Mystery Kitten

[T.O.]

We finally saw our vet today.
and.
ugh!
we might be looking at FIP. Might. I think we are. His kidneys are enlarged and his ALT number is still elevated. And there is fluid. Some.
He’s acting healthy and happy.
I can’t help but wonder if he contracted a coronavirus at the other vet and because he already had a weakened immune system he’s been fighting the FIP iteration. Because days after that first visit he had pretty goopy eyes. Then he had the unexpected bloodwork that wasn’t matching our expectations.
But I don’t know.

 

[T.O.]

 

[Maurey]

I’m really sorry to hear that your boy is unwell. Is your vet sure it’s FIP? Wet? FWIW there are medications out there that are effective treatment, though it costs an arm and a leg, so not something to do unless you’re certain.

 

[T.O.]

I’m really sorry to hear that your boy is unwell. Is your vet sure it’s FIP? Wet? FWIW there are medications out there that are effective treatment, though it costs an arm and a leg, so not something to do unless you’re certain.

No we aren’t sure. But my vet, this vet, is very good. Yes we would be looking at the wet form. For now he’s acting fine. But we’re putting off vaccines and neutering still.

 

[Maurey]

No we aren’t sure. But my vet, this vet, is very good. Yes we would be looking at the wet form. For now he’s acting fine. But we’re putting off vaccines and neutering still.

Best of luck to the little guy. Hopefully it’s something else.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I need to go back over your entire thread, but from what I did look at I can't see this as being FIP. With the dry version, there is generally no fluid build up, and with the wet version, if there is fluid build up from it, it has reached a point that 'happy and healthy' are not in the equation. This has been going on long enough, it is possible he has permanent organ damage that needs to be treated to help him get along with what might be a life long condition. That fluid could be contributed to many situations other than FIP.

There are so many cats that contract coronavirus, and a very few percentage that have it mutate to FIP. Nothing about FIP is conclusive, but the one thing that can go a long way is a fluid draw for testing. I have long lost the most current testing data, but you might want to connect with a few groups who I think are on top of testing and related issues. One of them is: FIP Warriors.

 

[T.O.]

I need to go back over your entire thread, but from what I did look at I can't see this as being FIP. With the dry version, there is generally no fluid build up, and with the wet version, if there is fluid build up from it, it has reached a point that 'happy and healthy' are not in the equation. This has been going on long enough, it is possible he has permanent organ damage that needs to be treated to help him get along with what might be a life long condition. That fluid could be contributed to many situations other than FIP.

There are so many cats that contract coronavirus, and a very few percentage that have it mutate to FIP. Nothing about FIP is conclusive, but the one thing that can go a long way is a fluid draw for testing. I have long lost the most current testing data, but you might want to connect with a few groups who I think are on top of testing and related issues. One of them is: FIP Warriors.

yes I know it all seems so odd. That’s why I question the point he may of contracted the virus. That he got it when he was in my care. That this is a secondary issue to whatever I nursed him back from. One of the vets in this office has treated FIP with remdesevir.

 

[FeebysOwner]

No, it is not odd that he might have contracted coronavirus, tbh. What is odd, is that he could have fluid build up from the wet version and still be pretty much thriving otherwise. It was a long time ago, and Tawny was 15yo, but once that fluid started to build, Tawny was lethargic and has zero interest in eating.

 

[fionasmom]

Sending good thoughts and hope that things will be okay for Billy Ghost and you.

 

[slowboost99]

I hope your cat gets better soon and that the diagnosis shows he has improved and does not have any of those issues you mentioned.

 

[T.O.]

No, it is not odd that he might have contracted coronavirus, tbh. What is odd, is that he could have fluid build up from the wet version and still be pretty much thriving otherwise. It was a long time ago, and Tawny was 15yo, but once that fluid started to build, Tawny was lethargic and has zero interest in eating.

The fluid showed up in an ultrasound. So it is not enough to physically notice yet. If his appetite changed I’d be intensely aware of it. This little man eats. It’s one of those things where if he came into my care now, as he is, would he even be getting these tests to know these things are going on?

 

[T.O.]

I need to go back over your entire thread, but from what I did look at I can't see this as being FIP. With the dry version, there is generally no fluid build up, and with the wet version, if there is fluid build up from it, it has reached a point that 'happy and healthy' are not in the equation. This has been going on long enough, it is possible he has permanent organ damage that needs to be treated to help him get along with what might be a life long condition. That fluid could be contributed to many situations other than FIP.

There are so many cats that contract coronavirus, and a very few percentage that have it mutate to FIP. Nothing about FIP is conclusive, but the one thing that can go a long way is a fluid draw for testing. I have long lost the most current testing data, but you might want to connect with a few groups who I think are on top of testing and related issues. One of them is: FIP Warriors.

I spoke with the FIP Warriors and after reviewing his blood tests, no one thinks this is FIP.
We’re still in the land of mystery. Meanwhile Billy Ghost has been running the house for two hours. Demanding attention. Treats. Playing. Demanding food. Punishing me for not cleaning his litterbox soon enough. And so on.

 

[Maurey]

Hopefully your little guy continues getting better, and this doesn’t end up being something overly serious. He’s extremely lucky to have ended up with you!

 

[T.O.]

Bacterial Infection (Leptospirosis) in Cats | PetMD

Leptospirosis in Dogs in Los Angeles County

Recent Cases of Leptospirosis in Parts of the U.S. of Concern to Dog Owners – American Kennel Club

I’m jumping out of my skin. Could this be the answer?

 

[Ellis75]

Bacterial Infection (Leptospirosis) in Cats | PetMD

Leptospirosis in Dogs in Los Angeles County

Recent Cases of Leptospirosis in Parts of the U.S. of Concern to Dog Owners – American Kennel Club

I’m jumping out of my skin. Could this be the answer?

Lepto could always be a possibility, although it's less common in cats than in dogs. It does tend to involve kidney issues. You could definitely ask your vet about doing a PCR test for lepto. Keep in mind that it's extremely contagious, to other animals and to people, so it's best to be extremely careful handling your boy if you suspect it.

What symptoms does your kitty have now? Has your vet done repeat bloodwork since the one you posted on the previous page?

 

[T.O.]

Lepto could always be a possibility, although it's less common in cats than in dogs. It does tend to involve kidney issues. You could definitely ask your vet about doing a PCR test for lepto. Keep in mind that it's extremely contagious, to other animals and to people, so it's best to be extremely careful handling your boy if you suspect it.

What symptoms does your kitty have now? Has your vet done repeat bloodwork since the one you posted on the previous page?

His ALT number continues to progress, enlarged kidneys and fluid.
The kidney numbers from two months ago went back to normal range.
Besides his initial symptoms when I found him: lethargic, weak, poor appetite, underweight, appeared dehydrated, sneezing, goopy eyes
He is now a pretty normal alert cat. Very smart. Playful with a great appetite. He keeps improving.

That’s why reading the material about leptospirosis, that it can just live in the liver or kidneys. Causes damage to those organs. In looking to see if there was a vector: rats and other wildlife in the Coachella valley can carry it. Said it can pass through urine, contaminated water, bites, eating prey, communal grooming, dogs in the household ... so the vector is there.

 

[T.O.]

His ALT number continues to progress, enlarged kidneys and fluid.
The kidney numbers from two months ago went back to normal range.
Besides his initial symptoms when I found him: lethargic, weak, poor appetite, underweight, appeared dehydrated, sneezing, goopy eyes
He is now a pretty normal alert cat. Very smart. Playful with a great appetite. He keeps improving.

That’s why reading the material about leptospirosis, that it can just live in the liver or kidneys. Causes damage to those organs. In looking to see if there was a vector: rats and other wildlife in the Coachella valley can carry it. Said it can pass through urine, contaminated water, bites, eating prey, communal grooming, dogs in the household ... so the vector is there.

He was also really wanting tummy rubs. Which is unusual in cats. I thought it was a personality quirk. He no longer enjoys those so much and reacts as expected tooth and nail. The leptospirosis also lists stomach pain as a symptom....

 

[fionasmom]

LA County PHD page does not specifically list cats at all. I wonder, and hope, if that is an indication of how rare it is.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Would your vet consider consulting with some vet universities - they are trained on many unusual cases that sometimes vets never see their entire time while they are in practice.

 

[T.O.]

Wooooaaaaa
Some good news today!
Follow up at the vet. The fluid he saw is gone. His ALT has dropped 100 points.
Antibiotics! His morning eye boogers and atrocious smelling big soft feces have also cleared up. The vet also approved of me giving b-12 and milk thistle to support Billy Ghost’s liver.

Cleared to get him him neutered and vaxed