Not sure what's going on here!

Penney went to the veterinary August 13, 2013 because she wasn't drinking and wasn't urinating as was usual for her. Penney was given a Convenia/Baytril/Dex injection. I didn't question it and I'm not in the medical profession. Maybe I should have learned what the vet wanted to give Penney, come back home and learned more about it -- but hindsight is always a should-have.

Penney started horrible sneezing Sunday, August 18, 2013, and she would shake her head and fluid would fly everywhere. Penney hasn't acted the same since last Tuesday, August 13, 2013. She did start eating, drinking and eliminating more like normal but that didn't last long.

Sneezing, lethargy, not eating and drinking, and her elimination is way off. These symptoms are not normal for her. Another thing, she doesn't sit on my lap any longer.

August 22, 2013 - The sneezing has become less frequent. She's still not eating very much. She probably hasn't eaten a tablespoon of food today. Drinking, not much either. There has been nothing in her littler box since yesterday evening and I don't see anywhere where she might be eliminating otherwise. She doesn't play anymore and she doesn't get on my lap like she used to.

Penney has changed so much since taking her to the vet. She's a rescue kitty and I love her so much. She's not even three years old yet. Before August 13, 2013, she was so playful and such a talkative kitty and I miss that part of her so much. She's been with me since November 2011.

I am not sure how many if any of the symptoms are related to Convenia. I'm much more concerned about her eating and drinking, or lack thereof. Cats cannot go long without eating as they risk developing fatty liver disease. If she has not eaten at least half of her normal caloric intake in the last two days, I would really encourage you to look into syringe feeding. I'm also really concerned about dehydration.

Is getting a second opinion an option for you? Did the last vet say anything about what was causing the problems in the first place? Did the vet run any blood or urine tests? I do think she needs to see a vet again, if only for fluids for dehydration.

Getting a second opinion is definitely on my list. I think it was a couple days before I finally took Penney to the vet that I noticed Penney wasn't eating her usual amount and she wasn't drinking much water and she was licking herself and there weren't the usual big clumps in the litter box. The first thing I thought was she might have a bladder infection. Took her to the vet and I believe the vet didn't think it was a bladder infection but gave Penney the meds I mentioned. No tests of any kind. As you ask these questions of me it makes me feel so inadequate that I didn't ask them of the vet. I've been taking my pets to this vet for some time so I just trusted what she was doing. I think Penney would sleep round the clock now but periodically I pick her up and take her to her water and I put down wet food for her. She has dry food continually and she does eat a bit of that once in while. Thank you for your help!

Your description of her earlier symptoms does sound like a urinary tract issue of some kind. Unfortunately without a urinalysis, it's impossible to identify the cause. A lot of vets like to throw antibiotics at the problem even when there's no evidence of bacterial infection. You do need a urinalysis done, but with the Convenia in her system, I'm not sure it will be helpful identifying any bacterial infection. It will however identify if she has any crystals or stones that may be causing an issue.

I would also recommend that you take a look at this video about syringe feeding. If she has not been eating or drinking, she is going to have a hard time recovering from whatever this is, and you don't want fatty liver complicating things. http://www.thecatsite.com/t/227858/syringe-feeding-lucky-video-if-your-cat-is-not-eating

I'm so sorry to hear that Penney hasn't been herself lately. I'd be very worried, too.    Try to write down all your questions and concerns and bring them with you to the vet.

Please pardon my frankness, but I do think it's a bit "sloppy" for the vet to be administering meds without having any tests done. A blood panel and urinalysis can really be helpful in pinpointing what may be going on. Penney could be taking something that is not going to help her, or perhaps even harm her. She now has multiple medications in her system, and I've read the Convenia can be particularly harsh and lasts for a few weeks. I would really recommend some fluids. I know if it was my vet, they'd want to keep her for overnight hospitalization.

I also second the concern about not eating and that she should be syringe fed very soon if not meeting her daily caloric intake.

I really hope she turns around soon! 

I can't thank all of you enough for all your helpful suggestions and support! Thank you!

I have had two different cats get the Convenia shot.  It took 10 days for the thing to wear off and they were like zombies for about a week.  Their food intake was off which meant their elimination was off and they slept...A LOT!  I have since learned that these are some side effects of the medication and have it on my "never give without a consent from owner" list on each cat's file with my vet.

As another person mentioned, the original symptoms sound like a urinary tract infection or something of that sort.  However, as also mentioned, a urinalysis is needed to test that.  When you go to your vet or a new vet, be sure to ask for a urinalysis.  The sneezing is most likely a result of the stress of going to the vet.  She might be coming down with an upper respiratory infection, but the convenia should clear that up. 

How is she doing today?  Any improvement?
 

Penney is doing better today. She started improving over the weekend and began acting more like herself. I will always believe that the Convenia caused an adverse reaction and I will make certain that she's never given it again. One very good lesson I've learned from this is to ask questions even if I've been going to the same vet for years and years.

Thanks again everyone for sharing!

Kay

I'm so glad to hear she's doing better! 

One of my cats recently had Convenia, as well. I did not know about the horrible side effects it can have. Luckily, my Sebastian recovered well. Other cats have not been so lucky.