Sudden Mystery Virus

[srichey216]

Hi all,

I adopted an 11 mo. old neutered male from a reputable Humane Society shelter on August 15. (To note, there he had all FIV/FeLV testing, negative, flea preventative, wormed, and FRCVP vax. All OK) As expected, he was all bouncy sweet kitten. He had his first official vet visit on 9/5 and everything appeared normal. Then around the 14th, lethargy. Just observed until on 9/17 I picked him up and he felt very warm. Temp of 104, so off to the vet. Vet gave him Convenia as a preventative more than anything, Onsir or something that's a pain/anti-inflammatory, and a bolus of subQ fluids.

Zen - that's his name - was eating, so that was encouraging.... but I wasn't seeing him actively drink from the bowl. (Big ceramic bowls, cleaned daily) so I was giving him cat crack (aka Delectables Bisque) with a bit of extra water. He was eating that and dry nibbles. The fever was not going away. Lower as the Nsaid worked but as it wore off, the fever spiked. He looked very worrisome. That wide-eyed feverish where am I stare, inner eyelids coming up etc. SO.... off to the vet we went again this morning 9/19. Vet says he's convinced it's "viral" based on his experience, but didn't say a specific virus. I did take a stool sample - he said no parasites, but that colostrum bacteria is present. He's keeping Zen overnight to do IV fluids, probiotics, pain meds and some of that transdermal ear stuff for nausea.

Just wondering if any of you might have insights on this kind of sudden wtf fever. To note, I do have another symptom free cat who to my knowledge is all-tested disease free as I got her from a vet-run sanctuary 3 years ago and she's been A-Ok healthy. This feels understandably stressful and worrisome.

Pic of Zen for cat tax

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. As far as I know calcivirus and herpes can present with fever and lethargy, although often there are other symptoms as well. I know your cat was tested for them, but there can be false-negatives with the testing. If so, it is in their system and can never be eradicated. It is also possible for a cat to contract either after vaccinations, as the vaccines do not 100% prevent them from happening, but usually help to make flare ups less likely and/or severe. I don't think testing for these at this point is purposeful, as I think tests will show positive now given the antibodies are in his system from the vaccines. You could also be looking at FCoV, which can mutate to FIP. You could have your cat tested for FCoV, but that is not a definitive diagnosis for FIP, as many cats carry FCoV in their system their entire life without it mutating, and never presenting a problem. Testing for FIP is usually only possible if there is fluid build up in the abdomen that can be aspirated and tested - it is not always absolute. Testing for dry FIP, as I understand it is nearly impossible.

Talk to your vet about anti-viral treatments and see if they think that might help. And, mention FCoV/FIP too. There are actually treatments for FIP, and some of them are no longer on the black market as they once were for so long. But, don't focus on this disease alone for now.

For what it is worth - maybe you would be interested in this article.
7 Types of Common Cat Viruses Explained - Cats.com

Keep us posted on Zen's progress.

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. I am not a veterinarian and this is just my opinion.
First off. Is there someone at the vet hospital to monitor him all night? If not I would be taking him home. Cats can get into all sorts of trouble by themselves. I have seen them wrap their iv lines around their legs, bodies, and even neck once.

I would take this seriously. Antibiotics won’t help with a viral infection, but t can help with any opportunistic bacterial infections that might arise.
If he was my cat, I would look for a feline only veterinarian in the area.
I would also request a blood panel be done as well as testing for microplasma in the blood.
I would be cautious with fluids as he looks somewhat like a main coon cat and they often have undirected heart disease.
There are certain markers on the blood work that can suggest, but not rule out FIP. One classic sign is elevated globulins and low albumin.

Just what I would do if he was mine.

Did he come from an overpopulated cat area or was he housed with many other cats?

Have any antivirals been started?

 

[silent meowlook]

He is an adorable cat!!!

 

[purrtinent]

Does Zen still have the fever ? I would try colloidal silver for a few days given that it's a good antiviral and will support the immune system.