Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So here's an update... Winston has basically stopped eating the last few days, I noticed his bones were protuding, but he looked big because he was extremely bloated (stomach was big and hard to the touch)- so I took him to the vet. Vet took one look at him and says she's almost 100% sure he has FIP (he has actually lost a bit of weight since the last visit 3 weeks ago). She drained fluid out of his stomach and I guess it's the typical color of it. She drew blood to test him for it and I'll find out tomorrow morning when I take him in. If he has it, the vet recommended euthanizing him - because the death sentence is basically 2 days to 2 weeks in this condition - especially with him not eating. I'm soooo sad Oh, and now I have to get Bentley tested, because I guess it's quite contagious... I'm glad I did isolate Winston, but I don't know if it did any good. FIP is basically like HIV, where a cat's infected w/ a virus (I can't remember the name of it), but once it turns into FIP, like AIDS, it's deadly. Shelters don't typically test for it or at least the humane society doesn't, as that is where I got my two from and I guess a lot of cats carry it, but are immune.
But, here's the point I wanted to make for this forum. If your cat is pooping outside the litter box, he/she is trying to tell you that something is wrong... whether it's emotional or physical. This is not 'normal' behavior for cats and I would recommend everyone take their cat right in and if everything looks 'o.k.', but you still have a bad feeling - take them back in. Alright... well, I'm done rambling and need to spend some time with my angel tonight before our appointment...

Hi,

I am so sorry about Winston. We seem to be seeing more cases of FIP where I work, for some reason, although it is NOT considered very contagious. It's more of a genetic thing and very often only one cat in a household will get the disease, unless they are related.

Please ask your vet to send in a sample of the abdominal fluid to be tested for FIP, not just blood to be tested. This is a type of DNA test. The standard test for FIP is next to useless, and, in fact, does not even test for the actual disease. It tests for exposure to the family of viruses that FIP belongs to.

The presence of fluid in the belly is obviously very serious no matter what the cause, but it might be helpful to do more diagnostics. A fluid analysis might be a good idea. Not all belly fluid is due to FIP.

Please take care and keep us updated. I will keep you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Hello.. Thank you so much for writing... Well, I finally had to put down Winston and let him be in peace. The vet ran the blood test (which I realize isn't very accurate) and checked the protein level of the fluids from his stomach (at least I think that's what she said). Anyways, he went from 6 lbs to 4 lbs. in under three days (he's 8 months old), his belly was completely swollen and full of fluid and he stopped eating and going to the bathroom.... that, along with the positive test results, verified the FIP diagnosis (at least in my mind). It was one of the hardest things I've had to do, but I feel like he was suffering and definitely taking a very quick turn for the worse. I'm very sad and can't believe how quickly all of this happened - it was just a week from the first signs.
My other cat, Bentley, is not his brother, so I'm not even going to bother getting the titer test done (even though the vet recommended it). I know he's been exposed to the corneovirus (Sp?), being that he was a stray and at the humane society for so long. He's going to show up positive for the antibodies, but that really means nothing, right? Since he could have fought it off or is just a carrier and can live another 10-15 years? That's how I feel, but I'm taking him in later today to get a physical exam, just to ease my mind. I'm really bummed out about this and so sad to see Winston go. Well, thanks so much for all your kind words and information.

Rachel

Hi Rachel,

I am so very sorry for your loss of Winston. After reading your last post I have no doubt that you made the right decision. It's difficult for us, but we make the decision because we love our babies so much. Giving them a peaceful end is like a final gift we give when nothing else can be done.

It's especially hard to lose a precious baby unexpectedly, as you have. It's never easy, even when you know it's coming, but you have time to accept it. A sudden loss is a tremendous shock to us.

We do have Pet Loss chats here every night if you are interested. There is so much support in these chats and you might consider attending at least one. The chats are attended by other people who know what it is like to deal with such a loss.

Please let me know if I can help in any way. I have a collection of grief links and poems that I have found most comforting.

Please take care,

PHKitkat

PHKitkat,

I'm sitting here with tears rolling down my face. That was the sweetest message ever and I really needed to hear that - So many people don't understand, which is exactly how I felt before I read your message - that was perfect timing.. Thank God I have my other cat right now, because I really think his presence has helped me out a lot. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Take care...

Rachel

You are very welcome, Rachel.....

{{{{{}}}}}

PHKitkat