In your position, with limited funds (and I've been there, I know what it's like), I'd go for the chest x-ray first. My concern with the shortness of breath is fluid in the chest cavity. Although you want to keep your cat hydrated for general well being, giving fluids might be the wrong way to go until you have checked his chest. I've gone through this several times with my cats, all at the end of their lives. I've also had two FeLV+ cats who crashed very suddenly and no amount of treatment could help them. The second item I'd pay for would be a blood test.
Have you checked your cat's mouth? Are his gums or tongue blue. If his breathing is compromised that would be good reason for his lethargy.
I assume because you have FeLV+ cats, that you are used to checking the gums for normal pink color? If they are pale, the cat has gone into the anemia stage of feline leukemia, and that will cause difficulty breathing and lethargy.
I don't understand why you are giving aspirin to help breathing, where did you read this was a good idea? I've never heard of it. As others have said, aspirin and cats are not a good mix.
There are some costs you can keep down by doing the work yourself - such as giving sub-q fluids if there is no problem with fluid in the chest, but some items you just have to grit your teeth and go through with them.
Reply With Quote
Cat passed away monday night in my hands and we went and buried him near his brother. I'll remain active here though
Bookmarks