I've made this topic for two reasons - firstly, to see if anyone has had a similar experience and can offer any advise, and secondly to make people aware.
Personally speaking, I'd never heard of this before - but it's a disease that can affect Cats (which is rare). Here is a link for more details:
Basically our cat started showing signs of being lethargic, weight loss and the loss of muscle usage around Christmas time. We took him to one vets, but they told us nothing was wrong - twice. We took him yesterday to a non-incompetent Vets, who suggested this might be problem and have prescribed antibiotics.
The issue we have is that, if the first "vets" had diagnosed him instead of telling us he was just allergic to fleas, then we might have prevented his muscles from becoming so damaged. As it stands, we are in the position now that, if he doesn't respond to the antibiotics within a week...we are going to have to put him down (we are not putting him through surgery that isn't necessary going to help).
So, firstly - any advice on this subject would be really appreciated, and secondly...if you have cats, read up on this disease. If you see ANY of these symptoms, take them immediately to the vets and don't let them tell you there is nothing wrong. Suggest it could be this...because it can be deadly, as we are now finding out!!!
Hi there, I'm very sorry to hear that Chuckie is so poorly.
I'm glad to hear that you've got a diagnosis, but I assume it is a tentative one at best unless the vet has taken blood tests for Toxoplasmosis antibodies?
The clinical signs you describe are fairly non specific, and could be related to any number of things, spinal or hip arthritis spring to mind, although presumably the vet could not find any painful areas?
If the antibiotics don't work, it might be worth asking the vet if he feels it is worth having Chuckie's hips and spine xrayed (this is of course non invasive and won't hurt him at all), then at least you've covered all the bases.
I'm thinking of you and hoping that Chucky starts improving soon.
XXX ____________ Georgia, Honey Bear, Rosie, Obi, Timber, Mia, Oscar and Mango XXXX
Posted:
Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:38 am
lasthidingplace Puppy
Joined: Aug 11, 2008 Posts: 16 Age: 25 No.Of Pets: 5 Pet Types: 4 Cats, 1 Dog
You are correct; the vet didn't do any X-Rays or blood tests, but was pretty certain that it COULD be this. She said there is no way of testing really, as the majority of cats would show the parasite, despite the fact it is harmless and probably never will be harmful.
After reading up about the disease, it really does seem that this is what he has - the vet checked his spine and hips (not through x-rays), but I guess didn't think anything because she didn't mention it. There are no "painful" spots on him, he's just generally pretty stiff, like he's having muscle spasms. The vet did say this treatment may work (if this is what he has), however it's just as likely that it may not.
Personally I want to investigate other things, but Sian doesn't want to put him through anymore (the little soldier, he's been so brave but he really has had a hard couple of years). But yes, getting a couple of blood tests and requesting an X-Ray shouldn't hurt matters, and you never know; they may suddenly spot something else.
Personally though, if it was something bone-related, I would have imagined a more immediate response would have been witnessed, rather than a gradual degrading of his movements?
Most places that I read up about this disease say, unless the cat was already prone to a weak immune system (which, to my knowledge he wasn't) or is young, has a fair chance of recovery. 60%, I believe is the estimated number.
I'm just hoping that I'll come home from work one day to find he's jumped up on the sofa all by himself - I'd be so happy my face would unzip if that was the case.
The Antibiotics should take effect within 48 hours, so I guess it's just a countdown now.
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