Sick kitten ... Tips or advice please!

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leoprincess

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Thank you Maewkaew .... I read the links you attached .... Very helpful!
 
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leoprincess

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 PCR GI ... I've done so research and specifically on the Tritrichomonas parasite, which is very difficult to detect.  I'm not sure if this is something my vet could do, but I'm wondering if it's worth the expense.

Of course I love my cat and I want him to get better, but from what I've read, this particular parasite is very hard to detect (has to be a perfectly performed test) and there is a big change it'll come up negative, but they could still have it.  Also, the treatment is very worrysome (have to keep a close eye on your pet to make that they are acting normal as there is a high risk of toxicity). 

I've contacted my breeder now twice and she advised that both Linus' litter mates are fine - she contacted the families and they are doing well and no issues.  She said that she's spoken to other breeders and one recommended that he be treated with Panacur.  I recently had him treated with Milbemax and I'm not sure what the difference is between the two.

I'm at such a loss right now.... I've only had him for 2 months and I've spent quite a bit of money trying to "fix" him.  The next step with my vet will be even more costly ... x-rays or a biopsy ... and I don't know if that's even necessary at this point, however, I can't leave him with diarrhea forever.  Should I get a second opinion?  Could my vet be missing something?

Aside from the diarrhea, Linus is totally normal ... he's growing, quite rapidly and FULL of energy.
 

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I highly recommend the PCR panel. When we have kittens with prolonged diarrhea (and we've done in house testing, metronidazole, etc...) this is our next course of action. It is such a sensitive test, and tests for more things than a vet can. At the very least, you are likely eliminating those parasites/bacteria as the cause. The tests looks not just for the physical parasite/bacteria, but also tests for the DNA of the parasite/bacteria. I also suggest having the vet pull a fecal sample at the clinic to send off. This way it is as fresh as possible and is not subject to outside contamination.

I think Panacur would be worth a try if you should choose not to to the PCR right now.

Out of 200+ cats that have come through our rescue, we have only had 1 with tritrichomonas. He tolerated the treatment quite well. We have seen 5 cases of Cryptosporidium, numerous cases of Giardia and recently, 8+ cases of Campylobacter.

Could still be a protein intolerance. What are you feeding him...still the Instinct LID Turkey? Do you have access to an LID venison or rabbit foods?

It might even be worth trying B12 shots to see if that helps. Although, since he is growing, I do not really suspect an absorption disorder.
 
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leoprincess

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Thank you CatPack for your detailed response, much appreciated.

I will contact my vet clinic and see what the cost is to do the PCR Panel, so that at least I know, if I decide to go that route.  Since you mentioned the parasites that have come through your clinic, are these parasites that are found in the normal stool sample or are these only parasites that can be found in the PCR Panel?

Do you happen to know what, if any, difference there is between the Panacur and Milbemax?  I had the vet deworm him again with the Milbemax about 2 or so weeks ago.

Yes, he's still on the Nature's Variety Limited Ingredient Turkey.  I had contacted a few stores and was able to find a store that could order in a different variety and it's due to arrive this weekend.  It's the Limited Ingredient in Lamb.
 

catpack

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The PCR panel tests for things that cannot be tested for in a regular stool sample cultured at your vet. The test takes about 5 days and is done at a outside lab that is capable of doing this specific test.

Here is what the PCR tests for:

Campylobacter
Clostridium
Cryptosporidium
Feline Coronavirus
Feline Panleukopenia virus
Giardia (can sometime be diagnosed by vet)
Salmonella
Toxoplasma
Tritrichomonas

Make sure your vet does the "Diarrhea RealPCR[emoji]8482[/emoji] Panel (Comprehensive Plus)"
 
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leoprincess

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I have done a lot is research today and have located one clinic that does the PCR Panel. The cost will be around $300, which is quite expensive. Is this normal and/or does anyone know of a cheaper clinic in Toronto?
 
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leoprincess

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My vet just called and Linus does have tritrichomonas foetus ... HUGE thank you to all members of this forum for your suggestions and help!!! If I hadn't found you guys, Linus would have been going on steroids for IBD.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
 

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I am so happy that he finally has a diagnosis which can be treated. Hooray!
 

mrsgreenjeens

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I am so happy that he finally has a diagnosis which can be treated. Hooray!
  I'm guessing it's worth the cost of the test to FINALLY have an answer and be able to put this in the past
 
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leoprincess

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Absolutely!!! I think had my vet suggested it, I wouldn't have questioned it, but because she said 'that when she was in med school, that was a parasite in cattle' and because she didn't know much about it, I assumed it wasn't the prevalent.

If will be so good to get him sorted!! And then I'll be writing an email to my breeder to let her know that one of her cats must have this.
 
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