Coco & Lola Update

26.11.2012: Coco & Lola continue to improve since losing their beloved brother Dylan to FIP in August. Their appetites are better and Lola has started playing again, which is a good sign. Having said that, hearing her crashing about with her favourite toy at 2 in the morning is a high price to pay! Thought we had burglars last night! I have heard from Dr Diane Addie and she has answered my numerous questions regarding the girls' future management and I am very grateful to her - I feel much calmer now. Athough I am still on the lookout for any signs of illness, the longer they stay well the better I feel. I will follow her recommendations and get a further blood test done soon - the vet said to wait six months but Dr Addie recommends 2 to 3 months, which I think is better all round as the sooner they get the 'all-clear' the better. I am a little nervous to say it but it feels like we are almost out of the woods. Have bought the girl's Christmas stockings and have started to accumulate a few small things - have ordered a new wooden climbing frame for their run too - they are going to be VERY spoilt this year! The picture above is of Lola sleeping on Dylan's woollen blanket - I knitted them one each when they were little and he used to carry his around; it's full of holes where he chewed it as a kitten and Lola and Coco seem to love sleeping on it now - I don't think they have quite forgotten their brother.

Coco & Lola Progress

1.11.2012: Coco & Lola have settled in to their new routine. They seem to be getting closer and get on most of the time; apart from when Coco insists on giving Lola ANOTHER wash when she doesn't want one and they end up coming to blows (albeit fairly gentle ones!). We don't need an alarm clock in our house; the girls get up at the crack of dawn and make a nuisance of themselves to get your attention because they want to go 'out'. Lola brings me her favourite toy; (a skinny kitty, which used to be a rod toy till she stretched the elastic so much I had to cut it off- she carries it everywhere!) lays it on my pillow (sweet) and then proceeds to bite my toes (not so sweet!) until I give in - it doesnt' take long. They rush to their outdoor run to watch the squirrels and birds and don't even stop for breakfast!  After about an hour they have had enough and come back in for breakfast followed by an extended snooze - all right for some! 

 

On the health front; I managed to contact Dr Diane Addie, an expert in Feline Coronavirus and FIP; she has kindly agreed to answer some of my (many) questions about where we go from here; things like when will it be safe for them to have routine vaccinations and how often they should have FCov blood tests. I also want to know when it might be safe to get another kitten/cat (I know glutton for punishment!). She very kindly sent me a draft copy of her latest book which I am currently working my way through, it's full of useful information and all the latest about FIP treatment and research. As you can see, The girls are currently very well, though I permanently have everything crossed - doubt I'll relax until they are about 5 - (FIP does that to you) they only have to sneeze and I fear the worst! (The picture above shows skinny kitty taking pride of place between them!

 

 

Coco & Lola

26.9.2012:  Life goes on and Coco & Lola are getting used to life with Dylan (not sure I ever will). It seems to have brought them closer together and they actually spend time playing together now - or at least chasing each other up and down the stairs like a herd of elephants! They both seem to have become a bit more loving too - Lola loves a belly rub and will literally climb up my leg and miaow pitifully until I give in! We had a few days away at my friend's house by the sea and they really enjoyed themselves - I thought they would be a bit freaked out but apart from the car journey (Lola hates cars) they settled in really well. A new set of stairs to tear up and down! On the Coronavirus front things are a bit confused; their blood tests came back and according to the results Lola's titres are 320 and Coco's 0.  Stuart (my vet) is a bit suspicious that the lab has got the results mixed up as Coco's last level was exactly 320 so we are not far ahead. The purpose of the tests was to decide if it was OK for them to have their vaccinations, since this is a stress factor for FIP and I didn't want to take a chance if they still had Coronavirus antibodies. Stuart spoke to another expert who said we could wait a while longer (up to three years apparently!) and he is going to try to get some more information as I don't want to keep on subjecting them to blood tests. On the plus side they both seem fine and are eating well and settling into their new daily routine without Dylan. I only wish I could.

Dylan We Miss You

It is two weeks ago today that we let our beautiful Dylan go to sleep. It has been a very difficult couple of weeks; lots of tears and "if only's". When we went to collect his ashes on Thursday it all came flooding back. But I know we made the right decision at the right time. Dylan had a love of food and a zest for life, once he could enjoy neither it was wrong to let him linger. At 2 years old he still played like a kitten, he would play 'football' for hours and and it seems strange not to be falling over dozens of fluffy coloured balls everywhere we walk. Coco & Lola don't seem to have the heart for games at the moment, Dylan was such a big character, always the instigator of fun and mischief - I used to call them "Team Dylan" because he was always centre of the action. The girls seem so lost without him, as are we. The house feels far to empty and quiet.  (The picture above is one of the last of Dylan and Lola together, he was quite poorly here but Lola would still follow him around and was happy just to sit with him).  

Goodbye Dylan

6th August 2012: Dylan had taken a turn for the worse. By Sunday evening he hadn't eaten and was hiding himself away under mum's bed. He couldn't even manage a saucer of cat milk. He didn't want to be cuddled, he would just look at us with those beautiful blue eyes and miaow quietly as if to say: "I've had enough". I knew we couldn't let this go on. So on Monday morning we were up at the crack of dawn to spend a last couple of hours with him before we took him in to the vets to be put to sleep. We spent ages with him giving him cuddles and saying goodbye and it was really peaceful at the end. Stuart was so kind to Dylan and us, I don't think I could have got through it without him. Rest in Peace our Beautiful Brave Boy, Dylan. We will never forget the love and joy you gave us in your short life.

Dylan July 2012

Dylan Update

5.8.2012: Despite our worst fears Dylan has rallied a little today. He did little but sleep when he came home yesterday and we were preparing to make the dreaded call this morning but he has amazed us once again. He has eaten little bits and pieces, had a dish of cat milk (a previously banned substance!), had a good wash and a stretch on his scratch post. He then came downstairs and stood by the kitchen door miaowing to be taken for a walk! Luckily the rain held off long enough for this.I didn't bother to put his harness on as he is so poorly now but on our way back indoors he suddenly darted under a tree and a surprised squirrel made a quick getaway up the trunk!  My boy still has a little zest for life. Still I think it took it out of him as he is now sleeping soundly on mum's bed. But he has had a good day and that is all we can hope for now. 

Dylan Update

4.8.2012: Dylan has remained quite poorly so after a discussion with Stuart, my vet, he was admitted for fluids and antibiotics (he has another temperature) on Wednesday morning. He had a stormy course; not eating much and obviously not happy. He wouldn't leave the drip alone so they had to put a buster collar on him which he hated. When I visited he was miserable and kept on crying at me to let him come home.His temperature was very high at one point (over 40 degrees) and the antibiotics don't seem to touch it. Unfortunately, temperature spikes are one of the features of FIP. After talking to Stuart this morning he felt there was not much more they could offer him and we have brought him home so that we can give him some TLC. He says we can ring every day to discuss his progress so that we can decide together when Dylan has had enough and it's time to let him go. Suddenly it's all very real and there are no words.

Dylan's Progress

31.7.2012: Dylan has had a very stormy course over the last few days. By Monday he was refusing all food. just sleeping on the bed; paw covered over his eyes as if to shut out the world. All our attempts at coaxing him to eat were in vain.  By the afternoon we were beginning to think this was the end and I was due to make an appointment for the vets today. But miraculously, around 6.00pm he trotted downstairs and up to the kitchen door waiting to be taken for his walk. Luckily it was still quite warm out so I took him into the garden for a while. When he came back he decided he would eat after all and although he's only had small quantities it's an improvement on the last two days. I even tried him with some warmed, pureed baby food which he obligingly licked off my finger. He even wanted to go out in the run with his sisters in the evening. Then he settled on the settee for the night - just as he normally would. He joined in the evening grooming session and managed a little more food before returning to mum's bedroom, which has become his sanctuary from the girls when they are tearing about. Today he is still very tired and looks poorly now but seems a bit better and even 'cried' at me for food - just like the old days before his illness. We were torturing ourselves yesterday about making the decision to let him go and shed many tears but for the moment I am going to see how he goes. At least if he wants to eat and potter about I know there's a glimmer of hope. It's so hard to know the right thing to do. Up until the minute Stuart told me the disease was in his kidneys I still hoped and prayed he might beat this disease even though I knew it was unlikely, now I know it's just a matter of time. Each day with him is so precious. I dread the day we will have to make the decision to let him go, I can hardly bear thinking about it but I know we have to start to come to terms with it as I can see now it won't be far away and our only hope is a miracle.

Dylan's Latest Crisis

27.7.2012: Dylan has been poorly on and off for the last few days so we were back at the vets this morning. He had actually perked up over night but I wanted him checked out as I knew something was wrong. It turns out he has a high temperature and also when Stuart examined him he felt a strange lump in his tummy. After an ultrasound it turned out to be his kidneys; they have enlarged and are also inflamed; another result of this terrible disease. This explains why he has been drinking more water recently. He has also lost more weight. So he has had injections of anabolic steroids, to try to build him up a little, and antibiotics. Stuart wanted to get a blood test to assess everything but unfortunately Dylan was not co-operative (he still has some fight left in him!) so we have left him be; it would have meant an anaesthetic and it won't really affect his treatment plan. Once we were home Dylan wanted to eat and drink and is now curled up fast asleep, having had a short walk in the garden to check out his domain. Hopefully by tomorrow the antibiotics will have kicked in and he will start to feel better. He is a little trooper.

Dylan's Poorly

thur 26.7.12 Dylan has been quite poorly today ; didn't want to go for his usual morning walk in the garden & has just slept under the bed all day. I know it has been hot today but he still seems much more tired than usual. Didn't wake up for lunch & wouldnt come downstairs. Rang vets but can't get appointment until tomorrow morning. he perked up a little late afternoon & has eaten some chicken & tuna thank goodness. will wait to see what the vet says & just keeping fingers crossed. I know there's not much more to be done for him but need moral support at the moment. it is soul destroying watching my beautiful baby boy fade away before my eyes - I hate this cruel disease.

Dylan & Lola Having a Nap

Dylan Update

25.7.2012:  Dylan has been 'off colour' for a few days; quite tired and lethargic and not that interested in his food. By Monday evening I was preparing to make a vets' appointment but next day he seemed to pick up and he has been much brighter and more interested in things since then. He has been for his daily walk in the garden and he is eating more, thank goodness. I think he is probably quite anaemic now (the vet hasn't done a blood test for a while as it is so difficult to get the needle into his vein and last time we decided not to distress him anymore as it would have meant giving him an anaesthetic). As Stuart said, it won't make any difference to his treatment, it is just an indicator of how he is doing. It is quite obvious now when Dylan is feeling lousy; you can see it in his eyes and sometimes I wonder if I am doing the right thing. But we have had three precious months with  him since his diagnosis and for the most part they have been good. I think I will know when he has had enough and hope that I will be brave enough to make the right decision with the help of my lovely vet. For now, he is enjoying the sunshine with his sisters and still keeping to his usual routine. Even though we are preparing for the worst we are still praying for a miracle.

Dylan In His Mynwood Walking Jacket

This is Dylan's new walking jacket, so we can go for long walks in the garden without him getting lost! Have tried conventional harnesses in the past and none of my three will tolerate them but he has taken to this really quickly and 'lead walks' really well. Lola & Coco are looking jealous so I might have to get another two!

Off to the Vets (again)

Dylan went for his now monthly check up and injections today. Stuart is pleased with him and miraculously he has only lost a tiny bit of weight in the last month which is encouraging. Other than that he is doing fine and was a good boy for his injections (he usually wriggles like mad). All being well we won't be going back for another month. He celebrated by eating a whole packet of food on his return home and demanding a walk in the garden!

Dylan's Progress (July)

Dylan is now on monthly injections of Interferon and a long acting steroid. He has coped well with this which has amazed me - thought we would be rushing back to the vets before now. His weight is still not good and he has good days and bad days. On a bad day he is obviously feeling lousy and just wants to sleep but usually by the evening he picks up and has a good meal and comes to sit with us and watch TV. He doesn't play much now but the other day in the garden he saw a fly and he suddenly flew into action! He's still got it!  Lola has had a bout of diarrhoae and as usual I thought the worst but she got over this very quickly and our vet has advised waiting a while before rushing to do the blood titre test on her. In the end she didn't even need antibiotics so that's a good sign. The girls will both have to have blood tests before their yearly vaccinations are due to see what the situation is. Vaccination can be a stress factor in cats with Feline Coronavirus so depending on the results these might have to wait a while. Fingers crossed. We are back at the vets tomorrow (17th) for Dylan's check up and monthly jabs. I think he really needs these now as he has had a few bad days over the last week.

Dylan's Progress

14.6.2012: It's two months since our nightmare began. There were times when we thought Dylan would not make it this far. He is still our lovable boy and now demands supervised garden walks every morning. Despite his continued weight loss he still has energy for this and pottering around the house. He has become very focal when he wants something; usually a cuddle some food or cat milk, which was previously banned!. He gets all the treats he wants now.

Dylan's Progress

7.6.2012: Dylan is back at the vets for his weekly injection of Interferon. He has lost a tiny bit more weight and although it's not much it's not a good sign. Despite this he continues to eat well and show interest in life. I am not giving up on him yet.

Dylan's Progress

31.5.2012: Dylan is doing well again now the antibiotics have kicked in. Still no weight gain though (which would indicate he is in remission) but otherwise he is doing surprisingly well; eating and playing with his sisters. Stuart (our vet) has managed to source the feline version of Interferon which is supposed to work slightly better than the human form so fingers crossed.

25.5.2012: Dylan's 2nd birthday - there have been times when I thought he wouldn't make this.

24.5.2012: Dylan seems a bit quiet and unwell, he is off his food. At the vets Stuart takes his temperature, which is raised, more antibiotics. But luckily he picks up quickly once these kick in.

Dylan's Progress

17.5.2012: Dylan is on weekly injections now; He is doing well but can't put on weight, this is another feature of the disease as it causes muscle wasting, they also get anaemic and get gradually weaker. The more I hear about this disease the worse it gets. I can't believe I knew so little about it. It's almost like a taboo subject. I certainly wouldn't have got 3 kittens together and increased the risk of cross infection. Thankfully both Coco and Lola both seem fine so it is beginning to look like Dylan has just been the unlucky one. Still neurotic about cleaning and changing litter trays and hoovering up any litter that tracks out of the tray - apparently it can be passed in the faeces or on infected litter.

Coco

17.5.2012: Coco has been off colour and running a high temperature. She had antibiotics and improved but I wanted her tested for the Feline Coronavirus as I know it can cause infections. The blood tests come back positive but the blood titre level is not too high so hopefully her immune system is stronger than Dylan's and it will not progress to FIP. She will be re-tested in a couple of months' time. I don't think I can take much more stress. The thought of losing not one, but possibly all three, of my beautiful Birmans to this terrible disease is too much to bear. I try to stay positive but watch them like a hawk for any signs of illness or stress. We were planning to move house but that is the most stressful situation for cats and stress can bring on FIP in a cat with the Coronavirus so that's on hold, as well as the rest of our lives: We hate leaving Dylan for even a short time and we are trying not to disrupt their routine in any way. Luckily I can work from home but it's hard to concentrate with all this going on, not to mention spending most of my time at the vets. The house is full of Feliway Diffusers (which helps to keep cats calm) and catnip!

Diagnosis Confirmed

The specialist blood results come back from Glasgow: They confirm FIP, "Prognosis: Guarded". I know what the means. I am now an 'expert' on Feline Coronavirus and FIP: Have read everything available on the internet and in particular on Diane Addie's website; She is a REAL expert and most of Dylan's treatment plan is based on her recommendations. The more I read the more depressing it gets though as so few cats ever survive this terrible disease. She has been trying to find a cure for years but is hampered by lack of funding and the fact that it is such a complicated disease. I pray that one day she succeeds and can prevent any other cat lover from going through this heartache. There is a Japanese Vet who has had some success using Interferon and steroids so I hold onto this shred of hope.  

Dylan & Lola

10.5.2012: Since Dylan came home Lola has followed him around like a little puppy dog. She was so pleased to see him - they are a real little team. When they were kittens I called them Bonny & Clyde as they were always in trouble together. Coco on the other hand is a bit confused by his comings and goings and is quite aggressive with him. Dylan thinks she's odd!  He is continuing to improve and eating much better. Stuart says to give him what he wants and forget about the special diet, as long as we can cope with the loose stools, which we can. Thank God for baby wipes. At least he is eating which is the main thing and he seems a lot happier. He always loved his food before he got ill so it's nice to see him enjoying it again. He is getting his old routine back and has started going out to their outside run to watch the birds with Lola.

Home Again

4.5.2012: We can bring Dylan home again as he has made good progress. Stuart has suggested we continue with injections of steroids and antibiotics when needed rather than stressing Dylan (and me!) out. He is still on Interferon injections every other day.

Visiting Time Again

28.4.2012-3.4.2012:  We visit Dylan daily. He seems to be responding to treatment and is eating better. He hates the drip in his leg and manages to pull it out during our visit. He seems more like his usual loving, happy self, such a relief. All the nurses love him; they say he never holds a grudge after they have to stick needles in him or force tablets down his throat and when they pass his cage he miaow's until he gets another cuddle! He gets more lively during our visits each day and strolls around the consulting room getting into mischief! That's my boy!

Back to the Vets

27.4.2012: Dylan has virtually stopped eating and I am frantic with worry. I ring Stuart who says to bring him in. He has a temperature and is dehydrated. They admit him for intravenous antibiotics and fluids. I feel better knowing he is in the best place and getting the help he needs. I pray that he will come home again.

Dylan Hates Me!

24.4.2012: Feel like I have aged 10 years. Dylan is eating very little and I spend most of the night checking he is still breathing. His stools are very loose and he doesn't like the probiotic paste the vet gave me. We are still struggling to get the tablets down him and as he is hardly eating we can't try putting it in his food. So I walk him to the local vets practice twice a day so that the nurse can administer the drugs. By the third day even the nurse is struggling and resorts to antibiotic and steroid injections as he is getting so stressed. The antibiotic injection is a long acting one but not as effective so we have to keep an eye on him in case it's not doing it's job. The next couple of days we continue to struggle to get him to eat. He seems so tired and lifeless. I wonder if I have made the right decision.

Dylan Comes Home

22.4.2012: Stuart has been unable to source the feline version of Interferon so will use the human form which will need diluting. We take Dylan home today but he will be back every other day initially for Interferon injections. I will have to give him steroid tablets and antibiotics - am dreading this, Dylan is a very gentle, laid back cat normally but he has a real issue with anyone touching his mouth!  That evening we have real problems with getting the tablets into him and he doesn't seem to like the special diet food the vet has prescribed.

Diagnosis Day

21.4.2012: The histology report has come back: the most likely diagnosis is Feline Infectious Peritonitis; the 'dry' form which causes tumour-like masses of inflammation to form. The worst news, almost worse than a malignant tumour as there is very little hope of recovery. Apparently most cats don't even make it to diagnosis and even then only survive a short time. Stuart tries to put a positive spin on things; at least we have managed to get a diagnosis before Dylan got really ill so we have a chance to treat him if I want to go ahead. We are devastated but we can't give up on him without a fight. The plan is to treat him with a drug called Interferon and steroids. He will also need antibiotics as the steroids will leave him open to infection.

Dylan's Progress

20.4.2012: Dylan continues to improve. We visit him again and are told he is eating well. They are very pleased with his progress, though he still has diarrhoae. Once he has passed a more normal poo we can bring him home. He will always have loose stools as they had to remove a large part of his intestine  including a section called the ileo-saceal junction which removes fluid from waste products. We will cope with this and whatever we have to just to get him home.

The First Visit

19.4.2012: Rang vet nurses first thing to see how Dylan is doing. He has had a good night and they are very pleased with him. We arrange to visit that afternoon. When he sees us he is very excited; we get a purr and a head-butt! He looks so alert it is difficult to believe he has been through such major surgery. He has a huge surgical wound extending the length of his belly and patches of shaved fur for various blood tests and drips etc but it's such a relief to see he doesn't look as bad as I was imagining, he's still my adorable Dylan. He just seems to have taken it all in his stride, he is such a little fighter.

Dylan's Operation

18.4.2012: 4.30pm: Stuart rang me: The operation went as well as could be expected; They had to remove a large portion of his intestine and also managed to remove most of the enlarged lymph nodes. Dylan was doing well but sleepy. On a drip and antibiotics. Advised to ring tomorrow to arrange a visit. We have to wait for the specialist histology report which will take a few days before we know what treatment might help him. The nightmare continues.

Dylan's Op

17.4.2012: The biopsy was inconclusive so there was no choice but to operate. I was advised to prepare for the worst. 18.4.2012: Stuart rang whilst Dylan was on the table; he has a huge mass in his intestine and inflamed lymph nodes. I have to decide whether to let him go or let them proceed. We would only be prolonging his life, there was little hope of a cure. Although I knew it was going to be bad when it came to it I was just numb with shock. Making this decision was just too much. I couldn't  give up on him without a fight. They would go ahead and ring me later when he had recovered from the anaesthetic. I cannot quite believe this is happening, keep thinking it is a bad nightmare and I will wake up. Two days ago I had a healthy young cat and now I was having to make a life or death decision and come to terms with losing him very soon. I was beyond tears.

Dylan's Journey Begins

16th April 2012: Dylan had been off colour for a few days, nothing specific, just not eating as well as usual and he had a 'funny tummy'. Hoped my lovely vet Stuart would say I was worrying about nothing but when he examined him I could see he looked concerned: "I can feel a lump in his intestines, it could be nothing but we'll do an ultrasound". When he returned a few minutes later I could see something was seriously wrong. There was a mass, probably malignant, almost completely blocking his intestines. There was an outside chance it was something less serious but it didn't look hopeful. Dylan was to be admitted and put on a drip to rehydrate him. They would do a biopsy tomorrow to see if they could identify the mass. If it was malignant it might respond to chemotherapy but it wouldn't be a cure, it would just buy us some time. There were other things it could be, none of them good. Dylan is 1 year and 11 months old.

I went home numb with fear and disbelief...

My Birman Cats

My Birman Cats: Welcome to My Birman Cats!

I am going to tell you all about my three beautiful Birmans; Dylan, Coco & Lola. They have all just had their 2nd birthdays and are a complete joy. For the time being the majority of this blog will centre around Dylan, my seal point boy who has a disease called FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), which is almost always fatal. I'll be posting a resume of his treatment so far and his progress in an attempt to raise awareness of this terrible disease. Some cat lovers amongst you may already know about this and the Feline Coronavirus which causes it. Sadly I was completely ignorant about both until it affected my cat family and devastated our lives. It's not something the breeders or glossy cat magazines focus on but I think anyone thinking of buying a kitten or cat, be it moggie or pedigree, deserves to know the facts. The first being that the Feline Coronavirus is very common amongst all cats but is most prevalent in pedigrees, something I was entirely unaware of despite having cats in the family since I was a child. On a lighter note, I will also include photos and hopefully some happier posts as well; there is always something to smile about when you have three young bundles of fun in the house!