Respitory

[Book5422]

My cat (1 of 4) has been with me for a year & 3 months, she was a stray.  She has been diagnosed w/beginning stages of kidney failure, dental problems and a respitory-nasal infection.  She has taken Baytril on and off since October.  She is extremely hard to give meds to & tends to either fool me or throw it up!  I can not seem to get her well and it not only is breaking the bank but my heart too!  She hardly eats and seems to know when I have put her meds in the cat food & won't eat it!  Back in Jan, I had her nasal passage flushed, swab tested & mouth cleaned.  She tested positive for a strain of e-coli and was given another round of Baytril - as soon as completed smell and symptoms came back!!  She sneezes snot where she lays leaving spots and odor!  I've called other vets for recommendations and no one will help me with out testing her!  Can you give any advice on what to do next? Is this hopeless?  Is she a forever carrier?  Thankyou

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

I am so sorry you are going through this.  It is difficult.  

My first thoughts are the e-coli result is often a contaminant and not an actual pathogen.  That would make me want to re-culture this sinus.  

Next actually getting the anti-biotics in the cat is extremely important.  I understand well how difficult it is, but it is essential otherwise the infection will simply rage on.  I would talk with the veterinarian about another form of administration such as injections or direct PO so you did not have to put on the food.  Cats are worse than dogs when admin meds on food.  

X-rays of the sinus may help let you know how it is progressing.  

I am encouraged that the flush and treatment did work at one time.  But persistent infections can take a very long time to clear.  

If you have confidence in where you are then please keep working with them.  If not a second opinion is always a good idea.  

[Book5422]

Thank you for the information.  I will talk with her about alternative treatment & administration of the meds.  She had told me that the Baytril did not come in a liquid/shot form.  I really want "Sunday" my cat, to have quality life & care and will do what I can to help her.  She's a little 6lb kitty with a stubborn personality but we are pals!! ...even with the horrible smell coming from her face!! :)
Just a note: I have a wonderful 11 yr Great Dane named Saddie!!  What a trooper she is!  Warm weather, she is so playful full of life but the cold  - she almost becomes a crippled old lady!! She is pampered and loved so much!!  Wonderful Breed!!  Thank you again!!