Over Prescribing Antibiotics... Help?

[ramscici]

Hi everyone,

My now 7 month old female, Celeste, has on and off flare ups of the skin around her mouth. She had a black growth that fell off about two weeks ago. We suspect she might have feline herpes (her vet said so when she was very young -- 6 weeks about) but it was never confirmed. She had an initial round of Clavamox for an URI when I first brought her inside (she was found outdoors as a baby) and then an injection of Convenia (which was done without me knowing, so I was not happy about it) for an infection of the skin around her mouth when she was about 5 months.

She was tested for ringworm which came back negative.

I just went to the vet on Saturday and asked them to do a test of feline herpes. They said they don't normally run that test (I find that odd?) but they could do it for me. It would have to be another day, however, so he said he would call me with an estimation on pricing and I could come back. I agreed because I want to confirm if she has feline herpes virus or not, as it would explain the mouth flare ups. She did not have a fever, and there is some discoloration still around her mouth, but no growth and she is not acting like she's in any pain.

The vet was about to give her another injection of Convenia -- which I stopped immediately. I asked if we have to do antibiotics if he could give me liquid instead because she pills and takes that fine, which he agreed. He then said he would meet me up front.

I was really surprised as to why he tried to prescribe more antibiotics when it doesn't even appear that she has an infection, and without even confirming that she has feline herpes for sure. I have the antibiotics home just in case but have not given them to her yet. I know it's not good to go against vet advice... but I really don't like how this is being handled. Has anyone had similar experiences?

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. I don't know a whole lot about FHV, but antibiotics are typically given when secondary infections are identified (e.g.; URI, dermatitis). Here is a link to an article that will hopefully give you some information you might not already know.

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) infection | International Cat Care

I know I have seen posts from other members who have dealt with FHV, so I hope they will see your post soon and offer you some helpful information and advice.

 

[white shadow]

.
Hi ramscici .

Celeste, has on and off flare ups of the skin around her mouth. She had a black growth that fell off about two weeks ago...

That doesn't correlate with herpes to me.

What I mean is that I've never heard of nor read of feline herpes causing any kind of growth or 'crusting' as you described. (yes, in humans, sores are a hallmark, but not in cats) Herpes outbreaks in cats present with eye and nasal watering/discharge (and if unchecked can cause major eye issues). Here's a reputable coverage of feline herpesvirus for you: Feline Herpesvirus 101 (FHV)

But, it (especially the "growth"/scab does sound like this: Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex - Mar Vista Animal Medical Center

Personally, I don't like what I'm hearing about this Vet. I'd be 'outta there'!

I would be looking for a competent feline-only Veterinarian.

If you do nothing else, at least have them write "NO CONVENIA" on the paper file or enter that into the appropriate section of her computer file. (and I wouldn't be throwing another a/b at it)
.


.

 

[ramscici]

Thank you, white shadow . Wow! That second link you sent really does fit the bill.

I thought the whole thing with FHV causing mouth sores sounded suspect as well, so I asked the vet if it was normal for a cat to get mouth infections or growths during an outbreak and he said yes.

I will be looking for a feline-only vet this week. I was beginning to think I should switch and this just confirms it for me.

Thank you for the information.

 

[stephanietx]

I was going to say it sounds like she has rodent ulcers. I know a kitty can get ulcers from FHV, but it's not the more common symptom. You can help decrease the flare ups by keeping to a routine as much as possible and using some calming agents in your home, such as Feliway diffusers. You might also have success with a gluten free diet and sticking to more wet food than dry food.

 

[ramscici]

Hi everyone, just a quick update...

We took Celeste to see a feline specialist (a very good vet, by the way, loved his office and manner) this past Saturday. He agreed with the rodent ulcer suspicion. We are going to attempt treatment with low dose steroids to see if she responds -- usually this condition does respond to them. If it does, we will begin trying to rule out her allergen. If this proves impossible, we can keep her on anti-inflammatory medicine.

He also mentioned conditions like lupus being a rare possibility if the medication doesn't help, but he's very sure that it will.

Thank you for your insights everyone! Will keep you updated on her progress.

 

[ramscici]

Celeste has been on prednisolone for about 4 days now (tonight will be 5) of a 10 day course of .35 mL. She's been taking the medicine fine (it's liquid).

My question -- has anyone ever mixed the liquid form of this medicine (or any liquid medicine) into food? I know pills are easier to do this with, but I'm wondering if that might be better than having to force medicine down her throat every night. Not a major concern, but just curious.

 

[harhardf]

My cat has FHV and it has never presented with oral sores. Only ocular issues. Lysine and lactoferrin mixed into her food has helped a lot. There is no definitive test for FHV. Like my cat, yours may have FHV and another issue, which compounds the problems in accurate diagnosing.

Our vet also likes to prescribe antibiotics but I just refuse unless the infection is internal. She cut the area near her eye with her claw and they wanted to give her a shot of Convenia. (she was experiencing a flare up and was wiping the eye since it itched) I opted for the pills which I did not give her and in 2 days of washing the wound and applying antibiotic ointment she was completely healed.

The problem with administering that much antibiotic is the interruption of intestinal microbial balance. When there are more "bad" than "good" bacteria, the animal develops a host of other issues because it has a reduced ability to effectively absorb nutrients from their food. Steriods has a very similar effect. To mitigate this, administer probiotics. This will help the animal regain a favorable microbial balance and improve health overall.

 

[ramscici]

Hello everyone!

It's been over a year since I've updated here, but just wanted to share some good and happy news in case it helps anyone else.

Celeste has been confirmed through a lot of food testing / trials to have had a food allergy. She was on steroids for a while to control her skin outbreaks, but we did not want to leave her on long term, especially since it affected her weight and energy levels. We slowly weaned her off and tried feeding her only one protein food. She did well, so we slowly introduced others.

Going through the ingredient list and foods, we've finally narrowed down guar gum (and other food "gums" or thickeners, most likely) to be the source of the allergy as she only ever has outbreaks when we feed foods with it present! This means we've had to cut out a lot of the pates and some Tiki Cats but it's been worth it. Celeste is now doing amazing on a guar-gum free diet (we feed only Tiki Cat without the gums present, limited ingredient Natural Balance, and limited ingredient Whole Hearted). Her coat is noticeably softer as well, and she has a ton more energy!

Very thankful it was a gum and not something like chicken or turkey, etc. or just animal protein in general.