Cat Respiratory/Lung Question

The vet is now closed, and I thought the Internet might help answer my query.

Here's the what the deal is:

I have a young female feline. I'm thinking less than two years old. She's been fixed. I stay on top of her shots.

In the past couple of days, she's become lethargic, shallow, quick breathing, won't eat, drink, do her business, basically won't even move.

I took her to the Vet. Some XRays were taken. She has white spots all through her lungs. Had some tests done, and some samples were sent off to the lab, or wherever.

The Veterinarian said it might be one of four possibilities: Cancer, heart worms, fungal infection, or a parasite. The last two are treatable, while the first two, at least in my case for cancer, are not. Let's hope for the best!

Well, I was just reminded that she sneezes a lot, and I mean fairly regularly. So much so that I just realized I've come accustomed to it until someone pointed it out. I have another cat that never sneezes.

Does this help with the diagnosis at all? Does it possibly mean something?

Ok..... and did the vet do anything else? A blood test? What is this whatever? Do you have the results?
Is she taking any medications? Is she getting better since? Worst?
Are you feeding your cat? Did your vet instructed you/taught you how to syringe feed your kitty? For a cat, it is life-saving.....
If she has taken a turn to worst, take her to an ER vet (tonight). What you are describing to me, doesn't sound like a cat that should be home - this cat IMHO should be in the hospital.... Just my 2-cents FWIW.
Oh, another thing.... Heart worms in cats, my understanding is that you usually see one, or two worms only, in the heart - not a whole bunch of spots in the lungs. And not hundreds of worms like as you see in dogs. But those couple are enough to kill a cat.... A lot of cats survive with treatment though.... It is not 100% lethal, and that description doesn't fit what I know.... But I am not a vet.
Some sort of pneumonia, bronchitis, fungal infection, or some type of scar tissue from another issue she had on her lungs are all possibilities..... Did she run a fever?

No fever.

The Vet gave me some medication for what I think is the fungal aspect. She said it wouldn't hurt to try.

I just got her to the vet today. The blood test results, and I think another test of some sort, should be available tomorrow.

I guess I need to just slow my horses until tomorrow. I should be hearing about this first thing once they receive the results.

But, I am concerned about her not eating/drinking. She's a chubby little cat, and it's only been a couple of days so far. Should I be force feeding her somehow? And how would I go about doing that If I needed to? You mentioned a syringe. I've never heard of this method. Do you have a link?

Thank you for replying, by the way. I'm worried sick. She looks to be in so much pain. It's killing me.

Yes, especially when they are chubby, you want to pay close attention to the feeding, as they can develop Hepatic Lipidosis, a very serious liver disease....
Here is a good link: http://www.assistfeed.com/FeedingTechniques.htm

And here is a thread I have done on the subject with some good information also: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/227858/syringe-feeding-lucky-video-if-your-cat-is-not-eating

I am not sure about slowing your horses.... I would be looking for answers too..... And If this vet doesn't give you, I would run to another one. But one thing is for sure, your baby is in trouble, and needs treatment (the right one) fast, and supportive therapy - a vet that is on the top of it will be essential in keeping her alive and healthy.... In all seriousness, my vet would not sent her home

It could possibly heartworm. Was your cat an outdoor kitty? Heartworm is pretty rare in cats but is definitely a possibility from the symptoms.http://www.cat-world.com.au/heartworm-in-cats I would absolutely start syringe feeding your kitty. I am also surprised that the vet did not suggest keeping the cat so fluids could be administered. I would take her back to the vet first thing in the morning OR even better, an e-vet tonight, especially if she is still breathing rapidly and not eating. You must get food into her or she could develop the Hepatic Lipidosis that Carolina mentioned above. This is definitely an emergency, so sorry and please keep us posted... Mega vibes

Well, I don't have a syringe, and I have to go to sleep now for work. This really sucks. There's nothing I can do.

I just tried some wet food. Put it right in front of her. She turned her nose. There's a food and water right next to where she's rest, right now. There's really nothing more I can do until the Vet get's back to me.

I hope she lasts the night. The shallow, quick breathing has sped up. This whole thing is so crazy and sudden.

She was perfectly fine three days ago.

There are no emergency veterinarians in my town. It's a small town.

I'm starting to wonder why the Vet didn't recommend she stay overnight. Her symptoms have become progressively worse since I left the Vet.

williamd said:

Well, I don't have a syringe, and I have to go to sleep now for work. This really sucks. There's nothing I can do.

I just tried some wet food. Put it right in front of her. She turned her nose. There's a food and water right next to where she's rest, right now. There's really nothing more I can do until the Vet get's back to me.

I hope she lasts the night. The shallow, quick breathing has sped up. This whole thing is so crazy and sudden.

She was perfectly fine three days ago.

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Call your vet - there will be a message on the answering machine with the nearest ER-Vet location information. I really, ***really*** think you should take her in.... What is a night when you sleep late? I understand you need to work.... we all do.... I have taken mine 2,3,4 am to the ER.... It happens..... But when it is needed, it is needed, and I don't think you can wait.
In there, they will give her fluids, medication, and oxigen. She will have the best chances of surviving

If your cat's breathing is more rapid now and her symptoms are worsening, she needs help right now and needs a vet tonight. I would call all the vets in your town, there has to be a referral to an E-vet when all regular vets are closed. I am sorry, the vet today should have kept her. She needs help and fast. She could be having serious heart complications.

Concerned about you and your kitty!! Hoping to hear some good news. :cross:

williamd said:

The vet is now closed, and I thought the Internet might help answer my query.

Here's the what the deal is:

I have a young female feline. I'm thinking less than two years old. She's been fixed. I stay on top of her shots.

In the past couple of days, she's become lethargic, shallow, quick breathing, won't eat, drink, do her business, basically won't even move.

I took her to the Vet. Some XRays were taken. She has white spots all through her lungs. Had some tests done, and some samples were sent off to the lab, or wherever.

The Veterinarian said it might be one of four possibilities: Cancer, heart worms, fungal infection, or a parasite. The last two are treatable, while the first two, at least in my case for cancer, are not. Let's hope for the best!

Well, I was just reminded that she sneezes a lot, and I mean fairly regularly. So much so that I just realized I've come accustomed to it until someone pointed it out. I have another cat that never sneezes.

Does this help with the diagnosis at all? Does it possibly mean something?

Click to expand...

This EXACTLY what my cat had and I am desperate for answers! What was the resolution to your cat??? My vet doesn’t really know and says she has asthma! Or a bronchial infection. . .he gave her an antibiotic shot and a steroid type shot. WTH is it!!!

dselestial said:

This EXACTLY what my cat had and I am desperate for answers! What was the resolution to your cat??? My vet doesn’t really know and says she has asthma! Or a bronchial infection. . .he gave her an antibiotic shot and a steroid type shot. WTH is it!!!

Click to expand...

This thread is 8 years old, try starting a new thread for your question and you’ll probably get more answers.