Hi

I've been really quiet on this forum, but now I'm after some help and advice please.

My gorgeous spotted boy has never been right with his poop, my vet has suggested we try different diets to see if that helps, but at the moment he is worse than ever.
He has really bad farty, runny, explosive poo that really stinks. He is going a few times a day and his little bum looks really sore lol.
I took him back to the vets who agreed to test his poo, so I took down 3 days worth of samples and they all came back clear. I'm not convinced though, I don't see how a cat can have such a bad tummy and them not find anything.
The vet used a local lab, but I have a nagging feeling that I read on here once that there was a specialist lab somewhere that's best to use?
Can anyone help? Thanks

Hi

Not sure where you are located but if you are in the UK one of the labs is Langfords in Bristol. They do a QPCR test which is currently the best test available (as far as I know).

You need to pool a 3 day sample in the fridge and then have it sent off for testing. Mine took about 6 days to come back but was positive.

Is there bloody mucus as well? Only one of mine had the bloody mucus constantly. The other one was only twice but I treated both of mine and the Ronidazole worked. In fact, although they had the full 14 day course, after day 2 the stinky, bloody diarrhoea and bad farts stopped.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Lisa
x

My Monty has TF, exactly the same symptoms you describe - he is currently being treated with Ronidazole, we are on day 3 and things have improved slightly.

Thank you both for your reply.

Looks like I will be calling the vets on Monday then, did you have trouble getting your vet to send to a certain lab? The vet I go to use a local lab, and everything came back negative but I'm sure they didn't do QPCR test, just a general poo test lol. Does it cost a lot to send to Bristol? We have him insured but have to pay the first £70.
Thank you again xx

Hi

It cost £58 for the QPCR test with Langford Labs. The Ronidazole to treat my two cost £60 for both. I also have insurance and had to pay the first £65.

Good luck

Lisa
X

My test cost £80 the tablets were £100 we have got 4 weeks worth but need to call the vet after 2 weeks! Not sure where they sent the sample to tbh.

No idea why you got 4 weeks worth as the course of Ronidazole is only 14 days. Check this with your vet as you don't want to over medicate.

Lisa
X

Thanks, the sample has been sent to langfords today. They told the vets they only wanted one sample, not over 3 days.
So just have to wait for the results now, in a weird way I'd like it to come back positive so we can get him treated and happy again xx

Just wondered if you had the results yet?

Reason to sample poo over 3 days is because TF is shed intermittently so if you only sample from one poo it might not show up. Best to sample as many poo episodes in 3 days and pool all the samples. A negative result from a sample taken from a single poo could be false!

_________________
Lollo