Siamese Rescue Dilemma!

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janemary

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So hereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s my dilemma,

As many of you know I am a proud mamma of two Siamese cats, Elle (almost 2 yrs) and Simon (3 years this August). I volunteer at the local humane society and a few weeks ago a Chocolate Point Siamese male (10 mths old) was surrendered. The previous owners had bought him from a pet store and said that he had been sick since they got him. They did take him to the vet and he was diagnosed with URI and given antibiotics I also noticed that the vet requested that he be tested for FeLV and FIP however the owners declined. They said they surrendered him because they could not afford the vet bills.

So here is my problem, yes he has a URI and a runny eye that his is being treated for, I would assume the runny eye is due to the URI. As well, I have noticed that he has large fat glands above his hind legs.. I know fat glands are common in neutered males, however this cat has not yet been neutered. The vet assures me that they are just fat glands and I was just wondering if anyone else has noticed large fat glands and if they turned out to be anything serious other than a weight issue?

He has a small frame and a wedge shaped head, which makes his distended belly seem very large. I also asked about worms and the vet said he is on a de-worming treatment but was unsure if he actually had worms (it is procedure to treat every cat with worming treatment upon entry). He was supposed to get a thorough look over on Friday so I will check back in on Monday and hopefully have a better idea.

I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t want to bring a cat into my home that may cause issues for my other cats, but at the same time I want to save this kitty! In any case I wouldnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t be bringing him home until the URI clears up but even then he could still be a carrier. As well, I would also be getting him tested for FeLV and FIP.

Anyone have any suggestions or comments?
 
kluchetta

kluchetta

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I would definitely get him tested for FIP - have the vet see if his belly is distended because of fluid. Unfortunately that is a sign of the "wet" form of FIP.
 
gayef

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Hi JaneMary!

If you have your heart set upon taking this boy, then I would suggest letting your own vet see him for an assessment. That way, you have a better understanding of what longer-term treatment options are better for this kitty, for you and for Elle and Simon.

Even when the URI clears up and you are ready to bring him home, you should confine him away from Elle and Simon until all risk of illness has passed. You can discuss having a culture done to determine what bacteria is associated with the specific URI he has and what the incubation/contagion time span is for that bacteria. Just make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after handling him and change your clothes, including your socks and shoes before handling your other cats. Keep him quiet and warm while he is recovering and on meds. Pay meticulous attention to washing his food and water dishes and do not let your other cats share them, even if clean until they are integrated. Make sure his litter is throw out of the house so that the other cats cannot have access to it.

Testing for FIP really isn't going to give you conclusive results. It will only tell you that he either has or has not been exposed to a Corona virus (and most cats have been exposed) and if he has, then that is not a conclusive diagnosis of FIP. However, you must let your vet be your guide and do what is best for you and for your cat. A better idea is to have the vet draw fluid from the belly if the cat is distended in that area.
 
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janemary

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Thank you Kluchetta and Gayef for the quick replies!

Gayef I think you are right, I will chat more with the Humane Society Veternarian and then go from there. I do want to ensure that he does not test positive for FeLV and getting a sample of the fluid from his lower abdomen is another idea. I don't believe the Humane Society vet would be able to do such a procedure so I will check and see if they would allow me to take him to my regular vet. The humane society vet already agreed to test him for FeLV which I will pay for regardless if I adopt him or not.

I'll be sure to update as soon as I know more. The more I think about it the more I worry, it's seems to be very risky and I am not sure if I could put my other cats through that. Confining the chocolate point to a small room is possible, I guess it would be better then him being in a small cage...

I just don't know.
 
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