chronic diarrhea issues

eastwoodnjosey · Jul 31, 2016

I have a thread in behavior but am concerned that the behavioral issues could relate to the fact that Josey has chronic diarrhea. My vet has tested him for everything and wormed him three times and he tests clean for parasites and diseases. She said she feels he just has an overgrowth of bacteria in his system and has him on prescription food and a probiotic. I slept on the couch last night (heartburn) and he slept there with me. He got up 4 times to poop and it was a wet mess every time. Thank goodness he keeps it in the box now. One new thing though today, he threw up what looked like bile. I will contact my vet on that today. She has made herself available to me 24/7.

But I'm wondering if this chronic diarrhea is also adding to some of the behavior between these two. I can't imagine Josey feels 100%. Has anyone else dealt with this condition in young cats? They did get vaccinated AND fixed at the same time the other day. They were given shots before the vaccines to counteract side effect as both of them had negative side effects To prior vaccines. This poor cat has been poked and prodded his whole life at this point and I feel so horrible for him. I'm doing everything I feel like I can to help him to healthy but is there anything I'm leaving out? My husband calls me a helicopter cat mom. Hahaha

cat nap · Jul 31, 2016

Wow, they are adorable.

Hard to believe such cute kittens need a referee at times, but that is pretty much how they learn to behave.

Through playing, they should be picking up on each other's cues and learning bite inhibition, and how to ease-up when getting too rough.

I do think they will become calmer, since you got them both neutered.

Do both Eastwood and Josey play normally with you and your husband...meaning no biting of hands, feet, etc...and are able to play without getting too hyper?

I think you are definitely right about Josey's chronic diarrhea adding to him not feeling his best and not really wanting to play too much with Eastwood.

Josey might be feeling lousy, and needs more time to recoup. Keep an eye on his water intake, and hydration.

If you can ask your vet if giving 'pure pumpkin' to Josey would be okay, mixed in with his food, since I have read, that it is given for both diarrhea and constipation, but I don't know how much you are supposed to give a kitten or cat, so asking your vet would be the best thing.

Hopefully, the probiotic and prescription food will help Josey's stools firm up. And great that your vet is always available...those are the best kinds of vets.

I'm just wondering if the anesthetic for neutering and pain meds, along with the vaccines would cause Josey's system to be off a bit now.

Also I'm a bit curious about those 'shots given before vaccines' to counteract side-effects? I've never heard of that. Do you know the name of the shots?

("helicopter cat mom"....nahh....you're just a very attentive cat mom, who wants to see her two cats at their best.)

I really hope that Josey gets better quick.

stephanietx · Aug 1, 2016

I know you mentioned they've been dewormed, but do you know if the vet has ever run the PCR diarrhea panel on him? It's a test that usually has to be sent out and is more extensive than the fecal float test run in the office. If you've not had the PCR test run, I'd do that.

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 4, 2016

Oh I'm not sure if that's been done! But I am feeling like I'm going to have both the cats checked like this if not. Now Eastwood has diarrhea and when I say diarrhea I mean it's almost like clear water. And he's throwing up foam and won't eat all day today. They are both still peppy and playful but something is not right for sure.

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 4, 2016

stephanietx said:
I know you mentioned they've been dewormed, but do you know if the vet has ever run the PCR diarrhea panel on him? It's a test that usually has to be sent out and is more extensive than the fecal float test run in the office. If you've not had the PCR test run, I'd do that.

I will ask the vet tomorrow as Eastwood is now not eating and throwing up foam and has poop the color and consistency of actual water with a light beige tint!

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 4, 2016

cat nap said:
Wow, they are adorable.

:cat: Hard to believe such cute kittens need a referee at times, but that is pretty much how they learn to behave.
Through playing, they should be picking up on each other's cues and learning bite inhibition, and how to ease-up when getting too rough.

I do think they will become calmer, since you got them both neutered.

Do both Eastwood and Josey play normally with you and your husband...meaning no biting of hands, feet, etc...and are able to play without getting too hyper?

I think you are definitely right about Josey's chronic diarrhea adding to him not feeling his best and not really wanting to play too much with Eastwood.
Josey might be feeling lousy, and needs more time to recoup. Keep an eye on his water intake, and hydration.

If you can ask your vet if giving 'pure pumpkin' to Josey would be okay, mixed in with his food, since I have read, that it is given for both diarrhea and constipation, but I don't know how much you are supposed to give a kitten or cat, so asking your vet would be the best thing.

Hopefully, the probiotic and prescription food will help Josey's stools firm up. And great that your vet is always available...those are the best kinds of vets.

I'm just wondering if the anesthetic for neutering and pain meds, along with the vaccines would cause Josey's system to be off a bit now.
Also I'm a bit curious about those 'shots given before vaccines' to counteract side-effects? I've never heard of that. Do you know the name of the shots?

("helicopter cat mom"....nahh....you're just a very attentive cat mom, who wants to see her two cats at their best.)
I really hope that Josey gets better quick.

they are now best friends as of the last few days but now Eastwood is pretty barfy and has clear diarrhea! Probably going to take the advice of the nice person above!

cat nap · Aug 4, 2016

Originally Posted by EastwoodNJosey
[thread="323878"]Chronic Diarrhea Issues#post_4070487 [/thread]they are now best friends as of the last few days but now Eastwood is pretty barfy and has clear diarrhea! Probably going to take the advice of the nice person above!

Poor Eastwood. First Josey and now him. Yes, I would definitely take the advice of @stephanietx and get that PCR diarrhea panel done.

I'd also ask about the type and company for the vaccines given, so that you don't have to go through negative side effects every vaccination period.

And also knowing what's in the prescription food, and if anything in there could be causing a reaction/allergy with Josey.

(my old rainbow cat was on Hill's K/D and did throw up initially, until getting used to the food, but his stools were fine.)

Hoping again that your vet figures it out, as Josey is on prescription and Eastwood is not, but both are having similar symptoms.

Super healing vibes sent for your two young kittens.

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 5, 2016

cat nap said:
Poor Eastwood. First Josey and now him. Yes, I would definitely take the advice of @stephanietx and get that PCR diarrhea panel done.

I'd also ask about the type and company for the vaccines given, so that you don't have to go through negative side effects every vaccination period.

And also knowing what's in the prescription food, and if anything in there could be causing a reaction/allergy with Josey.
(my old rainbow cat was on Hill's K/D and did throw up initially, until getting used to the food, but his stools were fine.)

Hoping again that your vet figures it out, as Josey is on prescription and Eastwood is not, but both are having similar symptoms.
Super healing vibes sent for your two young kittens.

Thank you! I'll update after I see the vet!

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 5, 2016

So I took both the cats to the vet (again) today. My regular vet was so busy but he had a relief vet in. The man came in. Looked at the cats. And began telling me how it was possible they had the corona virus. And that could lead to FIP and blah blah blah doom and gloom. At this point I'm bawling my eyes out. He gives me two kinds of medications and a feeding syringe for Eastwood until he eats on his own. But tells me that really no matter what the outcome now, years or months down the road they could still end up with FIP and die. But that this was something I should be prepared for as a rescuer of animals. I was shocked. I'm not an animal 'rescuer' I just wanted pets and would RATHER adopt not shop. After he left the room apparently one of the staff girls (who see me all the time) told my vet what this guy was saying to me. He came in and basically told me he shouldn't have said that to me and that right now we are just focusing on getting my kitties healthy and that this is seen a lot in animals that were separated too young from their mom. It makes for weak immune systems. Eastwood is eating a mixture of probiotic powder, prescription wet food, and pumpkin now. He started out of the string but then ate the rest on his own out of my hand. Both cats are playing right now. Eastwood was given fluids at the vets office for mild dehydration and has been drinking on his own here. And that's all I've got for now. How stressful.

cat nap · Aug 5, 2016

I'm so sorry that you had to go through this experience, @EastwoodNJosey. What a knucklehead or doorknob, that relief vet was. What kind of bedside manner is that? What did that vet claim to have...xray vision, and fortune telling powers. You're just going to have to erase all that garbage that he mentioned, out of your head.

They can do titers on cats to check on the corona virus. But there is no actual test for FIP, I thought it was based on symptoms, when everything else is ruled out. High fevers, lethargy, no response to antibiotics. And most vets I've met try and do everything they can to help a cat out. (sometimes I've had the opposite happen, where a vet does not want to stop, and suggests continuing certain treatments...and offers all sorts of other things to try.) How someone thinks they know what will happen years or months down the road is pure fiction.

I'm so glad that the staff girl heard what the first guy said, and that your vet reassured you, to just focus on getting your kittens well again.

More than likely they are still recovering from their vaccinations, and their immune systems will become stronger.

(I think one of my kittens from last year did get runny diarrhea, after his initial kitten vaccines, but I cannot remember if it was from the dewormer, or vaccs.)

It's still good that Eastwood was given fluids at the vet's office.

And total bonus that he and Josey are playing.

Hopefully, whatever this is will not last too long. And the meds you were given will help them out.

stephanietx · Aug 5, 2016

Oh wow! Now we know why this person is a relief vet! Sounds like your regular vet is helping your kitties get better. You can also add water to wet food to help keep them hydrated. I have even given sick kitties plain clear pedialyte in their wet food to keep them hydrated and their electrolytes in check. Hope they continue to eat and improve.

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 5, 2016

stephanietx oh I read the pedialyte thing somewhere and was wondering about that! I have noticed Eastwood sitting kind of hunched up with his feet gathered under him so it seems like he's in pain. He's on kaopectate every 8 hours so I hope that helps a little. No vomit or diarrhea since taking his meds the dr gave us so that's good. I just hate that he feels bad. Poor kitty. I will keep updating! Hopefully he improves overnight.

darkhorse321 · Aug 6, 2016

There are anti diarrhea meds the vet can give. My concern would be dehydration which. Causes diarrhea as well. Coukd they have panxreatitis? Ha ing just dealt with this im sure your vet has cjecked for that though.

I know rice is binding and used in some diets. Perhaps cook a wee bit and mix ibto food? Hugs to you!!!

stephanietx · Aug 6, 2016

@EastwoodNJosey, did you talk to the vet about the PCR diarrhea test? How are your babies this morning?

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 6, 2016

stephanietx said:
@EastwoodNJosey
, did you talk to the vet about the PCR diarrhea test? How are your babies this morning?

I did talk to him about it. He told me that because it was clear that we wouldn't be able to trust a fecal panel until there was actual fecal matter there. This was the stand in vet. My actual vet came in to tell him to do another fecal. But after he left the room he still said he wouldn't do it. I harbor a lot of resentment for how that visit went yesterday after recovering from the shock of it. They are both on panacur and flagyl, prescription meat food, and kaopectate every 8 hours. Josey is doing really good right now. Eating a lot and playing so much. Eastwood definitely isn't feeling himself. Sitting with his feet gathered under him. Laying in the windowsills to be alone. It seems like he's in pain based on those things. I just don't know what kind of pain. Stomach upset? Or something worse. Ugh. Maybe I'm just wanting results too fast.

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 6, 2016

Update: I texted my regular vet and he was pretty irritated about my visit. He is having me bring both cats in Monday to do a complete work up. Blood test, full fecal panel, etc all for free.

cat nap · Aug 6, 2016

Total health vibes for both Eastwood and Josey for Monday.

Your vet offering to do the tests for free is good.

Remember to ask for that specific PCR diarrhea test, too, that they send out, and not done in-house.

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 6, 2016

cat nap said:
Total health vibes for both Eastwood and Josey for Monday.
Your vet offering to do the tests for free is good.

Remember to ask for that specific PCR diarrhea test, too, that they send out, and not done in-house.

Definitely will!

eastwoodnjosey · Aug 7, 2016

Just a little update: Eastwoods poo is much better looking and he's eating a LOT on his own. Playing hard like usual. Josey is doing great too!

stephanietx · Aug 7, 2016

Is he still sitting kind of crunched up or is he lounging more comfortably now?

chronic diarrhea issues

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