Oliver's Mom...
Yikes, I never associated breath with the chronic infection but my two youngest do have that same distinctive unpleasant smell to their breath at times - I *think* so anyway because they both sleep right next to my face and I notice it often and just figured they were ...uhm...f@rting Yes and they often have the stinky and very mushy stools.

As for the infections - we have had the babies since the first week of October and never quite rid of it. Different strains replace others - sometimes rods, then spirochetes, the something like a coccidea. They have been on so many different antibiotics - liquids, tablets, IV's, injections. For the past 6 weeks or so I have them off the meds and am trying easy-on the -system diet plus achidophilus capsules and a natural remedy that a PT friend sent that is simple pectin and kaolin. They will do great for a few days and then it is back. I suppose with five cats they all pass it around and I am frustrated. All have been clear of all worms and fleas and the vet told us that only a direct microscopic smear and stain will identify what is in their colons. He also checks for tenderness but there never has been any.

My two are also having spay and neuters in February and I will ask the vet to thoroughly check the bowels when they are asleep. From what I read, this is likely a large colon problem and perhaps similar to IBS. I also read about scary thing, too but try to to think about those. Thankfully, everyone uses their boxes but they are terribly finicky and I scoop - well it seems like constantly.

Hope you find some answers with Oliver - something that can be corrected. You sound so frustrated!! I would really be upset if any of mine were soiling outside the boxes

Take care!!