Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm new to this forum, and have an older cat (age 17) who was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia about 5 years ago. I've used transfer factor with him since then, and also tried interferon for about 6 months (2 years ago). He's done very well considering, but took a big turn for the worse this year. Our vet diagnosed what she feels is probably hyperthyroidism.

I just wanted to know if anyone has any ideas for what could be done to make him comfortable at this stage. He's very bloated, and is eating like crazy all the time, and very thirsty. He has an upper respiratory infection, but I'm afraid to use antibiotics - unless there's a way to support his immune system while doing so. The doc prescribed a medication for the thyroid - methamazole - and I'm giving him 1/2 a 5 mg tab a day as prescribed. All the symptoms for hyperthyroidism fit for Tom, with one exception. He's extremely bloated - and still really hungry and thirsty despite the meds! I asked her if she thought he might have parasites, but she ruled that out due to age and the fact that he really doesn't get outside much because of the illness (we do let him out during the day - but only near our home - and he doesn't roam). She didn't do a stool test, however.

None of the sites I've searched list bloating as a symptom, so I'm afraid that other issues may be involved that are tied to the feline leukemia.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated, Thanks

Hi There,

I think there is a good chance that your cat needs more methimazole. Chances are that getting the medication once daily isn't enough for him. In fact, methimazole is meant to be given twice daily, as close to 12 hours apart as possible.
You should be seeing some weight gain and a drop in appetite if the dose is correct. Please talk to your vet about this.

The bloating is another thing........there is a chance that your kitty is just swallowing a lot of air with his food. However, an abdominal x-ray might be a good idea to rule out any serious problems. Parasites are unlikely but you can always bring a stool sample in to be tested just to ease your mind.

Interferon might be a good idea as an immune booster if your vet agrees. Chances are that the URI is viral in origin anyway instead of bacterial so antibiotics might not be best.

Take care and please keep us updated.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thanks for your response. Tom is really not doing well - I'm being practical about this - he really may be on his way out. It breaks my heart to think it is so, but I have to be realistic - I'd rather not keep him hanging on because I don't want to let him go. He was diagnosed with FL 4 years ago, and has done amazingly well with the transfer factor and immune system boost till now. I'm afraid the bloating is internal tumors. He can't even climb inside his litter box anymore - its too hard for him. I will look into your suggestions, but i'm not sure there's much hope.

Hi,

I'm so sorry your baby isn't doing well. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

I also have a 17 year old cat, not with FeLV, but she does have Hyper T and serious digestive problems. With these older ones, you never know what will happen from day to day and they can go downhill rapidly. I look at each day I still have Emma as a gift.

You love Tom and I know you will do the right thing for him. Follow your gut feeling and you will know when it's time to let go. There is nothing harder but we do what is best for our precious babies.

If you are interested, we have support chats here every night. They are really helpful, and those who attend are very understanding.

Regards,
PHKitkat