Tiger update-Reading by Denise included!

[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!

[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!!) 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.