* * and since bloodwork**was done 11 months ago I agreed to bloodwork.* *She suggested chest x ray but didn't indicate reason other than* *part of complete workup. When they went to draw blood she stopped* *and said my cat was turning blue. So she said instead first do an x ray.* *x ray showed fluid in lungs with only small portion clear. She said * *could be cancer, fip, heart problems but needed more diagnostics.* *She does not have ultrasound so after a try to get sample with* *needle stopped to not distress cat. She suggested euthanizing cat* *right there.Since I had not noticed panting or heavy breathing, other* *than what i thought was cold related last day(no panting) just* *congestion, I could not bring myself to put her to sleep. Cat had* *recovered and was not blue.So she* *gave her a shot of lasix antiobiotics. When I got my cat home* *she ate, drink and has urinated twice in last 3 hours. She doesn't seem * *in distress no panting but vet said she is breathing from stomach.I need* *guidance about symptoms and treatment/diagnosis course i should now* *take. And whether lasix alone will remove fluid.* * * ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off topic but if anyone can help with info? fluid in lungs
Thanks again to all who are replying. Marta, I didn't see the cat turn blue thevet told me this happened when they took her in the back to draw blood. she came out and told me this suggested an x ray instead. Right now, it has been 1.5 days since vet visit and she is on lasix twice a day after one injection also in office. She also had a convenia two week antibiotic shot. She didn't have any panting or severe (to my observation) dificultity in breathing other than she seemed to have the sniffles and some discharge from eyes . I assumed she caught what my other three cats were treated for this month: upper respiratory infection. They all are doing fine. That's why i was in shock yesterday when vet told me i should seriously consider putting her to sleep right then. I couldn't do it b/c that morning, she had eaten (not as much as usual), drinking water, peeing. didn't see any panting. Right now she is sleeping peacefully. She ate small amounts about 4 times today, is peeing alot and drinking water. She is cleaning herself and even took a small walk in the enclosed cat yard. I notice a small amount of mucus coming out of her nose, just a little when she sniffles. Jennie, i am so sorry to hear about your cat. I had a cat about 6 years ago that died of this. Again, I had no clue about this disease. .Your information was very helpful about lasix and fluid accumulation. I am sure, but I was in shock at the time, the vet said fluid was in the lungs but from the x ray, she couldn't even see her heart. I am praying that my cat just has an infection. but i know i have to plan now what to do. I'm not sure I would put her through much. just maybe keep her comfortable and as long as she is eating. I will call the vet monday and report on her condition and maybe if she is still doing fairly ok, ask for more lasix pills. she only gave me 10. I have to take this one day at a time. Thanks again. It is comforting to know there are others who understand what it is like to get bad news. She is such a sweet cat. I don't consider her feral really even if born to feral. She is just afraid of strangers. She is one of three kittens I rescued from the feral mother's litter. I have her brother and her sister. The sister loves her so much. sits with her and they groom each other. the brother is a big pest to them. From: dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, March 3, 2012 5:23 PM Subject: Off topic but if anyone can help with info? fluid in lungs I have been posting here about a positive kitten I found but now need help with my 13 year old cat. In summary, can anyone direct me to a website discussion group on topic realted to fluid in lungs to help me Details are:I took her to the vet today b/c she had a discharge from her eye wasn't eating too much. Since I had just had two other cats treated for upper respiratory infection I thought she had it now. The vet said no fever, heart sounded ok and since bloodworkwas done 11 months ago I agreed to bloodwork. She suggested chest x ray but didn't indicate reason other than part of complete workup. When they went to draw blood she stopped and said my cat was turning blue. So she said instead first do an x ray. x ray showed fluid in lungs with only small portion clear. She said could be cancer, fip, heart problems but needed more diagnostics. She does not have ultrasound so after a try to get sample with needle stopped to not distress cat. She suggested euthanizing cat right there.Since I had not noticed panting or heavy breathing, other than what i thought was cold related last day(no panting) just congestion, I could not bring myself to put her to sleep. Cat had recovered and was not blue.So she gave her a shot of lasix antiobiotics. When I got my cat home she ate, drink and has urinated twice in last 3 hours. She doesn't seem in distress no panting but vet said she is breathing from stomach.I need guidance about symptoms and treatment/diagnosis course i should now take. And whether lasix alone will remove fluid.___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off topic but if anyone can help with info? fluid in lungs
Duh - I forgot There is a very high possibility of heart failure. If that is the case, lasix will help tremendously. There are a host of treatment options for heart failure. I have a cat with it and I give her coq 10. There is a fairly easy blood test for heart failure. Otherwise it's ultrasound. Good luck. I am glad to hear she looks good now, I hope the best for you two. Jenny On Sun, Mar 4, 2012 at 3:45 PM, dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com wrote: Thanks again to all who are replying. Marta, I didn't see the cat turn blue thevet told me this happened when they took her in the back to draw blood. she came out and told me this suggested an x ray instead. Right now, it has been 1.5 days since vet visit and she is on lasix twice a day after one injection also in office. She also had a convenia two week antibiotic shot. She didn't have any panting or severe (to my observation) dificultity in breathing other than she seemed to have the sniffles and some discharge from eyes . I assumed she caught what my other three cats were treated for this month: upper respiratory infection. They all are doing fine. That's why i was in shock yesterday when vet told me i should seriously consider putting her to sleep right then. I couldn't do it b/c that morning, she had eaten (not as much as usual), drinking water, peeing. didn't see any panting. Right now she is sleeping peacefully. She ate small amounts about 4 times today, is peeing alot and drinking water. She is cleaning herself and even took a small walk in the enclosed cat yard. I notice a small amount of mucus coming out of her nose, just a little when she sniffles. Jennie, i am so sorry to hear about your cat. I had a cat about 6 years ago that died of this. Again, I had no clue about this disease. .Your information was very helpful about lasix and fluid accumulation. I am sure, but I was in shock at the time, the vet said fluid was in the lungs but from the x ray, she couldn't even see her heart. I am praying that my cat just has an infection. but i know i have to plan now what to do. I'm not sure I would put her through much. just maybe keep her comfortable and as long as she is eating. I will call the vet monday and report on her condition and maybe if she is still doing fairly ok, ask for more lasix pills. she only gave me 10. I have to take this one day at a time. Thanks again. It is comforting to know there are others who understand what it is like to get bad news. She is such a sweet cat. I don't consider her feral really even if born to feral. She is just afraid of strangers. She is one of three kittens I rescued from the feral mother's litter. I have her brother and her sister. The sister loves her so much. sits with her and they groom each other. the brother is a big pest to them. *From:* dppl dppl dppl1...@yahoo.com *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Saturday, March 3, 2012 5:23 PM *Subject:* Off topic but if anyone can help with info? fluid in lungs *I have been posting here about a positive kitten I found but now need* *help with my 13 year old cat. In summary, can anyone direct me to* *a website discussion group on topic realted to fluid in lungs to help* *me Details **are:**I took her to the vet today b/c she* *had a discharge from her eye wasn't eating too much. Since I* *had just had two other cats treated for upper respiratory infection* *I thought she had it now. The vet said no fever, heart sounded ok* * and since bloodwork**was done 11 months ago I agreed to bloodwork.* *She suggested chest x ray but didn't indicate reason other than* *part of complete workup. When they went to draw blood she stopped* *and said my cat was turning blue. So she said instead first do an x ray.* *x ray showed fluid in lungs with only small portion clear. She said * *could be cancer, fip, heart problems but needed more diagnostics.* *She does not have ultrasound so after a try to get sample with* *needle stopped to not distress cat. She suggested euthanizing cat* *right there.Since I had not noticed panting or heavy breathing, other* *than what i thought was cold related last day(no panting) just* *congestion, I could not bring myself to put her to sleep. Cat had* *recovered and was not blue.So she* *gave her a shot of lasix antiobiotics. When I got my cat home* *she ate, drink and has urinated twice in last 3 hours. She doesn't seem * *in distress no panting but vet said she is breathing from stomach.I need* *guidance about symptoms and treatment/diagnosis course i should now* *take. And whether lasix alone will remove fluid.* * * ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
