Saturday, September 17, 2011

Update

Mac tested positive for FeCoV (FIP) ANTIBODY. The bottom of the test states ‘A positive titer is consistent with exposure to any form if Feline Corona Virus but does not confirm the presence of FIP nor does it indicate a healthy cat will develop FIP. Approximately one-third of cats with a positive titer shed Corona Virus.’ Mac is 11 years old and has lost 2 pounds in the past two months. He has gone through periods of not eating and losing for several years when he was at my mothers, especially in stress times (losing my Dad and then several years later my Mom). When he came to live with us, he was under weight and not eating, but turned around and gained up to 12 pounds. He is a tall cat and could carry 12 pounds well. He is skin and bones. Yes, we do have him confined now. We are giving him an antibiotic and steroid. He is eating every thing we have put i n front of him. WE have given him fancy feats gourmet, appetizers and Evo. WE have added probiotics just because so many bloggers use it with kitties with tummy problems. We are adding dry kitten food to this. He does have diarrhea, now.
Angel is 4, healthy and positive. The vet keeps telling us she is overweight. She is a short bodied and legged cat and does not look fat at 10 pounds. but you can not feel here bones. The vet is just trying to keep her weight controlled so she will not get fat in old age! She eats well and plays hard.
Kirby is , healthy and negative! The vet also says that he is overweight at 12 pounds. He is tall and long but not as tall as Mac. Again the vet is looking at years to come if he keeps gaining a pound a year! He eats every thing, including half of Angels and Mac’s if they will let him.
WE are joining the Yahoo and Facebook groups for FIP and hunting a local vet for a second opinion. Our vet has been good to us, but it never hurts to get more opinions, we would if it was one of us! . He suggested keeping Kirby away from the other two. Not going to happen. He would claw the walls down if confined. He is the ADHD kitty of the family! Mac and Angel are the laid back two that only tolerate each other from a distance!
I am just not up to posting on the blog right now, but may put this up just as an update.
We will get through this and who knows, Angel may never show the symptoms, Kirby may test positive at some time in the far future and Mac may out live us all! We will let Mac join the family soon, just want to get him gaining weight, if possible!
Thank you for being there for us

15 comments:

Jans Funny Farm said...

It's been a stressful time for you and we hope for the best scenario for all the kitties. Don't forget to take care of yourself too since you've been stressed.

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

Will write you back on your email you just sent.....JB and Deb

The Island Cats said...

Thanks for updating us. We think it's a good idea to get another opinion. We are purring very hard for Mac, Angel and Kirby...and you too...we know how stressful this all is. Just remember, we're there for you.

Sparkle said...

Thanks for the update - I know that things must seem really hard right now. But hang in there - it sounds like you are doing what is right for you, Angel, Kirby and Mac.

Angel Prancer Pie said...

We are purring fur all of you. Glad you are gettting a second opinion. Please try to keep us updated as you feel up to it. We are sending big ((hugs))!

A few Good Cats said...

You've gotten a lot of info to digest in a short time. Keep asking questions and keep learning and you'll better understand what's going on and have confidence in your decisions. And you know there are a great many humans who care and will help you any way they can.

Fuzzy Tales said...

Thanks for the update--continued purrs and purrayers. The Yahoo group should be helpful, the mom has, in the past, joined a number of feline health groups on Yahoo, most recently the feline hyper-t group because of angel Annie.

Paws crossed that all will be okay and that Mac will regain the weight he's lost.

Yes, a second opinion is a great idea!

Brian's Home Blog said...

Thanks for updating us, we are all sending tons and tons of purrs and hugs for everyone. We think of all of you constantly.

Chesney Cats said...

We're sending lots of love, purrs & purrayers to all of you.

Rene said...

Thank you for the update. We've been thinking of you and purring for the best possibly outcome. We're glad Mac is eating well. and we hope he remains stable. Take all the time you need for your gang.

Lucky Lady said...

we hope everything gets better I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY GET WELL BABIES

CCL Wendy said...

Poor Mac! I sure hope he rallies again and gains some weight. It's a good sign that he's so hungry.

Sorry to hear that Kirby is positive, but as you say, he may never show symptoms.

Good luck to you on this journey. I'm just so glad that Mac is with such caring folks.

Cats of Wildcat Woods said...

From what I know there is not 100% true test for FIP - we got the same test result for our Sweetpea and she is healthy and 12 - I never bothered to test anyone else for FIP. One vet did say that the high proteins (I think) was a sing of FIP and was a more sure sign that the virus test. I think a second opinion is always good. Stay positivie and just take one day at a time.

Everycat said...

We are sending you nice purrs and love for you and all the cats. There is no true test for FIP, as others upthread have said, and many cats live long happy lives without ever developing it after having a positive FeCov result. We hope Mac continues to eat up and puts some weight back on.

Oliver & Gerry

Unknown said...

I have four cats, each raised from a kitten and when any of them gets sick, you'd think it was the end of the world. I know just how you feel and I pray your cat comes through this illness. It is so hard with animals since they can't tell you exactly how they hurt and what they're feeling like. I pray you have a really good vet. Sandy