Nearly 3K so far - need advice - I'm desperate

The other thing you could do besides a cone collar is use an undershirt, if she is a small cat you could get a loose sock and cut holes in it for her arms and just let the bottom part be snug against her belly. Check with the doctor on this, but my veterinary center sent my cat Lulu home with this when she had a different surgery and it worked fine. Also they make soft collars now, which is a good deterrent and does not really bother the kitty. Plus, there are a lot of cats who don't even mess with their stitches at all and many vets send kitties home with nothing. Last but not least the vet can put apple bitters or another bitter antiseptic on the incision to keep the kitty from going after it. 

On the medicine, I know there are cats with FIV and feline leukemia who are on steady antibiotics but since your cat has tested negative It is distressing to hear that she is still in this situation. I would definitely ask the vet to please explain the rationale for continuing this treatment this way. Your cat needs time for her healthy bacteria to develop so that she can have sufficient immunity to fight off whatever (micro parasites?) is attacking her system. I would ask the vet why not try probiotics instead of antibiotics? I do apologize in advance if I missed something in this area already. But normally in a young cat it is a microparasite that causes these kinds of problems. I would be dosing my kitty with probiotics and using pumpkin to help with her stools, wiping fingerfuls off on her tongue.

 

gussamor said:

I really appreciate all advice. Gussie's now been on Doxyclycline for ~70 days (first 18 days were concurrent w/ Clavamox) & since Doxy needs to be administered w/ food, we've been going to the poorhouse buying her $9/lb Black Forest ham (she only likes the very thin shaved ham which I "pre-chew" in small bits). We've been taking her temp every day at ~ noon for the past 38 days and though it's been trending upward, she's never been over 102 (yet). I acknowledge she needs fixing soonest but I worry about the lampshade - I have enough problems getting her to eat AND she's constipated. We *try* to feed her at least 1 tsp pumpkin w/ a jar of turkey or ham Gerbers 2 baby food daily & she has full access to EVO/Calif Natural dry food (moi? *I* have gained 15 lbs since this circus started....utterly stressed). 

Does the lampshade REALLY need to be on for 10 days after fixing?

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I agree with Carolina you really need to go get a second opinion. I also do not think it is a good idea to spay such a sick animal, and I kind of think it is dangerous to advise doing something so risky. I would never allow my cats to have surgery with a fever and an unknown disease. I am of course pro spay/neuter but clearly your cat is very ill and needs a better treatment plan. Figuring out what is wrong with her is your top priority and then you can get her spayed. Please seek out another vet, hopefully a feline specialist.

catsallaround said:

I have NEVER left the cone collar on a cat that long. Only ONE cat had a cone collar at ALL and she was a FERAL the humane society did(..long story....they had her a few days and sent her home with it).

I have also let females go in days and males within a few hours of taking them home.

There are anti pain/lick topicals you can use around the area.  I have some small females.  boys are often bigger.

I would have her spayed ASAP and go from there.  

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I agree you don't really need to put a cone on a cat for very long. I will be getting my female spayed with laser surgery and the vet told me she would not have to wear a cone at all. To the OP when you find out what is wrong with her and she gets better you might want to look into laser surgery as it is much easier on them (at my super expensive vet it is only $80 more expensive but it might be even cheaper at other vets).

I do not want to be rude but her cat is clearly very ill I hope you agree she should determine what is wrong with the cat before preforming surgery. Of course everyone should have their cats spayed and neutered ASAP but in this case it seems like risky advice when the cat has had a fever for months and is barely eating! I hope all of us can agree that a second opinion is the first thing the OP should do.

UPDATE - Gussie has now been on Doxycycline since 2/2/13.  EXCEPT right before she was spayed - some idiot confused Doxycycline w/ Ivermectin and she received 5 or 6 doses of Ivermectin

(.6  2x a day). After first 3 doses, I made an appointment because her eyes were permanently dilated (skipped dose that AM). Told Vet that the meds looked different (after 4 months 2x a day? "I knew from"). Vet basically patted me on the head and said "OK crazy lady, we'll give you a new bottle of Doxy". She got 2 more doses of Ivermectin ("new" Doxy was from same bottle) before THE MAIN VET CALLED ME TO TELL ME I WAS RIGHT AND IT WASN'T DOXYCYCLINE (2 other cats & 3 dogs were also affected - no one died). Gussamor was spayed a few days later. Had temp spike so we put her back on Clavamox (in addition to Doxy). Gussamor hated it so I read the insert which -to paraphrase- states after 48 hours of normal temps, one may discontinue (called Vet & got OK). 

She's been fine since then but she's still on Doxycycline. We are weaning her off - was .6 2x day - spent 3+ weeks on .5 2x day - and just started .4 2x a day.

Her weight is UP (gets a morning snack of Gerber's baby food) but she's developed a weird behavior that I have NEVER seen in a cat (told Vet but yet again, they are NOT listening). She extends her left leg and then rubs her hip against the corner of a wall. 

Does anyone have a clue as to what is wrong w/ this cat?

UPDATE - Gussie has now been on Doxycycline since 2/2/13.  EXCEPT right before she was spayed - some idiot confused Doxycycline w/ Ivermectin and she received 5 or 6 doses of Ivermectin

(.6  2x a day). After first 3 doses, I made an appointment because her eyes were permanently dilated (skipped dose that AM). Told Vet that the meds looked different (after 4 months 2x a day? "I knew from"). Vet basically patted me on the head and said "OK crazy lady, we'll give you a new bottle of Doxy". She got 2 more doses of Ivermectin ("new" Doxy was from same bottle) before THE MAIN VET CALLED ME TO TELL ME I WAS RIGHT AND IT WASN'T DOXYCYCLINE (2 other cats & 3 dogs were also affected - no one died). Gussamor was spayed a few days later. Had temp spike so we put her back on Clavamox (in addition to Doxy). Gussamor hated it so I read the insert which -to paraphrase- states after 48 hours of normal temps, one may discontinue (called Vet & got OK). 

She's been fine since then but she's still on Doxycycline. We are weaning her off - was .6 2x day - spent 3+ weeks on .5 2x day - and just started .4 2x a day.

She has a weird behavior that the Vet is NOT listening to (crazy lady yet again) - she extends her left leg backwards and rubs her left hip against wall corners. I've never seen this in another cat so I think it's significant. Comments?

And does ANYONE have an idea as to what is wrong w/ her? We've done repeated blood, urine, X-rays, etc.

BTW, she DID get fixed after 2 heats (big mistake on our part but after sooo much health drama, we were terrified). Removed cone after 2 days (thanks to all who said "not to worry!").

We are now well above 4K. Cannot afford. NEED SUGGESTIONS!

Doxycycline
Possible Side Effects
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction
to the medication, signs may include facial
swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset
of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale
gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe
any of these signs, contact your
veterinarian immediately.

FYI, allergies occur anytime, even though she has been taking it for a while. It could be anything else too.

A lot of people here have been advising you since February to seek another opinion. Have you gone to another vet?
If you are not happy with your vet, that's what you do - you go to another. I am so sorry he is not listening....... But it is now August..... And your kitty is still on Doxy...... and your vet is still not listening..... and you are still unhappy with the results.... :dk:

Tons of vibes for your kitty, and I hope you finally find another vet soon

Hi gussamor,

I am very sorry that you have been going through such a hard time. As I and many others have said to you in your other thread the best advice is to seek a second opinion. I am not sure where you are located but I have had success with this vet ratings website (http://www.vetratingz.com/). I personally know it is difficult to leave a vet after you have spent a lot of money but it really is the best option for your cat's health if the vet is not listening to you and making such terrible mistakes.

Also I want to refer you to the forum rules:

No online advice can replace direct veterinary intervention. If you suspect that your cat may be ill, please contact your vet immediately. You are welcome to look for advice in the health forum while waiting for that appointment, but never delay proper veterinary care waiting for Internet advice. Remember that cats, and especially kittens, are very adept in keeping pain to themselves and delaying treatment may cause irreversible damage.

From your other thread: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/254924/nearly-3k-so-far-need-advice-im-desperate

Carolina said:

Hun, I am sorry to say, but you NEED a second opinion! This plan is not working. You already did Clavamox/Doxy.... Didn't work - what makes you think it will work now? It didn't kill the bacteria then, it **is not the right antibiotic now**.
You did 22 days the first time, now you increased to 57..... ???
You need to go to a new vet - Long term antibiotics are not good for anyone, let alone to a little kitten.
If you continue to do the same thing, you will get the same results - time to change the plan :nod:

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gussamor said:

UPDATE - Gussie has now been on Doxycycline since 2/2/13. EXCEPT right before she was spayed - some idiot confused Doxycycline w/ Ivermectin and she received 5 or 6 doses of Ivermectin (.6 2x a day). After first 3 doses, I made an appointment because her eyes were permanently dilated (skipped dose that AM). Told Vet that the meds looked different (after 4 months 2x a day? "I knew from"). Vet basically patted me on the head and said "OK crazy lady, we'll give you a new bottle of Doxy". She got 2 more doses of Ivermectin ("new" Doxy was from same bottle) before THE MAIN VET CALLED ME TO TELL ME I WAS RIGHT AND IT WASN'T DOXYCYCLINE (2 other cats & 3 dogs were also affected - no one died). Gussamor was spayed a few days later. Had temp spike so we put her back on Clavamox (in addition to Doxy). Gussamor hated it so I read the insert which -to paraphrase- states after 48 hours of normal temps, one may discontinue (called Vet & got OK).

She's been fine since then but she's still on Doxycycline. We are weaning her off - was .6 2x day - spent 3+ weeks on .5 2x day - and just started .4 2x a day.

Her weight is UP (gets a morning snack of Gerber's baby food) but she's developed a weird behavior that I have NEVER seen in a cat (told Vet but yet again, they are NOT listening). She extends her left leg and then rubs her hip against the corner of a wall.

Does anyone have a clue as to what is wrong w/ this cat?

Click to expand...

Carolina said:

Doxycycline
Possible Side Effects
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction
to the medication, signs may include facial
swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset
of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale
gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe
any of these signs, contact your
veterinarian immediately.

FYI, allergies occur anytime, even though she has been taking it for a while. It could be anything else too.

A lot of people here have been advising you since February to seek another opinion. Have you gone to another vet?
If you are not happy with your vet, that's what you do - you go to another. I am so sorry he is not listening....... But it is now August..... And your kitty is still on Doxy...... and your vet is still not listening..... and you are still unhappy with the results.... :dk:

Tons of vibes for your kitty, and I hope you finally find another vet soon

Click to expand...

Your cat needs a new vet that will actually do what is necessary to properly diagnose her.

.

YES, I have gone to a second vet (same office) & that's how I discovered Doxycycline! I am no longer a passive consumer - if it works, I want it and I'm not shy about disagreeing!.  Now on .4 Doxy 2x a day for almost 3 weeks. I'm SLOWLY tapering her off and I take her temp around noon every day (overall, I see slight rise to avg temp but she's MUCH fatter). 

WEIRDEST thing ever - after Ivermectin overdose (oral - confused w/ Doxy by Vet's supplier) and spay, she has been MUCH healthier! She's been gaining a LOT of weight. She still gets Gerbers2 at ~11am & pre-chewed deli meat when administrating Doxy every 12 hours but she's now interested in CAT food too! I suspect that the Ivermectin overdose did some good as she was sick 9 MONTHS before she went into her first heat.

Opinions? 

Is some sort of cat food her main diet? I ask because deficiencies can sure complicate matters. Glad to hear that she's feeling better!

My opinion is that you still have no diagnosis. I personally would have gone to a different vet practice for the second opinion. If no further diagnostics have been done, it's great that the doxy works and all, but nothing is being done to cure the condition that precipitates this extensive use of antibiotics.

I assume you haven't spayed her because she's been so ill?

GUSSIE IS DOING MUCH BETTER (knock wood)! After Ivermectin overdose & spay (and 3 days of Clavamox after fever spike), we put her back on .6 Doxycycline 2x day.  She was even thinner after the spay & Ivermectin overdose so she's been receiving a "midmorning snack" of a jar of Gerbers2 baby food around noon (in addition to the pre-chewed deli food she receives w/ oral Doxy) plus she's now voluntarily eating cat food.  ALSO, after she gained some weight, we started reducing the Doxycycline -though very slowly- went from .6 2x day (after months of that) to .5 2x day (for 25 days), then .4 2x day (25 days), then .3 2x day (30 days) and she just started .2 2x day.  We've been taking her temp around noon daily since February (she is so used to it, you can call her name & she trots up for temp taking)

HOWEVER, Gussamor has developed a WEIRD new behavior since we've reduced the Doxycycline - she stretches out her left leg (only) parallel to her spine and rubs her left (only) hip against a wall or furniture corner. ALWAYS the left leg & hip. We are going to have her Xrayed soon but any ideas? I'm wondering if maybe -despite many Xrays long ago- her whole problem was a joint issue? 

I am SOOOOO open to suggestions! This nightmare has been going on since last October and I am still very stressed (though overjoyed she's still alive and so much perkier - at one point, we were considering euthanasia as she seemed to be suffering). 

Can you go over what all her symptoms were that lead you to take her in so many times? List every single one, including anything you aren't certain is related.

She ever tested for Lyme? 

November 2013.  Gussamor has been on .2 Doxy ONCE a day for the past 10 days & her temps are still within normal range. We have been SLOWLY tapering her off Doxycycline since June. If all goes well (knock wood all over the place!), I plan to quit the Doxy entirely after 45 days. She looks and acts SO much better than when I first wrote (knock wood!).

Lyme disease? Don't think we have it in coastal SoCal & she was 100% indoor a couple months before she got sick last October. 

Still doing weird rubbing against corners of her left hip (only) with leg extended directly back. WHY? Started after Doxy reduction. 

I looked up and saw there are ticks in CA, not sure exactley where they are/aren't.  One could have come home on you.  In NJ there are quite a few and I have gotten them from walking to mail box. 

To me sounds like pain/possibly infection starting

FWIW - Lyme disease is EVERYWHERE.

http://www.lymeinfo.ca/lymedisease-geographicdistribution.aspx

With climate change and mild winters, it is now carried on birds to every state. Although this map may say rare, it is known that there are many thousands of human cases in the "rare" areas.

A tick can be picked up and carried indoors.

In humans, the first line of defense is Doxy, don't know how that works in cats. Not saying it is Lyme (and, in humans, very, very difficult to test for) because this forum is not meant for diagnostics - just giving information as I understand it on the subject.