Expert: Jessica - 5/12/2011

Question
I recently adopted a cat from a cat shelter.  It had a temperature of 106.5 and the vet. and it was not drinking water.  It also sounded like it had a respiratory infection.  The vet gave it an antibiotic shot, something to bring the temperature down, a water "transfusion" under the skin, and medicine called Capstan for live fleas.  it had already have shots recently (past week) for Rabies and Distemper, had been wormed once, and had been given a dose of Advantage.  It also had a red left eye mark near the nose.  Two days later, the temp. (by touch) still seems high.  He is eating and drinking water (mixed in the food only) and is cheerful and meows and curls up around my legs.  There is no reliable test for FIP.  Can this cat possibly survive in the long run?  I don't want to run exhaustive tests if it is a useless. It is the nicest cat, though, and I hate to just throw in the towel.  Please advise with your expertise.  I am sick with worry.  Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Virginia,

Did you run tests for feline leukemia and AIDS? These tests are often run before cats are put up for adoption, so you may want to call the shelter or check his adoption papers. These are two ultimately terminal contagious viruses, and the tests are very reliable. They can both cause a persistent fever and chronic infections that are difficult to treat. Many times, the cat will respond to treatment for upper respiratory infections and such, but it takes much longer than in cats who are not infected with AIDS or leukemia. Ultimately, the cats usually will die of cancer or organ failure.

I recommend that you try to take the kitty's temp again to be sure he has a fever. If his disposition is cheerful, I would try to give him a day or two more for the antibiotic to have its effect. If he still seems no better, contact the vet to try a different one. The only antibiotic that has a long enough effect to treat an infection for a full course is Convenia, and I have not been thrilled with the results I've seen. Most vets prefer oral antibiotics when possible, as these give a constant dose of the medication, whereas Convenia gives a tapering dose that becomes less effective toward the end of the treatment. I have nearly always had to treat with a second antibiotic for systemic infections (as opposed to skin or oral infections).

While a persistent high fever can be a sign of FIP, this disease is uncommon, especially in adult cats, and I think his chances of recovery are probably good, especially if he has tested negative for feline leukemia and AIDS. The only other condition I can think of that might cause a very high, persistent fever, yet a decent appetite, is cancer. An x-ray can detect some tumors, but an ultrasound is usually best for finding this type of abnormality. It's best to run a complete blood count, as well, as certain white blood cell and red blood cell counts can be high or low when cancer is present.

Good luck!

Jessica