flutd/convenia/eye infection/no appetite

[strider2002]

Hello,

This is my first post ever on a site like this. My 10 year old male cat has a long history of flutd including one blockage 5 years ago. I am vigilant about paying attention to his health, but have struggled with what to feed him over the years as I have received varied advice from vet to vet (we have had several having lived in different places). Anyway, Strider the cat developed crystals in his urine one month ago and he was given fluids and a convenia injection. The doctor also switched us to Purina UR. While the infection cleared, I noticed that both my male and female cat began to vomit more frequently. I thought it might be the food, but felt like I had to keep giving it a try to help clear the crystals. Two days ago, I noticed Strider was lethargic, and did not want to get up for his normal morning drink of water. I took him to the Vet that morning and they gave him another shot of convenia (despite my questioning if it was safe, etc.) having found blood in his urine sample. Fluids were also administered. Today he seemed even more lethargic and had a discharge in his eyes. I took him back to the vet for more fluids, blood work and he received gentamicin eye drops. His urinalysis came up negative for infection. He came home, threw up and had diarrhea and has not eaten or drank anything to my knowledge since. I asked if there could be an allergic reaction to the convenia, but the vet assured me she had never had any bad experiences with it. I also asked if I should be worried about fatty liver disease in the meantime knowing Strider is not eating/drinking and she said it would be a concern if he does not regain his appetite in the next day or so. Should I get a second opinion? I feel like I should take him to the vet again tomorrow. I am so worried about dehydration, etc. I suppose I will know more with the blood work, but it could come back solid as it was in the fall. Any advice in the meantime would be appreciated. I am feeling desperately worried.

[special]

Hello and welcome to pet lovers, though I am sorry it is Strider's illness that brought you here.

Get a second opinion. Why on earth does the vet keep pumping him with convenia? Convenia does have risks, and is an antibiotic for soft tissue infection. Lethargy is one of the side affects of convenia. I will not allow it's use in my cats.

In addition, antibiotics are not used to treat crystals in urine. Unless there was bacteria in the urine, the antibiotics were not necessary.

The eye problem could be due stress.

Try feeding him some regular canned food.

Fatty liver disease is a concern, but the fluids should hold him for 24 hours or so. I would definitely get him to a different vet clinic today.

Let us know how he's doing.

[vlhender]

I had to put down my favorite cat after he received two covenia shots. I wished I had researched the drug as it is for specific infections, but unfortunately some vets use it for everything.

When I was searching for information on this site, I ran across a vet on the web who has done extensive research on this medication and seems to know a lot about cats. I suggest you go to her website www.catinfo.org where you will find a lot of information. Her name is Dr. Pierson and I think you can still contact her via email and she will do consultations (for a fee). FYI, she does not give covenia shots any more.

Good luck. I know the helpless feeling you are experiencing. But don't give up as long as there is life. Your kitty may be able to pull out of this.

[special]

Originally Posted by vlhender

I had to put down my favorite cat after he received two covenia shots. I wished I had researched the drug as it is for specific infections, but unfortunately some vets use it for everything.

When I was searching for information on this site, I ran across a vet on the web who has done extensive research on this medication and seems to know a lot about cats. I suggest you go to her website www.catinfo.org where you will find a lot of information. Her name is Dr. Pierson and I think you can still contact her via email and she will do consultations (for a fee). FYI, she does not give covenia shots any more.

Good luck. I know the helpless feeling you are experiencing. But don't give up as long as there is life. Your kitty may be able to pull out of this.

I'm so sorry for your loss of your beloeved kitty. I won't allow the use of Convenia in my cats. www.catinfo.org is a wonderful site with a wealth of information. Dr Lisa is wordy, but if you can get through it all, it's totally worth it.

I do know someone who recently did a phone consult with her, and my friend couldn't say enough good things about her.

[Jennd]

I would definitely get a second opinion. The symptoms you describe could also be related to Kidney issues. I don't want to alarm you but if caught early kidney failure can be managed.

Also, I just had one of my young male kitties to the vet for a possible blockage. His tests showed no crystals but he was straining to urinate. My vet recommended Glucosomine to help with his inflamation. She said studies have shown that Glucosomine does help with the irritation and swelling in the urinary tract of male cats. She gave me some chews that my kitty loves and thinks they are treats. I also have a Urinary supplement/chew she gave me too. He's been fine but he did have an aversion to the litter box following his episode.

It should also be noted that I have another male cat that had this same issue. I took him several times to a different vet and they even kept him for a week to monitor him. After the week, they found no reason for his inability to urinate. They felt it was a behavior or pychological problem. I asked my new vet and she confirmed that there are cats that get stressed or upset about something and that causes these issues.

Good luck, I hope you find a sympathetic vet that can really get to the bottom of the reaction and symptoms.

Please feel free to ask me more questions.