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Post by imagine on Jun 14, 2013 12:03:44 GMT
Hello everyone.
I'm new so hopefully I'm posting in the right place. I'm after some thoughts/advice and apologies in advance if it turns into a long post.
Buster is an adult male, neutered, diagnosed with FIV approximately 12 months ago. It was initially discovered as he developed a persistent cough which usually clears up with antibiotics then reoccurs some two to three months later. He's recently developed it again and is coming to the end of a two week course of antibiotics but unfortunately this time there's been no improvement in his symptoms. I'm taking him back next week and I think it's likely he'll need a chest x-ray.
As some additional info, he had a chest x-ray at the time of his FIV diagnosis which was completely clear. He'd also been losing a lot of weight prior to diagnosis although had put some back on when seen by the vet two weeks ago. I'm quite happy to take the vet's advice but just wondered if anyone had experienced anything similar. Other than the coughing fits he seems happy, eats like a horse and is the loving, cuddly cat he's always been. He was quite poorly before Christmas with a urine infection and I thought the end was in sight but since that was sorted he's back to 'normal'. He's been an indoor cat for six years so likely to have had the FIV for at least that long. I don't' know his exact age as he came from a rescue centre as a stray and I was told he was "middle aged". I've had him eight years.
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Post by tonib on Jun 14, 2013 21:36:04 GMT
Hi Imagine, welcome to the forum.
I've no personal experience of FIV but as far as I'm aware its the same as HIV in that the immune system doesn't work as well as it should do. As a result the cat is prone to more illnesses which can take longer to recover form or are more serious than in a non-FIV cat.
It could well be just a change in meds or just more time will resolve the problem. I would take the vets advice, on this occasion a chest x-ray could well help the diagnosis & treatment of Buster's cough. As long as he's not suffering & is happy taking any meds then he could well enjoy many more years.
Let us know how it goes & good luck.
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Post by imagine on Jun 15, 2013 16:18:54 GMT
Thank you, will let you know how he gets on.
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Post by cia on Jun 16, 2013 7:35:27 GMT
I wish you well - fingers crossed.
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