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There's something different about Von D...

2SphynxMommy

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So a few months ago I posted about my girl, Von D's nasal issues. She just had her 1st birthday and what seemingly was just kitten "allergies" or nasal congestion, hasn't gotten any better.

Furthermore, I've noticed there's just something different about her. I have an older male sphynx and when I look at them and other pictures of sphnyx I start to wonder, why does she look different?

I've taken her to several vets. No one really seems to know, they prescribe antibiotics for the congestion (she's been on all of them ) for the nose but can't explain where its coming from and what is different about her.

Her face is different. Around her eyes, her "tear ducts" seem swollen almost, but not red like inflammation. It's like they're too big. She's congested and has dark brown mucus discharge only to the left side nostril. She's sounds like a train when she breathes. I have asked about a polyp, but none of the vets said they saw evidence of that. I am beginning to think she has a abnormality in her bone structure of her skull, perhaps a malformation which might be causing all these issues, the weird look of her eyes, the inability to breathe to one side etc.

I am posting pics of her face compared to my boy sphynx so better illustrate the eye situation.
I'm hoping someone here can perhaps would recognize something and suggest an answer.

Von D is pictured first.

image1-1.jpg
 

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MollysMom

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I see what you mean... when comparing the pics it is almost like there is a hump at the bridge of her nose.

Have they looked at trying any steroids to help with the inflammation? What about doing an xray?
 

assibassi

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they almost look like Fisheyes, the second skin is out of her eyes and I thought that only happens when they have an infection in their eyes. But I am not a vet or had that happen with mine before.
If your vet does not recognize this or has not given you any antibiotics or anything for her yet , I sure would go to a different vet.
 

2SphynxMommy

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we have tried every kind of medication related to an infection and inflammation, all it did was give her diarrhea and loss of appetite. as far as an X ray, i did call to get a quote from the specialist... the estimate for an Xray was $800 but they recommended the nasal scoping which was $1200. My regular vet said, don't spend the $ if she's healthy, because otherwise she is. She shows no signs of discomfort, eats and plays like there's nothing wrong.
 

Condo commando

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Really odd, I wish I knew what to tell you. I know you said you've taken her to several vets, but have you tried a specialist vet yet? I'm not sure if internal medicine would be the one. I would be careful about running a bunch of tests without a clue but surely some vet has seen this before.
 

MollysMom

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I wonder why the xray quote was so high... I had them done once for Molly, and 2 films were about $200. I would phone around if you can to see if that is a standard price where you are.
 

2SphynxMommy

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@Condo commando
Yeah I'm really concerned about running a bunch of tests when no one seems to know what it is. The regular vet mentioned that too, specialized tests are expensive and they all may come back inconclusive. To out her through all that stress doesn't seem right for no answer.

@MollysMom
The vet didn't order a standard Xray, I shouldve mentioned that, that quote was for a cranial MRI
 

MollysMom

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Ahh ok that makes more sense now. I know what you mean, Molly recently had to have an ultrasound. With taxes and everything it was $575. And we had no idea if it would come back "inconclusive". If the rest of her quality of life is fine right now, I would just leave it and watch for any changes.
 

Catzzzmeow

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You have gone to several vets and if no one can diagnose an issue then I agree accept and celebrate your baby is different. If you notice labored breathing or true medical issues keep drilling down to a cause.
 

admin

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So a few months ago I posted about my girl, Von D's nasal issues. She just had her 1st birthday and what seemingly was just kitten "allergies" or nasal congestion, hasn't gotten any better.

Furthermore, I've noticed there's just something different about her. I have an older male sphynx and when I look at them and other pictures of sphnyx I start to wonder, why does she look different?

I've taken her to several vets. No one really seems to know, they prescribe antibiotics for the congestion (she's been on all of them ) for the nose but can't explain where its coming from and what is different about her.

Her face is different. Around her eyes, her "tear ducts" seem swollen almost, but not red like inflammation. It's like they're too big. She's congested and has dark brown mucus discharge only to the left side nostril. She's sounds like a train when she breathes. I have asked about a polyp, but none of the vets said they saw evidence of that. I am beginning to think she has a abnormality in her bone structure of her skull, perhaps a malformation which might be causing all these issues, the weird look of her eyes, the inability to breathe to one side etc.

I am posting pics of her face compared to my boy sphynx so better illustrate the eye situation.
I'm hoping someone here can perhaps would recognize something and suggest an answer.

Von D is pictured first.

View attachment 55220
It appears to be Entropion. There have been a few members whom have dealt with it. I believe @Helsinki and @Kyla L kitties had it as well. http://sphynxlair.com/community/threads/yuris-entropion-update.29143/

Entropion

Entropion is a genetic condition in which a portion of the eyelid is inverted or folded inward against the eyeball. This results in irritation and scratches to the cornea -- the front surface of the eye -- leading to corneal ulceration, or corneal perforation. It can also leave dark-colored scar tissue to build up over the wound (pigmentary keratitis). These factors may cause a loss or decrease in vision.
Generally, only brachycephalic breeds of cats, such as Persians, are at risk. Entropion is almost always diagnosed around the time a cat reaches its second year of age.

Symptoms and Types

Common symptoms usually include excess tearing (epiphora) and/or inner eye inflammation (keratitis). The eye may be visibly red, or the skin around the eye socket may be sagging. In some cases mucus and/or pus discharge from the outer corner of the eyes will be apparent, signaling a possible infection.

Causes

Facial shape is the primary genetic cause of entropion in cats. In short-nosed, brachycephalic breeds there is more tension on the ligaments of the inner eye than normal. This, along with the conformation of their nose and face, can lead to both the top and bottom eyelids turning inward toward the eyeball.

Also check out this thread- http://sphynxlair.com/community/threads/eyes-please-help-anyone.22674/
 
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Yoda mom

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@2SphynxMommy , hugs to your babies from me

I am in Florida too - I would suggest contacting the university of Florida vet school- ask if they can assist in anyway -

http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu

(My dad took his dog to a vet school in Colorado with awesome results getting her in a study and treatment with minimal costs- ) worth exploring what options University of a Florida vet school can suggest.
(I believe they have HCM screenings for $166.75.. )http://hairlesshearts.org/index.php/hcm-screening/hcm-clinics )
They may have other reduced savings for other tests -

Perhaps they have a referral program in your area?

Just trying to think outside the box-

I pray you get some answers soon - sending positive thoughts :)

Tammy
 
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2SphynxMommy

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I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone for their advice and support.

@admin WOW! I'm almost certain Entropion is what is going on! I'm going to do more research to see if perhaps the nasal/ sinus issues are related.

She has an appointment with a new vet on sunday. I will keep everyone posted!
 
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