Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Kats inc on April 11, 2011, 17:30:11 PM
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Hi all,
I've not been around for ages and sorry to post a sad and needy post :(
I wrote this out but somehow it got lost in cyberspace and I can't do it all over again.suffice to say my baby Harv has been diagnosed with FIP and I'm in bits.Jemima one of my oldies has a benign liver tumour and she's just started deteriorating too so it's a double whammy.She's done amazingly well till now so for her it's all been a bonus but losing two in quick succession is going to be just awful.
I know you guys will get 'it' in a way few others do,because you know cats are part of our families.I'm struggling and don't want to get it wrong for Harv. He's not at the pts point yet but I don't think we're far off :(
Oh bu**er why does it hurt so much.He's only 3,and was in a dreadful state when I found him,he deserves more years of pampering and being spoiled.
Here's the boy :Luv2:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/Julesiebear/catsaug090951.jpg)
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/Julesiebear/Harvey3small.jpg)
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Oh No ......I am so so sorry :'(
Bloody FIP I hate it
I am sure others will give you the correct advice if I'm wrong .....but I think I am right in saying that he will be shredding the virus so really needs to be kept apart from your other cats.
I hope he has more time left then you are thinking, poor little darling
Sending you a huge :hug:
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so sorry to hear about poor Harvey and Jemima. Hope you get more time with them than you think :hug: x
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Thanks.
I'm totally confused about this shedding the virus thing. Basically he's had this now for about 3 months before the definitive diagnosis has been made so the others have been at risk without me knowing it anyway.He was booked for a heart scan tomorrow because the vet had picked up quite a significant heart murmur and thought that was what was causing the weight loss and lethargy.The bloated abdomen only started last thursday which gave the last FIP jigsaw piece really :(
Much as I even dread to think about it I suppose they've been horribly exposed already.God alone knows where he picked it up from.
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I am so sorry to hear about Harvey and Jemina :hug: :hug:
I second what Michelle said about FIP just a terrible terrible diseease.
Here is the link to the best info on FIP
http://www.dr-addie.com/
I wish I could help more :hug: :hug:
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So sorry for the diagnosis, we lost a rescue Mum and 3 of her kittens to FIP and have the remaining kitten Miss Beijing who is a Corona virus carrier
Afraid he must be kept seperate from the others as the disease goes for young cats and oldies
I would also ask the vet to test for Toxomasplosis as the symptons are very similar to FIP = we kept Gem happy safe and warm surrounded by love for a further 8 weeks after her diagnosis and them=n helped her to the Bridge it is a horrible disease and we miss Gem every day and of course her darlings Star, Cairo and Shanghai but are so blessed to have baby Beijing xx
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I'm totally confused about this shedding the virus thing. Basically he's had this now for about 3 months before the definitive diagnosis has been made so the others have been at risk without me knowing it anyway.He was booked for a heart scan tomorrow because the vet had picked up quite a significant heart murmur and thought that was what was causing the weight loss and lethargy.The bloated abdomen only started last thursday which gave the last FIP jigsaw piece really :(
Firstly, he won't be shedding FIP - he will be shedding coronavirus, cats don't 'catch' FIP, they 'catch' the coronavirus - which MAY (in rare cases) mutate into FIP. Many cats carry coronavirus without it ever causing any problems.
Secondly, I wonder if the bloated abdomen, weight loss and apathy are related to the heart murmour anyway, and nothing to do with FIP? I presume he's had a blood test which confirms positive coronavirus titres? Do you know what his titres are?
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Hi Kats
I'm so sorry to hear about Harvey :'(
I lost my Tiger to FIP at only a year old. Once his tummy swelled the end came very quickly :'( It broke my heart to see my beautiful boy in such an awful state. To begin with the vet wasn't entirely sure it was FIP as he said that liver problems could cause very similar symptoms so they kept him at the vets for a week to monitor him but in the end there was nothing more they could do for him and he was PTS.
They insisted on doing a post-mortem to establish that it was FIP and when it was proved that it was I wasn't allowed to take him home to bury him as they said even with him being under the ground the risk of the disease spreading was too great :(
Gillian, is quite right when she says that cats don't catch FIP, it's the corona virus they pick up. After Tiger's death I had to have Lily tested and she proved positive but never developed FIP all the years that followed.
My thoughts are with you at this tough time :hug:
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One thing to remember is that the vets can insist as much as they like on a postmortum but its up to you, they are only really wanting to prove how clever they are in making the right diagnosis.
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I'm totally confused about this shedding the virus thing. Basically he's had this now for about 3 months before the definitive diagnosis has been made so the others have been at risk without me knowing it anyway.He was booked for a heart scan tomorrow because the vet had picked up quite a significant heart murmur and thought that was what was causing the weight loss and lethargy.The bloated abdomen only started last thursday which gave the last FIP jigsaw piece really :(
Firstly, he won't be shedding FIP - he will be shedding coronavirus, cats don't 'catch' FIP, they 'catch' the coronavirus - which MAY (in rare cases) mutate into FIP. Many cats carry coronavirus without it ever causing any problems.
OK, thats another way of putting it :)
But still basically he should be kept away from the other cats in the household
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Yes you are right about contact Michelle but I dont think that Gillians response confuses anything as it is correct.
If vets or others give incorrect information that is what is confusing and as soon as they start explaining and giving the correct info then that will be the better for all.
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He's already had contact with other cats in the household, so there is no point in isolating, in all probability blood tests would show that the others have coronavirus antibodies anyway - doesnt mean they will get FIP. Coronaviruses are so common (in humans too - they cause the common cold) - a high number of cats carry the virus without any signs or symptoms (if we had all our cats tested i'll bet there will be a high proportion showing positive - especially multi cat homes).
Gwynnie had high coronavirus titres at 6 months old (and she was very poorly at the time) - she's nearly 4 now. She had already mixed with the others on a daily basis, I never had any of the others tested. She didnt develop FIP (even with very high corona titres), and nor did any other the others, although I expect some of them would have shown antibodies to corona at the time).
They insisted on doing a post-mortem to establish that it was FIP and when it was proved that it was I wasn't allowed to take him home to bury him as they said even with him being under the ground the risk of the disease spreading was too great :(
Thats terrible Alison :hug: and shows just how much misinformation there is about FIP :(
Incidientally, apparently there is some new Winn Foundation research into FIP to be announced and also some success stories with treatment for FIP - there's a short video here with feline expert Dr Susan Little http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/steve-dale-pet-world/2011/04/dr-susan-little-with-the-latest-on-fip.html
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Will be interested to see what comes out of the symposium
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Gillian, it was awful that I couldn't bring Tiger home and put him next to his 'brother' Simba in the garden :'( I did the only thing I could do, brought his collar home, dug a little hole under Simba's gravestone and put Tiger's collar in it. Of course I know that not having his body makes no difference as he will always be with me in spirit in fact the last time I saw my psychic lady she told me she saw a cat fitting Tiger's description around me so I know he's there. :Luv:
I'm glad to hear there is more research being done into FIP. It's such an awful disease.
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I lost a little seal point boy Omar to it years ago. It was an awful time as that night we had to have him and and another cat put to sleep. We had previously had another pts a week before and another about two weeks later. The other three were due to their kidneys. I can't remember how many other cats we had at the time but at least 5 others and all of those were fine. I didn't get them tested either.
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Thanks for your support and replies. My home laptop is being a pig so that's why the delay is me replying.
Yes he has has corona titre levels done and they were positive. He's been treated for toxoplasmosis with antibiotics as that was an option. The vet said he was just too well for too long for it to be FIP but now he's got the typical abdominal bloating with an aspiration of straw coloured fluid with high protein levels (of 60g, well above the 35g level indicative of FIP) so it's fairly conclusive I am sad to say.
I've read about interferon and have asked the vet to ring me to discuss this as an option as I want to feel I've explored all avenues. I fear he'll say a straight no which makes me both sad and a little angry as I want to give my boy every chance.Maybe I'm trying for the false hope thing I don't know but any chance is worth it in my book.
He's pretty much isolating himself as he truly can't be ar*ed with the others at the moment bless him :Luv2: Gotta love my bolshy boy.
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Sorry to hear that :hug: Why would your vet say no to interferon? surely if you want to try it, its up to you, you will be paying for it after all, and as you say, if there's a chance. :hug:
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We're off to the vets later to start the interferon as the vet is willing to give it a try. I'm scared he'll think Harv isn't fit enough which is making me anxious but I'll just have to see what happens. I can do the injections as I'm a nurse and we'll give in a week and see if there's any improvement.
Fingers crossed for us please :thanks:
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Nothing useful to add, just hope you can enjoy lots of quality time together :hug:
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Just sending best wishes and to treat every day as special :hug: :hug:
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Fingers and everything else crossed for you and Harvey :hug: :hug:
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Hi, Harvey looks a darling and reminds me much of Ozzi they have similar markings ;D. I dont know much about FIP so have no advice but just wanted to add my best wishes and hope all went well at the vets and that the interferon will give you some more quality time together. :hug: :hug:
Andrea
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Sending positive vibes for Harvey :hug:
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Thanks :)
3 doses of interferon given now. On friday I was very close to phoning the vet to come and pts as Harv was so poorly. He's definitely picked up a bit though. He's behaving more like a cat again. After friday when I thought I can't watch him struggling to walk and breath and eat I can't quite believe he's still with us. I don't know if the interferon is working or if it's just that he had a bad day on friday but his breathing rate has gone down and he's walking much better without being so puffed out.
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sending best wishes :hug: :hug:
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Sending lots of :hug: :hug: to you and Harvey and hope Friday was just a blip and he continues to improve.
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Glad to hear he's picked up a bit, give him a gentle :care: from me and a :hug: for you
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Still sending lots of positive vibes for Harvey :hug: :hug:
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Kats, any news on Harvey?
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topping up the :hug: for you all
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Hi all :)
Sorry my laptop at home is awful so I can only update at work.
Harv is ok,we have the vets again tonight. Last weeks vet visit went well and the vet was happy with how he is doing.He hadn't gained any weight so no extra fluid in his stomach/lungs which was great news.His appetite is good but I know that's the steroids.He manages to potter round the garden and has enjoyed the sunshine. He does have the odd day when I question if it's right to go on but then he perks up and looks happy and fine with life.I'll be guided by the vets who I trust totally.
At least I can do the injections of interferon which is good.He does squeak a bit though like the true manly wimp he is :)
Jemima is doing just fine at the moment.
The other 7 cats are carrying on as per normal especially the naughty ginger CH boy :Luv2:
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Forgot to say I phoned that vet in the USA that someone posted a link about earlier in this thread, Dr Al Legendre.He is the most lovely man.Unfortunately the announcement about FIP and the promising breakthrough is for dry FIP and Harv has wet FIP.
Great news that a breakthrough treatment has been found and let's hope some day one is found for wet FIP too.It really is the most heartbreaking disease :(
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poor Harvey :hug: good news that there is progress with the disease shame it can't help you
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Sending lots of these :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Thanks for the update on Harvey. Sending :hug: :hug: and positive vibes.
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Vet remains happy with how Harv is doing. He's perked up quite a bit and seems to want to potter round the house more instead of staying in his bed.His breathing is definitely improved.I know it's unlikely the interferon will cure him but if it's going to just improve his quality of life for a short while it's worth it.
Thank gawd for insurance is all I can say (although I'd probably still do it anyway.)
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:hug: :hug: :hug:
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no words of wisdom ....... just heart felt sympathy. its so horrendous when they're poorly.
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Harvey will be making his journey to The Bridge tomorrow at 12.45pm :Luv2:
Safe journey my sweetie.I can't watch you struggle any more :'(
If love and kisses could make you better you'd be the betterest cat in the world :Luv2:
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will be thinking of you both :hug: x RIP Harvey a little angel in a fur coat taken too soon
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So sorry to hear this :( It's the hardest decision to make but one only ever made with loving thoughts :hug:
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So very sorry to hear this and hope he passes across to meet all our friends peacefully :hug: :hug: :hug:
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:'( :'( Oh thats so sad, will be thinking of you :hug: :hug: :hug:
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I'm so sorry :hug: :hug:
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so sorry about Harvey :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Terrible disease -lost one myself a few years back to it.
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Kats, I'm so, so sorry to hear this :( :( :( After watching my Tiger suffer with it I know just how horrible it is.
Sending you lots of :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: Your boy needs you to be strong for him right now. :'( :'(
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really sorry to hear this :hug:
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Sending peaceful passing over thoughts - we lost a rescue cat and 3 of her kittens to FIP so know what you are going through :hug:
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My thoughts are with you and Harvey at this extremely sad time. Life can be so cruel.
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So sorry it's Harvey's time to go to the bridge :hug: One final gift you can give him but I know it won't feel like that :hug:
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So sorry to hear this, I hope his passing in peaceful, my thoughts are with you both :hug:
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I too send all my best wishes,give yourself a hug.xx
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Harvey will be making his journey to The Bridge tomorrow at 12.45pm :Luv2:
Safe journey my sweetie.I can't watch you struggle any more :'(
If love and kisses could make you better you'd be the betterest cat in the world :Luv2:
Kats, just been wondering how you're doing :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Harvey will be making his journey to The Bridge tomorrow at 12.45pm :Luv2:
Safe journey my sweetie.I can't watch you struggle any more :'(
If love and kisses could make you better you'd be the betterest cat in the world :Luv2:
Kats, just been wondering how you're doing :hug: :hug: :hug:
Me too and hope you are OK, sending you lots of love and this is such a terrible desease :hug: :hug: :hug:
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hope you are ok :hug: x
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Thank you all :thanks:
Harvey left very peacefully in the sunshine lying in my garden yesterday lunchtime.My vet was fantastic and gave us both time and made a huge fuss of Harv which was lovely.
I've taken him to be individually cremated today just outside of Kidderminster to a lovely place and should get him back home very soon.
Thanks again for your support.
I miss my man :Luv2:
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Kats, I'm glad to hear that everything went OK and that Harvey went peacefully in his own surroundings. Your vet sounds very nice.
Sending you lots of :hug: :hug:
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RIP Harvey, safe and sound at the Bridge by now xx
The Greatest Gift
I always knew this time would come,
From the very instant our eyes first met.
How I loved you then! How I love you now!
I made a promise then, and I will keep that promise now...
You will not suffer from a pain that will not heal;
You will not know the loss of a life remembered, now gone.
It is for me alone to make this decision,
The price for the bright joy and pure laughter
You brought me during the time we shared.
I am the only one who can decide when it is time.
When my hope dies, and my fear rides high,
Just when I need you most, I must let you go.
It is for you alone to tell me when you are ready
For without your guidance, I will not know
When to lay my grief, my guilt, my anger
My sorrow and my selfish heart aside
And give you this last gift, this greatest gift.
Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.
The pain of this moment is excruciating.
Tears stream down my face in a river of sorrow.
And my heart drowns in a pool of grief.
For you have spoken and I have listened,
And unlike other decisions I have made
This one brings no relief...no comfort...no peace.
For if there´s one thing you´ve taught me,
If there´s only one thing I´ve learned...
Unconditional love has a condition after all,
I must be willing to let you go, when you speak to me
I must be willing to help you go, if you cannot go alone.
And I must accept my pain so you can be free of yours.
Go easily now, go quickly now,
Do not linger here, it is time for you to leave.
Go find your strength, go find your youth.
Go find the ones who've gone before you.
You are free to leave me now, free to let your spirit soar
Rest easy now, your pain will soon be gone.
I pray I will find comfort in my memories...
In the dark and lonely days ahead.
I cannot say I will not miss you, I cannot say I will not cry.
For only my tears can heal my broken heart.
But, I promise you this; as long as I live,
You will live, alive in my mind, forever in my heart.
So I give you this last gift, all I have left to give,
And this will be my greatest gift...sending you away.
It is the measure of my unconditional love...
For only the greatest love can say,
"Good-bye, go find the bridge, we'll meet again,
Loving you has been the greatest gift of all."
Forever and Always... Until Rainbow bridge....
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That is a lovely lovely poem and has made me blub lots.Thank you.
I can't believe at work today they've told me it is 'inappropriate' to have taken 2 days off sick and I should use holiday. God people don't realise how much animals are a part of our families do they?
Mind you this is the same NHS that wouldn't give me a compassionate day to go to my own Grandfather's funeral so I suppose nothing should surprise me any more >:(
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surely days off for a grandparents funeral are the norm, that is disgraceful
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I think you've probably been too honest, most people would just say they had a cold and take time off as sick leave :hug:
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Kats, I'm sorry to hear that your employers are being less than understanding. :hug: :hug:
When I lost Lily last year it was actually at the beginning of a weeks leave but when I went back to work my 1st line manage said to me that she was surprised that I had actually managed to come into work as she knew what my cats meant to me. I thought it was very sweet of her and I do think if I had taken a couple more days off sick she would have understood.
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Your employer is horrible and so pleased Harvey went peacefully in the sun :hug: :hug: :hug: