My kitten is very sick... need advice...

Hi everyone,

I was referred to here by a friend after she heard about our very sick kitten and we've come across a dilemma. First I'll give some background information on our kitten before posing my problem...

BACKGROUND
Our kitten is nearly a near old and for most of her life she has suffered from chronic fevers and skin inflammation. We've taken her in for countless antibiotics, anti-fever and anti-inflammatory injections, ointments and creams, and blood tests and no prognosis can be made.

Vet's have suggested she has FIV or FelV but both has come back negative from tests. Also tested for levels of globulin, to determine if it was FIP, but that also came negative. Most recently, while on a cortisone antibiotic for a skin infection on her front paws and hind knees(?) that has been emitting puss and a bad smell. The vets soaked her paws in surgical solution and tried to clean it out in addition to the antibiotics.

As a result of the cortisone antibiotic (which is an immunosupressant) she caught a cold (which may be feline calcivirus infection), but it was the first time that she has gotten it.

QUESTION
After so many treatments and vet visits in the past year, we've come to the conclusion that we will soon be coming to our limit in being able to take care of our kitten. We've been suggested to give her to a no-kill shelter who will help her and put her up for adoption. But we'd like to give one last effort before doing so.

As we are trying to do this efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. I've been asking around (vet friend, phone calls, and now this forum) on the best possible mode of action.

1.) We've been referred to an internal medicine specialist after after the vet saw the calvirus symptoms. But with consultation and x-rays, viral tests, and possible IV (and stay at the hospital), the expected costs range up to $2000. Any suggestions on how to lessen the costs of this? Or has anyone else had a kitten with similar symptoms? How did you guys treat it? What was the cost? How did you deal with large costs in order for your cat to get an accurate prognosis?

2.) We really want to fix the skin infection. There's a puss that oozes out and it has begun to smell. We've been given antibiotics for it, however the surrounding area is hard (i think possibly due to the puss solidifying onto the fur) so there is a shell of hard fur around the infected area. What is the normal treatment for this? Should they remove the hard encrusted fur area in order to expose it to air so that it will heal? I feel like because it is enclosed, it is not able to heal itself.

3.) Will no kill shelters accept a chronically sick cat?

4.) If you were in our situation... what would you do? We're battling with the decision to give her up, or give one last go at getting her health in the right condition. I'm graduating from Master's by the end of July and am planning on getting a part time job immediately afterwards until a full time job lines up. Unfortunately my funding/scholarship money is starting to reach its end as I finish my studies and with the large vet bills that we've been running into.

Feel free to ask any questions. I've recently obtained a full medical history (from our current vet) in case of emergency. I've been feeding her pureed Hills A\\D food and been giving her subcutaneous fluids through the vet technicians.

Thanks for your time in reading about my situation...

I can only speak to the no-kill shelters in Houston, but they aren't actually no-kill under any/all circumstances. If a cat has major health issues or is aggressive, they do euthanize.

I'm not sure if I can answer all of your questions, but I have a cat thats about 1 1/2 years old, who has a lot of similar problems. She just doesn't seem to have a very strong immune system. So I'll answer what I can:



1.) We've been referred to an internal medicine specialist after after the vet saw the calvirus symptoms. But with consultation and x-rays, viral tests, and possible IV (and stay at the hospital), the expected costs range up to $2000. Any suggestions on how to lessen the costs of this? Or has anyone else had a kitten with similar symptoms? How did you guys treat it? What was the cost? How did you deal with large costs in order for your cat to get an accurate prognosis?

I personally don't see a need to get too worried about the calcivirus. Someone else might completely disagree with me, so I'll admit that I don't have any experience with FIP. However, I do have a house full of cats with chronic colds that seem to be the result of the herpes virus. They have flare ups and then they get better. I add L-Lysinse to their water which helps. I know that not all colds are the result of herpes, but I do know that colds aren't necessarily that uncommon in cats. Yes it can definitely be something worse and with her immune system problems I probably would be inclined to have a little more research done, but I also would try not to get too worked up about it.

If you do decide to go for the additional tests and consultations, if you're in the United States, I'd recommend finding a place that accepts CareCredit and then applying for the card. You can get approved immediately and for me, my CareCredit card has been my lifesaver. Its basically just a credit card, but you pay no interest for a certain amount of time (which varies based on what the total charge is). Its really been the only way I've been able to pay off my vet bills. Yes, the initial bill is still very expensive, but being able to pay it off in increments, without accumulating interest is the greatest thing ever. If you do look into the card though, just make sure that your vet accepts it. I have found that most vets do accept CareCredit, but i have run into 1 or 2 that don't.

2.) We really want to fix the skin infection. There's a puss that oozes out and it has begun to smell. We've been given antibiotics for it, however the surrounding area is hard (i think possibly due to the puss solidifying onto the fur) so there is a shell of hard fur around the infected area. What is the normal treatment for this? Should they remove the hard encrusted fur area in order to expose it to air so that it will heal? I feel like because it is enclosed, it is not able to heal itself.

I'm not a vet and I obviously can't diagnose what the problem is for you via the internet, but it sounds a lot like an abscess and not just an infection. My cat that sounds similar to yours had one, and it initially started as an infection and got worse and worse. At first the vet just drained the pus out of the area, cleaned it and gave her an antibiotic. When that didn't work, she ended up having surgery to have the infected tissue removed. And yes, it was better to have it open. This was disgusting - so just a warning if you have it done - but the vet basically cut open a gaping wound in where the abscess was, had us seclude her from the other cats and use a special litter, and use a warm wash cloth to wipe down the wound every single day for 2 weeks. We were actually told that if a scab started to form to gently pull the scab off because it needed to be an open wound to air out. I know that some abscesses are given a drain during the surgery. We didn't have that. We just had the open wound. It honestly made me queasy to look at, but it worked. It cleared up the infection within 2 weeks. So I don't know for sure if what you are dealing with is an abscess, but it doesn't sound right to me that you just have antibiotics for something that is clearly VERY infected, especially if there's pus draining out of it.

3.) Will no kill shelters accept a chronically sick cat?

I don't have a lot of experience with shelters but my initial thought would be no. And if they do accept her, they still might have her euthanized. I've learned that most no-kill shelters aren't always no kill. They are only no-kill for adoptable animals, but sick animals are often put down. That may not be the case for all of them, but I would be leery of bringing her to one.

4.) If you were in our situation... what would you do? We're battling with the decision to give her up, or give one last go at getting her health in the right condition. I'm graduating from Master's by the end of July and am planning on getting a part time job immediately afterwards until a full time job lines up. Unfortunately my funding/scholarship money is starting to reach its end as I finish my studies and with the large vet bills that we've been running into.


Me - I'd personally give it one last go. But then again I have spent ridiculous amounts of money on my cats and I know that not everyone will do that, and if you don't, I don't fault you for it. I know its hard. But while you're frustrated and stressed out, its also clear that you seem to really love this kitten. You've done a lot for her already, and she knows that. She may not like all the vet visits, but I do truly believe that our animals know that we are taking care of them, and I think it would just be a horrible experience for her to suddenly be thrown into a cage at a shelter somewhere. But with that being said, I do understand that you may not be able to continue paying for things. Another suggestion is trying to find someone to take her that you know you can trust (not just someone from a random add on Craiglist). Ask your vet if there is anyone willing to take her if you decide that you cant keep her. There are crazy people, like me, out there who are more than willing to take in sick cats and nurse them back to health, and often a good vet knows who those people are. I would just personally go down that route before going to a shelter. But initially I would give it another try. Have you thought about getting a second opinion? Even if you really like your vet, it may be possible that he just doesn't know whats going on. So to answer your question, yes I would give it at LEAST one more go, but I think I would also seek out a second opinion too.

I hope that helps somewhat. I know there are people here who are much more knowledgeable than me, but I wanted to respond since I've gone through something very similar.

I'm so sorry for what you and your kitten are going through...the thing is, as hard as it is to think this, I really don't think you'll be able to find a shelter that will nurse this kitten through - you've already gone way past what most shelters, no-kill or otherwise, would be able to do, resource-wise. If you, yourselves, can find someone who will take on the challenge, that would be a way to go, but you'd have to find a very special angel, as loving as you are.

You may have to, with your vet's guidance, decide that it's best to let this little one go to the bridge, being held in your hands and given the love that is so evident you have for her.

Where are you exactly? That might help some members with recommendations to vet schools or specialists.

I know this sounds terrible - is there any chance people thinking of giving you a graduation present would be willing to provide funds for treatment of your little one?

It's always heart-breaking when we just don't have the financial resources to match the care we long to provide.

I, too, feel very forlorn for you, your kitty (whom I can tell you love very much) and the serious health issues your cat has. . Having a seriously ill cat can rack up thousands of dollars in vet bills, test, meds., etc. It is so extremely heart-breaking when we open up our hearts to these kitties and they become unexpectedly sick and we have reached our financial limit/max. for their continued care, which is most of these cases requires very deep pockets to keep them going. I do not know if a shelter would take on your kitty but it would be worth making some calls for advice/suggestions at the very least. Just know, we all sympathize with you on this and no one will fault you no matter what you decide. Very, very difficult and emotional time for you.

p.s. I wonder if the skin infection could be caused from severe allergies? , but I imagine you and your vet would have already covered that.... I just know that some cats can have such debilitating allergies to food or some outside allergen that is would cause these terrible sores.

Your profile does not say where you live, but if you're in NY State, there is "Friends of Animal Rescue"; http://friendsofanimalrescue.com/. They provide financial assistance to animals in need, exactly like your case. Please log on to their website, and even if you don't live in NY, they may be able to direct you to similar organizations in other states.

You can also try "Alley Cat Allies", www.alleycat.org. They are national, and do amazing work. Good luck and keep us posted, please!

I'm in no way shape or form suggesting that your current vet does't know what he is doing but...have you thought about getting a second opinion maybe by a holistic vet? I'm just thinking that maybe your current vet has done everything inside the box and maybe its time to look "outside the box". You've spent a great deal of time, love and resources in this kitten and one last shot for both your sakes may just be the answer. Instead of taking your cat to just any vet for a second opinion, maybe you could write everything down like you did here and find a holistic vet to at least read that and see if they may have any ideas. If they do, then maybe you could make an appointment to take your cat in. Someone mentioned an allergy and that could very well be. Good luck

How old was your kitten when she was tested for leukemia? It is possible for a very young kitten to test negative while having the virus. I think most if not all vets are aware of this so if she was really young she was probably retested. Are you taking her to a general type vet or a feline specialist. One of my cats has a chronic condition and went through several illnesses including two expensive hospitalizations without a diagnosis and a plan to control the problem. I took him to a feline specialist the last time he was sick and she did all the diagnostics and came up with something to control the condition. It was expensive but if he can stay well it will certainly be better for him and in the long run easier on my pocketbook as well.

Hi everybody,

First, I'd like to thank everyone for their wonderful replies. It's really heartwarming and the support is great.

As an update, after further discussing with my vet friend... I've come to the realization that we can't really afford any kind of hospitalization or IV care. If we do go the specialist, which has a $165 consultation fee alone, and testing is done to get an accurate prognosis, which will cost even more money, I fear there won't be enough finances to obtain the required medicine and treatment afterwards. So I've decided to put the specialist on hold for now and treat her main symptoms: her fever and the upper respiratory infection. I feel these are the main priority as the fever makes her very lethargic and the URI is preventing her from eating (cuz she can't smell the dang food...). I will continue her with the antibiotics for her skin infection as well. By prioritizing her symptoms, we can more efficiently use the finances that we currently have.

Any specialist treatment will happen after she gets over this hump and recovers. She has recovered in the past... and hopefully she will again this time.

While doing this, I'll be calling veterinarian offices asking if I can post a flyer for adoption, or if they know of some super people who nurse back sick kittens to good health for adoption. Of course I'll do this only if they can guarantee that they'll get her better. So we'll be screening the candidates super carefully before giving her up.

If we are unable to find someone to adopt her, then we'll try our best with what we have to maintain her health until I get a job. I'm finishing my degree in July and will find a part time job immediately to help her out.

I did research no-kill shelters in my area (I'm from Toronto btw), and they take in relatively healthy kittens... also as people said, they don't seem to be strictly no kill either.

@Denice
Yea they told us about the age thing for FeLV. She was tested for it when she was a little over 6 months old. She's 11 months nearing a year now. But as I said above, we're gonna hold off on the diagnostics and stick to the antibiotics and injections that had worked in the past.

@MNJULZ
I was actually wondering if you guys knew any methods of fixing her boogery nose? I've been putting her in the bathroom for 10-15 mins at a time after a hot shower to try and clear her sinuses, but it hasn't been too effecitve.. I might try doin it more often throughout the day. I feel like the main reason she's not eating on her own is cuz she cant smell the food. Any suggestions? Is there any over-the-counter medicine that I can give her to clear her nose?

and to everyone else.... Thanks so much again for your input and support. It means a lot to us and we are very thankful.


EDIT: any feedback will be great... feel free to criticize my decisions, its all up for discussion.