Tiger update-Reading by Denise included!

[Emeraldgreen]

Tiger isn't doing so well. I'm so sad about it but I'm trying to keep up with the Transfer Factor but he is getting worse by the day.
We've had back to back house showings for two days now and that is just this week and I'm completely exhausted. The realtors and the potential buyers have no clue what we go through for one showing with all our animals. We spend 3 hours making everything spic and span in the house and remove all the cat beds and cat trees so people aren't overwhelmed by the presence of cats. By the time we're done, you would never know a single cat lived in our house.
And then, 15 minutes before the realtor and people show up, we pile 6 of our 9 cats into the truck with our two dogs and drive a few blocks away for an hour and half while our house is being shown. 3 of our cats stay in the outdoor enclosure. Paddy, because he poops in his cage the second the wheels start turning on the truck. Jimmy, because he also has 'bathroom' issues with his IBD and I don't want to stress him anymore than I have to. And Tiger because he isn't doing all that well now.
And to make matters worse, the regular drives we've been taking with all our animals while the realtor is here has stressed my cat Stinky who has had the herpes virus since we got her at 7 weeks of age. It only surfaces as an upper respiratory problem when she gets very stressed. Whenever that has happened, we have always managed to separate her from the other cats to keep them from catching it as it is very contagious when it is active.
I can't leave her in the enclosure with Paddy because he keeps attacking her and we don't want to leave them together unattended.
In the last week and a half, Jimmy has gotten the virus from Stinky and is sneezing up a storm and I think Tiger may have it now too. With everything that has been going on, our world is upside down and keeping everyone separated has been impossible, though we have really been trying. I only have so many rooms in my house that have doors and Stinky sleeps with us but before we realized she was sick she must have given it to Jimmy. Jimmy sleeps with Tiger and Paddy and it is possible that Tiger now has it but he doesn't sneeze, he just sounds terrible. I'm wondering if he 'can' sneeze with the cancer problems. Maybe the fact that he can't sneeze means he's extra snuffly.
I've been giving Tiger and his roomies, Jimmy and Paddy Lysine (500mg two times a day) and Stinky has been receiving it as well. I'm so frustrated because I've had Tiger for 13 years and Stinky for 7 years and we've managed to keep this virus from spreading to any of the other cats all this time and now, the worst possible time for Tiger to get it, he might have gotten it.
Tiger was struggling to breath more and more and about a week ago I took him to the vet. She listened to his chest and I explained to her that I thought that maybe he might have picked up the virus. She thought that might be possible and told me to keep up with the Lysine. We also thought it might be the original infection in his nasal passages so she gave him another Convenia injection. I think that was his third injection of that stuff so far. She suggested that I get his chest xrayed and said that in doing so she would look to see if the cancer had metastisized (spelling??) but I asked her what the point would be because if it has, then we're hooped. Not much to do at that point. It's just another 200.00 and it won't change much.
There has been no improvement since his vet visit. He's worse. I've started him on prednisilone again in hopes that it can help decrease some swelling in his nasal passages if there is any and buy him some time if it is this herpes virus which usually lasts 2 weeks or so. The only thing is that the pred depresses the immune system which needs to be strong to fight the herpes and the cancer for that matter. But in the past, the pred helped him breathe before we could get him in for his next surgery. We aren't doing anymore surgeries, he's already had 3 and the last one was a major one. We just can't keep doing the surgery. But I'm hoping that this latest setback is the herpes virus and it will pass and that I will have more time to keep dosing him with the Transfer Factor to fight the cancer. My head is spinning. :(

I'm sorry I didn't post about him sooner. I recently saw the movie 'The Secret' and if any of you have seen it you know the main message in the book and in the movie is to realize the power of words and thoughts and to focus on the positive and not speak about the negative. I've been trying to do this but it's a week later and he's worse and I'm calling out for prayers. I think the power of prayer outweighs anything else and is probably the highest form of 'positive thinking' there is.


In the meantime, here is a video of my guy that I just filmed a few hours ago. I discovered that he (and a few of my other cats) LOVE being blowdried with the hairdryer. As the dryer air hits his fur, you can see the circles that show up like pinwheels from his stripes. It's so beautiful.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_MVI_3644.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=MVI_3644.flv)

[Catty1]

Okay - positives: I am visualizing/imagining that the virus leaves Tiger. He just had a really bad cold because of his immune system...just like with all the other poor kitties who get shuffled around with house showings. The chaos shows in the health.

But I am seeing and trying to convey to the kitties and hoomins the big picture...all is really well, as house showings come and go, and they are part of the big process of 'going home'. Tiger, Paddy, Jimmy and Stinky - this will be over soon, imagine yourselves in a new wonderful home with your people. Healthy and free and breathing easy! :)

Bright PT Prayers flying to the kitty clan, and the pups as well. And peace to the humans, with all serenity that they can muster, and prayers that calmness and peace pervade the entire household and all living creatures there.

(psst - Tiger....try Vick's! ;) )

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Emeraldgreen]

Thank you Candace. :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear how stressed out everyone is:( and I hope that things start looking up for everyone. Tiger will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care.

The video was cute. None of my cats like hairdryers. They're afraid of the noise.;)

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I would be happy to do a free reading with Tiger for you - my initial feeling is that all the upheaval around him is making his symptoms worse

Have a look at this thread and see what you think

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=140869

[Medusa]

Aw, Tiger boy, sweet Tiger. You love being blow dried, how adorable. I'm sure your mom would do that for as long as it takes if it made you feel better. Yes, thoughts become things and words have power, so we're definitely on the right track here and we're going to think nothing but good thoughts and SEE TIGER WELL.

Bless you for all that you do for your furkids and a special candle will be lit for you so that all will be handled w/the house sale quickly, easily and in peace.

[Freedom]

Look at those highlights on his dark back! Oh wow, what delightful colors. The tummy shows some white skin under the light coat, but the difference on his back is MARVELOUS!

I can't believe ANY cats like the hair dryer, let alone "several" of yours! Mine are all terrified of the noise; and I have never aimed it at any of them.

Prayers for Tiger and all the furkids - and for you humans as well! It does sound overwhelming, having the house shown. The kitties will pick up on your distress, as you know. So I 'm sending calming thoughts to all of you!

[Emeraldgreen]

I would be happy to do a free reading with Tiger for you - my initial feeling is that all the upheaval around him is making his symptoms worse

Have a look at this thread and see what you think

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=140869

Brody's Mum, thank you for such a kind offer. I can't tell you how much I would appreciate it if you would do a reading for Tiger! I took a picture of him this morning. Should I email it to you or post it in this thread?

Thank you so much to everyone for your posts and prayers. I'm feeling alot better today. I really let everything get to me yesterday, had a good cry and now I'm ready to get on with things again. :)
I'm hoping that the people who saw our place yesterday will want to buy it. They are very interested and it would be so wonderful if we didn't have to keep doing the crazy showings. If we do though, we have decided that we will put the 6 cats in their kennels and then tuck them into our workshop and lock it. If a potential buyer really likes the place, they will want to come back for a second viewing and they can see the workshop in the second viewing. This will really cut down on the stress for the cats because they hate going in the truck and our two dogs bark the entire time and they are in the truck too. Yikes!
And as people have mentioned, the animals must be picking up on my stress. I'm usually so calm and happy but it's a difficult time. I love this house and land but we can't afford it and must sell. It's a very strange feeling to work really hard to accomplish something your heart doesn't want. But that's life!
My cats don't need to know about it though, especially Tiger and I will really try and be 'normal' around them.
Tiger attacked the cat tree this morning which gives me hope. :)

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Brody's Mum, thank you for such a kind offer. I can't tell you how much I would appreciate it if you would do a reading for Tiger! I took a picture of him this morning. Should I email it to you or post it in this thread?


No problem. If you email it to me I can send you a sheet to fill in to get a bit of background

[email protected]

[Emeraldgreen]

No problem. If you email it to me I can send you a sheet to fill in to get a bit of background

[email protected]

I've just sent an email with the photo. Thanks! :)

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I've just sent an email with the photo. Thanks! :)

I look forward to meeting him :)

[Medusa]

I love this house and land but we can't afford it and must sell. It's a very strange feeling to work really hard to accomplish something your heart doesn't want. But that's life!


I've been there, lost everything and I mean everything, in my divorce but things can be replaced. You have what counts: a good husband and your fur family. You're truly blessed and your happy personality is testament to that fact. What's important is that you stick together and you'll see how things will fall into place. We'll keep the prayers going.....

[kb2yjx]

Hope things work out for you and Tiger....

[Emeraldgreen]

I've been there, lost everything and I mean everything, in my divorce but things can be replaced. You have what counts: a good husband and your fur family. You're truly blessed and your happy personality is testament to that fact. What's important is that you stick together and you'll see how things will fall into place. We'll keep the prayers going.....


You're right, the important stuff is all around me and I shouldn't lose sight of it. Our next adventure awaits us and I need to have faith that it will all come in good time. Thanks for the reminder. :)

[Catty1]

More prayers for all the good stuff to show up for Tiger and his family! :)

[Medusa]

You're right, the important stuff is all around me and I shouldn't lose sight of it. Our next adventure awaits us and I need to have faith that it will all come in good time. Thanks for the reminder. :)

I realize, upon rereading my post, that I may have come across as though I was chastising you and that certainly isn't the case. It was meant as encouragement during your stressful time of moving, etc. I do hope you realize that. One of the hazards of the written word as opposed to live conversation, regardless of the number of smilies. :o

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I've just sent an email with the photo. Thanks! :)

The reading is on its way to you. Hope it helps relieve some of your worries :D

(if you like it, tell your friends - if not then shhhhhhh ;))

[jennielynn1970]

Aawe... Tiger boy, I hope you will start feeling better soon! You're such a big handsome boy and we all want you to get better and so your mommy can shower you with more good times.

Big hugs and kisses to you dear boy! You'll be in my prayers.

[Emeraldgreen]

I realize, upon rereading my post, that I may have come across as though I was chastising you and that certainly isn't the case. It was meant as encouragement during your stressful time of moving, etc. I do hope you realize that. One of the hazards of the written word as opposed to live conversation, regardless of the number of smilies. :o

Oh my gosh, I didn't take it that way. I really appreciated the positive message in your post. No worries! :)


Hi Denise, thank you so much for this reading! I found it very interesting. Last night he was acting so strangely and I wondered if it was somehow related to the reading. He sleeps in the room next to ours and after we had all gone to bed he continued to scratch and scratch on the door and meow very loudly. It's usually Jimmy who does this but Tiger is always very reasonable at bedtime but not last night! I couldn't ignore him or knock loudly on the door as we usually do to settle Jimmy down. I really felt that Tiger was needing something but I didn't know what. I went in his room and sat with him and brushed his fur while the other two cats slept. Jimmy had one eye open though and looked like he was feeling sorry for himself that Tig was getting this attention. Or it may have been that Jimmy was feeling anxious because of Tiger's strange behaviour.
Even after this, Tiger scratched at the door so I let him into our room and gave him some wet food without anything suspicious in it (meds). Finally, after about 40 minutes of 'tucking him in' 4 times he eventually settled in once I made a 'special' bed for him with my bathrobe!
This morning he is back to his normal self (slow moving and snuffly).

I hope it's okay but I would like to share your reading right here in the post. Here it is! :)

Reading:

Tiger was quite guarded with me initially – almost incredulous that I was trying to contact him but he did relax a few minutes into the session.

He seems like quite a robust character who is coping well with his illness – it causes him more annoyance than discomfort and he does find the breathing part tiring at times.

I did a quick body scan on him and his nose seemed to be relatively clear at the moment. This makes me think that whatever is there won’t be around long. I wasn’t totally convinced that Tiger’s symptoms were 100% genuine – I did get the feeling that his cough was a little bit forced at times. It is almost as if he sees the other cats being treated and just wants in on the action. Doesn’t like to feel he is missing out on anything.

Tiger doesn’t make any connection between you and his illness so doesn’t realise that the things you are trying to give him, that he doesn’t like, are for his own good. He is a bit suspicious of things being hidden in his food and although I tried to reassure him that you wouldn’t give him anything just for the sake of it maybe the straight forward “pill down the throat” approach might work best with Tiger.

Tiger’s equilibrium is a bit unbalanced at the moment – he has always felt safe and secure with you and is rather confused by all the frantic levels of energy in the house. Like the others, he doesn’t really understand what is going on but feels that he should. He senses your unhappiness and isn’t sure if he should be feeling the same way. He knows how you are feeling isn’t directly related to him and is well aware of how important he is to you. The good news is that he is secure enough in himself and his position in the family to know that it is not a permanent situation and that he will soon be back in charge.

Tiger does like his time outside – its gives him the opportunity to keep an eye on all aspects of his domain. He rests when he wants to.

Although there is a link with Charlie the bond between them is not that strong and I don’t believe that he sees him.


Date of session: 21 May 2008


Thank you for the reading Denise! I looked through it carefully many times and I definitely think there is something to what you're saying about him seeking some attention, I also think that what you wrote about his nose seeming clear might indicate some issues elsewhere, like his lungs. I'm wondering if he might be dealing with some pneumonia that could have been caused by many factors, including possible aspiration of food or liquid meds I've tried to give him. This would also explain the sense you were getting about his cough being a bit 'forced'. He may be coughing but not with the force that would be needed to produce anything or would even be possible to resolve pneumonia.
Last night I put my head against his chest and he sounds very gurgley. His nose is whistling and does seem to be bothering him but there are sounds that are deeper and may be the root cause.
I have booked an appointment this afternoon to have his chest xrayed. I called the vet this morning and asked if pneumonia could be seen on an xray and they said that it could. So, who knows, maybe it's something that can be resolved with specific antibiotics and nothing I'm currently doing could have an effect on that. I know that it may also show something worse but it will be good to know.
I'm really going to try and be peaceful and happy whenever I'm around Tiger and all the cats. It will be good for me to do this as well. I hope that this will relieve any of the anxiety that any of them have been feeling or mirroring from me.

I also plan to SPOIL TIGER ROTTEN!!!! All his future days, no matter how many he has, will be filled with cuddles, brushings, blow drying (LOL), trips to the outdoor enclosure, treats and frequent attention.

You were right, Tiger's bond with Charlie was not that strong. They shared a room, never fought but they didn't really play or have a particular friendship either. Charlie's best pals were Jimmy and Oliver.

Thank you so much for this reading Denise, it has meant a great deal to me and is a true gift. (it's my b-day today too!)
It seems so evident that you have a real 'sense' of animals and it is so wonderful.

Once we are settled in our new home, I look forward to getting quite a few of our animals 'read' by you and look forward to being a paying customer! Thank you so much Denise.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/smileyguyblue.gif (This is me being 'stress free'!) LOL

E.T.A. I just realized, this is my 500th post on PT. Yipee! A mini milestone but a milestone at that.

[Freedom]

The good news is that . . . he will soon be back in charge.

Let Tiger handle the next home showing! ;) :D

[Pawsitive Thinking]

It was my pleasure :D

Hope the visit to the vet gives you some answers. Happy Birthday :love:

[MoonandBean]

Emerald (Lara, right?)...

I am just now reading this post and I am so sorry to hear you and Tiger and the rest of the family are going through difficult times. It does sound like you are in the solution (which is better than just burying one's head in the sand :)) but I know the solution can be quite stressful too. Happy Belated Birthday and Happy 500th post :). Yesterday was full of milestones...I hope it was the beginning of a healthy and peaceful year!

Deb

[Emeraldgreen]

Thanks Freedom, Denise and Deb.:)

I took Tiger to the vet and they took xrays of his chest and lungs. The vet showed them to me and said there is definitely something going on with the left side of his lung field. There is this milky haze to it and some small white spots, maybe 3 of them, about the size of half an apple seed. She said that if the cancer had metastisized she would have expected to see large spots that would be tumours but she can't be sure what the small spots are and she thinks they could be a number of things.
I left Tiger with them for about 2 hours and she said that in that time she was really able to hear how gurgly he is in his chest and alot of noise coming from his nasal area as well.
The vet said it is not pneumonia but she thinks he could be dealing with inflammation of his lung air sacs and there may be some fluid around his lungs. This could either be due to the cancer or from an infection that doesn't respond to the antibiotic Convenia injections he's been getting. If it is an infection, the only way to be sure what kind of bacteria it is would involve a culture of the area which is way too invasive and she doesn't want to go that route. Neither do I. And I'm sure Tiger would agree!

So, what we decided was to give him a Depo Medrol (spelling??) injection yesterday, (steroid) and if it is inflammation from the cancer, the xrays that will be repeated next week should show some improvement. If so, then we will continue with Depo shots every 2 weeks as palliative care to make him comfortable.
If there is no improvement, then it is likely a bacteria infection and we can begin to try some antibiotics and hopefully will find the right one sooner rather than later.

I expected that he would be doing much better this morning but he is exactly the same. In the past, when he has received a Depo shot, the results would kick in within an hour and last for days. But this time there is no change so far so I think it might be an infection after all.

I think this is potentially good news in that his breathing difficulties of late may be due to an infection that is hopefully treatable.

I'll keep ya posted. :)

[MoonandBean]

I would suggest letting the vet know an update today because steroids can feed an infection so the vet may want to start the antibiotics sooner than later....just a thought (I only know "human" medicine but would assume there are some similarities). Tiger is so lucky to have you and that video of you blowdrying him was very touching (LES :) ).

[Medusa]

Potentially good news IS good news in my book. We'll keep the prayers going for Tiger and you......

[Emeraldgreen]

Thanks guys.
I was thinking the same thing with regard to the steroids if it is an infection. I think steroids weaken the immune system and if he already has an infection it would make sense that the infection would get worse.
He is very lethargic today and is sleeping on our bed and doesn't want to do much at all.
I will call the vet to give an update and perhaps they can choose an antibiotic and I can just go and pick it up rather than dragging Tiger back there.
As well, my husband is getting irritated with the continued vet visits and although he loves Tiger, he thinks this is all too mcuh. Most people that we know (friends, family) think that as well. I don't know why I'm trying so hard to save him at all costs. I love him alot and I think maybe it's that so many things right now are out of my control and this is something that I can try and fix so I'm feeling determined to do it. I don't know if that makes sense.
Anyway, we've come this far, he's still with us and if antibiotics can help him then that's what I'm going to try. I will not let him suffer though and if I see that his quality of life is gone and if he is really struggling, then I will let him go. I can barely write that sentence. :(

[Moesha]

Tiger was one of the first pet stories that I followed when I joined PT. For that reason he is a dear kitty to me and I'm deeply interested in his condition. Hopefully antibiotics will help him improve. Please give him a little extra loving from me. *hugs*

[Medusa]

As well, my husband is getting irritated with the continued vet visits and although he loves Tiger, he thinks this is all too mcuh. Most people that we know (friends, family) think that as well. I don't know why I'm trying so hard to save him at all costs. I love him alot and I think maybe it's that so many things right now are out of my control and this is something that I can try and fix so I'm feeling determined to do it. I don't know if that makes sense.
Anyway, we've come this far, he's still with us and if antibiotics can help him then that's what I'm going to try. I will not let him suffer though and if I see that his quality of life is gone and if he is really struggling, then I will let him go. I can barely write that sentence. :(

This is something that every one of us can relate to. It's so difficult to let go, especially when we feel that there may be something that we haven't tried yet. You'll know if/when the time is right. Your husband's irritation is more than likely due to the stress of moving on top of it all and feeling like he wants to alleviate Tiger's symptoms, too. We're w/ya, girlfriend. (((Hugs))) through the ethers to you and gentle strokes to Tiger. :)

[Emeraldgreen]

This is something that every one of us can relate to. It's so difficult to let go, especially when we feel that there may be something that we haven't tried yet. You'll know if/when the time is right. Your husband's irritation is more than likely due to the stress of moving on top of it all and feeling like he wants to alleviate Tiger's symptoms, too. We're w/ya, girlfriend. (((Hugs))) through the ethers to you and gentle strokes to Tiger. :)

Thank you. I really appreciate that. :)
And thank you Deb and Moesha too and everyone who has posted in this thread. I feel like you guys know Tiger. It's so strange, good strange though!

I called the vet and she is trying to figure out which antibiotic to give him and then I'll go in and pick it up.

[Freedom]

I only just learned of Convenia last week, when I had Bobby at the vet allergist. She gave him a shot, but told me that it only works on certain bacteria, so on other types we have to go back to the Clavamox / Baytril, etc.

So you tried, that, nothing; tried the Depo, nothing. Looks like another antibiotic is next to try.

Sounds like all of you are overwhelmed with everything which is happening, I am so sorry for that. I hope the next antibiotic does the trick, and Tiger can stay home away from the white coats for a while!!! Yes, I am sure he does as well.

Just curious, the x ray was taken with no anesthesia? This is the second time I've heard of this on here. My vet never even considers an x ray without anesthesia, can't understand how the cat remains still! (Nor can I for that matter.)

After all you have been through with Tiger, it would be ashame to quit on an antibiotic issue. Hang in there, all of you!

[Catty1]

Hey, how are you? How is Tiger - did he get the new antibiotic?

I feel for your hubby - and for you. There is SO much going on. You'd think with the Olympics coming up nearby, someone would want to buy your beautiful house in that area before then. Maybe bill it as a "Pre-Olympic Special" - as prices will sure go up the year before AND for several years after!;):)

HUGS!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

As well, my husband is getting irritated with the continued vet visits and although he loves Tiger, he thinks this is all too much. Most people that we know (friends, family) think that as well. I don't know why I'm trying so hard to save him at all costs.

Although I sort of understand their sentiments, I don't agree with them at all. The reason you are trying so hard to save him is because you know it is the right thing to do. If Tiger was suffering and wanted it all to be over he would let you know and you would know it in your heart.

Good luck little Tiger :love:

[MoonandBean]

In human medicine, the best antibiotics for any compromised lung condition (bronchitis on top of asthma, etc...) are the Quinolones. The quinolones (cipro, levaquin in the human world) are very well tolerated and also very broad spectrum. Bean was on one for a skin infection. If Tiger hasn't been on a quinolone yet, that might be a good next choice? (up to the vet, of course, but a suggestion could never hurt).

**Freedom mentioned Baytril...I believe that is a quinolone.

[Emeraldgreen]

Just curious, the x ray was taken with no anesthesia? This is the second time I've heard of this on here. My vet never even considers an x ray without anesthesia, can't understand how the cat remains still! (Nor can I for that matter.)


For the most part, all my animals are wide awake and are not under any kind of sedation for xrays. The vet has the techs wear their lead coats and lead gloves and they stretch him out on his back, each holding one end of him and then one of the techs steps on the button on the floor to quickly take the shot. :)


In human medicine, the best antibiotics for any compromised lung condition (bronchitis on top of asthma, etc...) are the Quinolones. The quinolones (cipro, levaquin in the human world) are very well tolerated and also very broad spectrum. Bean was on one for a skin infection. If Tiger hasn't been on a quinolone yet, that might be a good next choice? (up to the vet, of course, but a suggestion could never hurt).

**Freedom mentioned Baytril...I believe that is a quinolone.

Thanks for posting this info Deb! My vet got super busy yesterday after I put a call into them and forgot to get back to me. She called into the clinic this morning as it is her day off today and asked the receptionist to call and apologize. It's okay though, he is no worse, just the same and they have been so good to me at this hospital. Even though they keep examining him every time I come in for an injection or xrays, they haven't charged me the exam fee. I think they know how much money we've spent on Tiger (coming up on the 6,000 mark soon!!:eek:) and they're just really great. It's an all female staff there and the energy is so awesome. (no offense to male docs intended, it's just that this group of vets and techs work very well together).

So Deb, I called the clinic back and acted like I knew what I was talking about (LOL) and said, "what do you think about trying Baytril with Tiger?". The receptionist said she'd talk it over with the vet and call me back. 3 minutes later she called back and said the vet thought that would be a good choice! So, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. :)

I'm going to pick them up today and we'll get him started on them asap. The trick will be getting them into him. She said the tabs are pretty small so that will help. I'm hoping to crush them and mix them into wet food or salmon cream cheese. I know some of you are probably thinking 'why doesn't she just pill him??' but honestly, it's so hard. He is gurgly, snuffly, coughing and I can't stand to freak him out with trying to get a pill down his throat. You should see the look he gives me when it all goes terribly wrong (as it usually does when I try and pill him). He looks so hurt and disappointed in me.
But, I promise, if he won't eat them any other way, I'll get my husband to hold him and we will pop these pills down his throat. He will get these meds. :)

[MoonandBean]

You should try pilling a human :D :D :D

[jennielynn1970]

Oh, I hope the Baytril will kick in and do the job for Tiger!! I used it with my FIV+ kitties, because it is strong and it worked well on their URIs that were not as easy to get rid of with clavamox.

Big hugs going out to you and to Tiger. You are doing what your heart and your mind are telling you is right. That's the only way to go, you don't want to second guess something like this, or make a rash decision. I'm sure, if the time comes, Tiger will let you know it. They have a way of doing so. In the meantime, give him lots of love and attention, and make sure you tell him we all love him and are pulling for him to beat this!

[kittycats_delight]

I have been following this thread but haven't posted until now. I do hope it is just an infection and can be treated fairly easily. We can all tell how much you are fighting for Tiger and you really are a wonderful catmom. :)

Prayers for Tiger from Italy non-stop.

I have one thing to add...when giving anti-biotics it is not suggested to give them with dairy products cause the bacteria in dairy kills the effectiveness of the antibiotic. I found this out when we had to give my RB Lilith antibiotics and asked the vet what to use to get her to take them as she was very difficult to pill. I told her their was only a couple of things she never turned down and one was cheese. And she said absolutely no type of cheese or any other dairy product. Just a FYI. I wouldn't want you pilling him and it not working because of the dairy. :)

HUGS to you both.
Michelle

[Emeraldgreen]

Oh, I hope the Baytril will kick in and do the job for Tiger!! I used it with my FIV+ kitties, because it is strong and it worked well on their URIs that were not as easy to get rid of with clavamox.

Big hugs going out to you and to Tiger. You are doing what your heart and your mind are telling you is right. That's the only way to go, you don't want to second guess something like this, or make a rash decision. I'm sure, if the time comes, Tiger will let you know it. They have a way of doing so. In the meantime, give him lots of love and attention, and make sure you tell him we all love him and are pulling for him to beat this!

Thanks Jenn and Michelle and everyone! :)
I picked up 10 days of Baytril today. He is to get 1/2 a tablet once per day which is going to make things so much simpler than twice per day!
On a whim, I decided to buy some pill pockets to see if they would work. In the past he has snubbed his nose at the salmon flavoured pill pockets and at the dog ones that I accidentally bought for him. Today I bought the chicken pill pockets.

When we got home I split a half tablet into two quarters and put one quarter into a pill pocket and put it on the floor. HE ATE IT!!! http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/smileyguy.gif

I immediately put the second quarter into a pill pocket and he ate that too! I'm so thrilled. I hope tomorrow goes as smoothly and that the meds begin to bring about a change in Tiger's health. He is very slow moving today but I put him out in the outdoor enclosure this evening and he really seemed to enjoy his time out there watching the robins hopping about making their peeping sounds. I think he'd like it better if he could catch one but he'll have to settle for 'observing' them instead. lol

[Catty1]

Oh, I hope Tiger takes a good turn tomorrow! :D

Since the Baytril doesn't mix with dairy, what about the Transfer Factor? Can they go into pill pockets or something until the Baytril is done?

PT Prayers for Tiger...he is SOO beautiful!:love:

[Emeraldgreen]

Oh, I hope Tiger takes a good turn tomorrow! :D

Since the Baytril doesn't mix with dairy, what about the Transfer Factor? Can they go into pill pockets or something until the Baytril is done?

PT Prayers for Tiger...he is SOO beautiful!:love:

Thanks Candace.
I meant to mention the dairy thing in my last post but forgot.:)
Thank you for the info about that Michelle, I didn't know that and it's so important. PT is such a great place for learning things!
I will stick with the pill pockets for the Baytril or just pill him with my husband's help.
I've kind of put the Transfer Factor capsules on the back burner for right now because he's not interested in the usual things that I put the meds in and now that cream cheese isn't an option, there's only one other thing that he'll sometimes have and it's a Nutri-Cal paste that I got for him. It's like the hairball remedy but it's got a high caloric content and some vitamins. But in the last few days, the last thing he seems to want is sticky, gooey stuff that seems to clog up his throat. With all that he's dealing with I don't really blame him. I think it makes him feel more congested after he swallows it. I did get 60 caps of the Transfer Factor turned into a seafood flavoured suspension at the compounding pharmacy but of course he hates it and hates anything that I try and hide it in. :rolleyes:
I tried to force a few ml's into him but it made things worse and I was concerned about causing him to aspirate.
So for now, we're going to leave the Transfer Factor out of the daily routine and just focus on the Baytril and whatever food might interest him. My hope is that if it is an infection, he will improve a bit each day and hopefully get his appetite back and then we can try and get back on track.

[MoonandBean]

Prayers for Tiger and for you :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I hope that the Baytril will do the trick and that Tiger will feel better soon.:) I'm so glad to hear that he likes the Chicken pill pockets.:) I give these to my cats too but I cut them into 3-4 pieces just enought to cover the pill and they love them. It's so much easier than forcing a pill down their throat. I'll continue to keep Tiger in my thoughts and prayers.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

When we got home I split a half tablet into two quarters and put one quarter into a pill pocket and put it on the floor. HE ATE IT!!!

Maybe he has finally made the connection between you and a cure ;)

[Emeraldgreen]

Maybe he has finally made the connection between you and a cure ;)

You might have talked some sense into him! :D

He seems to be doing better. He's had 4 days of Baytril (I think it's been 4 days, might just be 3) and he is more alert and sounds less rumbly. And, I've been saying and thinking positively about him, saying things like 'Tiger IS healthy and strong' and hoping that it's helping. :) Certainly can't hurt.