Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / May 2004

Hi, all,
Lilli, my very sweet 14 year old calico, is breathing very
rapidly and is clearly uncomfortable.   I have been to the vet--in
fact, I've spoken with all three vets at the practice--we've done an
ultrasound, which showed no heart or other organ problems, except
mildly possible kidney stones; she's had a white blood count, with
nothing remarkable; we've done a "mini" blood profile; nothing
remarkable.  X-rays do show a small amount of fluid in her peritoneal
cavity, but not enough to remove and test.  I know that FIP is a mild
possibility, but for a number of reasons that doesn't make sense to me
at this point.  I've probably gotten used to a high standard for age.
I lost one cat early this year at 18, and I have a 19 year old cat and
a 15 year old as well. Lilli has had a fever on and off; I'm not sure
at this point because I don't want to stress her further by taking her
temperature, and she is on antibiotics.

The vet put Lilli on amoxycillin at first, but it made her throw up.
We now have her on Orbax once daily, and on prednisone twice daily now
that we now there's no cardiac involvement.  My vets seem stumped, and
Lilli's breathing is very fast--she sometimes lies flat on her side to
be more comfortable. I don't want her to suffer, but I don't want to
euthanize her until we're sure there's nothing that can be done to
help. She's been on the Orbax and Prednisone since Monday, and I'm
inclined to watch her until next Monday before I make a decision one
way or the other. She is eating and drinking well.  She does meow for
me if I go into another room (like right now...)

Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions of what else we might look for?
I couldn't really afford all the tests--have dipped into my home
equity line for them, but she's the sweetest cat and I don't want to
give up on her if there is something that can be done. On the other
hand, I don't want to keep her alive for my sake as opposed to
hers.

Help!

Thanks,

Clare