Mr Meow......biopsy update (1-2-2008)

[jenluckenbach]

The lymph node was not cancerous. But do not celebrate just yet.

The diagnosis (pending some other tests, special stains)is pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis which means immflamation of the lymphatic system ("pyo"=pus). Most likely cause..... FIP.

What do we do next?
-supportive care. He will get a steroid shot again (probably tomorrow or Friday to help with the diarrhea, and immflamation in general)

- depending on the results of these other tests/stains, there is a medicine that might work BETTER for him than the steroid shots. I believe the vet said cyclosporine, but I did not have his spell it (since we aren't actually using it yet).

So.....more waiting. But as we all know, FIP is totally uncurable. All we will be able to do is keep him comfortable if they decide on this diagnosis. The vet did not mention any other of the options of what could be causing the immflamation, just that they are trying to rule things out.

As for Mr Meow. He eats about 3 out of every 4 meals I offer him. And the diarrhea is quite liquid. But he is acting mostly normal.

[slick]

I have been following the adventures of Mr. Meow but have not posted until now. I'm glad that you finally have a "somewhat" diagnosis and that there is a new drug he can try. All fingers and paws crossed that it will work and give him some extra time with you.

I can't imagine how this must be tearing you apart. Sending you big {{{hugs}}} across the miles and some loving scritches for Mr. Meow.

[Catty1]

Dear Mr. Meow - FIP the 'most likely cause'...yeah, I wanna stick my head in the sand and HOPE it is not that.

However...the fact that he has thrived for so long with the Depoprovera gives me hope that his illness, FIP or no, can be managed.

How contagious is FIP? Or do adult cats develop an immunity?

Praying and hoping for the best. Thanks for the update! Give that fluffy boy a hug for me.

ETA: Cyclosporine is an immunosupressant, used as an antirejection drug in transplant patients, and in combo with other meds for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

I think it's all the love that has made all the difference! Hoping for non-FIP results.

hugs

[Medusa]

So it's a good news, bad news kinda thing. I'm so sorry; hoping that it isn't FIP but if it is, that you'll be able to keep him comfortable.

[Catlady711]

How contagious is FIP? Or do adult cats develop an immunity?

As far as I know FIP is contagious from mucus, saliva or bite wounds.

[Catlady711]

I hope Mr. Meow doesn't have FIP and there is another cause that's treatable. Me and my furkids will say a prayer for him.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Jen, I'm glad to hear that Mr. Meow doesn't have cancer but I sure hope that he doesn't have FIP either. I always thought that if a cat had FIP that they would get very weak and die within a few weeks. I hope that whatever he has can be treated and that he'll be able to remain as comfortable as possible. I'll continue to keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[jennielynn1970]

Awe... I hope it's not FIP, but if it is, he's been holding on this long, so he is a survivor. Not all cats die immediately from FIP.... doesn't Kathy W. have a cat that's had FIP for years??? I hope there is something they can give him to keep him comfortable and have a good life with you.

[Catty1]

Jen, if it does turn out to be FIP, I looked up some recent info and can email the page (just one page!) to you.

Hugs and more PT Prayers for Mr Meow!

He's done very well so far, so there is hope.

[cassiesmom]

Sweet Mister Meow, I hope it is not FIP.

[Craftlady]

Will keep good thoughts and prayers that it's not FIP

[jenluckenbach]

not yet. hopefully SOON!

Good news: no more diarrhea and a WONDERFUL appetite!

[maerlyn]

I don't get here very much, so I'm just now learning about Mr. Meow - and can't begin to say how glad I am that it's not cancer - and how sad I am that it might be FIP.

Back in October, I had the vet use those words to me when I took My Sweet Lady in for labored breathing. When the vet mentioned FIP, I nearly threw up onto the exam table. However, somewhere, somehow, I learned that FIP is not contagious - I have three other felines in the house! Even at that, I was most relieved to learn that Lady doesn't have FIP, and I pray that Mr. Meow doesn't either.

Although Lady's problem, like Mr. Meow's, is with her lymphatic system, it isn't from an infection - which surely is more easily treated than what she does have: idiopathic chylothorax. Her only symptom has been labored breathing - none of the diarrhea you mention.

Oh, Jen, I hope for a happy outcome for you & Mr. Meow! I"ll try to get here more often to watch his progress.

[K & L]

Good luck with this! Hopefully all will work out!

[catmandu]

THE FOUND CATS AND I ARE PRAYING TOO THAT MR MEOW WILL BE ALL RIGHT , AND THATS ITS NOT FIP.
I KNOW THAT THE PET ANGELS, LED BY Y.LEE WILL BE THERE TO COMFORT MR MEOW AND MAKE HIM FEEL GOOD.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT MR MEOW IS IN THE BEST PLACE THAT HE CAN BE IN WITH ONE OF THE MOST CARING MEOWMIES ON PET TALK.