Been to the vet a few times would like other insight please

So let me begin last week on friday when my baby boy calypso started to act weird and stopped eating we went to the vet they took his blood and sent him home.

Saturday he still wasnt eating and felt lighter so i took him back in they weighed him he lost a pound in one day so they decided to do a xray in the xray they seen his intestine were bunched up and an obstruction. so we decided to do surgery they went in thinking string or something but nope it was a hard piece if poop so they kept him.

monday comes around they said he still wasnt eating and that they were going to keep him and his blood work had came back that he was FIP+.(at this time i didnt know anything about FIP) they said it just has to run its course he'll be fine. we are going to keep him one more night so i call.

Tuesday to check on him im talking to the vet tech she said did the doc tell you calypso has FIP? i said yes so she started to inform me about it at this time im crying my eyes out. shes then proceeds to say that there no real test but he probably has the virus but it hasnt mutated yet.
she was going to try these pills to make him eat i said ok lets try it i called back later that day they said he ate some so the next day.

Wednesday i called to see how he was doing they said he was eating and up beat (let me add i went to see him a couple of times and brought him a blanket an they said he was a totally different cat when he seen me) but the doc wanted to keep him one more night.

Thursday today i got to bring him home by 12pm today they sent me home with the pills that are making him eat he was up beat in the car but when i got him home hes like sad i dont know whats going on.

The vet tech said she doesn't believe he has FIP and that he was right at the border line of it he is also still recovering from the surgery they didnt give me any info on how to care for him.

Im just so worried and ive been crying my eyes out on the thought of him having FIP also hes 1 year and 3 months old hes a inside cat always has been.
i rescued him at 2 weeks old so hes my baby hes just like one of my kids.

This vet has me so confused im sorry if this was all over the place im trying to make sure i have everything here as my mind has been some where eles since finding this out.

I also have 3 other cats in the house 2 of them he grew up with and the other was a forster but shes now part of the family ive had her since she was 8 days old. Id just like some more insight i have no clue on what to do im also going to attach his blood work too.

Let me also add that he is drinking alot of water i have photos and videos if you need to see him and they were not sure is the FIP was dry or wet form

Anyone???

I cannot help out very much when it comes to FIP, but I would like to add: It is a very difficult thing to diagnose. I do not think there is one or any blood tests which confirm it. 

I know there are 2 kinds, wet and dry. The Wet is when the body starts to accumulate fluid.

I am not sure about the dry.. or maybe I am confused. 

I do not know what or why your Vet decided on that diagnosis. Did he tell you why??

If she had an obstruction from a hard piece of poop, then I would think that was the most likely source of her issues.

Abdominal surgery is very hard for cats to bounce back from. Did they give you any special Food? or instructions? or medicine? I would think she would be on painkillers and possibly something to keep her stool looser...

Any antibiotics?

I will try paging a few people..to see if you can get better advise. I am sorry it is taking so long to answer your questions.. 

@foxxycat

@Red Top Rescue

@talkingpeanut  

 @Columbine

I am wishing you the best, please do not jump to immediate conclusions, until you get all the facts. I would demand your Vet explain things in more detail to you. That way you can understand and possibly take her for a second opinion.

How old is your cat.. FIP usually happens to younger cats....

((hugs)))

I'm afraid I have absolutely no experience in this area.The article below explains the basics. Hopefully someone with more experience will be here soon. I'm so sorry you're going through this with your boy [article="29712"][/article]

I, too, am curious to know how this vet arrived at a diagnosis of FIP without any evidence of a Coronavirus test. The high neutrophil count on the CBC is indicative of an infection and/or inflammation. We see that a lot when there's an infection with inflammation, certainly possible with the hard stool inflaming the GI tract. But neutrophils can rise to any source of inflammation, with or without infection (though an infection is commonly present).

I see that they did testing for FIV and Feline Leukemia (both negative), but unless I'm missing something, I don't see any sort of titer for coronavirus or so-called "FIP test". FIP is actually caused by an "atypical" response to coronavirus, usually in cats that have a weak or compromised immune system. There's no specific "FIP virus", so any "FIP test" is pretty much going to be a corona titer. These tests cannot distinguish between the different types of coronaviruses, but they would indicate exposure and antibody levels. The vet would use the results of this titer and evaluate the results in light of other symptoms, intestinal tissue biopsy if available.

Another note about "FIP testing", and another good source of information about FIP-- much of it repeats what's in the good link that Columbine provided (thanks, Columbine!): 

 
Can my cat be tested for FIP?

One of the most difficult aspects of FIP is that there is no simple diagnostic test. The ELISA, IFA, and virus-neutralization tests detect the presence of coronavirus antibodies in a cat, but these tests cannot differentiate between the various strains of feline coronavirus. A positive result means only that the cat has had a prior exposure to coronavirus, but not necessarily one that causes FIP.

The number that is reported from these tests is called an antibody titer. Low titers indicate a small amount of coronavirus antibodies, while high titers indicate much greater amounts of antibodies. A healthy cat with a high titer, however, is not necessarily more likely to develop FIP or be a carrier of an FIP-causing coronavirus than a cat with a low titer. A cat with a high titer is also not necessarily protected against developing FIP in the future.

Other tests have been developed that can detect parts of the virus itself. The immunoperoxidase test detects virus-infected cells in the tissue, but a biopsy of affected tissue is necessary for evaluation. Another antigen test uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viral genetic material in tissue or body fluid. Although this test shows promise, PCR is presently only capable of detecting coronaviruses in general, not necessarily those that cause FIP.

To date, there is no way to screen healthy cats for the risk of developing FIP, and the only way to definitively diagnose FIP is by biopsy, or examination of tissues at autopsy. Generally, veterinarians may rely on a presumptive diagnosis, which can be made with a relatively high degree of confidence by evaluation of the cat's history, presenting symptoms, examination of fluid if it is present, and the results of supporting laboratory tests including a positive coronavirus antibody titer.

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/brochure_ftp.cfm

Click to expand...

In short, FIP is not an easy-to-reach diagnosis, and seems to be more of a "rule-out" (after everything else has been ruled out) than an initial diagnosis especially when the cat has the "dry form" (non-effusive) and isn't presenting with the "classic" belly full of fluid-- the so called "wet form". Artiesmom is spot on with her observation.

That's my experience with FIP, from lots of years as a vet tech/assistant.

I have read that a common lab test finding is low lymphocytes and high globulin level.  Both of these in conjunction with a positive for Coronavirus antibodies.  Having the antibodies does not mean a cat has FIP, it's actually a very common virus, but if a cat doesn't have them then they cannot have FIP.

I only know what others have written. There is no test for FIP. but you can treat with supportive care=sub fluids, appetite stimulants, anti vomit meds are a few examples.

it sounds like he isn't eating due to pain. buprenorphine is a great med to give for good pain control. don't use metacam more than once or twice. I would also ask about Cerenia. its anti vomit but has painrelieving properties. this is given half an hour before the appetite stimulant. theres no point in give appetite pill if they are nauseated from pain or ?.

Do you know if you can get him back in for sub fluids-Cerenia-bupre. I think once the pain is dealt with you will see improvement.

canned pumpkin or with vets care Miralax helps constipation.

not sure why the white blood cells are elevated=there maybe an infection going but hard to say. the glucose was abit high but this can happen if the cat is stressed.

rephrase=I read it wrong-the calcium is lowered so I don't know what that means.

shows lower sugar-not sure what that means

I edited because evidently I cant read correctly.

 I would focus on pain control and sub fluids. then maybe they can run a PCR test on the blood to see if any infections. I think I had the right letters, I wish I could help you more.

BAby food meats and fishy foods could help with appetite. most cats love babyfood. gerber is my fav. baby lane in the grocery store. no garlic or onions in it but I have not seen these things added so just wanted to mention that onions and garlic are not good for cats. they don't have the enzymes to break down the toxins it gives off after chemical reaction inside the body.

I'm also curious how they came to that conclusion. I've seen sooo many people on here that lost a kitty to FIP, and there were very tell-tale symptoms with all of them. I don't see that really with your description. Not saying that he doesn't have FIP, I honestly don't know a lot about it, but as other said, I'm going by what others have written in their experience with it.

As far as drinking a lot of water, I don't think that has anything to do with possible FIP. The fluid that can build up with the wet form is not water, and I've never seen that listed as a symptom. Drinking a lot can mean a lot of things, or it can be nothing. Going by his blood work, his kidneys look good (that would be my first thought, even though he's a bit young for that). Not sure what to look for with diabetes, but that's another "big drinker" thing. He could just be thirsty too.

How is his eating now? I remember one thing people said about their FIP cats was that they were ravenous right before losing their appetites, and when they went down, they really crashed (no rebounding either). Have they repeated the tests at all to account for any false-positives? And did they check to see if he's positive for coronavirus? Not sure if I saw that, so sorry if it was mentioned already.

Ok. First, is Calypso currently on an antibiotic?

Was any other test, aside from the CBC/Chem (blood work) done?

Did the vet see any thing in surgery that would make him think FIP?

There is currently no way to detect which cats will or will not develop FIP. So, your vet telling you that "he hasn't developed it yet" or is "borderline" just doesn't make sense.

It may be worth doing one of the Coronaviris tests, but know that they do NOT indicate FIP. Just exposure to a Coronaviris.

Here is info about testing options:

What is the difference between the FIP titer (FCV Antibody Titer; T595), the FCV exposure titer (T593), and the FIP 7b ELISA (T605)?
FIP serologic tests can be helpful in possible FIP cases, but should never be used alone to rule in or rule out FIP. There is presently no titer test that is specific for the FIP-causing coronavirus.

The Feline Coronavirus Titer (T595) determines if cats have high titers of antibodies against feline coronavirus (FCV). Presence of antibodies is tested at titers of 400 and 1600. Most cats with FIP have high (≥ 1:400) coronavirus titers and a very high titer (≥ 1:1,600) along with other supportive signs is very suggestive of FIP. A titer

I got another test from my vet im going to add. He hasnt throwin up yet since hes been sick he only eats if i give him the pill to make him eat no they didn't send him home on antibiotics or pain medicine he had his surgery Saturday and came home Thursday they said that he finished all the meds he was in at the hospital honestly he's could be in pain like someone said from his surgery I can get him to eat his cat treats with out the pills

So let me begin last week on friday when my baby boy calypso started to act weird and stopped eating we went to the vet they took his blood and sent him home.

Saturday he still wasnt eating and felt lighter so i took him back in they weighed him he lost a pound in one day so they decided to do a xray in the xray they seen his intestine were bunched up and an obstruction. so we decided to do surgery they went in thinking string or something but nope it was a hard piece if poop so they kept him.

monday comes around they said he still wasnt eating and that they were going to keep him and his blood work had came back that he was FIP+.(at this time i didnt know anything about FIP) they said it just has to run its course he'll be fine. we are going to keep him one more night so i call.

Tuesday to check on him im talking to the vet tech she said did the doc tell you calypso has FIP? i said yes so she started to inform me about it at this time im crying my eyes out. shes then proceeds to say that there no real test but he probably has the virus but it hasnt mutated yet.
she was going to try these pills to make him eat i said ok lets try it i called back later that day they said he ate some so the next day.

Wednesday i called to see how he was doing they said he was eating and up beat (let me add i went to see him a couple of times and brought him a blanket an they said he was a totally different cat when he seen me) but the doc wanted to keep him one more night.

Thursday today i got to bring him home by 12pm today they sent me home with the pills that are making him eat he was up beat in the car but when i got him home hes like sad i dont know whats going on.

The vet tech said she doesn't believe he has FIP and that he was right at the border line of it he is also still recovering from the surgery they didnt give me any info on how to care for him.

Im just so worried and ive been crying my eyes out on the thought of him having FIP also hes 1 year and 3 months old hes a inside cat always has been.
i rescued him at 2 weeks old so hes my baby hes just like one of my kids.

This vet has me so confused im sorry if this was all over the place im trying to make sure i have everything here as my mind has been some where eles since finding this out.

I also have 3 other cats in the house 2 of them he grew up with and the other was a forster but shes now part of the family ive had her since she was 8 days old. Id just like some more insight i have no clue on what to do im also going to attach his blood work too.

[/quote]


This is the other part of his blood work they just sent me in a email

catsaremyworld said:

I got another test from my vet im going to add. He hasnt throwin up yet since hes been sick he only eats if i give him the pill to make him eat no they didn't send him home on antibiotics or pain medicine he had his surgery Saturday and came home Thursday they said that he finished all the meds he was in at the hospital honestly he's could be in pain like someone said from his surgery I can get him to eat his cat treats with out the pills

Click to expand...

That is a GOOD thing that he is eating! Even if it's only with the appetite stimulants. And pain can most definitely kill the appetite of anyone. Is he on pain meds at all?

Oh to add im babysitting my sisters 2 kittens ive had them for about a week now and one is lethargic sick not eating throwing up diarrhea this came out of no where his body temp is also low even after being on a heating pad how am i going to tell my sister her kitten is sick

He is not on pain meds his vet saidsaid he didnt need them theat je already took someone the week he was in the hospital

Ok, so the titer means that he has been exposed to a Coronavirus. However, Calypso's Globulin and Albumin are within normal limits. Really, his blood work is not indicating anything. (I personally have not had a case of FIP where symptoms occurred without significant indications on blood work.)

Also, while I am not one to say that something is impossible, it is extremely unlikely for a cat to lose an entire pound in 24 hours. I would be awfully suspicious that one of the weights is inaccurate or that a different scale was used each time he was weighted.

Good that he is eating!

In regards to the kitten...I am assuming Calypso has been around this kitten? How old is the kitten?

Calypso was around this kitten for less then a day if that the kitten is about 8 or 9 weeks old.
Let me give some back sight into this i forster kittens bottle fed babies i had 11 of them all of them but 2 got sick with the samething im talking about they were never around my cats. 9 kittens died from this and when they started not eating they went down hill and died all within 24hrs all within a weeks time their ages were between 3 weeks and 8 weeks the vet had us treat for URI and coccidia none of them responded to treatment we even were doing fluids and force-feeding so out of all 11 kittens i had 2 left their age at the time was 6 weeks and 7 weeks old.

Its so weird because it takes over the kittens so fast also my friend thought it was distemper but Calypso has had his vaccine for that.

Well my sister kitten just passed away this was super sudden!

This sounds like Panleukopenia, which is practically fatal in young kittens.

Cats don't all develop the same immunity from vaccines, so there is the possibility...however, healthy adult cats typically don't get as sick as kittens do.

The remaining kitten need to be taken to the vet and tested. If it were mine, I'd go ahead and be prepared for suggestive care (fluids, syringes for feeding, etc...)

Many of these kittens die due to rapid dehydration. Their electrolytes and fluids must be properly replenished.

You also need to inform the vet treating Calypso of the kittens' illness.