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Cats/Cat Flu ?

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Expert: - 11/6/2008


Question
Hello, My 5 year old, indoor cat has had her left third eye
lid protrude and upper respiratory infection (coughing and
sneezing) for about four weeks now and it has gotten
progressively worse.  Had her to the vet two weeks ago and
was diagnosed with feline herpes virus. I have been giving
her oral immune system boost, antibiotic eye drops and L-
lysine. There is still no improvement. How long is the
maximum duration of this virus? I know I need to be
patient, but she seem to be getting weeker and she had a
single episode of diarrhea yesterday. I hope she starts to
improve soon. She is still eating and drinking water when I
encourage her to. I don't have much confidence in the vet.
I'm new to the area and this was our first visit. I would
be willing give another vet a chance, but don’t know the
best way to find out if they have experience with feline
herpes virus or the symptoms my cat is displaying. Any
thougths or comments about treating her are greatly
appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Pete,

Given that this kitty is unwell and has been for some time it's important to have her reassessed, my youngest cat was rescued from the streets and she has a chronic herpes viral condition which doesn't affect her health at all. This kitty is getting worse by your own admission, I am beginning to wonder if the cat may have something more serious than herpes virus going on....Having the vet test for feline leukemia and FIV might be a good start. These viral infections are similar to HIV and AIDS in people, some people are more severely affected than others. A holistic vet may be a better choice than a conventional vet as he/she would be more in line with your health practices.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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