Kitten with Toxoplasmosis?

Ok so I have a 4-5 month old kitten who is really sick.

He was neutered 3ish weeks ago and about a week ago I noticed some cloudiness in one of his eyes and he was breathing faster. It was very slight so I just kept an eye on it. Then about 3 days ago he started displaying worse symptoms elsewhere, he was falling down when he walked and he was breathing heavier. He was always slightly bow legged but this was way worse.

I brought him immediately to the Cat Hospital (feline only place in Queens NY, they are awesome there) where he still is today. He checked out his bones and came to the conclusion that his walking was a neurological problem. Also had a slight fever of 103.6.

The vets first opinion was FIP which is obviously almost 100% fatal. He did a quick blood test which the protein levels seemed normal. X-rayed the lungs and there was no fluid inside.  Next day his temperature was back to normal then a little later on fluctuated back up to 103.5ish. Was back to normal this morning.

Full blood chemistry showed nothing out of the ordinary that would hint at FIP except being positive for the corona virus and being anemic.

What did come back on the blood test was high antibodies to fight off Taxoplasmosis so instead of FIP they are hoping it is Taxoplasmosis which would account for all of his symptoms.

The only thing that worries me is I don't know when he would have possibly ate raw meat or anything like that. He started him on the antibiotic Clindamycin and is hoping to see improvements tomorrow and into saturday.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks everyone, he's such a good kitten I would be devastated if I lost him. Really hoping he pulls through and it is this over FIP

KatRescue90 said:

 

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Early treatment is important for recovery in cats who develop symptoms.  In addition to Clindamycin, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine are given together to inhibit t gondii reproduction so you might discuss that treatment with your vet.

As to how he got it, you may never know but if he ate a mouse, this would be a likely way.  I'm glad FIP was ruled out, and a positive test for corona virus doesn't really mean anything since many cats test positive for it.

Here is a great article on Taxo: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/toxoplasmosis.cfm

Thanks for the reply.

Just an update, things took a turn for the worse for Chester today. Little guy can't even stand up on his own and can barely hold his head up

Took him to the animal medical center in NYC who think it's FIP but they want to keep him on Clindamycine to see if he improves...he's still eating which is good and none of the vets I've seen seem to think he's in pain so they don't want to euthanize him yet

We are all hoping and praying for a miracle and that it ISNT FIP and the meds for toxo start to work...kinda losing hope here though. I have him home now and can't stand walking into the room seeing him curled up on his blanket looking so content (he didn't purr once at the vets now he hasn't stopped since he's been home haha) yet knowing he's in a losing battle right now

I will update this post over the next day or two in case anyone's interested

Thanks everyone

I'm sorry to read this update.  Praying and hoping it's not FIP.

Unfortunately, I had to put Chester to sleep at 5am this morning :'(

Was up all night with him and he progressively got worse, couldn't even hold his head up anymore and I had to use a space heater to keep his body temperature up.

Was the hardest decision of my life but I knew it was time. He lived a short but good life, if I had to go back in time I would adopt him again just because of how great of a cat / family member he was. Will always remember his love for food and his constant sleeping under the blanket with me, as soon as I hopped into bed he sprinted into the bedroom to climb under the blanket haha. Was such an amazing cat. He's in kitty heaven now and in a better place.

I am soooo sorry... ((hugs)) I know how hard it is..been a week today since putting my Minnie down... I pray you will be blessed with a deep peace knowing he is not suffering any longer.

KatRescue90 said:

Unfortunately, I had to put Chester to sleep at 5am this morning :'(

Was up all night with him and he progressively got worse, couldn't even hold his head up anymore and I had to use a space heater to keep his body temperature up.

Was the hardest decision of my life but I knew it was time. He lived a short but good life, if I had to go back in time I would adopt him again just because of how great of a cat / family member he was. Will always remember his love for food and his constant sleeping under the blanket with me, as soon as I hopped into bed he sprinted into the bedroom to climb under the blanket haha. Was such an amazing cat. He's in kitty heaven now and in a better place.

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I'm so very sorry.

Awww, he sounds like a wonderful kitty, and I'm so sorry for your loss. 

The TCS team would like you to know that we are so very sorry for your loss. Threads are locked after someone has suffered such a loss, as a sign of respect. We invite you to place a tribute at http://www.thecatsite.com/f/19/crossing-the-bridge  as an enduring testimony to your friend.