Suspected FIP or FLV, just need support

[Cat_Parent]

Hi everyone, I'm not really looking for advice on what to do. I'm just struggling and need support, but I'll give the context. My cat has been unwell on and off for about 5 weeks and the vet initially feared lymphoma. We did LOTS of tests (she was at the vet every week) and this became very costly as we aren't insured. There was a time when on meds that she really perked up and seemed her normal self, even having zoomies at night again, and I was so happy! However, once off the meds she became very tired again, and this past weekend, her abdomen became enlarged. I was hoping she was just constipated... took her back to the vet, vet examined the abdomen and mentioned fluid, wet FIP or FeLV, that the prognosis is not good. We were quoted thousands upon thousands upon thousands for further testing/specialists at internal medicine, but the vet said even if all of that does confirm FIP or FLV, it's just a case of keeping her comfortable. We've spent a lot of money already on tests and a specialist, and we can't afford to pay any more specialists what they quoted us just to confirm.

After MUCH agonising, we have brought her home to make her comfortable. She is a senior kitty at 13. We have put her through SO much, she's an incredibly anxious little thing and has always been clingy and affectionate, never leaving my side since I started working from home.

My emotions are all over the place. One minute I'm doubting the vet, next minute I'm crying about losing her soon and just wanting to enjoy the time we have left. She has been my best friend for so long, the least I can do is make this time as low-stress as possible. I feel like I'm going through grief stages already. I swing between not believing it and being convinced of it because when I read about wet FIP online, it does seem to line up with what she's been through. I have scoured this forum reading other posts and some of them have been very comforting.

I wanted to post in here for some support as I know this forum is full of cat people who understand.

Please, if you have any advice about dealing with this roundabout of emotions, I'd really welcome it.

 

[pp604]

I became a cat owner for the first time 24 hours ago. I can’t imagine what you are feeling right now. I do understand how much you love her. I wish I can give you a tight hug right now

 

[Cat_Parent]

I became a cat owner for the first time 24 hours ago. I can’t imagine what you are feeling right now. I do understand how much you love her. I wish I can give you a tight hug right now

Thank you so much. It's very hard and now just a case of monitoring and seeing when it's her time. I spoke with her vet about this today who advised me on things to watch out for regarding knowing when to let her go. I have had 13 years with her and I'm very grateful we got that.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Did they do a blood test to check for FeLV? If so and it came back negative then I'm guessing it's not that. Did they take a sample of the fluid in her abdomen to test it to see if it's indicative of FIP? I don't believe there is as of yet a definitive test for it, but testing abdomenal fluid gets pretty close. BUT, there is a new drug for FIP that works wonders. Your Vet should know about it even though they cannot prescribe it yet as it's still in the clinical trial stages. It IS, however, available to the public. It's not cheap, and it's a long process, but worth it if it's not too late. Check out this site for more information: FIP Warriors® 5.0 | Facebook

And this one: Cure for FIP | GS441 is available | FIP Treatments

 

[platty]

Omg I can emphasis with you I have 4 kittens all get the flu, we thought it was from a stray outide out catio which kept coming to see them! Anyways it was hard going I think they are over it now but two of them still have runny eyes now and again, anyway I hope you get through this ok.