Respiratory Problems? Suggestions?

A few weeks ago Keith started panting while he was playing. Took him to the vet who did a CBC (results came back fine) and gave him an antibiotic shot. She could hear with stethiscope that he sounded "raspy". She told me to come back in two weeks if no improvement. He has gotten worse and I can hear the "raspiness" myself now.
Today the vet took some xrays and said she would have a radiologist look at them. She gave him injection of Depo Medrol. She said it might be asthma but now that I've researched it, the symptoms don't seem to match. He never coughs, is very energetic, and he's only 7 months old. I think his breathing is really rapid and shallow but the vet says it's still in the normal range. Anyone have suggetions on what else I can have him tested for? I'm supposed to call her back in a week.

Here is a video of a cat with asthma.
I have a cat with Asthma and she has had it for years.
Do you ever hear a wheezing sound?
Has the cat been checked for heart problems?
http://cats.about.com/od/catvideos/y...cat_asthma.htm

Originally Posted by mews2much

Do you ever hear a wheezing sound?
Has the cat been checked for heart problems?
http://cats.about.com/od/catvideos/y...cat_asthma.htm

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I don't know if it's a wheezing sound, but sometimes his breathing is really loud like Darth Vader. He never coughs like that cat in the video. There has been no heart testing, just bloodwork and xray. After xray doc said she thought there was a little conjestion in his lungs. I'll ask her to check his heart next.

My Coco does not always cough with her asthma.
Sometimes it is just wheezing.

Do you know what kind of antibiotic shot he gave him? Does he have any other "cold" symptoms, like watery eyes, runny nose, etc?

Originally Posted by AlleyGirl

Do you know what kind of antibiotic shot he gave him? Does he have any other "cold" symptoms, like watery eyes, runny nose, etc?

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The antibiotic was Convenia. Keith has no other cold-like symptoms. His appetite is good. He's full of energy until he gets so out of breath he has to lie down until his breathing is more normal. That's happening more often now and it's taking him longer to recover.

Convenia is more for skin problems, abscesses, etc. so not sure it would help much with a respiratory infection if thats what he has. Strange the vet would give him that.

I would talk to the vet about other options. When will you get the results of the x-rays? They can do an ultrasound, but those are expensive and I would rule out other things first (heartworms, URI, asthma, etc.).

I don't have a lot of expertise in this area, but I'm wondering if maybe a second opinion might be good. Cats have a tendency to hide their illnesses, and I think I'd be bothered by a "let's wait two weeks, let's wait another week" recommendation.

Since you're here looking for advice, sounds like you're bothered by it, too. Do you have a cat specialist hospital or clinic you could take Keith to? (By the way - love the name! All my cats have people names, too. I actually considered "Keith" for a while when trying to decide on Spencer's name.)

Sending good vibes to you both:

AC

Originally Posted by Auntie Crazy

I don't have a lot of expertise in this area, but I'm wondering if maybe a second opinion might be good. Cats have a tendency to hide their illnesses, and I think I'd be bothered by a "let's wait two weeks, let's wait another week" recommendation.

Since you're here looking for advice, sounds like you're bothered by it, too. Do you have a cat specialist hospital or clinic you could take Keith to? (By the way - love the name! All my cats have people names, too. I actually considered "Keith" for a while when trying to decide on Spencer's name.)

Sending good vibes to you both:

AC

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I'm bothered by the wait and see thing, it's just that this is the only vet within 50 miles that takes that "care credit" card and I literally have NO OTHER way to pay right now. I think this vet may have more experience with dogs than cats. That's why I'm hoping someone here may have had a similar problem and can advise me on what tests to ask her to give Keith.
Thanks for the good vibes...Keith is such a sweet boy...

I wish I had more to offer.

Have you spoken with any other vets and asked for different methods of payment? Maybe you'll find someone who will work with you.