Just when we all thought Harry was having a happy ending to his story, the vet thinks he has FIP. I have been afraid to post about this as I didn't want to write it, but he has been sick for a week or so with diarhaea, fever and lethargy. For the last three days I have been syringe feeding him as he has not eaten on his own for four or five days. His stomach is distended and an ultra sound this morning confirmed the presence of a lot of fluid. Meanwhile he has lost a lot of weight off his back very quickly. We did a test this morning too, and it was strongly positive, though we all know that is not a 100% confirmation. The vet has taken him up to his apartment above the surgery to monitor him for three days, and on Friday we will make the decision.
He spent so much time with Nutkin and must have got it from him. I am now terrified for the others, specifically the two 8 month old kittens who lived with Harry in my cottage next to the house. They are the ones I am keeping for my daughter to take in the spring. So far they seem healthy, doing all the things that 8 month old cats do and eating well, and I moved them over to be with my cats four days ago so I could monitor Harry better. Now I have moved them away from the others into a corridor temporarily until I can disinfect everything over there.
Those of you with experience - what else should I do to protect the others? I will wash all the bedding and upholstery, bleach the floor and hard surfaces, throw out the litter trays. I have changed all my clothes and will wash anything the kittens have been near. It is going to be a huge job. Is it likely to be too late? Harry seemed the perfect picture of health - a strong adult cat and not the type to go down with this. What are the chances of more cats going down with it?
I feel numb with horror and so sorry for poor Harry. I saved him and then exposed him to the worst cat disease. I can't write more. Please help.
He spent so much time with Nutkin and must have got it from him. I am now terrified for the others, specifically the two 8 month old kittens who lived with Harry in my cottage next to the house. They are the ones I am keeping for my daughter to take in the spring. So far they seem healthy, doing all the things that 8 month old cats do and eating well, and I moved them over to be with my cats four days ago so I could monitor Harry better. Now I have moved them away from the others into a corridor temporarily until I can disinfect everything over there.
Those of you with experience - what else should I do to protect the others? I will wash all the bedding and upholstery, bleach the floor and hard surfaces, throw out the litter trays. I have changed all my clothes and will wash anything the kittens have been near. It is going to be a huge job. Is it likely to be too late? Harry seemed the perfect picture of health - a strong adult cat and not the type to go down with this. What are the chances of more cats going down with it?
I feel numb with horror and so sorry for poor Harry. I saved him and then exposed him to the worst cat disease. I can't write more. Please help.