Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Angiew on January 09, 2009, 17:06:59 PM

Title: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Angiew on January 09, 2009, 17:06:59 PM
One of my cats has such a huge belly she now now looks like a rugby ball with legs. I took her to the vets about 4 months ago and the vet said she could only feel a layer of fat. She's quite a smallcat, about 4 years old and its not a wobbly belly but a swollen one and very tight.

Apart from FIP (which I think would have taken her by now) or a nasty tumour I can't think of what else (apart from fat) it could be.  The rest of her body is fairly normal and she is behaving as usual and if it is one of the above there is little that can be done.

Any other causes that I should be considering? Do some cats , like humans, just put weight on in different places?
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly?
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on January 09, 2009, 17:10:51 PM
air, wind,worms and tumour but sasa is built like rugby ball and does have quite a large tummy but reckon it wobbles.

misa also has a largish tummy but although solid its not tight like a drum anf if thats how your kittys is then i would have a vet check again. my be an xray to check.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly?
Post by: Mark on January 09, 2009, 17:18:41 PM
Alice has a big bloated stomach. They did all kinds of tests including ultrasound, but came up with nothing. In the end, the vet put it down to malnutrition. Although she is (very) well nourished now, it has never gone. She looks like she has swallowed a grapefruit.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly?
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on January 09, 2009, 17:57:45 PM
I had a problem with Becky, Candice said she looked like Mr Potato Head  :sneaky:  There didn't seem any reason for it whatsoever but when I had her spayed, Sean did an ex lap on her which involved cutting her down her middle, pulling everything out and checking her, nothing was untoward but when he put her bits back in she was fine  :-:  I think with her she had something twisted which may have been causing bloatedness and when her bits were pulled out it corrected itself.  This is the only explanation we could think of.  Another I had in was Quasi, she kept bloating and if you squeezed her tummy you could hear the gas coming out, so with her it was wind but there may have been other issues going on with her as when all this started she suddenly took ill and I had to have her pts.  It's hard to say, there are so many things and without exploratory tests I think it's a case of trial and error, but whatever I hope you get to the cause of the problem  :hug:  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly?
Post by: swampmaxmum on January 09, 2009, 18:51:16 PM
dodgy liver can cause hard, bloated tums but I imagine she'd be vomiting and very nauseous. Maybe it's irritable bowel as well? Is she constipated and have you tried lactulose? Hope it's nothing to worry about.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Angiew on January 12, 2009, 10:05:50 AM
I took her in to the vets again today as her stomach is getting bigger.
The vet seems quite sue that it is FIP and has said its not really worth testing for as its inconclusive and expensive.
she has a slight temp so has had a jab and we have some diuretics to give her - just lost one finger with her first dose.

Appointment in 2 weeks time.

Have just read the relevant sections and websites. if any of you have experience and can give some advice please do - either here or pm.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Liz on January 12, 2009, 11:10:46 AM
Angie we lost Gem to FIP and found that steroids helped for a little while and kept her appitite - we also got injections as opposed to tab;ets and found this easier on the hands!

I hope it isn't but if it is it will be very fast and so sad so  :hug: for you and the wee one
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on January 12, 2009, 12:39:11 PM
I do hope its not FIP and my heart goes out to you and this little one  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Gillian Harvey on January 12, 2009, 13:53:22 PM
I took her in to the vets again today as her stomach is getting bigger.
The vet seems quite sue that it is FIP and has said its not really worth testing for as its inconclusive and expensive.
she has a slight temp so has had a jab and we have some diuretics to give her - just lost one finger with her first dose.

Appointment in 2 weeks time.

Have just read the relevant sections and websites. if any of you have experience and can give some advice please do - either here or pm.

Thanks.

Angie I think it would be worth having the blood test for coronavirus, because if she has high titres (still doesnt mean FIP) then the virus can be treated more aggressively. Also a full blood test will also give other indicators IF it is FIP - I suppose at least then you could rule it out if results are negative.  :hug:

My Gwynnie had high coronavirus titres over a year ago now, she also had possible neuro indicators, although not fluid, and she didnt develop FIP.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Jasmine on January 12, 2009, 14:06:30 PM
Can't offer any advice/help, just wanted to say I'm really sorry, what a worry. :(
 :hug:
Jas
 X
 
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on January 12, 2009, 16:33:37 PM
You can guarantee virtually every cat you take to the vets with a bloated tummy, they will suspect FIP but it could be a number of things.  I took a youngster in a few months ago, she did have a bloated tum but it felt weird to any others I've had, it seemed to feel really squidgy if that's the word  :shy:  and I did suspect FIP and so did the vet.  In most cases it can be other things such as a tummy infection, worms etc.   If it was wet FIP she would probably be really ill by now, it tends to get them very quickly.  I would go along with what Gillian has suggested and get the bloods done, at least if she has extremely high titre levels, you know this is a possibility rather than just guessing.  Good luck with her anyway and I hope it's just something simple that can be sorted   :hug:  :hug:

dodgy liver can cause hard, bloated tums but I imagine she'd be vomiting and very nauseous.

Becky has a dodgy liver but she has no vomiting.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Gail Bengal Slave on January 12, 2009, 16:52:49 PM
I do hope its not FIP   :hug:

Not as much as me - I lost Beau to that  :censored: virus it was the 4th anniversay to the day and date saturday 10th January-

Beau had a VERY hugh temp - he was lethargic and looked throughly cheesed off. Yes he had a bloated tum, they Xrayed him and that gave my vet a 99% certanty it was **P.

I pray with all my heart it is NOT this disgusting virus
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Kirst on January 12, 2009, 16:59:10 PM
Fingers , toes and everything else crossed it is not FIP. :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Millys Mum on January 12, 2009, 20:01:26 PM
I would go for tests, you can rule things out at least, if shes swelling up there should be fluid, this can be checked out and used in the diagnosis.

www.dr-addie.com (http://www.dr-addie.com) is really the only site to believe, theres alot of conflicting info out there and dr addie is the expert   :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Angiew on January 12, 2009, 20:36:34 PM
I think it may be too late to do anything really. She's only eating small amounts of food but keeps going to food and walking way. Her stomach has gotten quite a lot bigger over the weekend.
I think if the diuretic does not make any impact over the next couple of days I see no option but to make sure she is not going to suffer more than necessary.
I don't think any tests will really help apart from put a name to it.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on January 12, 2009, 20:42:12 PM
If its wet FIP they go very quickly but its also very painful and think if your vet is sure and you are too then she may not make it to the weekend, so very sorry Angie  :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Millys Mum on January 12, 2009, 21:05:11 PM
It doesnt have to be FIP  :( theres many conditions very similar so for me testing wouldnt just be putting a name to it but may actually diagnose a treatable condition  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on January 12, 2009, 21:14:42 PM
It doesnt have to be FIP  :( theres many conditions very similar so for me testing wouldnt just be putting a name to it but may actually diagnose a treatable condition  :hug:

Although I agree with this comment, I also think you've got to weigh up whether or not putting her through a load of test is going to be beneficial.  If a cat is very poorly, I really don't think it's fair to be prodding and poking, I had one the other week and regardless of anything, even with treatment, he was not going to survive.  Sometimes you've just got to put them out of their misery as we all know in rescue when cats are too far gone, most of the time there is no return  :'(  If she seems healthy in herself, I would go for bloods but I still think everything has to be weighed up.  Good luck Angie and we know she's in good hands whatever her outcome  :hug:  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 13, 2009, 08:31:21 AM
Fingers crossed it isn't FIP - have they tried to see if she does have the typical straw coloured fluid in her belly? That might be easier than bloods. That is what they did with Tig when it was suspected, and I only took her cos she seemed in pain when I picked her up.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Maddiesmum on January 13, 2009, 08:45:54 AM
I am so sorry - hope it isn't FIP  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Liz on January 13, 2009, 11:53:17 AM
Having had all the tests for gem firstly they thought it was toxoplasmosis as they show similar counts we then had the whole lot done again and FIP was the cause of her issues

Its all very well everyone giving advice but Angie has already  found tableting an issue which shows cat is scared and frightened and with all the will in the world more test add to the stress which again isn't good with Corona or FIP

Also just to add she is in the best place with Angie and I'm sure whatever the outcome Angie will have covered all possible bases

FIP can kill quickly or it can be managed for a year not sure which way round for Wet and Dry but both have the same fatal outcome which is something we should all be aware of

It is a very nasty disease and i feel for anyone going through it and those that have loved and lost babies to this condition :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Angiew on January 15, 2009, 10:06:06 AM
She'[s at the vets today for xray/ultrasound and blood tests etc........

decided that we had to attempt to see what the problem really is as we wouldn't be able to live with ourselves not knowing and would always wonder if it was a treatable problem. She seems no worse today than monday, though vet said her breathing was laboured.
 :waiting:

have an appt. to pick her up at 5-40.
I was suprised the vet said the tests can id FIP now - they do a genetic test though it takes about a week to get the results.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Gail Bengal Slave on January 15, 2009, 10:15:09 AM
EVERYTHING is crossed for your baby xxxxxxxxxxxxx.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on January 15, 2009, 12:36:29 PM
lots of good vibes  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Michelle (furbabystar) on January 15, 2009, 12:44:37 PM
Fingers crossed for today xxx
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP suspected
Post by: Angiew on January 15, 2009, 13:54:08 PM
Her liver is shot and covered with cysts - all indicative of FIP.

I have just asked them to let her go and arranged for a cremation.

I had the choice to bring her back until things got bad but as she is already stressed and at the vets it seems cruel to do so and she must be uncomfortable even though she is showing few signs.

RIP little girl.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Michelle (furbabystar) on January 15, 2009, 13:58:54 PM
I am so sorry to hear this Angie, I think you have made the best choice xx
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: LesleyW on January 15, 2009, 14:02:44 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this Angie, having lost Pagan to FIP last year I know what you are going through, it is such a horrible condition.

You are in my thoughts. :hug:

RIP little one. :Luv2:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Dawn F on January 15, 2009, 14:04:00 PM
sorry to hear this Angie - poor little girl
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on January 15, 2009, 14:07:53 PM
Really sorry to hear this Angie  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: sheryl on January 15, 2009, 14:09:01 PM
So so sorry Angie - thinking of you Hun xxx

RIP little one - play hard at the Bridge sweetheart xxx
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Michelle (furbabystar) on January 15, 2009, 14:09:20 PM
Angie You never did say what her name is  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Angiew on January 15, 2009, 14:24:58 PM
Thankyou for your condolences. She had many names, I called her Ids - I shall do a post in Rainbow.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Mark on January 15, 2009, 14:33:51 PM
Sorry Angie  :hug:

So sad but there was nothing you could do except spare her the suffering.

Poor baby  :'(
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Gail Bengal Slave on January 15, 2009, 15:40:58 PM
 :'( :'( :'(
 
many hugs Angie  :hug: :hug:. you did the right thing - it was hard I know but the right decision.

RIP little lady - play hard sweet girl xxxxxxxxxxx Beau & Zak will meet you and show you round the best places to chase those butterflies.
The ones you can chase but never hurt, as they are unbreakable butterflies.

 :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Liz on January 15, 2009, 16:25:42 PM
Angie many hugs to you and the little one

Sometimes it is kinder to let them go as you did but she can come home to you after cremation - ours are all on 2 shelves in our bedroom and its comforting but stll very sad

Run free little one and cause some cat chaos at the bridge with the rest of our furkids :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on January 15, 2009, 16:43:31 PM
I am so sorry Angie , what a hideous disease this is. I am sure she is thanking you for stopping her suffering  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Maddiesmum on January 15, 2009, 17:07:57 PM
I am so sorry RIP Ids :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Janeyk on January 15, 2009, 17:13:49 PM
 :hug:  only just seen this and so sorry, what a shame bless her  :'(
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: swampmaxmum on January 15, 2009, 17:33:08 PM
I'm very sorry Angie.  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Millys Mum on January 15, 2009, 19:31:53 PM
Sorry to hear about Ids Angie  :(  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Gillian Harvey on January 15, 2009, 22:27:10 PM
So very sorry Angie  :hug:
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Karen-covcats on January 15, 2009, 23:02:29 PM
So sorry Angie she was a gorgeous cat. RIP Ids :'(
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Topsy Turvey on January 15, 2009, 23:44:21 PM
Sorry to hear this.  RIP little one x
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Zenith (Liz) on January 16, 2009, 21:36:06 PM
I'm sorry Little Girl :(
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 17, 2009, 08:39:01 AM
I am sorry to hera it was FIP Angie, RIP little one, but you did the best thing by letting her go at the vets, rather than bring her home.
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: bonnielass on January 17, 2009, 16:43:21 PM
So sorry to hear this,but at least shes not suffering anymore so you did the right thing  :hug: :hug:                                                                R.I.P. LITTLE ONE
Title: Re: Apart from fat/pregnant things to cause huge belly - FIP - RIP little girl
Post by: AliCat on January 17, 2009, 17:02:12 PM
RIP

*hugs*