quick weight gain

[stulab012]

I took in a stray flat faced Persian, very emaciated, weighing 4.7 lbs.  She was vaccinated and given a topical dewormer after having a positive fecal test.  The vet checked her teeth and gums and noted that she may need dental work in the future.  Gums were a little pale.  When asked about the weight issue, the vet agreed that it may be because of her teeth but did not give any other concerns regarding the cause of it.  In the last month, she has only gained about 1.5 lbs. I have switched her to dry food only instead of wet food thinking that it may be bad for her teeth. I did not change the brand though.  What could be causing her to not gain weight more quickly?  Is there a food brand or a feeding regimen that is better for underweight cats?  Or is she gaining an adequate amount of weight and just needs more time? I don't know what to do.

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

1.5 lbs in only a month is actually a pretty good amount of weight for a little cat to gain; adding back some canned food in addition to the dry will help her continue to gain weight, since canned food is more calorie dense. However typically dewormers are repeated in 3 weeks due to the life cycle of intestinal parasites (what parasites were found on the fecal, and what dewormer was used?). I recommend making sure that she is parasite free with a recheck fecal exam 3-4 weeks after the second deworming. If she continues to be pale or stops gaining weight, then bloodwork would be recommended, including feline leukemia and FIV testing, if not already dome.
Persian cats are great, enjoy her!
Kimberly Coyner,. DVM DACVD

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

Your veterinarian is correct, that particular new parasite treatment is labeled as effective with only one dose for tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. As long as fleas are controlled the tapeworms should not recur. Again, gaining a third of her prior body weight in only a month is acceptable, but if she has not had labwork for feline leukemia and FIV, then she should, so I am glad you have an appointment. At the same time, your veterinarian can also perform labwork to check and see if she is truly anemic, as well as check her internal organs to help put your mind at rest.
Good luck,
Kimberly Coyner, DVM DACVD

[stulab012]

Thank you for responding.  She had tapeworms (she was also covered in fleas and flea dirt) and I believe the topical wormer was Profender.  I asked the vet repeatedly about further treatments, and I was assured that only one was needed. I have done some research online and have found that Profender should be given once every 3 months?  She has been groomed and is on a topical flea preventative now.  I am making an apt. to check for feline aids and leukemia and will have another fecal done.  I know the amount of fleas she had could cause her to be anemic, but could that cause her to not gain weight as well?  Is that something that she would need medication for?  Thanks again!