Hi Linda. I don't mind listing them. I just don't want to upset you. You still aren't sure what is going on. Please forgive me if this upsets you anyway. No one likes to hear the symptoms but we all really do need to know how bad they are.

Mariah:
Positive Corona titre
Lethargy
Always asleep on my lap & wouldn't play anymore
Fever
Ataxia (unsteady gait, wobbliness & falling over)
Suddenly Collapsing as if there is a complete loss of motor function
Eventual loss of control of bowels and urine
Standing with a wide stance
Inability to sit up without being propped up against something
Dull fur
Iritis--one iris darker in the other--sign of neurological problem, I think
Protruding third eyelid
Drooling
Labored breathing
Prolonged high fever that will not come down with use of antibiotics.
Wimpering
Would only eat or drink a little

With Mariah there seemed to be cycles where she was kind of ok, then an attack of unsteadyness would happen which looks like someone has grabbed the cat by the back of the neck and thrown it down. All the legs go out straight and Mariah would pause--very still, then just as suddenly she would bob up, alert & wondering why she was on the ground. This part was the most disturbing.

One moment she was trying to climb into my arms and the next she was splayed out on the floor--helpless. It was pitiful.

King:

Lethargy
Positive Corona titre
Always sleeping on the heating vents
Always on my lap & wouldn't play
Fever
Dull fur
Very swollen belly
Difficulty breathing
Confusion and agitation
Unsteadiness
Would only eat or drink a little

King's symptoms would have gotten worse but after seeing what Mariah went through, I didn't want him to progress any further. He was only very ill for a little while. He had probably been sick for weeks but we just thought he was quieter than Ace.

Remember that Ace is King's litter-mate and has never been sick at all. This shows to me that there is a genetic component besides being exposed to the exact "wrong" strain of Corona. Ace was always bigger and more confident than King. I noticed personality differences between the two from the day we got them. King was really clingy and Ace was just lovey.

That's probably way too much info for you Linda. But this way you have a source of info, if you need it all in one spot. I am not a breeder or a Vet--I am just a pet owner sharing what I saw.

With wet FIP the belly swells with fluids. The vet can take a sample by needle of the fluid. Wet FIP fluid is usually sticky and straw coloured.

Fingers crossed for you little man

Thanks for the honestly. I would prefer to have
this sort of information so that if I need to , I can make a decision best for Franco and not best for us.

only just read this thread Linda thinking of you and your baby hope all is ok hun xx

Am so sorry to hear of the difficulties you are facing, I lost my beautiful Golden Marble kitten Shere Khan to FIP 8 days after picking him up - he was only in my home for 3 days before being hospitalised - I pray you have good news today x

Oh no! I am so, so, so, so sorry.

I lost a cat to FIP a few years ago. He never got better... just got slower and slower until we had no choice but to put him to sleep after trying everything we possibly could to prolong or save his life.

Again, I am so sorry.

_________________
- Dawn

http://www.nutkitty.com

I'm really sorry to hear the news Linda - it must be horrible for you. From what I understand, there are some treatments similar to ones for Aids in humans which can be tried but they're in the early stages and there are conflicting reports as to their usefulness. Dr Addie's website is a good one for information http://www.dr-addie.com/treatment.htm, although it's quite depressing too.

I'm really so sorry that you're having to deal with this.

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I don't think I'll be putting him through any more than is necessary. If his body is giving up on him that quickly I would be selfish to make him suffer anymore. Just going to go on vets reccomendation as they really have his interests at heart and not mine. I,m sure they'll mention putting him to sleep when i go up later