Sick kitty - potentially Cancer.. I need advice!

Thecatlovee

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Hi All,

Welcome to Mooshy’s story. She is a 2.5 year old kitty who was adopted from the shelter when she was 16 weeks old.

In October of 2020, she started to have a runny nose. Her nose started to deform and become ulcerated. She was acting normal, eating and playing otherwise.

She went to the vet and had her nose tested for fungi - negative. She received an antibiotic shot which got rid of her nose issues for 2 weeks. Then it was back, and then back to the vet she went.

She got another antibiotic shot and a blood test. Her blood test returned with high levels of protein. Potentially FIP. She got tested for FIP - negative. Her nose issues went back to normal and she was healthy and normal. A few weeks passed by and she started eating less and her nose began to bleed because she was pawing at it. Back to the vet again, and she had a biopsy completed on her nose.
She received injectable antiobitoics, steroid and iv.

Her biopsy results came back as inflammation. The doctor said potentially allergies. This was almost 4 weeks ago. I have been feeding her with a syringe and changed her diet. She was very letheragic and sleeping all day, with no appetite. I noticed her eyes began to get cloudy and very watery. We rushed her back to the vet.

She had blood work done yesterday, received antibiotic shot, and an appetite shot, oral antibiotics and eye cream and pills to increase her appetite as well.

Shes been doing a little better since, walking around more, eating a little more, and her eyes have cleared a tiny bit.

Her vet called this morning to let me know her blood results returned and her protein is still high; she also has a bladder infection. Her vet suspects tumor/cancer.

She is going back tomorrow for an X-ray and then an ultrasound a week later.

I am at loss for words and devastated. I’m praying for a miracle it’s not cancer or a tumor, she’s still only a baby. I’m hoping it’s something else that’s treatable. But I need your guys help. My vet isn’t giving me clear answers and I don’t know the right questions to ask. I asked him what would happen if nothing showed up on the X-ray or ultrasound, how can we determine what type of cancer. He said I’d have to see a specialist to do a bone marrow test?

I need advice on what I should do next, or what I can do to help her feel better. Or any other possible issues she could have that the vet isn’t catching?

Any advice or thoughts would mean the world to me. Here is a photo of my angel before her weight loss and illness.
 

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kittenmittens84

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Did he say what kind of cancer? Was there anything else abnormal on the blood work?
 
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Thecatlovee

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Did he say what kind of cancer? Was there anything else abnormal on the blood work?
He hasn’t told me anything yet other than it coups potentially be cancer. Would the blood results say what type she had?

I’m taking her tomorrow for an X-ray so they can see if she has any tumours, if so, where in her body. And then she has an ultrasound next week to see if she has inflammation in any of her organs.

Is there any additional tests I can ask the vet to perform on her to be sure if she has cancer?
 

AMITHIS

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At 2.5 years old, it seems like cancer would be highly unusual. I’m not a vet but, given your cats age and symptoms, it potentially sounds like nasal polyps? I would test for that before running all of these other tests.
 
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Thecatlovee

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We visited the vet today for her x-ray. The vet explained her blood results more in depth today.

The blood test suggests FIP or lymphoma cancer. They mentioned that chronic inflammation is unlikely to cause such high levels of protein. Her FIP results returned as negative in October already, and the vet doesn’t suspect FIP.

I asked to an additional test to test the protein in more detail to determine which levels of protein are high/low. Her x-ray results will come back tomorrow.

Since her nose biopsy, the nose hasn’t had any discharge or growths, instead her eyes are affected now.

We had a budgie who got very sick in October, and passed away. When we took the bird to the vet he suggested a viral/bacterial infection. A week after her death, Mooshy’s clinical symptoms started to show. She always used to sit around the cage and watch her. I’m wondering if the two are somehow connected.
 

kittenmittens84

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We visited the vet today for her x-ray. The vet explained her blood results more in depth today.

The blood test suggests FIP or lymphoma cancer. They mentioned that chronic inflammation is unlikely to cause such high levels of protein. Her FIP results returned as negative in October already, and the vet doesn’t suspect FIP.

I asked to an additional test to test the protein in more detail to determine which levels of protein are high/low. Her x-ray results will come back tomorrow.

Since her nose biopsy, the nose hasn’t had any discharge or growths, instead her eyes are affected now.

We had a budgie who got very sick in October, and passed away. When we took the bird to the vet he suggested a viral/bacterial infection. A week after her death, Mooshy’s clinical symptoms started to show. She always used to sit around the cage and watch her. I’m wondering if the two are somehow connected.
When you say her FIP results were negative, do you know what test they did?

It was most likely an FCoV antibody test, which isn’t actually a test for FIP, just for the virus that can mutate into FIP (in 99% of infected cats it never mutates and they never get sick, so you can see how this makes it a not great test.) Unfortunately a negative FCOV antibody result also does not rule out FIP, since around 10% of cats with FIP will actually test negative. Not saying your cat has FIP, just providing some context.
 
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Thecatlovee

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When you say her FIP results were negative, do you know what test they did?

It was most likely an FCoV antibody test, which isn’t actually a test for FIP, just for the virus that can mutate into FIP (in 99% of infected cats it never mutates and they never get sick, so you can see how this makes it a not great test.) Unfortunately a negative FCOV antibody result also does not rule out FIP, since around 10% of cats with FIP will actually test negative. Not saying your cat has FIP, just providing some context.
Thank you. This is much appreciated. I’m not the greatest when it comes to what test is exactly being done, I usually just trust my vet. But I’m trying to research and learn more.

On the invoice, it’s just written that an FIP test was ordered. I’ve asked for her entire results from the vet today, and will be picking it up soon. I’m trying to find another vet for a second opinion, once all her testing is done. But it’s extremely hard to try a new vet, and find a good one.

I think the reason the vet said he doesn’t suspect FIP is because how she’s responding to antiobiotics (when it’s in her system she’s better, after the 2 week window she goes back to feeling sick). And the fact that it’s been on going since October and she’s shown some improvement (she has Ups’s and downs). From my understanding FIP normally decreases their health significantly as months go by. Please correct me if I’m wrong
 

kittenmittens84

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Thank you. This is much appreciated. I’m not the greatest when it comes to what test is exactly being done, I usually just trust my vet. But I’m trying to research and learn more.

On the invoice, it’s just written that an FIP test was ordered. I’ve asked for her entire results from the vet today, and will be picking it up soon. I’m trying to find another vet for a second opinion, once all her testing is done. But it’s extremely hard to try a new vet, and find a good one.

I think the reason the vet said he doesn’t suspect FIP is because how she’s responding to antiobiotics (when it’s in her system she’s better, after the 2 week window she goes back to feeling sick). And the fact that it’s been on going since October and she’s shown some improvement (she has Ups’s and downs). From my understanding FIP normally decreases their health significantly as months go by. Please correct me if I’m wrong
Yes if she’s responding to antibiotics that’s a good sign! FIP only responds to antivirals.
 
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Thecatlovee

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She had her X-ray done, and the vet said nothing is abnormal. Her X-ray came back perfectly fine and he said this case is really complicated.

I’m tired and sad everytime I see my little girl. She’s been sleeping most of the day, and comes out when she’s hungry, where I syringe feed her.

I ask the vet for her blood work results.

Her globulin levels still remain high, while her wbc has decreased from 11.6 to 4.6 in the last 3 months.

Her antibiotic shot no longer seems to be as affective. She’s still lethargic, and her eyes still watery when being fed. I stopped her eye cream as they make her eyes swell more and have turned her eyelids white.her eyes were doing better when I didn’t use them on her.

I have been doing research and feel she may have feline salmonella. From our bird that passed away in October. Around the same time her symptoms started. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Does anyone know any Home remedies to help her as much as I can from home? The vets have given every medication they could have. I want to be able to maybe resort to home remedies to help her while I can.
 

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I haven't read the entire thread. Did she get an Convenia shot? If so, extreme lethargy is a known side effect. I am not a fan of this shot because it's not used properly in the US. It's only approved to be used ONCE in a cat's life and only for a specific condition.

Have you tried a daily antihistamine to help with the watery eyes?
 
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Thecatlovee

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She received a convenia shot in the beginning of February. She’s been receiving antibiotic injections almost every month also. She had good and bad days.

Where can I get antihistamine for her? Do you have a good brand you recommend I can purchase for her?
 

stephanietx

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Was she getting a Convenia shot every month?

We give our kitties Claritin (loratadine) 1/4 to 1/2 tablet once a day.
 

kittenmittens84

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She had her X-ray done, and the vet said nothing is abnormal. Her X-ray came back perfectly fine and he said this case is really complicated.

I’m tired and sad everytime I see my little girl. She’s been sleeping most of the day, and comes out when she’s hungry, where I syringe feed her.

I ask the vet for her blood work results.

Her globulin levels still remain high, while her wbc has decreased from 11.6 to 4.6 in the last 3 months.

Her antibiotic shot no longer seems to be as affective. She’s still lethargic, and her eyes still watery when being fed. I stopped her eye cream as they make her eyes swell more and have turned her eyelids white.her eyes were doing better when I didn’t use them on her.

I have been doing research and feel she may have feline salmonella. From our bird that passed away in October. Around the same time her symptoms started. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Does anyone know any Home remedies to help her as much as I can from home? The vets have given every medication they could have. I want to be able to maybe resort to home remedies to help her while I can.
Ok not to beat a dead horse but I’m going back to FIP - how high is her globulin? Albumin?

I know you said the FCoV test was negative but high protein levels, high globulin, and eye issues along with lethargy, not eating and the lack of response to antibiotics in a young-ish cat makes my FIP alarms go off. The non-effusive (aka no fluid build up in the abdomen) version of FIP can be much more slow moving than the effusive presentation.

5 months would be a pretty slow progression, but subclinical FIP can cause random issues for cats before any noticeable “classic” symptoms pop up - unlikely, but if I were you I would look into it.
 
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Thecatlovee

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I have been really worried it’s FIP also, but because of the normal x-ray and the negative test, the vet ruled it out. I tried to do some research but I couldn’t find much. Are you able to go more into detail? As in, how long would I expect her to show more noticeable classic signs? Or significantly get worse?

From what I know, there’s no cure for FIP, and nothing I’m able to do to help her. If God forbid, that is her case, what can I do next?

In January 2021 her results where:

Total protein: 106
Albumin: 24
Globulin: 82

albumin to globulin ration: 0.3
alt: 15
Alp: 7

In March 2021 her results were:


Total protein: 104
Albumin: 29
Globulin: 75

albumin to globulin ration: 0.4
alt: 24
Alp: 11


Ok not to beat a dead horse but I’m going back to FIP - how high is her globulin? Albumin?

I know you said the FCoV test was negative but high protein levels, high globulin, and eye issues along with lethargy, not eating and the lack of response to antibiotics in a young-ish cat makes my FIP alarms go off. The non-effusive (aka no fluid build up in the abdomen) version of FIP can be much more slow moving than the effusive presentation.

5 months would be a pretty slow progression, but subclinical FIP can cause random issues for cats before any noticeable “classic” symptoms pop up - unlikely, but if I were you I would look into it.
 

kittenmittens84

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I have been really worried it’s FIP also, but because of the normal x-ray and the negative test, the vet ruled it out. I tried to do some research but I couldn’t find much. Are you able to go more into detail? As in, how long would I expect her to show more noticeable classic signs? Or significantly get worse?

From what I know, there’s no cure for FIP, and nothing I’m able to do to help her. If God forbid, that is her case, what can I do next?

In January 2021 her results where:

Total protein: 106
Albumin: 24
Globulin: 82

albumin to globulin ration: 0.3
alt: 15
Alp: 7

In March 2021 her results were:


Total protein: 104
Albumin: 29
Globulin: 75

albumin to globulin ration: 0.4
alt: 24
Alp: 11
This article has a fairly good overview:

“Common abnormalities usually include a chronic non-regenerative anemia (anemia of chronic disease), leukocytosis with an absolute increase in neutrophils and an absolute decrease in lymphocytes, elevated serum protein associated with high globulin and low albumin, and a low A:G ratio [...] If these common abnormalities are coupled with the usual signalment and clinical signs, a diagnosis of FIP can be made with high certainty. Even though many cats with FIP have characteristic CBCs, albumin and globulin levels and A:G, it is not reasonable to expect that every targeted parameter is always abnormal in the right direction. It is more important to look at the total picture and always in context of the signalment, clinical and physical features.”

Abdominal ultrasound can be helpful because cats that do have FIP often have either fluid build up that isn’t evident just from looking at the cat but that will show on ultrasound or they have lesions/thickening somewhere in their abdomen, like on the kidneys or the colon or the spine. The problem is the ultrasound may also not show anything or be helpful at all, and they can be expensive.

Has she taken prednisolone? That may be worth asking about, it can provide some pain relief to cats with fevers of unknown origin because it reduces inflammation and it has the in this case useful side effect of increasing appetite.

If you’re interested, you can also go on facebook and join this group, they have vet members who are knowledgeable about interpreting abnormal lab results for mysteriously sick cats and may be able to help you. FIP is a complicated disease that we’ve learned a lot more about in the last 2 decades, and with how broad their scope of practice is it’s unfortunate but understandable that a lot of non-specialist vets don’t have a lot of in depth knowledge about diagnosing it.

I hope this is not the case, but if it does turn out to be FIP there is an experimental antiviral treatment available now - my own cat is a survivor thanks to it. It is expensive unfortunately, but that option is on the table if you need it. That group has more information about it.

Good luck, I hope it works out well for her!!
 
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Thecatlovee

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Was she getting a Convenia shot every month?

We give our kitties Claritin (loratadine) 1/4 to 1/2 tablet once a day.
Yes! I checked her invoices, they gave it to her in November, January and February. Do you think this is the cause of her being lethargic?
 
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Thecatlovee

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This article has a fairly good overview:

“Common abnormalities usually include a chronic non-regenerative anemia (anemia of chronic disease), leukocytosis with an absolute increase in neutrophils and an absolute decrease in lymphocytes, elevated serum protein associated with high globulin and low albumin, and a low A:G ratio [...] If these common abnormalities are coupled with the usual signalment and clinical signs, a diagnosis of FIP can be made with high certainty. Even though many cats with FIP have characteristic CBCs, albumin and globulin levels and A:G, it is not reasonable to expect that every targeted parameter is always abnormal in the right direction. It is more important to look at the total picture and always in context of the signalment, clinical and physical features.”

Abdominal ultrasound can be helpful because cats that do have FIP often have either fluid build up that isn’t evident just from looking at the cat but that will show on ultrasound or they have lesions/thickening somewhere in their abdomen, like on the kidneys or the colon or the spine. The problem is the ultrasound may also not show anything or be helpful at all, and they can be expensive.

Has she taken prednisolone? That may be worth asking about, it can provide some pain relief to cats with fevers of unknown origin because it reduces inflammation and it has the in this case useful side effect of increasing appetite.

If you’re interested, you can also go on facebook and join this group, they have vet members who are knowledgeable about interpreting abnormal lab results for mysteriously sick cats and may be able to help you. FIP is a complicated disease that we’ve learned a lot more about in the last 2 decades, and with how broad their scope of practice is it’s unfortunate but understandable that a lot of non-specialist vets don’t have a lot of in depth knowledge about diagnosing it.

I hope this is not the case, but if it does turn out to be FIP there is an experimental antiviral treatment available now - my own cat is a survivor thanks to it. It is expensive unfortunately, but that option is on the table if you need it. That group has more information about it.

Good luck, I hope it works out well for her!!
Thank you so much for your help. I have joined the group. I’m going to attach her blood work as well, maybe you guys will be able to notice something. Any opinions advice to me at this point can be life changing for her. I am so exhausted and want to find her the right treatment.

Is it possible for a cat to test negative for the PCR FIP test, yet have FIP?
 

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kittenmittens84

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Thank you so much for your help. I have joined the group. I’m going to attach her blood work as well, maybe you guys will be able to notice something. Any opinions advice to me at this point can be life changing for her. I am so exhausted and want to find her the right treatment.

Is it possible for a cat to test negative for the PCR FIP test, yet have FIP?
Unfortunately yes it is possible, here’s what UC Davis says: “Positive FCoV PCR indicates exposure to coronavirus, not FIPV. Negative PCR does not rule out FIP.”


It really sucks because the tests available now are just not very good on their own, how the virus mutates from the harmless FCoV to the disease-causing FIPV isn’t even well understood so it’s difficult to test for. FIP can have an extremely varied presentation too which makes it even more confusing.

I believe that toxoplasmosis is also sometimes considered when a cat has a fever that doesn't respond to antibiotics, did they test for that or mention it at all?
 
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Thecatlovee

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We have determined she has dry ocular FIP. I am taking her in to the vet tomorrow to receive fluids while I wait for her treatment supply to come in. Please keep my girl in your prayers ❤
I have set up a go fund me page on her behalf and any penny or share means the world to me.

Help Mooshy fight for her life, organized by Lily A
 

tnl

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I would get a second opinion...especially since your vet suggested euthanasia! She has had so many meds and that could be causing most of her symptoms.
 
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