Baloo could use some vibes

We've been concerned about a cough. We're also concerned about his coat. It's not as... "glossy" as it should be, and it's not filling in as it should be for winter.

We've been trying to get him to the vet for a month or two now, I think it is. Each time we plan to take him in - he doesn't show up! (It's really amazing, isn't it?).

This morning, in fact, he was a no show. But I decided to put the food out late since he wasn't there, and when everyone else was done and gone, I picked it up. We were about to head out to run an errand, and who shows up? He was reluctant to go eat the food in the crate. We then put a little tuna in there, and he went for it.

So he's at the vet for the night. We're having him tested for FIV/FeLV. If he's positive for either, he can't go into the foster network. We're not going to freak if it's FIV. He's neutered and not aggressive. If he's got FeLV... we've got decisions to make.

We're hoping the cough is lung worm. It usually is. But, as always, it may be asthma. We'll have to see. Lung worm is cleared up with a shot of ivomec. Asthma, I don't know what we'd do. We cannot bring another cat inside.

So let's hope he's FIV/FeLV negative, and this cough is lung worm, or something easily treatable, and not asthma!

Oh hun, hoping for the best!
To be nothing, just a cough..... magic vibes going your way

for little Baloo,


and for you and Gary.




Robin

Thanks.

Gary keeps pestering me - can we call the vet. We didn't have an appointment, and she said she'd call!!!!! If it were nearing 5:00, I'd say yes, but it's not.

Baloo baby, we know you're scared....

Gah, sometimes I really hate loving feral kitties!

Well, I was right. He's FIV+.

The good news is that he seems perfectly healthy, although it does appear he has diarrhea (which I suspect is chronic, like it was with Chum). No problems with teeth or gingivitis. Asthma has not been definitively ruled out, but he did have lung worm, so he received a shot of ivermectin. She also applied frontline. We've been battling ticks on him these last couple of weeks despite revolution. She said that what she does for her barn cat is alternate Revolution and Frontline, each one every month, but two weeks apart. So that's what we'll do until the season's over.

I'm going to start him on the same herbal protocol Chum's on. This should help the diarrhea and his coat.

Welcome to the 9th member of our fur family... Baloo

Well, I don't know what to say except, "Bless you!" for taking him in. It's not good news, but it could be worse. And now he'll get the care he needs from the people who are his angels - you and Gary.


Robin

It really is not the worst news though. He was not FeLk positive, thank God, and as we all have learned from you, FIV is not a death sentence!!! I am sorry about the lung worm, but a least you have dealt with this before and know how to treat. You are becoming experts in lung worm now too . And I totally agree with the two week apart dosage of Revolution. It must be given this way to treat mites/mange/heavy tick. It will work this way .

Truckloads of enormous hugs to you and Gary. I am not surprised to hear he is the newest member of your family, not in the least. The thing with your Baloo is he is not feral, but an abandoned boy. . Caring for these outdoor ferals/strays is risky on our hearts. And as I said before, it is almost easier of they stay feral.

Well on to the other Baloo thread

Yeah, I'm worried about Gary with Baloo outside this winter LOL. The worst is that Baloo wants inside.

I wish he could be indoor/outdoor. I don't know if we could make it work. We'll see.....

Originally Posted by LDG

Yeah, I'm worried about Gary with Baloo outside this winter LOL. The worst is that Baloo wants inside.

I wish he could be indoor/outdoor. I don't know if we could make it work. We'll see.....

Click to expand...

Hehe.... I am not going to say anything.... But I think I have a feeling where he is going to end up

It'd be nice... but Gary's too afraid of anything they'd bring in.

How is Buff Boy Baloo doing today? I hope you don't get all of that predicted snow . Kitties better snuggle up

Well, Baloo and Little Dot weren't outside when I fed the kitties this morning. He wasn't in his little napper (which isn't warm enough for how cold it was last night), so I'm at least glad he wasn't in it. They probably came by, but I didn't see them. Tabby and Babygirl we here, meowing impatiently for me to get the food down LOL.

It was raining, cold, and very windy. It's snowing now. Bleh!

I am sure Little D and Baloo are just fine. I know the worry you feel, though. I even feel concerned for your cats, inside and out now . I am just dreading the winter months because that is the hardest time of year on our hearts, caring for these outside kitties and worrying with the frigid temperatures coming