My Cat Has Been Breathing Differently, And I'm Worried

[slufferk]

The vet tried draining his other lung today. His lung capacity is diminished by a jelly like substance that has hardened in one of his lungs, which is why the initial draining was unsuccessful. He doesn't have long to live, and nothing can be done about it. It is called FIP.

Please get a second opinion. The fact that a vet would tap the chest before any X-rays or ultrasound is beyond questionable. It could very well be FIP, but it could also be something else. If it's FIP the lung fluid will not be milky white. Sounds like your cat may have fibrosis in one of his lungs due to chylothorax/chyle buildup.

 

[hunnyandmoo]

I never said it was milky white. It was tan with white flecks. He did it because it was an emergency visit and none of his staff were present. I saw the XRay, it was no fibrosis of any kind. His lung capacity is visibly diminished and obscured by a viscous transparent jelly, and his heart wasn't even visible in the XRay as a result. He is dying, and the buildup is not lymphatic fluid.

 

[basschick]

Please get a second opinion. The fact that a vet would tap the chest before any X-rays or ultrasound is beyond questionable. It could very well be FIP, but it could also be something else. If it's FIP the lung fluid will not be milky white. Sounds like your cat may have fibrosis in one of his lungs due to chylothorax/chyle buildup.

still, it's very odd that the vet didn't x-ray first.  i'd go with another vet - maybe a heart and lungs specialist.   we had a cat with a heart condition - EVERY time they were going to tap his chest, they x-rayed first, as did his regular vet, the one who referred him to a team of specialists.  btw, when his chest was full of fluid, he would cough and his sides were swollen out like he was fat from the amount of fluid.  if the fluid is hardened, i could see avoiding a duiretic - in fact, something to loosen the stuff might be good, as he could then cough it out or they could tap it.

i'd definitely get a second opinion.  in all my years hanging out with cats, i've never heard of a vet that wouldn't x-ray first.  i mean, what would the point have been of doing a tap without first seeing if there's liquid?  it could have just as easily; been lungs with some inflammation.

 

[slufferk]

Please do seek a second opinion. Sounds like plural effusion with fibrosis of the lungs. An X-ray or ultrasound should have been done prior to any tap. What makes the vet so certain it's FIP? Did he send the fluid out for analyzing to see what it's made of? Did he put your cat on any medicine, such as lasix? It could be a variety of conditions that could be treatable and give you baby some quality of life.

 

[hunnyandmoo]

I am seeking a second opinion currently. He is on oxygen and being tested. The first vet lost his lung sample, which infuriates me. I am so deep in the negative right now but I would give anything if it bought him a few months. Last night he ate and drank some, which the first vet said 'once he stops, he'll never start again.'

 

[foxxycat]

you may want an ultrasound of his heart. the breathing with stomach muscles is usually because of heart disease or extreme lung issues. xrays are the first thing needed. then ultrasound the heart=you really need to know whats going on with the heart if you need to try steroids. heart disease is treatable BUT you have to not mess around for days. FIP could be whats going on BUT you wont know without these two tests.

 

[hunnyandmoo]

The vet says she plans on doing another XRay, she may give him another steroid if necessary. I'm not sure she has the equipment for an ultrasound, but she plans on checking his proteins and examining the lung fluid more seriously. She specializes in cats, and the first vet was more of a catch-all, so I trust her much more. She also plans on putting him on oxygen and sedating him for the draining.

 

[Pook]

I'm thinking of you both, and keeping good thoughts and paws crossed here.

Bless you for doing all you can, dear. Hang in there.

I have to go to work, but as soon as I get home, I'll check on you two. 

 

[hunnyandmoo]

FIP confirmed. This vet however says that we can buy him a few months and drained his lungs as much as she could, and he is breathing comfortably for now.

 

[jennyr]

I am so sorry that the new vet too has decided it is FIP - but glad she has been able to make him comfortable. From now on I would spoil him as much as you can, let him eat whatever he wants and just love him. I hope you have as much time as possible together.