I am hoping some of you with chronic URI kitties might have some advice.
Our 8 year old neutered male is negative for FIV, felV and other bad stuff, but he has stomatitis and what appears to be a compromised immune system. We had to have all of his teeth removed shortly after we took him in (he was a stray) and he was doing fine for a while, though he also has herpes virus and caught the sniffles from time to time.
A couple years ago, his neck lymph nodes got huge and he had major URI symptoms, congestion, sneezing, etc. Plus a really swollen, inflamed eye. It took a while, but with supportive care he got over it though the eye took months to get back to normal. We ended up using anti viral eye drops and even those took a while to help.
He has been exhibiting URI symptoms again for weeks now, thankfully his eyes are okay this time. But sneezing, congestion, elevated temperature. This time, he stopped eating and drinking. The vet clinic gave him fluids and decongestants and mirtaz gel you rub in the ear for appetite stimulation and an herbal med called Wei Qi booster which is supposed to strengthen the immune system. He is now drinking plenty on his own. And he is eating a little bit, but not nearly enough so I still have to syringe feed him several times a day.
He always had great litter box habits, now he sometimes pees where he lies, probably because he is so out of it from the decongestant and appetite stimulant and generally being sick. He is still somewhat active, but not like he used to be.
The vet says since it is viral, antibiotics will not do any good. We did try them last time but he had gastro reactions (vomiting, diarrhea) to several we tried. She indicated we'll just have to be patient and hope for the best.
He is just not himself, I can tell he does not feel well and I don't know what to do to help him and I am so afraid he won't recover this time. Would appreciate any pointers/advice from those of you who have first hand experience.
Our 8 year old neutered male is negative for FIV, felV and other bad stuff, but he has stomatitis and what appears to be a compromised immune system. We had to have all of his teeth removed shortly after we took him in (he was a stray) and he was doing fine for a while, though he also has herpes virus and caught the sniffles from time to time.
A couple years ago, his neck lymph nodes got huge and he had major URI symptoms, congestion, sneezing, etc. Plus a really swollen, inflamed eye. It took a while, but with supportive care he got over it though the eye took months to get back to normal. We ended up using anti viral eye drops and even those took a while to help.
He has been exhibiting URI symptoms again for weeks now, thankfully his eyes are okay this time. But sneezing, congestion, elevated temperature. This time, he stopped eating and drinking. The vet clinic gave him fluids and decongestants and mirtaz gel you rub in the ear for appetite stimulation and an herbal med called Wei Qi booster which is supposed to strengthen the immune system. He is now drinking plenty on his own. And he is eating a little bit, but not nearly enough so I still have to syringe feed him several times a day.
He always had great litter box habits, now he sometimes pees where he lies, probably because he is so out of it from the decongestant and appetite stimulant and generally being sick. He is still somewhat active, but not like he used to be.
The vet says since it is viral, antibiotics will not do any good. We did try them last time but he had gastro reactions (vomiting, diarrhea) to several we tried. She indicated we'll just have to be patient and hope for the best.
He is just not himself, I can tell he does not feel well and I don't know what to do to help him and I am so afraid he won't recover this time. Would appreciate any pointers/advice from those of you who have first hand experience.
