Colostrum

[Jrs4]

The expensive testing names I don't recall, but one was a "lung wash" the other was a scan (heart/chest) I believe. Insurance wouldn't cover either of them due to pre-existing conditions. I had to take her to our vet within 72 hours of having her home for our guarantee and I mentioned that she had coughed a couple times on our 1.5hour drive home and the vet wrote it down ( I shouldn't have said anything at that visit and just taken her back a few days later for the cough, and all that may have been avoided). They were wanting to do the scan to see if there were any abnormalities in her structure that was causing it, maybe food reflux, airway issue ect. I fought with insurance and had it sent to a third party for evaluation and they will nOw cover the heart scans if I wanted them but not anything to do with her lungs, I just can't justify the "lung wash" cost (2200 of it) as it's still a diagnostic and not a cure, the cat internist figured that was reasonable and we went ahead with the Azithro/zeniquin/prednislone route. She seemed to be better on these until we started weaning the prednislone, that's when she wanted to cough again. She hasn't been checked for fiv or calicivirus, she has NO other signs of anything, no runny eyes or nose, she eats well (too well), plays, has oodles of energy, no litterbox issues, she's totally normal in every other aspect than just the cough. The vet doesn't think fip is an issue just due to the fact that's she's still here. They don't think the cloudiness is a growth since from one xray to the next it greatly improved. Heart issues have not been fully ruled out either but the internal specialist said he didn't think it was a cause. I am going to ask about these that you mentioned though, it's very helpful as more directions to go. Thank you!
it all scares me, I feel she'll always be sick. She has not been allergy tested, but reading here it seems there are a lot of chicken allergies and her wet and dry foods are chicken so I've gradually moved her over to fish, salmon, duck. As far as the breeder, she doesn't seem overly eager to help.

 

[celsei]

Hmm, I would maybe have the virus test that tests for things like calicivirus, herpes, mycoplasma and chlamydia just in case if it's not too expensive. Just from my own experience my cat was only snoring with no other symptoms whatsoever feeling great and eating like a hippo and he was fighting calicivirus and mycoplasma the whole time, that stuff can be sneaky but it might not be the most likely option here

If she got worse when weaning off prednisone which is an immunosuppressant used to treat allergic or breathing disorders I would guess that she has some sort of breathing related allergies. Have you tried antihistamines? Maybe try replacing it with an antihistamine and see if that works, if so it's probably allergies and you might want to do an allergy test to find out what triggers them. Food allergies are easier to deal with but they can be allergic to dust, plant pollen, just random things in the air. If that doesn't work you could see if it's safe for her to stay on a small dose of prednisone to keep it under control for now.

Don't work yourself up too much, it doesn't sound like she's too bad off and is still thriving, I'm sure it'll either pass or you'll figure out something to manage it. I know the hopeless feeling though, it sucks when you've practically never seen them completely well but it doesn't mean they won't be in the future. My vet also said they can grow out of some ailments, their immune system is weakest when they're growing so once they've finished changing their baby teeth and are near adult size it gets a lot stronger.

About colostrum, I did try it also and read reviews about it helping others' cats fight off diseases! I'm still giving it to my cats, it does seem to help a little or at least do no harm - I've given up to 500mg per day to a sick kitten or usually around 250 mg or less per day mixed into their food batches. Have had no adverse effects with any amount, I feel like their immune systems are stronger but it's hard to tell for sure

 

[Jrs4]

You've been super helpful! Thanks for the suggestions, I booked her in to discuss with the vet so we can look at some of this testing.

We have reduced the prednislone dose to 1/4 tab once a day (from 1/2 tab twice a day) and added Salbutamol and Flovent inhalers to cut the steroid going into her body systems. She seems to need the steroid but is doing well with the reduced dosage/inhaler combo. So this is a hopeful positive step.

I agree, I think colostrum is a great added supplement! It was recommended from a good breeder (unrelated to this kitten) who has used it also with success and I feel she has responded to treatment better while using it. I can use all the tricks I can find.

Thank you again! I hope it's just a matter of a little extra time, I won't give up! I have renewed hope for this little sweetheart!

 

[Jrs4]

@celsei tests for calicivius, herpes, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and h1n1 have been done. Should have results next week, on a good note Lily also had an X-ray which shows her lungs way clearer now.

She's most recently been on Doxy, lots of Larians have suggested this was a great option for our babies (the vet was hesitant at the time due to her age), it did finally agree to try it. I'm now convinced this was a positive step in her gaining progress. Super happy she's going in the right direction!

The vet also agreed that switching her to something other than chicken was a good place to look at possible food allergies as chicken is a fairly common one. Lily loves the duck and green pea she's on.

I did not ask about the antihistamines but I will send the vet an email about it. Maybe we can get rid of the prednislone as I worry about causing diabetes if she's on it too long.

Anyway, thank you again for your recommendations I think this is the right direction for us

 

[Nicolemorgan]

Hoping you get some good news and some more information!!
Keep us updated

 

[Jrs4]

@celsei @Hairless Blessing @ goldhazel @Condo commando UPDATE: the tests ALL came back clear so no calicivirus, herpes,mycoplasma, chlamydia or H1N1 !! Yayyy! So we are keeping her on Doxy and weaning the prednislone. I am ever hopeful we are getting this all under control and behind us. She's still a bit wheezey even as I write this so I'm making sure to keep up with the inhalers. Poor baby.

 

[Hairless Blessing]

I pray, it's getting under control also.
Keep us updated.

 

[Condo commando]

Great news - happy for you!

 

[Nicolemorgan]

Oh I am so happy all those tests came back negative!! Sending lots of hugs and healing thoughts!

 

[Toa and Ross]

Great news! Very happy to read this. Hope the progress continues.

 

[Xandria]

WHEW! I know I haven't commented yet, but have been keeping an eye on this thread. So glad you're on the upswing with Lily. She's such a dear. Pat yourself on the back!

 

[Jrs4]

Lily update she is off the prednislone! I have two inhalers to give her daily/as needed her last X-ray shows her lung, while not 100% clear, is 100% better than it's ever been. She gets wheezy when she plays too hard but otherwise seems to be way better! She'll never be a sprinter I guess We have recently moved to a new home and there is no carpets where she roams so I have to wonder about allergies/asthma being the culprit, but either way she's on what she would have been on, so I'm hoping she stays well. Keep us in your thoughts!

 

[Toa and Ross]

Happy to hear she's doing much better!

 

[Xandria]

Thank you so much for the update on your little princess. HUGS

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Great update!

 

[Jrs4]

Well I haven't tried colustrum but I did a lttle research - see link. I'm curious to hear if you try it how it works out - always looking to learn new things.

Dogs Naturally Magazine

Late follow up on the Colostrum post, I have had Lily on Colostrum since the original post. I believe it is and has been a great supplement in Lily's situation. I give her half a capsule twice a day. It seems to boost the effects of the other supplements (pro biotics/l-lysine). She is now, health wise, the best she has been and probably will be, considering her health past.

 

[Condo commando]

Great update @Jrs4 - you got me thinking....

One of my cats has one eye that gets reddish and teary. She's had it her whole life and the vet thought it was probably a mild case of herpes. I tried l-lysine and it didn't make a difference. I don't even bother anymore, I just wipe it dry whenever I notice and that's it. But now you got me thinking about colostrum and if it would help.

Here is another article I found on it.
The Forgotten Milk... Bovine Colostrum

 

[Jrs4]

Might be worth a try? I found that too much or too many consecutive days on just L lysine makes Lily's tummy a bit upset, so I went to a lower dose every other to every third day,( I don't think from what I've read that it is dangerous, maybe like too much vit C in people, their body gets rid of it) I feel in our case that the Colostrum just gave her whole system a lift, maybe it's coincidence, maybe not, she's just done way better since I tried it.

EDIT: I read the article after I posted above and yes (other than I haven't used raw) that's very interesting! It just seemed to make a big difference and I needed to find something better than all the drugs she has been on and off including Prednisolone. A breeder had chimed in when she was so sick and said she gave it to her kittens and she felt it was beneficial too. Keep me posted if you decide to try it.

 

[Condo commando]

I am definitely going to try it. The place where I shop sells colostrum in a bottle like milk but unfortunately right now it's sold out. As soon as it comes back I will get some.

 

[Jrs4]

I am definitely going to try it. The place where I shop sells colostrum in a bottle like milk but unfortunately right now it's sold out. As soon as it comes back I will get some.

Can't hurt and if it makes the slightest difference even then I think it's worth it! Best wishes!

 

[Yoda mom]

@Jrs4 , where do you purchase colostrum ?
And the dosage again? 1/2 Twice a day?
You give l-lysine every 3rd day in combination ?

Would like to give my boy a little boost
Thanks

I was just reading up and see they make a pet specific powder colostrum version too with good reviews

 

[Jrs4]

@Yoda mom
I have Organika brand (in Canada), is just Colostrum, no other minerals or additives it's 500mg powder in capsules, so I open the capsules and sprinkle 1/2 on her food twice a day (= 1 capsule/day). I found it at the local health food store. But another person said they can get it liquid form like in a milk bottle. L-Lysine I give 1/2 the dosage twice a day usually every second/third day, more often if I feel she's sneazy or anything, I find too much makes her tummy a little upset.
I believe for her Colostrum has been helpful in getting her health under control (if you read our journey, we needed all the tricks I could get). Seems to boost her. Keep me updated if you try it. Curious to see others results, if they feel it's helpful too.