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My sphynx kitten was delivered with some health problems

Raphael Grupilo

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Hello!
I've purchased a little sphynx kitten from a very good cattery, run by very responsible owners. However, within the 3 months the kitten has been with me I've found out that it has giardiasis, coronavirus and likely herpesvirus/calicivirus. He has nothing but some sneezing and creamy poop, which we have been treating for the last months. In general, he looks well. He eats normally, is very playful and hasn't shown more serious symptoms. The vets tell me that it's very common for purebred kittens to have such things as coronavirus, herpesvirus and giardiasis, even when they come from a good cattery. What do you guys think about it? Did your cats have problems like these when you got them?
 

MollysMom

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Uh nope. Not common to receive a kitten from a proper breeder with health issues. The kitten should have come with a wellness certificate, which would have been signed off on by the breeder's vet. Then you would have likely taken the kitten in for your own once-over by your own vet, within 48 hours of coming home. Did you approach the breeder about this? After 3 months there may be little recourse that you have, unfortunately. How old was he when you brought him home?
 

Raphael Grupilo

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Thanks for your reply MollysMom. Everything you mentioned was done. The kitten came with a wellness certficate signed by a vet. Lots of exams were done such as FIV, FELV, Toxoplasmosis, HCM, and even Coronavirus, and everything was fine! But on the first day I noticed sneezing and creamy poop. And then he went through some exams and we found out about Giardia and Coronavirus. We didn't scan him for herpesvirus or calicivirus but he has lots of symptoms caused by these viruses. The point is he has never even seen another cat since I got him. So I can only think he came with all these problems, despite the wellness certificate. And I myself don't think this situation is so usual as the vets told me.
 

Raphael Grupilo

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He was 5 months old when I got him. The breeder says he was scanned for Coronavirus, but by then he could not have produced antibodies yet. About Giardia, the breeder says their cats have never had giardiasis.
 

Catzzzmeow

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@Raphael Grupilo Sounds like a lot is going on. Do you have a contract with the breeder? I would ask to have a PCR test done. It is relatively cheap and it helps to really narrow down what the issue is. It could even be Chlamydia. Your vet might say this is common because they are treating sickly cats so it might skew their take on things. As far a Giardia goes, many need a second round of meds to kick it. You also need to be diligent in wiping down surfaces they get on with antibacterial wipes as well as keeping the litter box clean as often as possible. After the round of meds it is also a good idea to just buy new boxes to be safe.


patti
 

Yoda mom

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@Raphael Grupilo awh ((hugs))),hope you can post. A pic of your sweet boy
Interestingly , I was at a vet specialist the other day with my kitty - she said did not scan for herpes because she said I can get false positives.

It is not uncommon for new kitties brought home to end up being treated for giardia -
There are several posts on the forums about new kitties and giardia
The top right search box is great too to look for specifics while others chime in

Please keep us updated often
 

Raphael Grupilo

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Hello guys! Thanks for your help! I've talked to a lady who has bred sphynxes for 15 years. She said that it's certainly not usual and advised me to talk to her vet. Her vet said that, since he has Coronavirus, he can't be used for breeding. She said it's not advisable to keep another cat with him even as a pet, because there would be a high risk of dissemination. And we're talking about the virus which can cause FIP. That's very frustrating because I intended to start a new cattery. I bought my cat for breeding, it's in the contract. So I'll have to talk to the breeder about it. Despite it all, my kitty is in good shape. He looks healthy. He's eating well, playing a lot as usual, gaining weight, and even his poop looks better. He's just taking interferon and some vitamins for his immune system. The vet will only be able to see him on the 13th of january, when she is probably going to prescribe something else to prevent the viral replication and request other exams. I'll keep you updated.
 

Anita Eccleston

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Sending massive hugs to you both , hope all your problems will be soon over
You say your kitty looks good and not sickly that’s got to be a positive
Hugs
Anita & Cleo xxx❤️❤️❤️
 

Raphael Grupilo

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Hello guys!
Well, my kitty is actually very well. He seems to have finally kicked Giardia, which is a bless, and has been growing and gaining weight. He's 8 months old now and weighs 4,3kg, which I think is a very good weight for his age. But I have to tell you I'm very worried about his having Coronavirus. We've done another blood test and it says that he has a "current coronavirus infection" but not compatible to FIP (thank God!), and that was expected since he has no symptoms! The vet prescribed interferon and Leucogen for 6 months, in alternate weeks, for his immune system. But I'm really scared about the possibility of him developing FIP! I'd like you guys to tell me about your experience with this virus. Should I be that scared? I talked to the breeder after the second blood test and she's very scared too. Scared for my kitty and for her cattery too. It was a bomb for her although we can't be certain about where he was infected, since their cats have tested negative and, while with me, the kitten doesn't seem to have been exposed to the virus. Nevertheless, she's willing to give me back part of the money I spent on the kitten, or even give me another kitten. But I'm really afraid! I think about it all the time! I'm trying to be positive about it but sometimes I get too scared!
 

Toa and Ross

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@Raphael Grupilo please know that 80-90 % of all cats do have the coronavirus. From those cats only 1-2% get FIP. My both boys have the Coronavirus. The first months I had them, I was worried sick specially cause one boy had diarrhea and was lethargic. But then I realised I can't worry all their lives. Try to enjoy life with your kitten
 

Raphael Grupilo

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@Raphael Grupilo please know that 80-90 % of all cats do have the coronavirus. From those cats only 1-2% get FIP. My both boys have the Coronavirus. The first months I had them, I was worried sick specially cause one boy had diarrhea and was lethargic. But then I realised I can't worry all their lives. Try to enjoy life with your kitten
@Toa and Ross Thanks for your reply! I'm trying to do that. I think it's just because I've just found out about it. Do you give them any medications?​
 

Catzzzmeow

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It’s natural to be nervous and concerned, but do not let this rob you of your joy and happiness. Your baby knows nothing but your love. What a lucky little squirt. It’s great your breeder is so supportive, just remain positive. FIP is rare. We are here for you.
 

Anita Eccleston

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Sending positive vibes ❤️
Try to only think positive ! Don’t put negative vibes into the universe
This may sound silly to you . I used to do holistic therapy’s before I got too sick
One thing I was taught by my reiki master was if you voice your fears your opening your self to it ! Think positive and good things happen
I’m not very good at explaining my meanings sometimes ...
I also know it’s human nature to worry about the ones we love ..
massive hugs
Xxx❤️❤️❤️❤️
 
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