So many unanswered questions... please help if you have any veterinarian experience?

redneckprincess

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I have a 10 week old kitten from the humane society that I am fostering. She came to me sick with an upper respiratory infection. She had three days of medicine left, which I gave her. She was on amoxi drops. After that she just still seemed really sick... she was congested, sneezing, and just seemed lethargic. I took her in to get looked at and they gave me a different medicine, clavamox, and they also gave her a dewormer (her second one) because I noticed she had worms.  Well I gave her medicine for ten days and she did seem to be getting better. She seemed less congested, but I suppose she was still a little lethargic (It's been hard to tell because she seems pretty laid back personality wise) I was worried, however, that her belly was so bloated. Why was that? She was eating... drinking... going to the bathroom. I know she had worms and that can make cats bloated. But she had two dewormers already... But I put it out of my mind, I decided to wait and just monitor her and see if she would get better. Well yesterday I noticed that her arm was beginning to swell. It felt very fluidy, but as time passed it got harder. So again, I took her in. They had me bring her to a vet clinic. They didn't give me a lot of information, but this is what I know... They did xrays... nothing crazy found. They thought its possible that she could have been bit (she's been rooming with another kitten, but that kitten is super sweet and happy and healthy, and they get along, I hardly doubt she would have bit her hard enough for it to make an impact like that... that kitten is only eight weeks old, also they didn't see any bite marks) And so maybe she got bit before she came to the humane society? Maybe she had an infection from that? Perhaps they didn't notice because she was sick with the upper respiratory thing? But wouldn't the antibiotics have cleared that up? And if she was bit before the humane society grabbed her, is it possible we woould just be seeing symptoms now? Anyway...they aren't sure why her arm is swollen, but she is anemic. They gave me prednisone and more antibiotics... they want to see her in a couple days to see how she is... but I just feel like I have so many unanswered questions still... 

What could it be? (A lot of things,I know) Should I be worried? (probably) If it is something serious.... I have other cats... could it be contagious? I have them separated, but could it be airborne? They could get it off of me too, I'm sure... right after I am done cuddling with the kittens and then go say hi to my other cats..I try to be careful and wash my hands, but I worry about it being on my clothes... I don't know, sorry I know this was a MESS of a message to go through... thank you for reading it if you've made it to this point. I tried to be a descriptive as I could be, but ask questions if needed! Just looking for some peace of mind... or some answers.

 

Anne

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Wow, lots going on. First, welcome to TCS! 

Several things come to mind here.

First, the swollen arm is probably not related to the other symptoms. Kittens are very fragile and it's entirely possible for them to have two kinds of health problems (even more) at the same time. I know it can be overwhelming, so big hugs from here and thank you for taking her in.

Here's an article about typical infections in shelter kittens - 

 [article="29716"]Identifying Common Ailments In Cats Adopted From Animal Shelters And Rescue Groups​[/article]  

As you can see by reading it, health issues are common. These animals go through a lot of stressful situations and get exposed to a lot of bugs and parasites before and during their stay at the shelter. It's no wonder so many of them get sick. The good news is that given tender loving care and good vet care, they can bounce back and be healthy pets.

As for your other cats, are they vaccinated? The most worrying disease is distemper (Feline Panleukopenia)  but it doesn't sound like it at all. It's worrying because it's very infectious and very virulent. It's a very hardy virus that can stay in the environment and infect other cats even with no direct contact. But again, I wouldn't worry about it because she doesn't seem to have anything remotely like distemper. Just wanted to mention it for others who may be considering fostering or adopting. Other diseases can still be infectious but they're less dangerous and less infectious. Generally speaking, she definitely needs to be quarantined until she's healthy. As long as you wash your hands and have a change of clothing, you should be ok. 

I hope others chime in with stories of sick shelter cats that got better. We get those occasionally on the forums and it may help to know that you're not the only one dealing with that. Good luck and do please keep us updated. We're here to offer support!
 

Anne

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I'm glad to hear the others are up on their shots. Being protected from distemper is crucial in a home that fosters. 

A worm infestation can absolutely cause anemia, and a bad infestation with a kitten is very hard on their body. I hope the dewormer does its job and she becomes clear of worms soon. That would help her immensely, regardless of the other issues. 

I wouldn't worry about cancer. Dr. Google is a lousy doctor 
 She's so young, cancer is a very very unlikely option in this case. She's got plenty of other things to explain her litter eating behavior, first and foremost anemia.

What I'm worried about now is her being lethargic, that's never a good sign and it means she needs to see a vet ASAP. She could simply be dehydrated and a quick boost of fluids can do her a world of good. Even if all she's battling is a common URI and worms, for a kitten this small it could be too overwhelming. Can you get her to the vet today? Call them and say she's lethargic, or even just pack her up and go there. 

Let us know how she's doing and good luck!
 
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redneckprincess

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Thank you, Anne. Reading your response helped me relax a little bit. She just saw the vet on Monday and she is supposed to go back Thursday, so I don't really want to rush her back in unless I think she's doing much worse... she's definitely got a pretty bad worm infestation. I know its hard to say, but is there a typical amount of doses that clears that up? I'm just asking because this is her third one. Also, if not, how soon can she get another dewormer?
 

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as far as illness-if it's viral-antibiotics won't take care of it BUT virus infections often bring in bacteria and it's a secondary illness. so sometimes the antibiotics keep it from getting worse.

the first thing-hydration. did they give sub fluids? They can also have you make her meals soupier to increase water intake. the third is using a syringe to give her liquids.

Viral infections can take 7 to 21 days to run it's course. So you may just have to keep making sure she is eating/drinking and make sure enough sleep.

the steroids I found are contradictory for infections but depending on who you speak to some vets use them and others wait until the infection is cleared up with medicine before using steroids. steroids can weaken the immune system so that could be why they wanted antibiotics. The photos of her look like she looks fairly healthy. The eyes don't look sunken in and the fur looks soft and healthy.

Worms-yes sometimes they need several applications. usually it's once every 2 weeks for the wormer.

Also antibiotics can cause GI upset=diarrhea, nausea, and belly pain=it's recommended to administer with food-feed first-then give meds.

I know it's frustrating-it is just going to take time to clear up...she is so adorable by the way!
 

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I hope the baby improves too. I just wanted to show my TJ who is just a bit older than your little love. TJ is approximately 6 months old.

He's adorable! 
 Why not start a thread for his picture in the Fur Pictures forum? That way more people can see him and we can keep this thread dedicated to @redneckprincess' kitten and her health issues.

Speaking of which, how is she doing today @redneckprincess? Any improvement? Did she see the vet again on Thursday?
 
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redneckprincess

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She did end up seeing the vet, she had seemed much more lethargic Wednesday and I was very worried about her she was having a lot of trouble or breathing. My foster coordinator told me she might not make it, and that of course sent me into a crying frenzy. But Thursday she seemed to be doing better, at least better than Wednesday. However, she's got an autoimmune thing going on, basically her body is destroying itself and they don't know why it could be from an infection but they said sometimes it just happens. Basically she has kitty aids and she just needs to fight... they said it's hard to say how it'll turn out as it's a case by case scenario... but now it's Saturday and she seems to be doing much better, much less lethargic. That gives me hope but I also don't want to jinx anything by saying she's doing better. However her belly is HUGE she's been kinda bloated for a while which I figured was worms but her belly was HUGE today. If it doesn't go down I'm supposed to bring her to the humane society for them to look at but I'm not sure they're gonna know why it's that way. Again, foster coordinator thought maybe she needs to pass a bowel and was gonna offer laxatives but if that's not it I just worry cause it's really big
 

foxxycat

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I would not wait too much longer-take her in. This is why she is having trouble breathing. fluids in the belly backs up into her lungs. Please get her xrayed and see if they can tap the fluid out. I fear it may not end well. But don't wait for her to start panting. Please take her in today.
 
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redneckprincess

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Well they did X-rays on Monday and didn't see anything like that. Could it have come on late? Her belly was already bloated then but definitely not as bad
 

foxxycat

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could be fluids from her heart. could be FIP. Could be an infection. Don't wait. Get medical attention soon. ultrasound probably. another xray. if it's gotten bigger something is wrong. if the breathing is coming shorter and faster then that fluid is affecting her breathing. She could drown in the fluids if it's too close to her heart/lungs. Worms can cause a belly to be distended but doesn't usually affect breathing.

how is she today? post a photo of her belly. show her eyes=maybe we can help you figure out the puzzle,. is she eating yet?
 
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redneckprincess

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those are her eyes today and her belly yesterday looked like this I'm not home so I can't get one of her belly today but it did go down a little. She also seems like she's not having as much trouble breathing if at all anymore just a bloated belly. Everything else is normal
 
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redneckprincess

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She's walking around a lot more she's not as lethargic she is eating and drinking and going to the bathroom so yeah while there may be an issue, I don't think it's too serious atm not that it can't become a problem
 

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She did end up seeing the vet, she had seemed much more lethargic Wednesday and I was very worried about her she was having a lot of trouble or breathing. My foster coordinator told me she might not make it, and that of course sent me into a crying frenzy. But Thursday she seemed to be doing better, at least better than Wednesday. However, she's got an autoimmune thing going on, basically her body is destroying itself and they don't know why it could be from an infection but they said sometimes it just happens. Basically she has kitty aids and she just needs to fight... they said it's hard to say how it'll turn out as it's a case by case scenario... but now it's Saturday and she seems to be doing much better, much less lethargic. That gives me hope but I also don't want to jinx anything by saying she's doing better. However her belly is HUGE she's been kinda bloated for a while which I figured was worms but her belly was HUGE today. If it doesn't go down I'm supposed to bring her to the humane society for them to look at but I'm not sure they're gonna know why it's that way. Again, foster coordinator thought maybe she needs to pass a bowel and was gonna offer laxatives but if that's not it I just worry cause it's really big
You said "she has kitty aids". Did she test positive for FIV?
 
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redneckprincess

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She did, but the vet doesn't know if she has it or just the antibodies for it. They said we would have to test her around six months of age to know. However she does have issues with her autoimmune system. Essentially Her body is destroying itself. They said the medicine will either help or she will die. But she's doing better now so that gives me hope.
 

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she looks a bit dehydrated. can you syringe more water into her? she is cute by the way. the kitty Aids is a virus. It could end badly. Or she could recover but will always carry the virus. It may come out later in life in a future illness. The best thing is keep her warm. feed. water. love her. for however long you have. She looks content. Sending healing vibes your way
 
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