Blann's doing poorly.

.... can you place him in a room with a cool mist humidifer?

Oh I am so sorry ... that is terrible...

I'm so sorry - it's terrible to feel so helpless to help someone you love. that help comes soon.

Poor thing! Is he on meds or how is it treated? I read in the article that one of the drugs they use is Ketoconazole for dogs. My husband is currently taken this to help with an infection in his sinuses! Hope you both get some relief and things start improving soon!

Thinking of you and your cat.

Sending good vibes your way.

You and Blann are in my prayers tonight.

Oh honey.... vibes for you and Blann!!!

I'm so sorry to hear that Blann's doing poorly. Many, many vibes are being sent your way .

I've had only one experience with histoplasmosis. When I was younger, I volunteered at an animal shelter where I used to live. I worked primarily with the cats while there and a woman who had just moved from Louisville, Kentucky. She thought the apartment she rented would allow cats, but it didn't and she was forced to surrender her cat the shelter. I still remember him -- his name was Jag and he was a beautiful black DLH. I think he was around 3 years old, if I remember correctly. He was there for a few months and was okay and then suddenly developed a cough that didn't respond to anything. They thought it was a URI, heartworm, asthma, pneumonia...you name it. Finally, when he still didn't get better, one of the volunteers offered to take him home to foster him and have him seen by her vet (at her expense). He was quickly diagnosed (following an x-ray and needle aspiration) with histoplasmosis and was put on a medication to help the fungal infection (this was some time ago and I don't remember the drug -- Itraconazole sounds familiar, but was it available for felines 8 years ago?) and he did survive the ordeal. And, his foster mom adopted him. But, it was a long, long process full of ups and downs. And, it was heartbreaking at times. I remember the shelter vet said that he was lucky to have survived. And, unfortunately, I don't know if the infection was limited to his lungs. But, there is hope. And, I'm sending some of that hope to you and Blann (and his sisters).

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Again, many vibes are being sent your way .

I wish I had more information to go on. I was barely 19 at the time and wasn't as attuned to what was going on around me as I am today.

I do remember that Jag was trapped by his owner when she had a humane trap set for her previous kitty that had run off. Jag was caught, but her other kitty never did find his or her way back. I think he was around 6-7 months when she found him, but I don't remember 100% and I can't be certain on his age. He was an indoor cat from that point on, but would go out on a harness with his owner. And, what his situation was prior to being caught is something I don't think anyone knew I helped out at his intake appointment, but it was so long ago. The only reason I remember Jag was because he was such a beautiful cat and so sweet. A story like that sticks with you, I guess.

I do believe he was x-rayed early on and diagnosed with pneumonia. The second x-ray with a vet not affiliated with the shelter was the one that diagnosed the histoplasmosis. I also know that the shelter vet commonly misdiagnosed cats and dogs and that there were a lot of problems within the facility. More info than that, though, I don't have. I just know the head vet and some of the staff were let go during the time I volunteered. At the second vet, Jag was diagnosed almost immediately -- like the next day. I feel bad, though, as I know my account of what happened isn't completely clear. I apologize for that...it's just been such a long time now...

As far as Jag's symptoms, I remember he would cough. He would be fine for a while, but then, even at rest, would begin coughing. It wasn't necessarily a wet cough, but it wasn't hacking. He also struggled with a lot of wheezing. To be honest, he sounded like my stepbrother who has asthma. But, instead of it being a rare occurence, he would have these symptoms many times over the course of the day. I remember this one Saturday where he was just a mess. I was afraid to check in on him for fear that he'd have passed. I think it was the following Monday that he was taken in by the volunteer and taken to the other vet. None of us could stand how bad the poor guy sounded. So, I don't know really how sick he was. But, he didn't seem well -- that much I remember.

I wish I could give more info. I just don't remember. I'm so, so sorry. Just know that Blann and his sisters are in my thoughts. As are you...

How is Blann doing? Today I am moving the bird feeder from the window and putting it further out.

I hope he is able to get to the vets today.

Hope you are on your way in to the vet with Blann. Lots of vibes coming his way

I wanted to check in on this thread this morning to see how Blann was doing. I was hoping and praying that he made it through the night. And, now that I see that he has, I'm hoping and praying that he can make it through the tracheal wash.

It's interesting that the test came back negative for histoplasmosis. And, I'm torn as to whether that is a good or bad thing -- unless, of course, a definitive answer can be found today. Even though the histoplasmosis is a serious fungal infection with potentially fatal results, I know, for me, it helps to know what I am fighting against. The fact that you now are fighting an unknown enemy is bound to be anxiety-producing and difficult. You and Blann are in my thoughts and many vibes are being sent your way .

One thing, though. I was doing some research and came upon an interesting subject. Have you seen the x-rays taken of Blann's lungs? I know you've stated that there is a miliary pattern that appears mottled and fuzzy, but I have a more specific question. The pattern you're seeing is actually considered to be an interstitial pattern. However, a key to possibly deciphering what it is Blann is dealing with is looking at the x-ray to determine whether the "nodules" (ie. the spots that give the lungs their mottled appearance) are all of the same size or of varying sizes. If the "nodules" are all the same size, it would appear that they would be due to a fungal infection. But, on the other hand, if they are of different sizes, it may be something along the lines of lymphosarcoma. Here is a website which details a lot more information -- look under the heading of interstitial patterns: http://www.vetlatranquera.com.ar/pag..._animal_58.htm.

That website is where I got my information from. While it's not exclusive to cats, I think it may be a help to you. If not, I apologize. I like to be armed with as much information as possible and, thus, was intrigued by what you described with Blann. Please keep us updated on how the poor boy is doing. Again, many vibes heading to you, Blann, and his sisters .

I keep coming back to this thread because my heart just breaks for you, Blann, and his sisters. And, I keep reading and reading, but without being a vet myself, my responses are informed guesses at best.

Everything I've read points to this being a fungal infection -- especially since Blann's sisters are also starting to show similar symptoms. And, since your vet immediately thought histoplasmosis, I think that is the best, and most likely, place to start. I've done some reading on other fungal infections commonly (or, perhaps, uncommonly) seen in felines and they do not match the symptoms. Aspergillosis affects the nasal cavity most frequently, sporotrichosis affects the skin, toxoplasmosis doesn't fit the symptoms, and the list goes on. Histoplasmosis is the one thing I've found so far that really makes sense. But, with a negative test result, well, it had me researching...again.

Do you know what tests were done when looking for the histoplasmosis infection? From what I've read, it appears that there are a number of different ways to test for the fungal infection and that there is some probability of false negatives. There is a lot to share here about the types of tests done and their possible results, so here is the link I am working off of: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com...date=&pageID=7. I've looked at numerous sites, but this one has been the most helpful by far. It provides the most throrough, in-depth information that I've been able to find to date and explains things well. Hopefully, it will be of help to you as well.

Has Blann gone through the tracheal wash as of yet? I'm curious to learn of the findings and also to hear that he has come through the procedure okay. I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you . Please keep us updated on how Blann and his sisters are doing.

I am keeping up with Blanns condition. I have him and you in my prayers today.

This must be so stressful for you...take comfort you are doing all you can for him.

Keep the faith.

I hope we soon get an update on Blann

Oh my goodness, I just read all of this now. I'm so sorry to hear your little guy isn't doing well and it's a mystery to the vet.. I hope they can figure it out and treat him soon so he can get better soon!

I am glad your boy is home with you now.

I sure hope this can be solved soon. Continued vibes and prayers for you.

Glad Blann is home. How are the others? Keep us posted.

Try every way you can to get the cat to eat. I would give it anything at this point. Can you syringe feed him. You could mix a little liquid with some wet food and use a syringe to get some in the cat. Good luck.