Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/20/2008

Question
Just before Christmas 2007, I fostered an adorable 1.7 pound kitty from the SPCA.  When he was three pounds, I was able to adopt him. I think Ziggy, now 10.5 pounds is all or part Maine Coon cat due to his appearance and massive "dog paws".  He also never really acted like a cat, either.  4 days ago, I noticed that he was very lethargic and sneezing.  I immediately took him to the vet, where they drew blood (negative for leukemia)and gave me clavamox.  The next morning, he was worse and I could feel that he had a temperature when I picked him up.  I took him back to the vet immediately, they changed his antibiotics to Metacam.  He is not really eating or drinking.  I force him to take some water in a syringe.  I am also giving him two 250 mg doses of L Lysine a day on the vet's recommendation.  I can get him to eat a little tuna and some treats. I know the tuns's not good for him, but he's not eating anything else and then only a little.  I'm beside myself worried about him.  I'd greatly value your opinion.  Thank you.

Answer
Theresa -

Take Ziggy back to the doctor and request bloodwork to check liver and kidney function.  Perhaps he has something more serious and needs to have other treatments such as intravenous fluids, etc.  

Metacam is not an antibiotic.  It is an antiinflammatory agent used to treat pain or inflammation.   Metacam is extremely effective at treating pain, but it is not antibiotic and cannot be used to treat diseases.  Perhaps your vet gave it to Ziggy because he/she felt he was in pain or uncomfortable.  

Lysine is a great supplement and it is often to prevent upper respiratory infection.  I am not sure how great it is at treating URI, but it maybe effective in preventing them.  

It is extremely important for a cat to eat daily, especially bigger cats as their liver may become compromised if the cat does not eat daily. It is essential that you request bloodwork to determine if the liver is function properly.  

Good Luck and Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM