Vet says "put him down;" Need your advice

I rescued a cat from the streets this past winter, about 2 months ago. A week ago, I suddenly discovered a wound on his cheek. I thought he had scratched himself open. I did notice a short time earlier that he had an ear problem when I saw him shake his head, and I could tell that his ear was bothering him. Anyway, when I investigated the wound, I discovered that he had developed an abscess. I took him to the vet, and they fixed him for a whopping $750. They also advised me that he might have rabies. I took him home and, a week later (last night), I suddenly noticed his eyes were hugely dilated. Just then, he ran to the bathroom (his box) and vomited and defecated involuntarily. Worst yet, he then collapsed into the vomit and feces. I picked him up and put him in the bathtub. He lay there for an hour, splayed out. His legs were in an obviously uncomfortable position, but he could not move at all. His breathing became rapid and shallow. I thought he was dying right in front of me. After an hour, I picked him up and put him in a chair. He lay there for 3 hours. I went to sleep. When I awoke at 4 in the morning, he had gotten out of the chair and was trying to walk. It looked like he was trying to walk off something. He did this for 3 more hours. He would walk from one end of the room to the other, pausing to stare at the wall and then turning around to do the same thing on the other side of the room. When the vet opened at 8 AM, I took him right in. They said he may have been convulsing due to rabies. They suggested I put him down. I don't want to. I've decided to go for the rabies shots for myself (because he did scratch me once while we were playing) and wait to see how he develops. Does anyone have an opinion what might have happened to him? Please?

If the cat is as sick as he sounds, he's probably suffering terribly. I know you don't want that.

As for the rabies, I'm very surprised the vet let the cat go if he thought he had rabies. Most states have laws that mandate putting an animal down it if has rabies because the disease can be so deadly to people.

I know this is hard but you really have to think about the cat now. He's suffering and you have the ability to help him.

I'm going to move this to the health forum incase someone can give you some advice, but thank you for taking this baby into your home

Lots of healthy coming over for the poor cat though, but i agree, if he's as sick as what you've said it might be best to listen to the vet

They've kept him. He's still at the hospital. Thanks for replying.

Originally Posted by jim2006

They've kept him. He's still at the hospital. Thanks for replying.

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Are they getting in touch with you with an update, or do you have to ring, because please let us know how things go?

They are waiting to see if it happens again so they can witness it. But they said he was back to normal and eating. The problem is, if they put him him to sleep, they're going to test him. And then, if they come back and say he was negative for rabies, I am going to feel very, very bad. This animal really loves me. I feel I've got to hold out hope for him. I know he was suffering last night, but he's not suffering now. We're just waiting to see if he does it again. I would appreciate everybody's opinion.

Why can't they test him now?

Originally Posted by Rosiemac

Why can't they test him now?

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Susan, they can't test on a live animal

They have to look at the brain.

Jim, I'm sorry I don't have any advice. It might be best if you got the shots for yourself just in case. You can always ask for another vet opinion if you're unsure about this one.

The only way to test for rabies is to send a slice of brain tissue off to the lab. So they have to put him down to do that.

The only way to test for rabies is to euthanize the animal and send the brain for testing. That's how it is done in New York State.

I hope your kitty becomes well, but it does sound pretty severe. Do what is in your heart for your kitty.

Originally Posted by AlleyGirl

Susan, they can't test on a live animal

They have to look at the brain.

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Oh really!, i never knew that?!. Rabies isn't an injection our pets have over here because it's very rare.

In that case, i would be doing what paula suggested, and that's a 2nd opinion

I am so sorry to hear you and the cat are going through this. I know how it is to hold out hope. Hopefully he continues to improve at the vet, and if he does I would have the vet check him thoroughly. I had a dog one time quarantined for what seemed like forever while they waited to see if she had rabies. Thankfully she didn't.
Vibes and my thoughts for the both of you .. please keep us updated

I think I'd get a second opinion! If he had an abcess in/on his ear, then it may have spread infection into his head! Did they give you antibiotics for him?? Poor kitty....

Prayers for you and your poor kitty - and blessings on you for taking this guy into your home and heart. Let's hope that the vet can find a treatable condition, and sounds like the vet knows you want to fight for this cat as long as he's not terminally suffering.

Rabies can only be tested for with a brain sample - that's why, IMO, it's so critical in this country not to blow off rabies vaccinations, even for indoor pets. There are far more cases of rabies, even in urban/suburban areas, than many people realize.

The few nations (all islands, IIRC), are blessed if there is no rabies in their lands.

Has the vet considered a seizure disorder? I agree with the others---a second opinion seems to be in order.
Bless your heart, you're doing a wonderful thing for this poor fellow. I hope the vet can discover what's going on with him, and it's an easy fix. Sending loads of healing to your little man.
BTW, what' s his name?

HI Jim and welcome. What a hero you are for rescuing this boy. I don't have any advice, only sympathy and support at this time.

Praying all works out for him, what is his name?

Originally Posted by libby74

Has the vet considered a seizure disorder? I agree with the others---a second opinion seems to be in order.
Bless your heart, you're doing a wonderful thing for this poor fellow. I hope the vet can discover what's going on with him, and it's an easy fix. Sending loads of healing to your little man.
BTW, what' s his name?

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His name is Charlie. I just called the vet for the morning update. She wasn't available, so I spoke with the tech instead. Charlie is behaving normally. If he had rabies, since it progresses quickly after onset, the appearance of other symptoms would be expected within a day or two. This is day one after the episode. He's not showing other symptoms. I'm going to go get him and bring him home. And then proceed with blood work. I feel better now. Will keep you all updated.

As someone else suggested, if he had an abscess in the ear,face, head area it could have progressed to the brain or brain lining ... like meningitis... I am hoping aggressive treatment will fix him right up.

Maybe it is epilepsy? I hope it is something that can be controlled. Give Charlie a hug for me.

And a hug to you for looking after this little guy so very well.

Just spoke with the vet. It was like pulling teeth, but I finally got her to say that she thinks it's unlikely that Charlie has rabies. THANK GOD! And why did they have to bring me so close to making a decision to ethanize him? So here's the lesson, folks. When your animal becomes suddenly ill and you're forced with a decision to euthanize, WAIT!