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Wheezing and filthy ears

Nadine Hill

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Hello!

My kittens are 5 months old and they’re both a bit wheezy. You can hear it in their purr it sounds croaky/squeaky. Zazu when he purrs it’s like he does a big swallow too every so often, he also has FILTHY ears. I’m thinking it might be mites? I clean them then they’re the same the next day.

They’ve had a 7 day course of clamavox but it did nothing. They don’t have any other symptoms, no runny eyes or nose, no excessive sneezing, eating and playing normally.

I’m wondering if it’s allergies?

Thanks in advance for any advice! I’m against pumping them full of antibiotics again which is what the vet wants to do :(
 

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Catzzzmeow

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@Nadine Hill We see that often Clavamox is not effective in this breed for URIs. I would ask your vet for Doxycycline as it covers a broader spectrum. I understand you not wanting to overdo antibiotics, but sometimes different ones are needed to finally kick an infection. The chances of both having same allergy is slim, it probably is a URI.

Also note Clavamox is usually effective for UTIs in this breed. My vet explained that certain antibiotics work differently in infections in different parts of the body just like in humans.
 

Nadine Hill

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Oh my gosh how helpful thank you!! I will go back to the vet and ask for these antibiotics instead

Is it likely it could be a URI despite lack of other symptoms?
 

Catzzzmeow

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@Nadine Hill Wheezy and croaking sound is definitely a symptom. Some even lose their voice lol. @Toa and Ross just went through a run like I did when we got our kittens with our crew ending up with a squeaky voice. The big swallow is probably post nasal drip also a sign of a URI. Let us know what the vet says, they are the experts.
 

Nadine Hill

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This all makes so much more sense. I was panicking about their hearts (even though the vet said their hearts sound great at last appt) thank you so so much!! I’ll take them tomorrow and update you :)
 

Yoda mom

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@Nadine Hill , Parti gave great advice


I have had successes with Doxycline over any other antibiotic
Highly recommend

Head smooches
Keep us updated on the vet visit tomorrow
Good news hearts sound great ! Yah!
 

susi794

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Like everybody else. Doxycycline. Ears get dirty frequently. Do they smell? I doubt it’s mites, but could be yeast. Keep us informed.
 

Nadine Hill

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The vet won’t prescribe doxycyline without doing various other tests as they’re kittens and it can cause teeth and bone deformities in kittens

I started my insurance and took them to the vet without realising about the 2 week period where they’re not covered - so now any respiratory issues are not covered by insurance. I’ve spent £700 at the vets since having them in 5 weeks and I just don’t know what to do :( the vet said it’s likely viral. Should I do the tests or wait and see if it passes? :( :(
 

Catzzzmeow

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You have no choice but to listen to your vet and test or get a second opinion at this point. If they said to wait it out, keep a close watch and if anything progresses the slightest, then I would get a second opinion.


Do you know what test they said they can do? If it is a PCR test, it might be worth be it. Then you will know what you are dealing with. You should only have to have one get the test not both as they both are exhibiting the same issues. @Nadine Hill
 

Nadine Hill

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I took them to a vet for a second opinion and he said they have feline herpes - I asked about having a PCR and he said not necessary as it’s viral

Obviously I’m not the vet but I’m just not sure that this is the case - they only have nasal congestion and he said their lungs are perfect. There is nothing wrong with their eyes and they don’t sneeze - only have a wet nose and do the cough where they stick their necks out. Does anyone know what I should do now :(
 

Yoda mom

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@Nadine Hill , my understating many kitties actually have feline herpes .
@Toa and Ross i believe posted sbout this in the past and chime in with positve vibes .
My vet told me my boys eye Sympat,s could have been heroes related but told me not to bother testing .
The specialist treated his eye symptoms and he has been fine .

Positive vibes and head smooches!
Surely others will chime in too
 

Condo commando

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One of mine has feline herpes. It doesn't slow her down one bit. You can give 500-1000 mg of L-Lysine and it might help. I wasn't seeing a difference so I stopped giving it to her and now I just keep a tissue handy for whenever she climbs on my lap.
 
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