We just can't get it right!

[cassiesmom]

Unfortunately, Monroe is continuing to decline. His cough has become more frequent, and it sounds horrible. The vet now thinks that it could be caused by fluid and not by acid reflux, and she told me to increase his furosemide (fluid pill). The other possibility is bronchitis. If that's the case, it would be difficult to treat since Monroe can't have steroids.
He is using up my nine lives, because I'm so worried about him, and, of course, we are up against the weekend.
Please send some healing thoughts for my sad kitty!

Sending healing thoughts for dear Monroe right now. And prayers too.

[phesina]

Healing thoughts and prayers and good wishes and warm energies are coming to dear sweet Monroe from us.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and ~~~~PURRRS~~~~ and from Pat and Sparkler

[Catty1]

Oh Monroe, please get well soon! HUGS and prayers to you and your worried mom!

[Catty1]

How is Monroe doing? Is the flurosemide helping him?

Please give him cuddles for me.

[cats4ever]

Thank you, Candace!
The furosemide did not help. We repeated chest xrays yesterday, and there was no fluid present.
The vet saw some mild interstitial pattern (pattern that partially obscures the margins of the pulmonary blood vessels).
So now we are down to rule out either bronchitis (either bacterial or chronic), asthma or some other lung disease (I entered the notes in Monroe's medical record, but I still can't remember what the other thing was).
Monroe got an antibiotic injection in case it is bacterial bronchitis. He is still coughing today.
If it's not bacterial, he needs steroids (which could speed up his heartfailure). He would also have to discontinue Atopica, and he has already developed a couple of sores.
With asthma, he would have to use a nebulizer, which, I think, he would not tolerate.
Sorry about the lengthy post, but it's all so complicated, and I think that his vet is a bit frustrated, too.
But I want to stay positive, and get the best possible treatment for him!

[phesina]

We are sending our love and support to Monroe and you, Heidi. You and he and the vet are doing so much to figure out what is going on and how best to deal with it. I know you'll come up with the best possible treatment for him.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and ~~~~PURRRS~~~~ and to Monroe and you from Pat and Sparkler

[cassiesmom]

Oh, boy. Will keep praying, will keep talking to St. Gertrude. Hugs and caring thoughts.