My precious Almalfi

[rosethecopycat]

I’d appreciate a little help/advice for Almalfi.

He started coughing last Wed. He gradually stopped eating. He saw the vet on Thursday. Xrays- no significant findings. Heart- normal size, Lungs- clear, no fluid, congestion.
They gave fluids, but vet said he wasn’t really dehydrated. Throat and nose clear.

I started force feeding on Friday.
My goal is 30cc A/D + Nutrical 15cc water a day


Meds: laxatone, metoclopramide, usual dosage of Dex for his PF(one every two weeks)

Do you have any idea why he is coughing, besides hairball?
He is not doing the ‘hurka hurka’ motion, just coughing, gagging and trying to expel something.

How much food needed to keep him going and how much water?

If IV fluids are needed, how often and how much?
He has a follow up on Monday, does he need fluids sooner than that? (fluids given on Thurs)

I think the more eyes I can get on him, the more potential help he has.

Thank you all.

[Barbara]

This sounds very strange to me and I've never experienced something similar. But I send my best thoughts for Almalfi who is one special kitty boy:)

He is a fighter!

[rosethecopycat]

The rescue suggests a heartworm test.
Another suggestion has been anemia. But why the cough?

Thanks,

[furrykidsmother]

Poor Almalfi! Have they done any blood work testing? Is there any chance he might have swallowed something?

Food is important, but I know fluids are more important. If you pinch and pull around the scruff of his neck does it bounce back or stay pulled out? That would tell you if he is dehydrated or not.

I wish I could offer more, but I do send prayers and good thoughts!

[rosethecopycat]

I am 'tent checking' him for dehydration, and tonight we will look at his gums, to see if they are 'tacky'. (two person operation)

I have fluids and can start them if he seems like he needs them.

[sasha the cat]

mew! We hope Almalfi is feeling better. My KatMa wonders if something is caught in his throat?

KatMa & Paw-Paw wish they could give advice but this kind of coughing is not something they have seen before in any of their beloved furkids.

Almalfi, we are thinking of you and hope you get better very soon. We will be checking this thread to see how you're doing.

Purrrrs, Sasha & her purrents

[jenluckenbach]

Best wishes for Almafi, but no suggestions, I am stumped too.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way. I sure hope that he'll recover soon. Please continue to keep us updated.

[rosethecopycat]

Last Thursday the vet checked his throat and nose for obstruction, but didn't find anything.

I gave fluids last night, and still force feeding.
he's such a good, patient boy.

Another thing, he can't seem to use his voice, or purr. I think he wants to purr sometimes, but can't. (he's got a huge, low voice)

Last week, when he wanted to 'greet' me, as I entered the room, as usual, nothing came out of his mouth but a 'crackle'.

Now, he doesn't even try to greet me.

I did get a little meow out of him when he got stuck with the needle for fluids, but only one little protest.:( :confused:

We see the vet tomorrow.

[Barbara]

Almalfi, I am so sorry, you sound real sick. Maybe we better start to sing these songs for you. Last time they really helped.:)

[Randi]

Poor Amalfi. :( I hope the reason for this will be discovered and he'll feel better soon!

Keeping paws and fingers crossed for him. :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear that he's still very sick.:( I remember one time my Storm had a very sore throat and he could barely meow. Even after he recovered, it took him quite a while to get his voice back. My vet said that it looked like he had burned his throat with something but we never found out what caused it. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

The way it sounds it that it might just be heart worm. :( The only symptoms I know are trouble breathing and coughing, which it sounds like he's experiencing. I have no experience with heartworms though, so all I can do is wish Almalfi the best. Poor little guy has been through so much. :(

I do know they have medicines for heartworm, but it's a tricky thing and they need to be administered under strict supervision because if you kill the worms off to quickly, it could be even more detrimental to Almalfi's health.

[rosethecopycat]

Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
The way it sounds it that it might just be heart worm. :( The only symptoms I know are trouble breathing and coughing, which it sounds like he's experiencing. I have no experience with heartworms though, so all I can do is wish Almalfi the best. Poor little guy has been through so much. :(

I do know they have medicines for heartworm, but it's a tricky thing and they need to be administered under strict supervision because if you kill the worms off to quickly, it could be even more detrimental to Almalfi's health.

His breathing is incredibly normal.
The signs of heartworm are coughing, vomiting, difficulty breathing, anorexia.
Half of which he has.


I was able to get him to the Cat vet, but he’s not doing better.
Brought him home to feed him and give fluids, but he was cranky from what they did to him, and growled and struggled for me.
I only got 1/2 the food, the meds and 50cc of subQ fluid in him.
He was coughing, and gagging. Some clear viscous liquid came out when he coughed. After the episode, we were able to calm him down. We slept there for 1 hour and he was silent. He’s sitting meatloaf style, head down in front of him. I don’t think he’s sleeping. Just sitting.
I gave him a little pet before I left, and he started to cough, so I stopped.

The vet took blood, for now.
Now they can check for HW, anemia, kidney function.
Next he wants to do a EKG, ultrasound.

He gave me Buprenex, in case it’s his teeth that are keeping him from eating. Cyprohepadine, for appetite. Antirobe capsules, in case of infection.
And said to give his dose of Dex, that would help if it’s asthma.
This Dr. detected a 3/6 heart murmur. Said, it wasn’t too bad considering his age.

Malfi has taken a bad step tonight. His humor is gone. I hope it’s a different story tomorrow, and some of the new meds kick in.
At least before today, I didn’t see him unhappy. : (

Sing for him, please.

[Killearn Kitties]

I'm following Amalfi's story although I don't have anything to suggest for him. I really hope he starts to feel better today.

[Barbara]

Almalfi boy, I'm singing.

The position you describe is one cats do when they are feeling sick. I can't wait to hear the result of the bloodwork. I just cannot believe that there are so many symptoms and they cannot find the cause.

[Sonia59]

No suggestions, but prayers to you Almalfi, get well soon please!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by Sonia59
No suggestions, but prayers to you Almalfi, get well soon please!

Ditto, since I'm not that good at singing.

{{{hugs}}] to the little guy and to you.

[furrykidsmother]

Hugs and prayers to both of you. Please let us know as soon as you hear something.

[rosethecopycat]

No results yet.
Malfi is more animated, trying to purr and eat, and yet, more disoriented, and has a head shake.

[Barbara]

Malfi, virtual kissies and songs for you:)

[rosethecopycat]

It took them all day to get back to me.

Nothing really startling in any of his bloodwork.
And HW NEG
FeLV/FIV NEG (knew that)
FIP NEG (didn’t know they could test that-accurately)
Kidneys GOOD
Anemia SLIGHT

They want him to have an ultrasound by a cardiologist, in Gainesville.
Not at the University, from what I understand, but this one comes here, to this vet once a month. Unfortunately, he won’t be here again for 3 weeks, and Malfi can’t wait, since he’s not eating. If I see this guy, the follow up care would be in town.

His heart was a normal size on the Xray. The Dr. detected a 3/6 heart murmur. (my vet never mentioned any thing like that)

Now, for the last piece of the puzzle.

Malfi has started to sneeze. His nose sounds a little wet.

Does he just have a URI???????????????????????

Coughing, sneezing, appetite loss, (no vomiting)

He’s on Antirobe capsules (clindmycin) would that help a URI, or does he need Clav?

I forgot to ask this vet which meds he should continue on.
I don’t suppose the pain killer Buprenex will hurt him, and Cyprohepadine will help.
Just don’t know if Antirobe is the right antibiotic.

Asking vet in the morning.

His spirits are low at the moment, he’s under the bed.
Doing fluids tonight>

Thanks all,

Rose & Malfi boy

[Barbara]

I think if it is an URI then the Clindamycin would help- as it would kill the bacteria that are the basis of it. Of course he wouldn't eat then because he cannot smell the food.

I suppose it could also be a difficult to detect virus- in that case the Clind. will only kill the bacterial superinfection that usually goes with it.

I keep these songs going.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Clavamox is an antibiotic that will only kill gram-positive bacteria, whereas Clindamycin will kill both gram positive and negative bacteria. Since they do not know exactly what bacteria is causing the problem, you are better off with the Clindamycin because it will kill more bacteria.

I hope that they find out what Almalfi's problem is soon. It is sad to see him ill :(

[rosethecopycat]

One of the foster moms brings up the good point of: If it were a URI, the sneezing, congestion would have started before the appetit loss. Not the case.

The director of SCR says she'd start to treat for Bordatella, with clavamox.

The 2nd opinion vet, said unlikely that it is Bordatella.

He wants a cardio work up done. We are working on seeing who can do it.

The 3/6 heart murmur is the prime suspect as it stands right now.

He is hanging in there. Forcefeeding 4/5 times a day, fluids everyother day.
His humor changes, peaks and valleys.

When he is good, he trys to purr, and rub.
When he is not good, he stares or walks away.

Please keep singing for the boy.

[Barbara]

Was driving home tonight while singing for Almalfi:)

[furrykidsmother]

Good thoughts and prayers still being said for Almalfi!! I'm not much of a singer, but the next pleasant song I hear I will dedicate in my mind to Almalfi. Come on sweetie, we are pulling for you.

[kittycats_delight]

Rose, I have been following this thread and praying for Malfi the entire time. I just didn't know what to say so I kept quiet. I felt I can atleast let you know me and my girls are all singing for Malfi. We are praying and singing and waiting for some good news. I have sent my Mytsiangel to be with your Malfi and let him know we are all pulling for his recovery and that we love him. Mytsi promised me she will do everything she can to help him get better and she is nothing moving away from him for one second until all is resolved. She said she will comfort and protect him and be him constant companion.

We love you Malfi boy get well sweetheart.

[Killearn Kitties]

We have everything here crossed for Amalfi and I promise to sing him some songs before bedtime!

Hang in there, Amalfi!

[rosethecopycat]

Thank you all.
:)

He is going to the specialist on Monday, to have his heart and belly looked at.

I just need to keep him going till then. They didn't consider it an emergency, so I think that is a good sign.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Almalfi continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that everything will go well on Monday. Please take care.

[Barbara]

Ok Almalfi, now our first step of the route is till Monday- that will be the beginning of a long song:)

[rosethecopycat]

Malfi has a URI for sure now.
He's blowing bubbles with his nose. Slight eye discharge, and crusty nose holes.
He is more animated though. He walked around through the house today, usually content with staying in his room.

He ate 7 treats for Daddy this morning, but no food on his own, just what Mama puts down his gullet.
He's using his 'big voice' again too.

I bought Feline Rebound Liquid Diet RX, but he only licked a bit up.
I will syringe some of that in him as well as the A/D - Nutrical slurry.

If he does have a URI, that may be the only thing he has, or there may be some underlying cause.

I will have him go through the cardio and belly ultrasound.
There are plenty bad things that could be found there, but if it's just a URI, I would be SO relieved. He just didn't present like a URI would have. But, then, that's Malfi boy.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

As bad as this sounds....wouldn't it be wonderful if it was just a URI? Oh Malfi, please get better soon!

[jenluckenbach]

Come on Almalfi, can't you hear me singing and feel me praying???


Feline Rebound Liquid Diet RX
Was this purchased from the vet? I think I should have some of that around here.

[Logan]

Rose, does Almalfi go outside at all? I'm asking this because on two different occasions, Mimi has had similar symptoms, plus very stinky breath. Sneezing, discharge, lack of appetite (her appetite is poor anyway), coughing unproductively, etc. Both times it was because a blade of grass was caught in her palet (sp?), between her throat and her nose. It irritated her sinuses, caused infection and made her miserable. We had imagined all sorts of horrible things both times, only to find out it was a blade of grass. The first one was found by our vet. The second one was sneezed out partially and we had to hold her down and "grab" it! :eek:

I hope the specialist will have some answers for you, but I thought I'd throw that out, just in case.

Logan

[rosethecopycat]

Poor Mimi!

No, noone outside around here.
Sometimes I bring grass inside for them, but only Snowy & Mr. Jones like it.

He is trying harder to eat now. I tempted him with FF mackerel. And he ate about a 1/2 tsp. He's making all kinds of 'snarfy' noises when he is eating. But, he's not too congested. (I've heard far worse)


Still syringing and giving fluids.

His voice is getting bigger now too.

We are building the nebulizer that I got from the rescue. It uses a giant Tupperware, an apparatus for people with asthma and some meds, which you have to buy at a Tractor Supply store:eek: :confused: (Tylan 200 and Biosol- I think they are for cattles and pigs)
Anyway, breeders use these nebulizers to combat URI. It helps considerably. It gets the meds directly to the lungs, not to the bloodstream.

(I'll post a picture of the unit when it is assembled)

[Barbara]

Malfi, why do I always have the impression these songs go over the ocean and just end up woth you, little boy:) I keep singing:)

[sasha the cat]

Mmmmew, we hope you are feeling much better. Our thoughts our with you, precious Almalfi.

[furrykidsmother]

Good luck with the vet visit tomorrow! Hope all goes well! Please let us know!

[rosethecopycat]

Hi,

Malfi spent the entire day at the vet specialist. They did 3 lateral xrays, EKG.

It came back normal! He’s got a 2/6 heart murmur, but no heart disease.

They said to treat the URI, and he does seem to be “turning the corner” since about 1 1/2 ago.

He ate treats at the vet, and ate FF on his own when we got home. He is super tired.

So, that’s good news, and maybe when we get clear of this URI he can finally have his teeth done.

We are very relieved to get this news, and as far as the money is concerned, we feel better spending to find nothing serious is wrong, than to spend it for really bad news.

: )

[jenluckenbach]

Silly Malfi, worrying us like this over a cold. Now you'd better hurry up and get well, OK?

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that he doesn't have anything seriously wrong with him. Please get well soon Almalfi.:)

[Killearn Kitties]

I hope Amalfi continues to get better! :D This sounds most encouraging, because his symptoms last week sounded terrible!

[Barbara]

Oh Malfi boy we wish so much you could just tell us what is wrong. But we are happy to hear that this time it sounds only like an especially nasty URI;)

We'll still sing for you, precious boy:)

[furrykidsmother]

So glad to hear it isn't anything to serious. I am sure he will be feeling better shortly!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by rosethecopycat
We are very relieved to get this news, and as far as the money is concerned, we feel better spending to find nothing serious is wrong, than to spend it for really bad news.

I couldn't agree more. You would have spent it either way, and what better turn out than to find it's only a slight URI and not something much much worse.

{{{hugs}}} to you and sweet smoochies to Malfi boy. :)