Dear Drogo,
Conan, your little brother, misses you.
May you get lots of hugs and kisses in Heaven.
Love,
Your furmom
Friday, December 9, 2016
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Antiviral clinical trial news 2016
I received another thank you note from SOCK FIP regarding my recurring donation, so I visited their website to see if any new research was available from the UC Davis team. It appears that a closed clinical trial was conducted earlier in 2016 and a paper published about the findings. The PDF for the preliminary report is posted on SOCK FIP's site date stamped 5/1/2016: http://www.sockfip.org/pdf/Preliminary_Report_5-1-2016.pdf
Within the report is a link to a published article regarding the emerging research. See PLOS.org for more detail. http://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=info:doi/10.1371/journal.ppat.1005531
While the news appear mostly positive in tone, please realize that this was a very small study. The brief also states that the protease inhibitor being tested isn't available outside of UC Davis' clinical trials program--and to further that limitation, the word "expensive" jumps right out of the page.
Obviously more trials are needed to determine the efficacy of the trial drug, and if found successful, it will take time to be federally evaluated before released for public consumption.
Within the report is a link to a published article regarding the emerging research. See PLOS.org for more detail. http://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=info:doi/10.1371/journal.ppat.1005531
While the news appear mostly positive in tone, please realize that this was a very small study. The brief also states that the protease inhibitor being tested isn't available outside of UC Davis' clinical trials program--and to further that limitation, the word "expensive" jumps right out of the page.
Obviously more trials are needed to determine the efficacy of the trial drug, and if found successful, it will take time to be federally evaluated before released for public consumption.
Friday, June 24, 2016
"Thank you for your donation to SOCKFIP received through Benevity"
Below is the edited text of the response to my charitable donation to SOCK FIP through my workplace matching donation program, i.e. Benevity.
Donation Date: April 2016
Receipt for $20.00 donation to SOCK FIP
Received through BENEVITY
Dear Anna,
Thank you so much for your very special $20.00 donation to SOCK FIP received
through BENEVITY during April 2016, in memory of your kitten Drogo. We are
very sorry to hear of your loss to FIP.
Your gift makes a big difference and is greatly needed and appreciated to help fund
and find a cure for the most complex and heartbreaking of feline diseases.
UC Davis intends to remain on the leading edge in their quest to discover a treatment
and cure for FIP. Much progress is being made and we appreciate your help in keeping
the funds coming as the anti viral field trial continues to reveal new information.
We are very grateful for your support for this important trial and for all UC Davis FIP
Research and their very talented team of researchers including Dr. Niels Pedersen,
Dr. Brian Murphy and Dr. Pesavento.
Together we will SOCK it to FIP!
With condolences and gratitude,
Carol Horace and The SOCK FIP team
Save Our Cats and Kittens from Feline Infectious Peritonitis
P.O. Box 602
Davis, CA. 95617
501(c)(3) 27-1523038
Please keep and print out this email as receipt for your donation to SOCK FIP.
If you require a USPS hard copy in the mail, please let us know and we will send
a paper copy to you in the mail.
Thank you!!!
Donation Date: April 2016
Receipt for $20.00 donation to SOCK FIP
Received through BENEVITY
Dear Anna,
Thank you so much for your very special $20.00 donation to SOCK FIP received
through BENEVITY during April 2016, in memory of your kitten Drogo. We are
very sorry to hear of your loss to FIP.
Your gift makes a big difference and is greatly needed and appreciated to help fund
and find a cure for the most complex and heartbreaking of feline diseases.
UC Davis intends to remain on the leading edge in their quest to discover a treatment
and cure for FIP. Much progress is being made and we appreciate your help in keeping
the funds coming as the anti viral field trial continues to reveal new information.
We are very grateful for your support for this important trial and for all UC Davis FIP
Research and their very talented team of researchers including Dr. Niels Pedersen,
Dr. Brian Murphy and Dr. Pesavento.
Together we will SOCK it to FIP!
With condolences and gratitude,
Carol Horace and The SOCK FIP team
Save Our Cats and Kittens from Feline Infectious Peritonitis
P.O. Box 602
Davis, CA. 95617
501(c)(3) 27-1523038
Please keep and print out this email as receipt for your donation to SOCK FIP.
If you require a USPS hard copy in the mail, please let us know and we will send
a paper copy to you in the mail.
Thank you!!!
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Adopting grief or saving lives?
My man and I recently shared a conversation about adopting again. I was perusing some shelter baby pictures and forwarded some cute pics when he replied that he was shelter-shy after our last experience.
I hadn’t forgotten Drogo; I had merely diverted my anguish over his loss while I browsed the adorable adoptable kittens. My man’s reminder opened some old wounds, and I admitted I shared the same apprehension. Our little boy had most likely been exposed to the virus that killed him at the shelter; a baby born in a crowded multi-cat setting–many of which requiring medical attention–would have a hard time developing an immune system to fend off disease or infection.
However, it is sobering reading profile after pet profile that some animals are destined for brief lives in the care of these shelters. Such is the plight of many shelter animals–their prospects for a bright and happy future are rare as they serve short stints in less-than-ideal situations to prove themselves adoptable. The reality is few city/county shelters are truly no-kill. This is the unfortunate circumstance of many a public-funded animal shelter in this country: limited on funds, space, time, and adopters.
My man uttered that adopting another kitten from a shelter would be “paying for pain”. We will long be bothered by Drogo’s loss, and his passing is 4 months old, but still fresh in our minds. However, given the option of dying homeless in a shelter or knowing a brief life in a loving home, it’s hard to argue which was the better outcome.
I hadn’t forgotten Drogo; I had merely diverted my anguish over his loss while I browsed the adorable adoptable kittens. My man’s reminder opened some old wounds, and I admitted I shared the same apprehension. Our little boy had most likely been exposed to the virus that killed him at the shelter; a baby born in a crowded multi-cat setting–many of which requiring medical attention–would have a hard time developing an immune system to fend off disease or infection.
However, it is sobering reading profile after pet profile that some animals are destined for brief lives in the care of these shelters. Such is the plight of many shelter animals–their prospects for a bright and happy future are rare as they serve short stints in less-than-ideal situations to prove themselves adoptable. The reality is few city/county shelters are truly no-kill. This is the unfortunate circumstance of many a public-funded animal shelter in this country: limited on funds, space, time, and adopters.
My man uttered that adopting another kitten from a shelter would be “paying for pain”. We will long be bothered by Drogo’s loss, and his passing is 4 months old, but still fresh in our minds. However, given the option of dying homeless in a shelter or knowing a brief life in a loving home, it’s hard to argue which was the better outcome.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
In memory of Drogo: My donation to SOCKFIP
I’m happy to report that my employer has finally resurrected charitable fund matching after a brief 6-month blackout period during my company separation. This is the first time I will have the opportunity to support SockFIP financially with a recurring payroll deduction that my company will match 100%.
“Save Our Cats and Kittens from Feline Infectious Peritonitis (SOCK FIP) is a volunteer non profit organization dedicated to eliminating Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) through advocacy, community education and financial support for UC Davis-CCAH FIP Research.”
In memory of Drogo, born 5/9/2015, diagnosed with effusive FIP 1/20/2016, PTS 2/1/2016. He was eight months young, not enough time for his family to love this precious furbaby.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
There Was Something About Drogo
It’s been 2 weeks since we made the decision to end our FIP-afflicted kitty’s life. PTS, put to sleep, entered our vocabulary of life’s acronyms. While the melancholy of our sudden loss did not collapse into life-disrupting despondency like I originally feared, the stab/twinge/shock of sorrow occasionally arrives unannounced, unbidden. Whether it be during the long commute to and from home, or … Continue reading There Was Something About Drogo
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Wednesday, February 3, 2016
2/1 Monday
I had a very rough night and I am convinced that we are prolonging Drogo's life artificially. I dread waking up in the AM because I fear to see him pass in the night. The man and I had some half-sleep conversations of bringing this to the end; we just don't see any more progress and we don't his last days to be full of suffering and misery.
Dropped him in his crate, he went #1 in litter. Spent most of the day on the bed.
10a 10mL Hills a/d, 1mL prednisolone
Let him outside in the backyard, he explored the patio between rest breaks. He was definitely alert to the new environment but his energy didn't allow him to explore his surrounds fully..
Made a few calls, Dr Cowser concurred that PTS was the humane option. We scheduled an appointment at Eldorado Animal Hospital due to distance and affordability.
Drogo was put to the final sleep on Monday afternoon. The procedure was quick and painless, perhaps too abrupt. Many tears were shed as even at the last minutes of his life, Drogo displayed vestiges of his old self, meowing incessantly for reassurance and rolling on his back to allow his tummy to be rubbed.
This was one of the most heartbreaking days of my/our lives.
Dropped him in his crate, he went #1 in litter. Spent most of the day on the bed.
10a 10mL Hills a/d, 1mL prednisolone
Let him outside in the backyard, he explored the patio between rest breaks. He was definitely alert to the new environment but his energy didn't allow him to explore his surrounds fully..
Made a few calls, Dr Cowser concurred that PTS was the humane option. We scheduled an appointment at Eldorado Animal Hospital due to distance and affordability.
Drogo was put to the final sleep on Monday afternoon. The procedure was quick and painless, perhaps too abrupt. Many tears were shed as even at the last minutes of his life, Drogo displayed vestiges of his old self, meowing incessantly for reassurance and rolling on his back to allow his tummy to be rubbed.
This was one of the most heartbreaking days of my/our lives.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
1/31 Sunday
Drogo exhibited some interest in going outside in the backyard in AM, but was still lethargic and walked with effort. Took a swat at the scratching post early AM but mostly crouched under cat tree or on dog bed.
He favored the Hills Prescription Diet Urgent Care a/d canned food so we have proceeded to feed him all day with it. The thick pate texture is also a plus since there's little risk of aspirating. To get it into the syringe, we add a few drops of water. With the exception of the corn flour and guar gum, I am pleased with the ingredients of this canned food. It seems that Drogo also has no problems with it as he is receptive to being fed. On one occasion he nibbled it out of the dish, but we still have to syringe feed him since he is not eating enough.
Had a concern that for the afternoon feeding he wet the bed.
2a 10mL formula #2
9:30a 10mL Hills with prednisolone
3p 10mL Hills with orbax
6:30p 10mL Hills
9:30p 10mL Hills with mirtazapine
Observed another incontinence incident on bed. Must call vet ASAP.
Energy: low energy AM/PM, slept most of the day, very low energy PM
Movement: Mobile, requires effort, will move toward bed or cat tree
Tracking: Slow tracking, did not engage in play. Tracked cat teaser wand.
Appetite: Hills a/d diet, formula #2
Attitude: Passive, will lay down next to dogs, tail swishing when petted
Hygiene: Has exhibited some self-grooming, fur matted around ruff, urinary incontinence
Hydration: Derived from syringe feeding
He favored the Hills Prescription Diet Urgent Care a/d canned food so we have proceeded to feed him all day with it. The thick pate texture is also a plus since there's little risk of aspirating. To get it into the syringe, we add a few drops of water. With the exception of the corn flour and guar gum, I am pleased with the ingredients of this canned food. It seems that Drogo also has no problems with it as he is receptive to being fed. On one occasion he nibbled it out of the dish, but we still have to syringe feed him since he is not eating enough.
Had a concern that for the afternoon feeding he wet the bed.
2a 10mL formula #2
9:30a 10mL Hills with prednisolone
3p 10mL Hills with orbax
6:30p 10mL Hills
9:30p 10mL Hills with mirtazapine
Observed another incontinence incident on bed. Must call vet ASAP.
Energy: low energy AM/PM, slept most of the day, very low energy PM
Movement: Mobile, requires effort, will move toward bed or cat tree
Tracking: Slow tracking, did not engage in play. Tracked cat teaser wand.
Appetite: Hills a/d diet, formula #2
Attitude: Passive, will lay down next to dogs, tail swishing when petted
Hygiene: Has exhibited some self-grooming, fur matted around ruff, urinary incontinence
Hydration: Derived from syringe feeding
While appetite and nasal problems improved, overall he seems to have deteriorated; his energy seems to have crashed, and his loss of bowel control is disheartening.
I fear he is near the end.
1/30 Saturday - Vet visit
AM feeding #1 10mL with prednisolone dosage.
Took Drogo for fluid drain ~70mL
Prescribed broad spectrum antibiotics Orbax, appetite stimulant Mirtazapine, and Hills Prescription Urgent Care a/d diet canned food. Dr indicated jaundice had progressed.
Prescribed broad spectrum antibiotics Orbax, appetite stimulant Mirtazapine, and Hills Prescription Urgent Care a/d diet canned food. Dr indicated jaundice had progressed.
Drogo was vocal during car rides.
Came home, showed no interest in backyard, sat on chair to sun bathe, drank from big dog bowl.
2nd feeding #2 10 mL @ 3pm, administered with 1ml antibiotic.
Slept on dog bed till 8:30pm feeding 10mL #2, added appetite stimulant .5mL.
10:30p feeding 10mL #2, followed by 1mL prednisolone.
Slow, unsteady at times, hesitated when jumping down. Very tired, lethargic, let him sleep for most of day.
Friday, January 29, 2016
1/29 Friday
Very lethargic and sluggish AM, showed some weakness standing.
Tracked cat teaser, alert to bell sounds.
No appetite for solid foods either dry kibble or Applaws canned.
Sipped at big dog bowl.
Did not seem very strong or alert during first AM feeding.
Came home mid-afternoon to let the crew out. Drogo jumped out of his cage and immediately went outside to explore. Was alert, but had to rest every few minutes. Was vocalizing excitedly, came back to me every once in awhile for reassurance but continued to sniff and explorer. He ventured out as far as the middle of the backyard, then went back inside to have a long drink. Still a little unsteady.
Gave formula #1 10 mL for 3:30p feeding. Rested on bed.
Formula #2 ~8mL @ 5:30p feeding. Kneaded cuddler before settling down.
Tracked cat teaser, alert to bell sounds.
No appetite for solid foods either dry kibble or Applaws canned.
Sipped at big dog bowl.
Did not seem very strong or alert during first AM feeding.
Came home mid-afternoon to let the crew out. Drogo jumped out of his cage and immediately went outside to explore. Was alert, but had to rest every few minutes. Was vocalizing excitedly, came back to me every once in awhile for reassurance but continued to sniff and explorer. He ventured out as far as the middle of the backyard, then went back inside to have a long drink. Still a little unsteady.
Gave formula #1 10 mL for 3:30p feeding. Rested on bed.
Formula #2 ~8mL @ 5:30p feeding. Kneaded cuddler before settling down.
#1 @ 8pm.
#2 @ midnight.
Received both dosages of pred am/pm
Energy: Alert for new objects, but low energy AM/PM
Movement: Mobile, requires effort, made passes at scratching post, wandered the kitchen for water
Tracking: Slow tracking, did not engage in play. Tracked cat teaser wand. Almond eyes, pupil dilation/contraction sluggish.
Appetite: Ate some lifesource bits from dry dog kibble, force fed liquid formula #2
Attitude: Passive, lethargic in AM.
Hygiene: Spent 2-3 minutes in the AM grooming himself.
Hydration: Sipped from big bowl, force fed liquid formula #1 & #2.
Energy: Alert for new objects, but low energy AM/PM
Movement: Mobile, requires effort, made passes at scratching post, wandered the kitchen for water
Tracking: Slow tracking, did not engage in play. Tracked cat teaser wand. Almond eyes, pupil dilation/contraction sluggish.
Appetite: Ate some lifesource bits from dry dog kibble, force fed liquid formula #2
Attitude: Passive, lethargic in AM.
Hygiene: Spent 2-3 minutes in the AM grooming himself.
Hydration: Sipped from big bowl, force fed liquid formula #1 & #2.
Man discussed additional treatment options with Dr Cowser, after which we decided to schedule an appointment Saturday AM.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
1/28 Thursday
Found more hopeful reading here:
http://www.askthecatdoctor.com/feline-fip.html
Energy: Alert for new objects, but low energy AM/PM
Movement: Mobile, requires effort, made passes at scratching post, slipped out the back door for some backyard grazing, jumped out of cage, wandered the kitchen and living area until settling on bed both AM/PM
Tracking: Slow tracking, did not engage in play. Tracked cat teaser wand. Almond eyes, pupil dilation/contraction, slow response AM/PM.
Appetite: Ate some lifesource bits from dry dog kibble, force fed liquid formula #2
Attitude: Passive, some lethargy.
Hygiene: Fur very unkempt, dry, matted around neck/head area. Observed super-brief self-grooming. Crusty butt*, did #1
Hydration: Sipped from big bowl, took liquid formula
Administered 5mL x2 AM feeding, 8mL x2 PM feeding with formula #2.
Received AM 1mL prednisolone dosage.
AM: jumped out of his cage to hit the dog bed, he was observed to be on top shelf for the majority of the time.
*Exhibited crusty butt (failed cleaning/hygiene, possible diarrhea), but vocally protested baby wipe application, man took care of this.
Directly afterward he then used big litterbox.
Attempted to rinse ruff with water to clean off food spills, fur still matted.
Noticed licking himself around neck afterwards.
Very little vocalization AM/PM.
Continues to exhibit nasal discharge and sounds congested.
Drogo was not disturbed by Hodor coming over to plop down next to him (it's his bed after all!). Personality seems to indicate he is not stressed or perhaps just oblivious to everything around him.
Formula #1 is quite potent methinks (and very fishy), not to mention that I disliked the vegetable content in the chicken broth. I decided to whip up a new batch of liquid formula (#2) that has more vitamin C to boost Drogo's viral defense.
3oz raw Pilgrims Pride chicken liver
1 extra large egg yolk
.5oz Simple Truth Organic tomato paste
1 500mg Natures Bounty Vitamin C tablet, crushed to powder (contains vegetable cellulose)
2oz warm water
Blend until liquified.
The question of how much to feed a cat on a liquid diet answered in this article:
https://virtuavet.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/how-to-syringe-feed-a-cat/
Also, based on several reads, warmed food via steam basket and hot water bath, this coupled with the technique in the article led for a successful and quick evening feeding.
I also found a 4-ingredient canned food which looked promising (Applaws Chicken with Pumpkin) but Drogo did not eat.
http://www.askthecatdoctor.com/feline-fip.html
Energy: Alert for new objects, but low energy AM/PM
Movement: Mobile, requires effort, made passes at scratching post, slipped out the back door for some backyard grazing, jumped out of cage, wandered the kitchen and living area until settling on bed both AM/PM
Tracking: Slow tracking, did not engage in play. Tracked cat teaser wand. Almond eyes, pupil dilation/contraction, slow response AM/PM.
Appetite: Ate some lifesource bits from dry dog kibble, force fed liquid formula #2
Attitude: Passive, some lethargy.
Hygiene: Fur very unkempt, dry, matted around neck/head area. Observed super-brief self-grooming. Crusty butt*, did #1
Hydration: Sipped from big bowl, took liquid formula
Administered 5mL x2 AM feeding, 8mL x2 PM feeding with formula #2.
Received AM 1mL prednisolone dosage.
AM: jumped out of his cage to hit the dog bed, he was observed to be on top shelf for the majority of the time.
*Exhibited crusty butt (failed cleaning/hygiene, possible diarrhea), but vocally protested baby wipe application, man took care of this.
Directly afterward he then used big litterbox.
Attempted to rinse ruff with water to clean off food spills, fur still matted.
Noticed licking himself around neck afterwards.
Very little vocalization AM/PM.
Continues to exhibit nasal discharge and sounds congested.
Drogo was not disturbed by Hodor coming over to plop down next to him (it's his bed after all!). Personality seems to indicate he is not stressed or perhaps just oblivious to everything around him.
Formula #1 is quite potent methinks (and very fishy), not to mention that I disliked the vegetable content in the chicken broth. I decided to whip up a new batch of liquid formula (#2) that has more vitamin C to boost Drogo's viral defense.
3oz raw Pilgrims Pride chicken liver
1 extra large egg yolk
.5oz Simple Truth Organic tomato paste
1 500mg Natures Bounty Vitamin C tablet, crushed to powder (contains vegetable cellulose)
2oz warm water
Blend until liquified.
The question of how much to feed a cat on a liquid diet answered in this article:
https://virtuavet.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/how-to-syringe-feed-a-cat/
The volume a cat can take is 3-6 cc at a time, every 1-2 hours maximum, for a total of about 40-60 cc to fill the stomach at any one sitting. In a sick cat, it may take 3-6 hours for the food to leave the stomach enough to get a new batch in there! Good luck!What a difference zygomatic arch control does for syringe feeding!
Also, based on several reads, warmed food via steam basket and hot water bath, this coupled with the technique in the article led for a successful and quick evening feeding.
I also found a 4-ingredient canned food which looked promising (Applaws Chicken with Pumpkin) but Drogo did not eat.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
1/27 Wednesday
Did plenty of research on supplementation for sick and FIP-afflicted cats. The general recommendations are (see references):
Vitamin A (liver, kidney, tuna, fish oil, eggs, butter, milk, NOT beta carotene in veggies)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate, ascorbic acid, tomato sauce/juice)
Vitamin E (egg yolks, butter are phytate-free sources, avoid greens and seed/nut oils)
Taurine (organ meat, trace amounts in Blue Wilderness large breed adult dry dog food)
Arginine (present in liver and muscle meat, preferably from free range/pasture raised animals)
Omega Fatty Acids: Omega-3 EPA/DHA/GLA (wild caught fish sources)
http://www.angelfire.com/fl/furryboots/fip.html
http://www.dr-addie.com/treatment.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1400&aid=665
http://hpathy.com/veterinary-homeopathy/feline-infectious-peritonitis-fip-case-management-and-suggested-new-rubrics-developed-from-500-cases/
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/how_to_nutrition
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/natural-cat-diet/
Drogo received 5mL liquid formula AM, 10mL total in PM.
Drank water from large bowl due to contaminated dish.
Within 1 hour, used 2 litterboxes.
1mL prednisolone in AM/PM.
CONCERN: New symptom of nasal discharge, wet breathing discovered in PM. At first I was alarmed that he might be displaying labored breathing due to chest effusion, but nose bubbles confirmed that he might have contracted a cold or respiratory infection.
Energy: Alert for new activity, but low energy both AM and PM
Movement: Mobile, requires effort, but will jump down from cage, walk over to bed or cat tree. Made a pass at scratching post.
Tracking: Slow tracking, not really interested. Have not introduced play.
Appetite: Did not observe him eating any hard food, force fed liquid formula
Attitude: Lethargic, appeared tired or subdued
Hygiene:Fur appears unkempt, he did groom himself in an attempt to clean matted hair on his throat, did #1 and #2
Hydration: Sipped from big bowl, took liquid formula
Internet literature suggests that cats prefer warm food to cold, so have to determine a better storage method.
Also feeding too much of the liquid formula induced vomiting in Conan, may have to rethink this formula to include extra Vitamin c.
This was a disheartening day overall as I am not very optimistic with Drogo's lack of energy and progress.
Vitamin A (liver, kidney, tuna, fish oil, eggs, butter, milk, NOT beta carotene in veggies)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate, ascorbic acid, tomato sauce/juice)
Vitamin E (egg yolks, butter are phytate-free sources, avoid greens and seed/nut oils)
Taurine (organ meat, trace amounts in Blue Wilderness large breed adult dry dog food)
Arginine (present in liver and muscle meat, preferably from free range/pasture raised animals)
Omega Fatty Acids: Omega-3 EPA/DHA/GLA (wild caught fish sources)
http://www.angelfire.com/fl/furryboots/fip.html
http://www.dr-addie.com/treatment.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1400&aid=665
http://hpathy.com/veterinary-homeopathy/feline-infectious-peritonitis-fip-case-management-and-suggested-new-rubrics-developed-from-500-cases/
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/how_to_nutrition
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/natural-cat-diet/
Drogo received 5mL liquid formula AM, 10mL total in PM.
Drank water from large bowl due to contaminated dish.
Within 1 hour, used 2 litterboxes.
1mL prednisolone in AM/PM.
CONCERN: New symptom of nasal discharge, wet breathing discovered in PM. At first I was alarmed that he might be displaying labored breathing due to chest effusion, but nose bubbles confirmed that he might have contracted a cold or respiratory infection.
Energy: Alert for new activity, but low energy both AM and PM
Movement: Mobile, requires effort, but will jump down from cage, walk over to bed or cat tree. Made a pass at scratching post.
Tracking: Slow tracking, not really interested. Have not introduced play.
Appetite: Did not observe him eating any hard food, force fed liquid formula
Attitude: Lethargic, appeared tired or subdued
Hygiene:Fur appears unkempt, he did groom himself in an attempt to clean matted hair on his throat, did #1 and #2
Hydration: Sipped from big bowl, took liquid formula
Internet literature suggests that cats prefer warm food to cold, so have to determine a better storage method.
Also feeding too much of the liquid formula induced vomiting in Conan, may have to rethink this formula to include extra Vitamin c.
This was a disheartening day overall as I am not very optimistic with Drogo's lack of energy and progress.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
1/26 Tuesday
Found some interesting (hopeful) reading regarding a homeopathic approach to treating FIP.
This homeopathic vet posted a science paper on FIP supportive care:
A very good summary of FIP as of 2014:
http://www.cliniciansbrief.com/sites/default/files/attachments/Feline%20Infectious%20Peritonitis.pdf
I crated Drogo last night, but did not observe him eat this morning. He has navigated up and down the crate throughout the night. When I left him out this morning, he was in no mood to engage in play with Conan, who harassed him frequently. But when presented with isolation in the cage, Drogo preferred to huddle at the base of the cat tree and would rather tolerate Conan.
Seems wobbly this morning, but not disoriented.
Upon arrival in evening, Drogo was more alert and vocalizing for attention. He wanted petting and calmed down once he got his 3 minutes of love. He also showed extreme interest in a new cuddle bed placed in the crate, which he kneaded for 5 minutes or more before he settled down to curl up in it. He was quiet and hunched the rest of the evening.
Energy: Alert for new activity, but low energy both AM and PM
Movement: Mobile, requires effort
Tracking: Slow tracking, lost focus
Appetite: Nibbled on dog food in AM/PM, nibbled on salmon PM
Attitude: Lethargic, appeared tired or subdued
Hygiene:Fur appears unkempt, he did groom himself in an attempt to clean matted hair on his throat, did #1 and #2
Hydration: Sipped from big bowl due to contaminated dish, took liquid formula
Movement: Mobile, requires effort
Tracking: Slow tracking, lost focus
Appetite: Nibbled on dog food in AM/PM, nibbled on salmon PM
Attitude: Lethargic, appeared tired or subdued
Hygiene:Fur appears unkempt, he did groom himself in an attempt to clean matted hair on his throat, did #1 and #2
Hydration: Sipped from big bowl due to contaminated dish, took liquid formula
When offered some canned red salmon, he nibbled.
Added fish oil to dog food which he nibbled.
Added fish oil to dog food which he nibbled.
Found dry hard stool on top level ledge.
Administered 7mL of liquid formula (Conan loved this enough to suck from syringe).
Showed little interest in new toys.
Not interested in playing with others (Conan keeps harassing him to play).
He received both dosages of 1.5mL Prednisolone today. Switching to 1mL starting Wednesday.
Showed little interest in new toys.
Not interested in playing with others (Conan keeps harassing him to play).
He received both dosages of 1.5mL Prednisolone today. Switching to 1mL starting Wednesday.
Found this recipe online which I adapted for this current batch of liquid formula:
3oz raw chicken livers (Pilgrims Pride)
2oz Swanson chicken broth
1oz Honey Boy canned red salmon
1oz Simple Truth Organic tomato paste
Blend until liquified. Administered via oral syringe. Refrigerate leftover in air-tight non-porous container.
3oz raw chicken livers (Pilgrims Pride)
2oz Swanson chicken broth
1oz Honey Boy canned red salmon
1oz Simple Truth Organic tomato paste
Blend until liquified. Administered via oral syringe. Refrigerate leftover in air-tight non-porous container.
Monday, January 25, 2016
1/25 Monday
Went to work today so didn't have much interaction with kitty. Drogo showed more energy in the morning, even ate twice and used litter box. He showed some interest in ball/string but did not give chase. He has been able to navigate up and down the cage with some effort.
As usual, showed considerable lethargy during evening. Was able to receive full morning and evening 1.5mL dosages of prednisolone. Watched ball/string but did not engage.
Energy: Alert in AM, low in PM
Movement: Mobile, but still has foot drag, requires effort
Tracking: Showed some interest in play, was slow to track string
Appetite: Dog food in AM/PM
Attitude: Lethargic, appeared tired or subdued
Hygiene:Fur appears unkempt, gave him a brushing but seemed a little sensitive, did #1 and #2
Hydration: Sipped a few times today
Drooled a lot when receiving dosages.
As usual, showed considerable lethargy during evening. Was able to receive full morning and evening 1.5mL dosages of prednisolone. Watched ball/string but did not engage.
Energy: Alert in AM, low in PM
Movement: Mobile, but still has foot drag, requires effort
Tracking: Showed some interest in play, was slow to track string
Appetite: Dog food in AM/PM
Attitude: Lethargic, appeared tired or subdued
Hygiene:Fur appears unkempt, gave him a brushing but seemed a little sensitive, did #1 and #2
Hydration: Sipped a few times today
Drooled a lot when receiving dosages.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
1/24 Sunday
Morning IM:
he is back in the game room. he was messing with the ball/string for a minute and now he is kneading the bed
well he brought be the ball/string while i was playing
now he is batting at the string, i have it hanging on your chair
he is vocalizing for attention
he is definitely sharper, he is biting at it and swatting
Energy: Alert in AM, low in PM
Movement: Mobile
Tracking: Showed some interest in play, was slow to track string but was batting at it
Appetite: Dog food in AM/PM
Attitude: Lethargic, appeared tired or feverish?
Hygiene:Fur appears unkempt, gave him a brushing but seemed a little sensitive, did #1 and #2
Hydration: Sipped a few times today
He approached litter boxes in kitchen, but contemplated how to enter
He was more brisk with covering litter this evening
He did go to food bowl in cage around feeding time
He is more vocal today
He is watching ball/string today though didn't seem to have energy to fetch
Saturday, January 23, 2016
1/23 Saturday
Stronger this morning, received full 1.5mL dosage. Indicators of #1 and #2 in litter, will investigate in evening. LS says he appears more bloated but eyes seem more focused
Energy: Low in AM, very low in PM
Movement: Plopped to floor in AM, very little activity in PM
Tracking: No interest in play, wasnt focused on play
Appetite: Dog food in AM, no food in evening
Attitude: Lethargic, appeared tired or feverish?
Hygiene:Fur appears unkempt, no bathroom visits observed
Hydration: Water bowl was 3/4 empty
Bad evening for Drogo, hardly any activity or appetite. Did not want to engage in play, was hunched most of the time.
Energy: Low in AM, very low in PM
Movement: Plopped to floor in AM, very little activity in PM
Tracking: No interest in play, wasnt focused on play
Appetite: Dog food in AM, no food in evening
Attitude: Lethargic, appeared tired or feverish?
Hygiene:Fur appears unkempt, no bathroom visits observed
Hydration: Water bowl was 3/4 empty
Bad evening for Drogo, hardly any activity or appetite. Did not want to engage in play, was hunched most of the time.
Friday, January 22, 2016
1/22 Friday
Energy: Low, shows interest in playing but won't give chase. More energy in the evening.
Movement: Still dragging paws against floor. Will jump to ledge, dining and arm chair and ottoman. Tracking: A little better. Vision shows some improvement, pupils are slightly more reactive
Appetite: Ate evening meal dog food, has been trying to bury food. Wasn't really in the mood for tuna this morning. Nibbled on cat food.
Attitude: Wants attention during the late afternoon/twilight hours, typical vocalization during petting.
Hygiene: No interest in litterbox yet. Fur appears dry and little self-grooming.
Hydration: Drank more water this morning.
Administered extra 1/2mL morning.
Excessive drooling when trying to give prednisolone.
Will jump in lap for petting. Will vocalize and come looking for attention.
Quiver in lower jaw when vocalizing.
Showed interest in new activity: entered cat cage during assembly.
Discharge from eyes.
Stronger struggling during prednisolone administration.
Has been at scratching post.
#1 in litter
Spent night in cat cage, was able to navigate to top ledge. Monitored for any signs of stress. Ate dog/cat food mix and drank some water. Received full dose of prednisolone.
Movement: Still dragging paws against floor. Will jump to ledge, dining and arm chair and ottoman. Tracking: A little better. Vision shows some improvement, pupils are slightly more reactive
Appetite: Ate evening meal dog food, has been trying to bury food. Wasn't really in the mood for tuna this morning. Nibbled on cat food.
Attitude: Wants attention during the late afternoon/twilight hours, typical vocalization during petting.
Hygiene: No interest in litterbox yet. Fur appears dry and little self-grooming.
Hydration: Drank more water this morning.
Administered extra 1/2mL morning.
Excessive drooling when trying to give prednisolone.
Will jump in lap for petting. Will vocalize and come looking for attention.
Quiver in lower jaw when vocalizing.
Showed interest in new activity: entered cat cage during assembly.
Discharge from eyes.
Stronger struggling during prednisolone administration.
Has been at scratching post.
#1 in litter
Spent night in cat cage, was able to navigate to top ledge. Monitored for any signs of stress. Ate dog/cat food mix and drank some water. Received full dose of prednisolone.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
1/21 Thursday
Energy: Low, did fetch ball/string 3x in evening
Tracking: Slow, unable to stay focused.
Attitude: Some interest in playing during evening hours. Subdued during most of the day. Will vocalize and seek attention.
Appetite: Enjoyed some wet tuna, drank more tuna juice. Tried to bury leftover tuna. Nibbled on cat food.
Movement: Seems to generate effort while fetching. Walking labored and sluggish. Will jump deliberately on food ledge, chair, ottoman.
Hydration: Spent 1 minute at waterbowl. Fur is dry.
Hygiene: Has shown little self-grooming. No litterbox interest.
Has gotten upset with Conan 2-3x in the evening (doesn't want to wrestle)
Glazed/cloudy eyes, discharge.
Stronger struggling during prednisolone administration.
Has been at scratching post.
Vet called in morning to confirm that CBC indicated high proteins in blood. He concluded that Drogo has FIP.
Tracking: Slow, unable to stay focused.
Attitude: Some interest in playing during evening hours. Subdued during most of the day. Will vocalize and seek attention.
Appetite: Enjoyed some wet tuna, drank more tuna juice. Tried to bury leftover tuna. Nibbled on cat food.
Movement: Seems to generate effort while fetching. Walking labored and sluggish. Will jump deliberately on food ledge, chair, ottoman.
Hydration: Spent 1 minute at waterbowl. Fur is dry.
Hygiene: Has shown little self-grooming. No litterbox interest.
Has gotten upset with Conan 2-3x in the evening (doesn't want to wrestle)
Glazed/cloudy eyes, discharge.
Stronger struggling during prednisolone administration.
Has been at scratching post.
Vet called in morning to confirm that CBC indicated high proteins in blood. He concluded that Drogo has FIP.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
1/20 Wednesday - Vet visit
Drogo showed no interest in morning meal and displayed lethargy. His energy picked up when presented with a new environment: car trip to the vet. He remained insistently vocal in his cat carrier while riding to vet.
Advised vet, Dr Cowser @ Sandy Lake VCA Animal Hospital that Drogo had not eaten, drank, played for nearly 48 hours. No litter box visits observed during the same timeframe.
Dr Cowser observed:
Cloudiness in the ocular region
Pupils were not contracting to bright light
Bloat and tenderness in abdominal region
Discharge in eyes
Surmised some muscle loss due to slight weight loss since last visit
Blood serum presented as yellow/amber color
Temperature taken 2x, first time was normal, second time @ 102F indicating fever
Indication of inflammation. Differential diagnosis of FIP, wanted to conduct a full blood panel Chem (8) CBC to get more information. Prescribed Prednisolone 3mg 1.5mL 2x daily for first 7 days, then once daily afterwards.
Asked about where we got Drogo -> Irving Animal Shelter
Seemed interested that we had his brother -> littermate Conan
Indicated that Drogo most likely was already infected with virus since kittenhood, may have been exposed to it at shelter.
Uncertain about the transmission to other household cats, advised isolating Drogo.
Drogo was actively exploring in cab of truck, moving from one area to the next, while continuing to vocalize. Upon arrival at home actively sought a comfortable place while man and I took the rest of the day off to ponder the future.
Advised vet, Dr Cowser @ Sandy Lake VCA Animal Hospital that Drogo had not eaten, drank, played for nearly 48 hours. No litter box visits observed during the same timeframe.
Dr Cowser observed:
Cloudiness in the ocular region
Pupils were not contracting to bright light
Bloat and tenderness in abdominal region
Discharge in eyes
Surmised some muscle loss due to slight weight loss since last visit
Blood serum presented as yellow/amber color
Temperature taken 2x, first time was normal, second time @ 102F indicating fever
Indication of inflammation. Differential diagnosis of FIP, wanted to conduct a full blood panel Chem (8) CBC to get more information. Prescribed Prednisolone 3mg 1.5mL 2x daily for first 7 days, then once daily afterwards.
Asked about where we got Drogo -> Irving Animal Shelter
Seemed interested that we had his brother -> littermate Conan
Indicated that Drogo most likely was already infected with virus since kittenhood, may have been exposed to it at shelter.
Uncertain about the transmission to other household cats, advised isolating Drogo.
Drogo was actively exploring in cab of truck, moving from one area to the next, while continuing to vocalize. Upon arrival at home actively sought a comfortable place while man and I took the rest of the day off to ponder the future.
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