Really worried and need a second opinion

[ConcernedCat]

This is sticky as we live abroad and have limited access to specialist vets.

about 1 month ago, cat was off his feed, wobbly on feet, quiet. Vet did blood tests, nothing very out of the ordinary, but raised wbc. Prescribed short course of antibiotics. Also ideal ear infection so prescribed drops.

3 days in, antibiotics seemed so be helping a lot but not completely. After 10 days at end of treatment, cat similar to the start. More ear drops (still infected) and antibiotics for toxoplasmosis given.

Since then, he has gone downhill. Sever diarreah. Probiotics with stool hardener given. Lack of appetite - appetite enhancer given. A few hours after this, he lost all control of his front legs. Appetite now fine.

further blood tests show no fiv, no felv. Blood test for toxoplasmosis not back yet. X-ray shows no concern. Injected NSAID given and oral prescribed. Waiting for spinal tap but no vet able to do in the country, one flies in in a couple of weeks.

Next day and now (couple of days later), he has better control of his legs, but is listing to one side. Very quiet. Hungry. Not cleaning self. Still has diarreah. Mostly lying still.

Bets are thinking toxoplasmosis or something else neurological.

Is there any chance it could still be his ears and he needs different antibiotics? Vet thinks, as he is not going round in circles, it’s not his ears. I just want to know that the right treatment is being tried and we’re not missing something as we wait for the spinal tap. Any vet advice hugely welcome, thank you.

There's a Facebook group called Pet Vet Corner where only qualified vets are allowed respond. If you make a post about your cat hopefully one of those vets will have seen a similar case and be able to help. It's awful when there's something wrong but you can't figure out what it is.

I foster for a cat charity so have seen my fair share of unusual cases but none like yours unfortunately. Would definitely test for all parasites, have seen mycoplasma, giardia, and coccidia to name a few, and the usual major diseases like fiv, felv etc.

Asking the probably bleeding obvious - you’re obviously a committed and caring owner - but, he has his annual vaccinations?

Thank you so much, that group sounds ideal, thanks Kenji.
All up to date with vaccines, parasite treatment etc. He mostly lives indoors but pops into the garden a bit.

I posted on two groups, something minimal from one, nothing from the bigger one yet (24 hours). Cat still sleepy, wobbly but doesn’t seem in distress at all. Tried our vet again today but they are closed. Tried others and none had appointments until Monday. Not sure what else we can do but wait.

Vets responded last night and we took him in again today. Different vet, listened and agreed we can’t rule out the ear. Gave an injection antibiotic and changed the nsaid to a steroid. Feeling hopeful.

I’m not sure if anyone is still reading… cat was given the different meds and seems to be a lot better. He’s walking slowly and slightly wobbly but much better on his feet. Stools firmer and is venturing away from his box now, seems keen to be near people for some of the day. Still not well, but a lot better than the past couple of weeks.

Glad your cat has improved a bit.

Has your vet considered vestibular disease? Just a thought as our last cat had several bouts of it but slowly recovered.

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-vestibular-disease#:~:text=Vestibular%20disease%20is%20when%20a,in%20less%20than%20an%20hour.