Worried about my cat

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tml1991

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I am worried about my four year old housecat. Over the last day apparently ( I was gone and didn't notice this stuff myself until last night) my cat has been lethargic, breathed fast last night, but didn't make any panting noises, though, however, that seems to have subsided some now, and most worrying is that one of her pupils looks a little bigger than the other. I plan on taking her in for a diagnostic check up this evening, but could anybody here tell me what could be going wrong? I am really worried. On the plus side, though, she still appears to have her appetite and thirst.
 
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tml1991

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Update: Her energy level has increased more, but there still remains a marginal difference in the size of her pupils.
 

abyeb

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Sounds like some kind of eye inflammation (anterior uveitis). Or maybe Horner's Syndrome or Glaucoma. Your vet should be able to sort it out. Post back an update after she gets checked out!
 
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tml1991

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I have an appointment for her tomorrow. Her abnormal breathing patterns come and go.
 

abyeb

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The breathing and eye issues may be related. When cats are in pain or stressed, they may breathe faster.
 
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tml1991

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That makes sense. My biggest fear is that it could be something fatal. I overworry a lot.
 
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tml1991

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Update: I took her to the vet, they ran a basic diagnostic, and couldn't find anything wrong with her on those basic test. All her vitals were fine, but they suggested running more test if her problems persist. They gave me some gel for her eye. They suspected an eye injury.
 

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With these uncommon for a 4 yr old symptoms, my guess is the vet doesn't know based on the basic tests done, so it ends up being a wait and see, then when symptoms show again, trying the next test, and so on until things are ruled out or become advanced or new show to point in a more particular direction of what to focus on.

Not always so easy to diagnose in other words.

Hoping the eye shows some trauma other than simply uneven pupils, redness or irritation, drainage, etc which will help point to an injury vs just uneven pupils.

The fast breathing is a concern too, she may need a chest x-ray to be sure there is no fluid or anything causing this, even a heavy worm infestation can cause some lung capacity restrictions.

If vet did not see the increased breathing, did he/she tell you how to check their rate at home?

When kitty is sleeping, and has been for 10 minutes, using a second hand for 30 seconds count the number of times the chest rises.

Double that amt and you will get the breaths per minute number.
 
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tml1991

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The vet suggested to run other test, namely an x-ray and blood test in order to get a better look at what might be wrong. They suggested her breathing might be caused by pain and discomfort, as it wasn't fast enough to associate with anything serious. I am just really worried right now. My cat is acting like she feels bad, and it's had me worried, constantly, over these last few days. The eye thing worries me the most, as mentioned before. Most things uneven pupils are associated with are not minor. 
 
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tml1991

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She's also quite lethargic, but doesn't seem to show signs of any type of drainage.
 
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tml1991

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She acts like her left eye (the one with the small pupil) is sore. She does this when I apply that cream to her eyes.
 

catwoman707

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I highly recommend moving forward with further tests, something is clearly going on with her.

I agree with the next steps should be a full panel blood work-up and x-rays.

What "basic" testing was done during her vet visit?

Is she eating/drinking? Hiding at all, or napping in out of her normal spots?

I apologize for any delays with me, I am in the middle of my work week now and work nights, 12 hours for 4 nights so in between until I am off again (Monday-Thurs afternoon) I am sometimes unable to reply right away.
 
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tml1991

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No problem. And she tends to stay in her normal spots, beside family members, or looking out the window in the guest bedroom to sit in the sunlight, and watch what's happening outside. They ran a diagnostic test, measuring things such as heart rate, and respiratory rate. I misspoke when I said all her vitals were fine, most were, but her respiratory was a little high. She eats and drinks marginal amounts, which is worrying. She likes water more than food, it seems. Sometimes she looks at the food, as if she wants it, but lacks an appetite.
 
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tml1991

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I am taking her in for more testing tomorrow. She also ate a little more tonight, compared to the past three nights. Also, the difference in her pupil size is less noticeable now. On Tuesday night, one eye looked like a slit, while the other looked normal, but now they look closer. However, that condition in itself is still worrying.
 
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tml1991

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Just curious, but can some form of poisoning, as in the cat swallowing something such as a pill cause the pupil issue?
 
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tml1991

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I was just told she has FIP. Her lungs are full of fluid. I feel like I have been hit with a brick. My sweet Little Lion is only 3 and 1/2 years old, and was always such a lively, energetic cat. To find this out is so painful. I keep alternating between feeling numb, and bawling.
 

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Have they done a fluid tap to see what kind is in there? There is no definitive test for FIP, but some symptoms can help to clarify. Is her belly swollen?
 
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tml1991

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No, but her lungs are full of fluid. Her belly however is just fine.
 
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tml1991

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Lymphoma (I think that's how it's spelled) was the other possible disorder they thought she could have.
 
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tml1991

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What does anybody here know about Doxycyclene in the treatment of FIP?
 
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