Topic: help needed - kitten tested +ve for corona virus (Read 9476 times)

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #30 on:** December 22, 2015, 11:07:07 AM »

Carol all that information is so helpful, thank you so much, my vet pretty much echoed a lot of what you've said.
And I remember you sharing your experience with me before Allison, hearing these experiences really helps. So, so sad that you lost Tiger to FIP.

I'm trying not to let worrying take over and am concentrating on the fact that the odds are in our favour and both my boys are really healthy now.

I think most of you have seen my update on the boys thread but just in case you haven't, here it is:

He was actually very reassuring. Talked through the options of repeated testing but explained that when it comes to the virus mutating, it's pretty much a case of wait and see.

He stressed that in 95% of cats it doesn't mutate and that we can do as much testing as I want including bloods, but if it was his kitten, he would watch for any clinical signs but other than that, try to put it out of his mind because Chester will probably be fine and if he isn't, all the knowledge in the world wouldn't change the outcome.

He said it's a worry that will never leave, but the odds are fully on Chesters side.

I asked if there was a point where fip stopped being a possibility and he said it's a lifelong possibility but less & less likely as he gets older.

He also said that the chances are that 1 of my other 3 boys had it & we just never knew. It's that common.

Unfortunately, it's highly likely that Beau has been infected too. But, he's had no symptoms so he thinks his immune system has been stronger.

He was impressed by Chesters progress & said that every bit of growing he does is a good sign.

I spoke to him about neutering & vaccinations on the basis of helpful advice on here (thank you) and he agreed that waiting as long as possible with both of them is the best plan.

He doesn't neuter before 9 months anyway as he says it can affect bone growth if done earlier.

Also discussed the parasite - cryptosporidia. Apparently treatment for it is still basically in trial stages with human drugs.

He had called 2 specialists and they recommended azithromycin. It's a human drug but it has some nasty side effects. It's recommended in cats showing symptoms - which neither of them are - otherwise there's a chance they have got rid of it themselves.

His worry is that even though the diarrhoea has stopped, it can lie dormant. But having looked into it and having taken the drug myself with horrible side effects, I've decided not to use it. My vet said it's a very logical decision, although he would have veered on the side of caution and treated them just in case.

Now I just need to hope that they keep growing and thriving the way they are currently!

CarolM (Wendolene) · « **Reply #29 on:** December 22, 2015, 01:12:16 AM »

When Biggles tested positive for coronavirus I did a lot of reading about it. I can't remember any of the figures but basically the take home messages were these:

If all the cats in the country were tested for it a high percentage would prove positive
Most cats with the virus remain asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms when they are actively shedding the virus
Although some cats carry the virus all their lives, some do become completely free of the virus
Nobody really knows what cause the virus to mutate to FIP but it happens in a only small percentage of corona-positive cats. A compromised or immature immune system seems to be the main trigger so young kittens and elderly cats are at the greatest risk.

With specific regard to Chester I would say this:
Firstly, and most importantly, he is now clinically well. Whatever viruses/parasites/bacteria he has had (or may still have) his immune system, helped no doubt by his treatment (and that includes TLC) has coped with it. If he can do that at this young age then the likelihood is he can do it again should the need arise in the future, which hopefully it won't. I don't think its unreasonable to assume that the combination of coronavirus and cryptosporidium together in a young kitten would have a total impact that is greater than the sum of the parts.

In light of Biggles experience where he got a positive coronavirus result in the first test and a negative one in the second (which was only a matter of weeks later) I have to say I am somewhat sceptical of the PCR test, especially as his second test also showed positive for panleukopenia. Incidentally Biggles also had his first ever stay in the cattery between the two tests, in their isolation pen because of course I had to tell them that he tested positive for coronavirus. As know, over 3 years on he is very much alive and kicking.

Tigerlily (Allison) · « **Reply #28 on:** December 21, 2015, 19:39:41 PM »

Nicola, as I've already told you I lost Tiger to FIP. His brother and sister went on to live healthy lives. Also, after I lost him I had to have Lily tested and she tested positive for the corona virus. She never developed FIP.

You are right in thinking that a lot of cats carry the virus but never get FIP. If it's going to develop it's usually within the first two years and yes, it can be brought on by stress. Tiger had bouts of being ill from a very young age but got very sick after I went on holiday and he was in a cattery for a week. I've always thought that that was what caused the FIP to develop in him

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #27 on:** December 21, 2015, 18:31:47 PM »

Sadly FIP can develop at any time when they are still young anf first year is most likely.

However as said positive for corona doesnt not mean FIP will develope and he is most likely to live a long and happy life.........could have a few fluey episodes.

I hope you speak to your vet about vaccinations and stuff tonight, suspect neutering of a boy cat will not be a problem. so much easier than with a girl.

My bro had a maine coon who was corona positive but had other problems not associatated which sadly caused him to lose the fight around 3yrs, bad breeder and breeding sadly.

Agree that many cats have things like corona without anyone knowing and but for his tummy probs you wouldnt have known.

So pleased he is eating and putting om weight this must be good

Dawn F · « **Reply #26 on:** December 21, 2015, 15:00:09 PM »

he seems to be getting better Nicola and that is what matters, I think your work colleague has a point when she says you wouldn't know if you hadn't tested - you really are doing everything you can and it seems to be paying off

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #25 on:** December 21, 2015, 14:54:37 PM »

Thanks Liz, they won't be getting outdoors so I'll speak to my vet about taking the same approach as you did.
He's my baby so I want to do everything i can to make sure he's OK

Liz · « **Reply #24 on:** December 21, 2015, 14:37:28 PM »

Bay Gorgeous was spayed at 11 months and injected 2 weeks before with her first injections and then had her second lot and ID chip when being spayed she now visits the vet twice a year and apart from the odd knot she is longhaired she is fine, we left her as long as possible and then had her spayed when she started calling

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #23 on:** December 21, 2015, 14:34:30 PM »

Thanks Liz, that gives me some hope that he'll be OK.

Is it likely that if he was going to develop FIP, he would've by now?

Also, I keep reading that stress can trigger the mutation to FIP. He hasn't had vaccinations yet as we were waiting till he was stable. Could these cause problems...or the stress of neutering?

Liz · « **Reply #22 on:** December 21, 2015, 14:15:32 PM »

Carriers do stay ok - we have one here she is nearly 6 now and her Mum and 3 siblings died from FIP she is happy and healthy and a typical nortie tortie - I have her Dad Brodie who is negative as well

Dawn F · « **Reply #21 on:** December 21, 2015, 14:02:23 PM »

I believe (but could be wrong) that it does not necessarily mean it will turn into something else but hopefully your vet will speak to you about this

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #20 on:** December 21, 2015, 13:57:13 PM »

Hi,

I've finally had Chesters PCR results and he's tested positive for Corona Virus and Cryptosporidia.

My major concern is the corona virus as I know it can lead to the dreaded FIP.

Does anyone know the odds of this happening or how quickly it happens if a cat is a corona virus carrier.
I'm really worried now so it would help to know if there's time period that would mean it's unlikely to mutate.
or is it something that could happen at any point in his life?

Am I right in thinking a lot of cats are carriers but stay healthy?

His diarrhoea has stopped and he's gaining weight and eating great. Are these good signs?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. i'm seeing my vet tonight.

paddypaws101 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 05, 2015, 19:11:25 PM »

Glad to hear that the vet is doing a full panel of tests including for TF.
I am another big fan of a raw diet for cats and it is very easy these days as several companies sell complete frozen foods for cats ( Natural Instinct, Nutriment and Natures menu) It is also pretty easy to make your self as long as you follow a specific recipe to include meat, bone and offal.

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #18 on:** November 25, 2015, 15:21:24 PM »

Thanks Heath380, my vet also said it may be a food intolerance. Reassuring to know that Dillon came through it!
They've both been fed on good qualtiy grain free food since I got them mind you.

heath380 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 25, 2015, 09:15:00 AM »

Hi Nicola . I had similar problems with my kitten 7 years ago ( he is now a strong healthy boy). You are doing all the right things getting a full poo sample done and it's great news he seems to be improving- however don't rule out food intolerance. I drew a complete blank with all the vet tests with Dillon yet he still had diarrhoea dripping from him - it was just awful. The only thing that sorted him out in the end was feeding him a raw meat diet - it is after all the closest to what they would naturally eat in the wild and contained none of the indigestible grains and carbs that pack most of the common commercial foods! Thankfully nowadays there is a good selection of grain free foods on the market but back then there was very little. By all means continue with the mess and vets advise at the moment but if he relapses try him on a little bit of raw beef or lamb or a commercial grain free diet and see if he improves. Dillon has raw beef and lamb every day together with other grain free complete foods and is a really strong and healthy boy - he's never had to go to the vets for any minor ailments which I do put down to his natural diet. If you want any more info feel free to pm me :-)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #16 on:** November 24, 2015, 23:49:02 PM »

Quote from: sheryl on November 24, 2015, 22:13:38 PM

Ask your vet to test for TF hun - you may need to print details off as a lot of vets are not very clued up about it x hope Chester is better soon x

Thank you, TF is being tested for. He's ordered a special panel that tests for basically everything.
He mentioned TF himself as the symptoms match so much.
I'm in the fortunate position of having a very experienced vet who is used to me doing all my own research & actually seems to quite like it!
3 years of 2 HT cats, one of whom also had kidney disease & cancer, means at least we've really built a relationship with our vet.
Another good poo tonight, so the main thing is we seem to have it under control until we get some answers...I just hope we get some

sheryl · « **Reply #15 on:** November 24, 2015, 22:13:38 PM »

Ask your vet to test for TF hun - you may need to print details off as a lot of vets are not very clued up about it x hope Chester is better soon x

Tigerlily (Allison) · « **Reply #14 on:** November 24, 2015, 19:40:52 PM »

Keeping everything crossed for Chester Nicola

Draco · « **Reply #13 on:** November 24, 2015, 18:41:29 PM »

So pleased to hear his progress.

Liz · « **Reply #12 on:** November 24, 2015, 18:38:27 PM »

Noraclav is a great broad spectrum AB and we have used it with little or no side effects

I have Kali kitten who has been on Ronaxan for 3 years since she puzzled everyone with loosing weight blood tests sent half way round the world and all vet hopsitals gave us nothing but an elevated white blood count so she gets them 24 days a month and her life may be shortened but she is still here, healthy and happy

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #11 on:** November 24, 2015, 17:32:51 PM »

Hope everything keeps going right, so pleased he is improving

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #10 on:** November 24, 2015, 16:57:11 PM »

Thanks Draco.

Vet was really pleased with Chesters progress today. He said his bowel is half the size it was yesterday, which is brilliant, but still not back to normal. So, he's now to have a small dose of metacam once a day to ensure the inflammation keeps going down and he goes back on Friday for another check up

He's also to stay on the binder and has been given Noraclav AntiB's. Anyone had a cat on them? I'm always such a worrier about side effects....

Lot of meds for such a teeny wee guy, just hope they agree with him and do their job. I have a bit of a fear of metacam as I know how it hammers the kidneys, but my vet said it's half the normal dose and it's fine for a short period of time.

Our vet said there's every chance all his tests will be clear and it's just been damage to the bowel from the bad dose of worms the wee mite had. But we'll see what the poo test results say.

Its just such a massive relief to see some improvement in my boy

Draco · « **Reply #9 on:** November 24, 2015, 16:32:27 PM »

Great

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #8 on:** November 24, 2015, 09:36:54 AM »

Good news, the binder and the RC GI food seem to be working!
He had his first solid poo in weeks last night and this morning and also suddenly has an appetite again.

Fingers crossed that we've turned a corner!

alisonandarchie · « **Reply #7 on:** November 23, 2015, 21:39:11 PM »

Draco · « **Reply #6 on:** November 23, 2015, 21:32:49 PM »

Hi Nicole. As I said, my boy has IBD (diagnosed via biopsy). The change of diet stabilised him quite quickly, within a few days, but unfortunately he did go back to bloody diarrhoea. However, that is not to say that this will happen to your little boy - so please don't worry. I know that's easy to say as I'm a worrier myself.

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #5 on:** November 23, 2015, 20:04:03 PM »

I found myself thinking about Archie today and how he improved when you found out what it was.

I just want to the poo test results now!

alisonandarchie · « **Reply #4 on:** November 23, 2015, 19:40:03 PM »

I think I have mentioned the trouble I have had with Archie over the last few years and esp this.

It was always put down to colitis but had a full poo test which showed he had giardia and campylobactor.

After treatment and a diet of Royal C vets sensitive he is so much better.

The next step would have been a microscope in his intestine from the rear end.

Hope a cause can be found soon as will know what a worry it is. Archie was going down hill rapidly

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #3 on:** November 23, 2015, 18:13:00 PM »

Thanks Draco, it's always reassuring to hear good news stories. how long did it take to stabilise him with the GI food?

Draco · « **Reply #2 on:** November 23, 2015, 16:35:28 PM »

Hi. My Forest cat had similar symptoms when I adopted him two years ago, though he was 6 years and therefore his treatment was slightly different. However, Royal Canin GI did help, and when the condition (in his case IBD) was diagnosed and stabilised, he never looked back. He is now on James Wellbeloved Turkey (a single source protein was advised), and - though his appetite is not as good as his brother's - his weight is steady and he is a very playful and loving boy. I'll keep my fingers crossed and say a little prayer for your baby.

Nicola (RockysMum) · « **Reply #1 on:** November 23, 2015, 13:45:17 PM »

Please bear with me as this will be a long post

My kitten Chester (14 weeks) is suffering from constant diarrhoea, which is sometimes bloody (small amounts/bright red). This has been happening for four weeks now.

He’s been treated for worms and for giardia and has been on a probiotic but it’s getting worse.
His appetite has also decreased and he’s lost some weight in the last week. We’ve been trying to get food into him as much as possible but he won’t eat one single food and it’s tiny amounts at a time including boiled chicken.

He is still incredibly active and seems like absolutely nothing is wrong with him other than his poo and the fact he’s skinny (1.6kg)
He was back at the vets this morning.

The vet said he could feel that his bowel was incredibly swollen and said his main worry is that. If he ends up with scarring on the bowel, it'll never work and he won't grow. The normal treatment is steroids but its' too risky when he's so small with so much going wrong. He got a metacam injection to try and bring down the inflammation and a second antibiotic jag.
He’s also staying on pro colin+ and will be starting a powder (cant remember the name) twice a day that acts as a binder.

He's now to be starved for 12 hours and then only given the Royal Canin GI food. Problem will be getting him to eat it! Especially as it now has two meds to be mixed in it! But we managed to get half a pack in him yesterday and his stool was a tiny bit firmer, didn’t have any blood in it and was a more normal colour, so I’m hoping it may help even a little.

I asked about a supplement but my vet said at this stage that a supplement wouldn't be absorbed as everythings going straight through him. He says the focus needs to be fixing what’s wrong because anything he eats just now isn’t being absorbed.

A pooled stool sample is being sent off today and I’ve paid for it to be tested for absolutely everything. Unfortunately it could be a week before we start to get the results and they won’t all be available at once.

He's going back tomorrow afternoon as the vet wants to feel his bowel again to see if the metacam is working.

I’m absolutely terrified that I’m going to lose him, so any advice, information, experience would be much appreciated.

Author Topic: help needed - kitten tested +ve for corona virus (Read 9476 times)