Large Abdomen

Hi there, in desperate need of answers.

I have a 14 year old long haired cat named Dittle. A few months ago, he became consitpated and was quickly treated...

Recently he pulled all of the hair at the base of his tail out, along with the back of his legs. We related this to an allergy to the beef flavored canned wet food, Wellness. Once we changed it to chicken he seemed back to normal.

Over the course of the last month or so he began gaining weight again after the constipation issue. I thought he was holding all of the weight in his stomach until I noticed it was large. Still able to palpate it, he does not get mad. He's still eating same amount, still going to the bathroom normally as I check his litter box daily.

He is the only animal in our house and does not go outdoors.

I am running to the vet this afternoon but what tests shall I demand be ran for him?

I've tried to avoid research, as I'm not ready for bad news.
Thanks so much in advance, hope it's not serious....

I would start with an x-ray to see if the problem can be see visually. Make sure they do two angles on the x-ray (side and from above) and get the whole abdomen. Don't be afraid to ask for more if you don't feel enough is visible but most vets do charge per exposure. If the x-ray doesn't show anything then you can do a basic blood panel or diagnostic blood panel. Either might be needed if the x-ray does show something.

If neither of those show something then an ultrasound may be needed. Higher end would be a MRI but that would usually be if you exhaust other options because of expense.

From what you are describing I am going to bet something will show on the X-ray and you can talk to your vet on options from there. Make sure you get copies of all test results and x-rays so that if you decide to see a second vet or need a specialist you aren't paying for duplicates of tests.

Well wishes with you on your vet visit. Let us know how it goes.

@Kieka  has given you great advice.  I only wanted to add my best wishes that everything goes well at the vet.  And yes, please do let us know what you find out.  

Thank you so much for your well wishes...

The vet said everything looked okay and he ran blood tests..

Just finding out he has FIP......

Lost and heartbroken is an understatement.

I am also looking for tips on where to go from here.. I have never been very keen on the local vet, but he offered little advice. I've noticed possibly some breathing trouble due to the fluid in the abdomen, sort of a wheezing when he breathes. I do not want him to be in any pain, and just wonder what I can do to ease his pain. Any advice would be perfect. He is still eating canned food at this point.

I also received a few emails from Amazon saying there was a recall on some of the wellness brand food that he has been eating for years.

He is the only cat in our household so I am also confused how this was contracted?

Love, hugs and good vibes your way   

Here is a recent posting about it with some helpful information http://www.thecatsite.com/t/315704/fip

I think @Red Top Rescue   might be able to help answer some questions. I haven't had experience myself with FIP to really offer more than support. 

It is very unusual for an inside older cat to come down with FIP.  Most cats that come down with it are under 2 years of age, but it is still possible because FIP is caused by mutation of an otherwise harmless corona virus that the can can carry all his life without it harming him, but as the immune system gets weaker in advanced age, or after something stressful like surgery, it can manifest. 

Did your vet draw out any abdominal fluid with a syringe?  FIP fluid is distinctive and different from other fluids cats may get from other diseases.  It is yellow and quite thick, not clear and watery.  There is no concrete test for FIP, but there are tests that can be done on the fluid that give a clue (see link below for article), but you can have a test for the corona virus done.  If that is negative, it rules out FIP, but if it is positive, it doesn't mean it IS FIP, it just means the cat has been exposed to corona virus or actually carries corona virus.If he does have FIP, there isn't a lot you can do other than supportive care to keep him comfortable as long as possible.  However, if it is NOT FIP and instead fluid from heart failure, there may be other things you can do. 

I would definitely suggest getting a second opinion if possible, either from a feline specialist or from a vet at an AAHA approved hospital. Scroll down and enter your zip code at this link and you can find AAHA accredited animal hospitals near you.  This is important enough that a second opinion is worth the time and expense.

https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/abou...l&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

If it IS FIP, here is a very good article about it, but I'm hoping it isn't that.  Let us know.

http://www.2ndchance.info/fip.htm

Has your kitty been xrayed to check for mega colon?

Tests were done to confirm the corona virus. He has had many good days, some bad. His white blood cells are also sky high.

He is a long haired kitty and is pulling his hair out at massive rates and I worry about hair balls as we have had serious problems with constipation/blockages from hair balls in the past.

He won't eat the hairball treats I used to give him, and have tried many different kinds. I'm totally against shaving him/trimming and he will not let me brush him.

Any tips?

he has totally pulled all of the hair out at the base of his tail, his belly and back legs! He looks silly but I'm more concerned about hair balls and constipation.

He's  a lovely boy and I hope his issues can be resolved.  I agree with the other suggesting a second opinion.

When my cat had fip, the vet drained some fluid off her abdomen to ease her breathing issues. If your kitty does have dip, that may help. I feel for you. Hugs.