Bladder problems from calcivirus possible?

felines4life

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I got my cat Susie Q (you see her in my avatar) from a shelter,  the board of health have since closed down due to health issues in the cats, about 2 years ago. The cats there were known to have respiratory illnesses, among other illnesses, but I felt sorry for my little sniffling cat. She has never been really healthy. She was diagnosed with possible calcivirus after a steroid shot made it contagious to my fiance's cat (that was a teenager that almost died but that's another story, she's okay now). The vet gave her the steroid shot so that she would breath better (they suspected asthma) but everything go much much worse from there and they suspected it was from her viruses "shedding" particularly the vet suspected the calcivirus. 
 

Fast forward 2 years later, she's still sniffling, and has asthma/allergies and IBD. But this week she has taken a turn for the worse. This time the problem was litter box related. She is 99% of the time a very very clean cat. A few days ago I saw her licking her rear end almost constantly - not like bathing like something was wrong. Then I noticed she barely used the litter (I suspected her IBD was possibly acting up). She would go in front of me and scratch and squat. I was puzzled and I'd yell at her at which point she'd run to the litter only to stay in there a few seconds. I kept watch and today she barely moved, didn't use the litter at all, and barely ate or drank.

So tonight, after a slight breathing problem - which I guess could have been pain, we rushed her to the ER. Other than slight dehydration, her exam was normal until they palpitated her stomach. She SCREAMED, pooped on the table, and wouldn't let they go near what they said was a small bladder. So she's staying overnight to gather urine, and do blood work. Poor baby has never stayed overnight in a vets since I've had her, probably since her spaying. She's 7 years old by the way, and usually acts like a kitten being very active and talkative. I'm beside myself with worry when I just read that the calcivirus can cause bladder/Urinary tract problems. I really do suspect this is the case.

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with viruses or urinary tract problems specifically in females that are spayed. I know males are usually the ones with blockages, but they aren't sure what's going on right now. I'm hoping everything works out for the best for poor little Susie. She's never been a healthy cat but she's my cat. On a side note I had to go to the ER tonight too (I'm in a wheelchair and there were complications with sores). I'm really worried about Susie Q (SQ I call her) and I can't sleep. I feel like I should have noticed it sooner. But of course hindsight is 20/20, and I have a lot to contend with already.

I feel so bad though that she has to be all alone overnight there. I hope the lab work or urine shows something. I'm petrified it's something serious and even more petrified it seems that they'll find nothing like most times. I don't know but I'm about at my wits end with all her health problems... problem is that love her completely. We'll see what the vets suggest in the morning I guess. Trying to prepare myself for any news either way. Praying she's sleeping okay tonight alone in her little cage :( 
 

mrsgreenjeens

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I don't have a cat with Calcivirus, but I DO have an almost 15 year old  spayed  female who recently has been having difficulties with her bladder.  In the past few months she has had two bladder infections, or something close to it.  She also ended up in the ER her first time, where they gave her a pain med, and and antibiotics.  A few weeks later she had another one, or the first one came back, and we had to do it all over again, only that time we went to her regular Vet. 

Now we just keep a very close eye on her looking for any signs of straining, and I count all the "pees" in the litter boxes to make sure there are enough for all three cats. 

I hope your little one is okay.  I'm guessing by now you've gotten some word on her condition.

 
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