Kitty (sick and dying) PLEASE HELP

Today is Thursday, on last saturday we noticed that our 11 month old Ocicat Tiger wasn't acting himself. He wasn't puring as loud as normal and he looked very lathargic. He seemed to improve slightly over the next few days but on Wednesday I decided to take him to the vets to have him checked out. The did full blood work on him CBC and a few other tests. We've been told that his red blood cell count is extremly low. I've been told that a cats normal count is between 24-48 and his is only 8. His white blood cell count is very high and his platlet level is normal. He tested a low positive for FLV, however we were told this could be a false positive but with his symptoms it's most likely what he has. He is an indoor cat and him and his companion (female tabby) were purchase at the same time (8 weeks old) and don't ever go outside. They are a very low risk cat. We've currently turned down a blood transfusion as it's $1,500 and they told us it might only polong his life for hours or a few days. We have also sent in for a DNA test and those results will be back Monday or Tuesday of next week. What I am wondering is could this possibly be anything else? Currently we have him on Apo-Doxy Doxycycline Hyclate and we are starting him on Prednisone. Can anyone tell me if there is any chance my little kitty is going to make a recovery? Or is there treatment which will have a fairly good prognosis? Please help, I've owned many cats and this guy is the cutest and smartest cat I have ever seen, it is breaking my heart to think we may lose him. Any help would be appreciated.

is FLV feline lukimia??...

Yes Bridget, FLV is Feline Leukemia Virus- it could be this cat was a carrier all its life, and lately something happened to bring the disease to the forefront. It's really hard to say, because it sounds like they are not definitive about what is really wrong for the cat.

Originally Posted by hissy

Yes Bridget, FLV is Feline Leukemia Virus- it could be this cat was a carrier all its life, and lately something happened to bring the disease to the forefront. It's really hard to say, because it sounds like they are not definitive about what is really wrong for the cat.

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My friends cats were born with feline lukimia......the vet asked him if they wnted him to put them down.........he decided to take his chances....Samantha is a healthy 11 year old...and Garfield unfortunetlt passed at 9....but not from FLV..i dont know if that helps Adrian...but maybe the same can happen for his poor kitty

I'm so sorry Tiger isn't feeling well. This link will provide you with some general information about FeLV http://www.thecatsite.com/content/view/21/27/

The following information is quoted from the link provided:
Clinical signs are extremely diverse but include fever, lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, anemia, jaundice, diarrhea or constipation, enlarged lymph nodes, respiratory distress, and excessive drinking and urination.

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I hope your vet can give you some definite answers soon. Please update us and let us know how Tiger is doing.

oh I am so sorry to hear about Tiger - I cant personally give you any advise but just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking of Tiger
let us know what the vet says when you get a chance

Tiger - be strong

I'm so sorry your precious Tiger is ill, this must be so very painful for you. I am praying for him, please keep us updated how he is feeling and what you learn from his tests.

I am so sorry.. I send all my best wishes to you and Tiger We are here for you..

I had a cat I had to put down in July due to FLV. He also had a very, very, very bad case of worms. My vet was going to do a blood transfusion with one of my own cats but they figured he was too weak and didn't know if it would help. They could have done several things at great expense to prolong his life but they didn't know how long that life would be. I don't know if this helps-I would wait for the other tests.

Tiger has not eaten today but has been good and drank some water and tuna juice. He doesn't seem to be doing so well. We called the pet store and they have told us that his mother nor any of the rest of his litter have become ill. What we don't understand is how could Tiger have gotten FeLV if he wasn't born with it. He never comes in contact with other cats and is indoors at all times. He has had a PCV level of 8 since Wednesday which everyone we talk to seems to think is amazing. I just hope he keeps holding on till we get the rest of his tests back.
Can someone tell me how I can post a picture on here so I can show you what Tiger looks like? Thanks

Originally Posted by AdrianWright

Tiger has not eaten today but has been good and drank some water and tuna juice. He doesn't seem to be doing so well. We called the pet store and they have told us that his mother nor any of the rest of his litter have become ill. What we don't understand is how could Tiger have gotten FeLV if he wasn't born with it. He never comes in contact with other cats and is indoors at all times. He has had a PCV level of 8 since Wednesday which everyone we talk to seems to think is amazing. I just hope he keeps holding on till we get the rest of his tests back.
Can someone tell me how I can post a picture on here so I can show you what Tiger looks like? Thanks

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They might not have become ill, but they might have Felv anyway. Maybe the mother is a carrier. The store really should check them instead of just sayint they are not ill. The Felv test is a standard test and that is what should be done.

Adrain, this link explains how to post pictures. http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14474

stay strong Tiger - you are in all of our thoughts hold on until they get the results back

here is a picture of Tiger - he is on the right he is so handsome and his markings are great!!

I'm sorry your Tiger's health is not good right now I hope they are able to determine what is wrong with him very soon and can take the proper course of treatment. I will be sending healing vibes Tiger's way

Please feel better, Tiger, I'm praying for you!

Oh..hugs to you and little Tiger. Hang on Tiger, maybe, just maybe, they can find a way to make you well again, little guy! ((HUGS))

I've just caught up with this thread. Please stay strong Tiger - everyone wants you back home and healthy Sending "get well" vibes to Tiger and keeping you all in our thoughts.


Please let us know how the little fella's doing.

Thanks for all you thoughts and prayers everyone. We had to put down the poor little guy yesterday. We took him to the emergency clinic last night and his PCV had dropped to around 5. He was having trouble breathing because his red blood cell count was so low. It was a terribly difficult decision but we thought bringing him back home and letting his body starve itself of oxygen would be a horrible thing to do to him. I stayed with him while the Dr. put him down and me and my girlfriend have been in mourning since. This is a very difficult time as this was such a uniquie and special little cat. I've always been a cat person and between me and my girlfriend we've owned 12 cats. Neither of us have ever seen a cat like this one, he truely was special and it will take a long time to get over this loss.

I just wanted to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. We do have 1 little one still to care for and in 6 months when the doctors give her the clear from FeLV we will be getting her some company.

Thanks again