Please Help!! Cat Can't Breathe!!!

**Emeraldgreen** · 07-21-2007, 12:08 AM

I went upstairs to see if I could get another video of Tiger but I lost my place at the computer- my hubby jumped on and said it was 'his turn'

The video I just took didn't really turn out anyway but I'll post the links to the other 3 videos of Tiger taken over the last few weeks. One is really dark but you can hear the sounds in it quite well.
I was thinking a similar thought too Katie. I called the vet today and asked them if they would board him for a few days. They said they could for 23.00 a day but that they only have people there from 8:00-5:30 and with the weekend upon us, there would only be someone popping in on Sunday for a brief time. I think I will see about getting my own ionic filter and then maybe see about boarding him for a few days as well during the week and see if any improvement is made.
The rumbly whistling sounds seem to be coming from his throat, right under his chin area, maybe a bit lower.
I have to say though that I'm really hoping it's a polyp because a fungal infection could take up to 8 months to treat and the meds seem to be taking their toll on Tiger and on our pocket book! Congestive heart failure would be horrible and laryngeal paralysis involves a specialized surgery that can have complications afterward with aspirating food and water. If I can find a vet who knows how to look for polyps and how to treat it, that would be awesome. I will begin looking tomorrow.
In the meantime, here are the three links of my Tiger. There are some other videos posted of my cat George in my group of videos. He has been having respiratory problems too but the vets haven't been able to make a connection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCxk1Gy4jsQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJKxCT1SJ48

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzDb9riUtt8

**Emeraldgreen** · 07-21-2007, 12:35 AM

I forgot to mention one more symptom which I think ties in with the polyp idea. Tiger's balance has been off. I mentioned this to the vet but it was thought that maybe that had been due to the debris build up in his ear or possibly to neurological issues in relation to fungal infection. But a polyp in an ear I think would definitely have an effect on balance.
Just now I did a bit of research on the net and found a site that mentioned that xrays have a low accuracy for the detecttion of polyps which would explain why the half dozen xrays they've taken haven't shown anything.
I'll see if I can find a vet with a ct scan. I had one done where we used to live on my cat George here in B.C. and the results are then sent to the university of Colorado (I think) and are examined by specialists there. It's expensive but I'm on a mission to save this guy. I'll just sell my car or something, he's worth it.

Lastly, and you guys might think I'm crazy but I was so desperate a few days ago that I contacted that famous pet psychic named Dr. Monica. You send her a picture and she picks a time to 'communicate' with your pet and then contacts you with the information she gets from 'speaking' with your pet. I know it's off the wall but 4 doctors later and no answers, I'm trying everything there is before I give up. Anyway, she said that he told her he cannot be stoic for much longer. He is feeling angry that he can't breathe and doesn't like the other cats seeing him this way because he is the 'top cat'. He said that the only way he could describe the way it feels is that he can't swallow properly and that it feels like half his throat/trachea area is working and the other half has a kink in it or isn't functioning.
I'm thinking about how you mentioned the polyp pressing on your pet Yodie's throat area Medusa and maybe that is what Tiger was trying to describe to Monica. If of course she actually communicated with him. Yikes, I've lost it. LOL

**Catty1** · 07-21-2007, 12:52 AM

There is a pet psychic that many people use here - her name is Nancy Efrusy.

Believe me, don't think you've lost it. She is amazing. No money up front, she is flexible and loves animals.

I hope you can find a vet to check on a polyp. Also - with your cat George having breathing problems...the only common tie might be the air.

That filter might be worth it - it would be nice if you could borrow one, as you don't want to spend any more money than you have to. Then, if it works, you can buy it.

BTW - if surgery seems necessary for some reason, check out www.imom.org They help raise funds for non-regular surgeries. Just info for you.

ETA: Just watched the videos...Tiger is just gorgeous! I love his sweet face - he looks like such a love!

I hope the problem gets discovered quickly...poor baby!

HUGS to him and to you!

**Emeraldgreen** · 07-21-2007, 01:16 AM

Thanks Catty1! I think he is very handsome too. I've had him for 11 years. I tried to attach his picture as my avator but it didn't work for some reason.
I'll check out that website you suggested regarding funds. Thanks for that.
I think I will go ahead and buy the filter because my other cat Jimmy who has asthma (he had asthma when I adopted him) would probably benefit from it. He is a really sweet cat and sadly was Charlie's best friend in the world. They were real pals and ate together and slept together and wrestled just about everyday. He is pretty lost right now. I've been giving him tons of affection but it's tough. Tiger is his number two guy which is another reason I've got to save him. I'm not sure Jimmy could lose two buddies in such a short time.
Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who would try using a psychic! LOL I'll google the psychic Nancy and see what I can find out.

**Catty1** · 07-21-2007, 01:23 AM

Here's the info!

[email protected] - Nancy Efrusy

She works from a photo, and her prices are resonable. She lives in the USA.

Lots of folks here on PT have used her, with great results.

Good luck!

**jennielynn1970** · 07-21-2007, 01:29 AM

Oh my ..... poor Tiger. Those videos really drive home the wheezing.

It really does sound like he's gagging on something. Poor guy!!

I hope you can get a CT scan or something and find out quickly what is wrong with Tiger. Listening to him just breaks my heart!

Big hugs to Tiger and to Jimmy... it's hard on animals when they lose their buddies.

**Emeraldgreen** · 07-21-2007, 01:36 AM

Thanks Jenn.

I'm off to bed so I can get ready for tomorrow. Lot's to do and to think about thanks to all of you. I feel so much more hope.

p.s. thanks for the email address Catty1.

**krazyaboutkatz** · 07-21-2007, 07:42 PM

Welcome to PT.

I'm so sorry to hear about Tiger and about Charlie's passing.

I just watched the videos and Tiger sure is a handsome boy. I hope that one of the vets will be able to find out what's causing this and that it can be easily treated. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

I've used the pet psychic Nancy Efrusy and she's a very nice caring lady. I think she's on vacation right now though. If you e-mail her be sure to include Tigers picture and also your phone number. She likes to call you and talk to you by phone if possible. Good luck.