We Have An Epidemic :(

**freckledimple** · 04-27-2010, 10:01 PM

Since it sounds like it has a regular cycle, you might take a look at your routine and see if there is a part of your routine that cycles the same way.
You could take general precautions to prevent and control contagion, as well. Of course, keep the ill sepparate from the well. I would set up a quarentine room, and clean and disinfect the whole house. Wash your hands after every time you handle one of your kitties, and use latex/vinyl gloves when handling them and their waste. Remove your shoes when you come in from outside and spray them with Lysol, inside and out. You may even keep a set of "sick clothes" that you change into to handle your sick babies. Basically, do like they do in the hospital with MRSA.

I know you said they did blood tests, but have they checked for parasites? I would imagine there are some, that during their lifecycle, would cause systematic issues and irritations.

Good luck and we'll keep you in our prayers

**carole** · 04-27-2010, 10:17 PM

Oh Lisa how terrible for you and what a worry.

some of what you describe sounds a bit like what my Ellie has -chronic gingivitis .

I guess it is not that , or the vet would have mentioned it.
It is treated much the same,with antibiotics, pain relief, except long term steriods and there is no cure for it,it can be caused through some of the things you wrote about this illness your cats have, and of course eating is painful and they loose weight, it is often the bacteria in their mouth that they are allergic to, that is what my vet explained to me, and there can be under lying conditions that also cause it like you listed.

I can only hope and pray that you can get the kitties well again, I have only one to deal with and that is hard enough emotionally and financially to deal with so i really have so much empathy for you.

Keeping fingers and all paws crossed for a more positive outcome. HUGS.

**krazyaboutkatz** · 04-28-2010, 12:49 AM

I was also thinking that steroids would probably help with this condition. I know that the shots can be expensive but the pills aren't. I just bought 300 pills for Storm and he only gets 1/2 of a pill every morning so this should last him a long time. The cost was only $28. I buy chicken pill pockets and cut them into 1/4's and roll them up into little balls. I then use these to cover up the pill and he thinks he's getting a treat so it's very easy to pill him. When it's time for your cats to get another steroid shot, you might want to try the pills instead to see how it goes since it's much cheaper in the long run. Good luck.

My vet specializes in cats and I'm going to e-mail her about your situation. Maybe she's seen a cat with this before and she can give me some more information about treatment etc. I'll let you know.

**K & L** · 04-28-2010, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by freckledimple

Since it sounds like it has a regular cycle, you might take a look at your routine and see if there is a part of your routine that cycles the same way.
You could take general precautions to prevent and control contagion, as well. Of course, keep the ill sepparate from the well. I would set up a quarentine room, and clean and disinfect the whole house. Wash your hands after every time you handle one of your kitties, and use latex/vinyl gloves when handling them and their waste. Remove your shoes when you come in from outside and spray them with Lysol, inside and out. You may even keep a set of "sick clothes" that you change into to handle your sick babies. Basically, do like they do in the hospital with MRSA.

I know you said they did blood tests, but have they checked for parasites? I would imagine there are some, that during their lifecycle, would cause systematic issues and irritations.

Good luck and we'll keep you in our prayers

All excellent suggestions but with thirty cats we don't have the means to seclude! We even put L-Lysine in their wet food. Yes, the only one that had any parasites was the newby Jewelz who has been treated for this. Thank you!!

**catmandu** · 04-28-2010, 09:24 AM

I just hope that that disease doesnt come up North.

I noticed that while the Earl of Ebony eats , his jaw doesnt move quite right and food falls out.
We are sending Prayers for those Poor Strays that someone will help them through their ordeal.

And of course Dear Beavis ^^ Sable ^^ and Gable ^^

**columbine** · 04-28-2010, 11:04 AM

I did a search and found this article about FCV. It sounds like it might be a possibility.

Love, Columbine

**dehlers43** · 04-28-2010, 11:13 AM

You might want to try some Clinicare or even KMR instead of the half and half. Clinicare is a liquid like Ensure for kitties (and dogs!) so it's nutritionally complete. Some cats can't digest cow's milk very well so if you can't find Clinicare try KMR. It's reasonably priced and available at most pet stores. There is even a powdered version....
Sending you and your kitties warmm fuzzy, positive thoughts.....

**K & L** · 04-28-2010, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by dehlers43

You might want to try some Clinicare or even KMR instead of the half and half. Clinicare is a liquid like Ensure for kitties (and dogs!) so it's nutritionally complete. Some cats can't digest cow's milk very well so if you can't find Clinicare try KMR. It's reasonably priced and available at most pet stores. There is even a powdered version....
Sending you and your kitties warmm fuzzy, positive thoughts.....

Excellent idea!!

**Cataholic** · 04-28-2010, 01:40 PM

New carpet? New bedding? New anything? I would give the water a try, just in case. Cats have a much more delicate 'constitution' than us. And, maybe some of the cats were more fragile?

I am praying for you guys.

**K & L** · 04-28-2010, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by columbine

I did a search and found this article about FCV. It sounds like it might be a possibility.

Love, Columbine

Thank you!

**kb2yjx** · 04-28-2010, 11:51 AM

Try cleaning with a 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. You can use a spray bottle. As a RN, I LOVE BLEACH!!! It kills everything, including HIV( fragile virus when not in the body). I use it to clean our counters, litterboxes, and all surfaces that the cats go on! Steriods are just a temporary fix. It suppress the real problem that will resurface after the steriods are stopped. And it also masks infections, can produce depression, and increase appetite....Good luck with your cats, will light a candle for you all!!! Sandra

**Pinot's Mom** · 04-28-2010, 01:55 PM

First of all, I've been following this thread, but have had no suggestions, only prayers for healing. I have never had more than one cat at a time, so my experience is very limited. I'm sorry you're having this issue. Second...

Originally Posted by columbine

I did a search and found this article about FCV. It sounds like it might be a possibility.

Love, Columbine

Thank you for this link! It's pertinent here, and I also think it's the same virus my Pinot had when very young that she is a "carrier" of. I never knew the name, but this sounds like it. I have been warned by three vets NEVER to have another kitty with her.

If this is the same disease, I feel your pain, it's excruciating to watch a kitty deal with this. In our case, she was hospitalized for 12 hours when she became critical, given IV fluids, appetite stimulant and antibiotics with an eye ointment as well. All but the fluids were sent with her for home treatment. If the same disease, the cyclical nature makes sense since you have a number of kitties; mine got it at the shelter. I would definitely ask the vet about this possibility and how to quarantine.

Prayers and {{{hugs}}} - kisses to the kitties.

Maggie

**Catlady711** · 04-28-2010, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by columbine

I did a search and found this article about FCV. It sounds like it might be a possibility.

Love, Columbine

I was thinking the same thing, only the newer virilent strain of it.
http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=14438

Or possibly FIP
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in...m/bc/56900.htm

Either way I hope the cats that are sick recover and that no more kitties come down with it regardless of what it is.

**krazyaboutkatz** · 04-28-2010, 11:58 PM

Lisa, I finally got a reply from my vet and she said that orophargyneal disease is not a diagnosis but just a description and there are many types and severities. She said that if you have any doubts about your current vet then you may want to see an internal medicine specialist.

I just hope that whatever it is can be properly diagnosed and treated and that no more of your cats will become infected. I'll continue to keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers.