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First Cancer...Now Herpes!
Hi Everyone,
Jade has tested positive for Herpes in her eyes. When she first came to us 3yrs ago, her eyes were a mess! She ended up testing positive for Cryptococcus and after medicating her for 4mos, the fungas was gone and her eyes seemed to clear up and we thought the eye issue was over. Now over the years, I've had to wipe her eyes almost daily, but I thought it was just dirt along with maybe some allergies.
It seems that between having 3 teeth pulled in June, then her ears amputated at the end of July, it was just too much stress for her system. She was boarded at the vet for 2wks following the amputation and her eyes never looked better, that is, until we brought her home on Aug 2nd. Less than 2days being home, her eyes began looking worse and worse until it was clear there was something terribly wrong. Her eyes were red and swollen, she could hardly open them, they looked very hazy, they were running a dark brownish red ooze and she clearly didn't feel well. We took her to the vet 2wks ago for this, but vet said it was allergies. After a few more days, it was Very clear it was Not allergies so I searched on the Net to see what I could find and the closest I could come were the symptoms for Herpes.
Had a blood test taken last Sat and everything from Aids to Toxoplasmosis was tested along with Herpes. All tests are clear except Herpes. Apparently there is a score of 1-20 when testing for Herpes and Jade tested over 2000! I don't know if that's the viral load or what.
She has been on antibiotic eye drops since last Sat and she is looking Much better. We will be starting her on Lysine which is a paste that is added to her food and she will need this the rest of her life. We also have on order, a very expensive eye ointment that will be given during an outbreak. Her eyes are looking so much better, I'm thinking of holding off on the ointment since it's $150. The ointment is used only during an outbreak and since she looks like she's at the tail end of this outbreak, I would hate to pay so much money for a med that's going to sit in the cabinet and possibly expire before we need it. I believe this is only the second serious outbreak shes's had since we've had her and it makes perfect sense that an outbreak would occur due to all the stress she's been under these last 2mos.
My question. Is anyone out there living with a cat with this condition and how have you handled it? Did your kitty take well to the Lysine paste?...and how long did you medicate when kitty had an outbreak. Any suggestions or information you could pass on to me would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for reading and caring!!!
Jade has tested positive for Herpes in her eyes. When she first came to us 3yrs ago, her eyes were a mess! She ended up testing positive for Cryptococcus and after medicating her for 4mos, the fungas was gone and her eyes seemed to clear up and we thought the eye issue was over. Now over the years, I've had to wipe her eyes almost daily, but I thought it was just dirt along with maybe some allergies.
It seems that between having 3 teeth pulled in June, then her ears amputated at the end of July, it was just too much stress for her system. She was boarded at the vet for 2wks following the amputation and her eyes never looked better, that is, until we brought her home on Aug 2nd. Less than 2days being home, her eyes began looking worse and worse until it was clear there was something terribly wrong. Her eyes were red and swollen, she could hardly open them, they looked very hazy, they were running a dark brownish red ooze and she clearly didn't feel well. We took her to the vet 2wks ago for this, but vet said it was allergies. After a few more days, it was Very clear it was Not allergies so I searched on the Net to see what I could find and the closest I could come were the symptoms for Herpes.
Had a blood test taken last Sat and everything from Aids to Toxoplasmosis was tested along with Herpes. All tests are clear except Herpes. Apparently there is a score of 1-20 when testing for Herpes and Jade tested over 2000! I don't know if that's the viral load or what.
She has been on antibiotic eye drops since last Sat and she is looking Much better. We will be starting her on Lysine which is a paste that is added to her food and she will need this the rest of her life. We also have on order, a very expensive eye ointment that will be given during an outbreak. Her eyes are looking so much better, I'm thinking of holding off on the ointment since it's $150. The ointment is used only during an outbreak and since she looks like she's at the tail end of this outbreak, I would hate to pay so much money for a med that's going to sit in the cabinet and possibly expire before we need it. I believe this is only the second serious outbreak shes's had since we've had her and it makes perfect sense that an outbreak would occur due to all the stress she's been under these last 2mos.
My question. Is anyone out there living with a cat with this condition and how have you handled it? Did your kitty take well to the Lysine paste?...and how long did you medicate when kitty had an outbreak. Any suggestions or information you could pass on to me would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for reading and caring!!!
I would definitely try the jelly. It's worth a shot! =)
This is my Skunkie routine-get a glob of the stuff on your index finger and put it in the side of the mouth. I usually give it to her while she's sitting down, and I grab her by the scruff of the neck, and then I stick it in her mouth. People will usually tell you to rub it on the paw, but that doesn't work because cats get PO'd and shake it off and the vaseline goes flying all over the place. LOL Maybe you can try to see if Jade will lick it off your finger first....some cats will lick it on their own. If she won't, then you can try my routine.
This is my Skunkie routine-get a glob of the stuff on your index finger and put it in the side of the mouth. I usually give it to her while she's sitting down, and I grab her by the scruff of the neck, and then I stick it in her mouth. People will usually tell you to rub it on the paw, but that doesn't work because cats get PO'd and shake it off and the vaseline goes flying all over the place. LOL Maybe you can try to see if Jade will lick it off your finger first....some cats will lick it on their own. If she won't, then you can try my routine.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I've remembered you mentioning the jelly and will definitely consider it. Tell me exactly how you do that. How much and how? Just a gob in the back of her throat? Sounds like she would choke, but I know that's not true since you do it all the time lol...
I just answered your pm so I won't repeat myself here on the thread.
Thanks so much again!!!!
I just answered your pm so I won't repeat myself here on the thread.
Thanks so much again!!!!
Well, now that I read that Jade was straining a bit, then that makes me feel like that could've caused the blood on the stool. Maybe, you can give Jade some petroleum jelly every day, or some other hairball med. My vet recommended it to use as a laxative for Skunkie. I think it's worth a try!! =) It's cheap and it might just do the trick. Try real hard not to freak out just yet. BTW, I don't think Jade's got IBD-you'd see a lot more symptoms than that.
You've got our support anytime you need it....we are here! =)
You've got our support anytime you need it....we are here! =)
COMMUNITY LEADER
April2 & PK - Thank you both for your prayers. We need them for sure! When hubby said there was blood in her stool, I immediatly thought of your Abby, PK. That's why I felt so upset.
My vet just called and said the bleeding can sometimes happen when kitty is stressed. Something like Colitis. I didn't write it down so I forget exactly the word. Jade has been through a lot and her little system is certainly stressed. Vet said not to worry yet. Also, the sneezing could be due to the herpes which I already figured...I just thought the sneezing would have shown up during the worst of the outbreak. Tech also explained the drops should be continued to treat any possible secondary infection brought on by the herpes outbreak. I was questioning why we needed to continue drops for a Bacterial problem when it's Viral.
I feel better, but will feel even better once we have the medicine to get this outbreak completely under control.
Again, thank you so much for caring. Your support means so much!!!!
My vet just called and said the bleeding can sometimes happen when kitty is stressed. Something like Colitis. I didn't write it down so I forget exactly the word. Jade has been through a lot and her little system is certainly stressed. Vet said not to worry yet. Also, the sneezing could be due to the herpes which I already figured...I just thought the sneezing would have shown up during the worst of the outbreak. Tech also explained the drops should be continued to treat any possible secondary infection brought on by the herpes outbreak. I was questioning why we needed to continue drops for a Bacterial problem when it's Viral.
I feel better, but will feel even better once we have the medicine to get this outbreak completely under control.
Again, thank you so much for caring. Your support means so much!!!!
Good Lord! More problems with Jade?
Well you know what? Lets be positive here. Perhaps she was pushing too hard causing her to release a little bit of blood. Keep an eye on it, and yes, get fresh stool samples so vet can take a look at it. Gosh, every time I hear 'Blood in the Stool' I go back in time with Abby. But Jade is not an IBD kitty so there is a pretty good chance it is nothing.
Keeping my fingers crossed and praying for you, my good friend.
God bless you.
Well you know what? Lets be positive here. Perhaps she was pushing too hard causing her to release a little bit of blood. Keep an eye on it, and yes, get fresh stool samples so vet can take a look at it. Gosh, every time I hear 'Blood in the Stool' I go back in time with Abby. But Jade is not an IBD kitty so there is a pretty good chance it is nothing.
Keeping my fingers crossed and praying for you, my good friend.
God bless you.
Oh no! I'm so sorry, Jade. Let's hope it's nothing serious! Are you taking her back to the vet for this? Please keep us informed and let us know how she's doing.
I went through a pretty discouraging time with my cats when I took in a friend's cat and they all got sick with Giardia. Remember that? This went on for months and months of diarrhea and money spent on medicine. I was worried about my friend's cat (who was the one who started the whole thing) because she was losing so much weight and wasn't getting any better, even when my two cats finally were getting better. My friend was considering putting her to sleep when she finally turned the corner and started getting better. Needless to say, my husband doesn't want me bringing other animals in the house anymore! I guess I have my hands full with my own right now!
I pray she gets better real soon. Maybe her immune system is just down right now with all the surgery, meds and stress.
Let us know what the vet says and how she's doing, ok? Take care & God bless!
I went through a pretty discouraging time with my cats when I took in a friend's cat and they all got sick with Giardia. Remember that? This went on for months and months of diarrhea and money spent on medicine. I was worried about my friend's cat (who was the one who started the whole thing) because she was losing so much weight and wasn't getting any better, even when my two cats finally were getting better. My friend was considering putting her to sleep when she finally turned the corner and started getting better. Needless to say, my husband doesn't want me bringing other animals in the house anymore! I guess I have my hands full with my own right now!
I pray she gets better real soon. Maybe her immune system is just down right now with all the surgery, meds and stress.
Let us know what the vet says and how she's doing, ok? Take care & God bless!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hey ZQ - I didn't see it, hubby said she covered it. He did say there was just a little blood right on top, so maybe just hemorrhoids as I noticed she was straining a little yesterday. In the last half hour she has started sneezing too. One thing on top of another. I am going to try and grab a stool sample on Monday to be tested. No point until then...I'm sure it should be fresh.
I think Jade's tummy hasn't felt well. Her appetite is down which I've attributed to the herpes; she clearly hasn't been herself, and she's been eating a lot of grass.
We have spent thousands in the last 3mos and we're starting to run out of money as we only have my husbands income. Starting to feel so helpless, ya know?
Thanks so much for caring ♥
I think Jade's tummy hasn't felt well. Her appetite is down which I've attributed to the herpes; she clearly hasn't been herself, and she's been eating a lot of grass.
We have spent thousands in the last 3mos and we're starting to run out of money as we only have my husbands income. Starting to feel so helpless, ya know?
Thanks so much for caring ♥
OMG.....I'm sorry to hear this!!! =( Hang in there and try not to panic. Ya never know, it could be hemorrhoids. Did you go out there and look after your hubby came in and told ya about it?
Hugs
Z
Hugs
Z
COMMUNITY LEADER
I think I'm going to lose it. There was blood in Jade's stool this morning!
Teeth pulled in June, cancer in July, herpes in Aug and through all that, I really didn't feel too stressed. I mean, I did, but nothing I couldn't handle. Good care and cancer is gone...the herpes Jade has had all along so the dx wasn't too much of a surprise and she's taking the Lysine on her food pretty well. Just ordered the $150 ointment for the herpes which will come in on Tues, but now blood in the stool?
Jade potties outside, but I have been watching and her stool has looked fine, but my husband come in this morning and tells me this! It was bright red, which I know is better than dark red...I'm hoping she just has a hemorrhoid or something.
I feel paralyzed :( This can't be happening!
Teeth pulled in June, cancer in July, herpes in Aug and through all that, I really didn't feel too stressed. I mean, I did, but nothing I couldn't handle. Good care and cancer is gone...the herpes Jade has had all along so the dx wasn't too much of a surprise and she's taking the Lysine on her food pretty well. Just ordered the $150 ointment for the herpes which will come in on Tues, but now blood in the stool?
Jade potties outside, but I have been watching and her stool has looked fine, but my husband come in this morning and tells me this! It was bright red, which I know is better than dark red...I'm hoping she just has a hemorrhoid or something.
I feel paralyzed :( This can't be happening!
Without making this an IBD thread, my vet told me IBD cats live a shorter life spam than other cats, and cancer in the colon was certain. Abby has not experienced the symptoms since I started the raw foods, but IF I feed him something other than raw foods he will go back to zero. I am not sure how IBD works in humans, but our system is way too different from a cat's system to even compare. And, well, months of research and reading articles about IBD cats have freaked me out. Abby is 2 y.o. And hopefully I can have him with me for a long, long time. He is certainly not in pain or discomfort, that's for sure, so we are ok for now. :)
Vets sometimes make you more nervous than necessary. That may include my vet telling me Abby would end up with cancer one day. One good friend of mine on this forum had an IBD cat who eventually had to be put to sleep because she got cancer in the colon.
Now, back to Jade, GOOD GIRL...do your research! Vets aren't always right and you know your cat better than anyone. You already know that this will come and go for as long as she lives. The key to this is looking for something to keep it under control or at least delay its return. And always remember, a second opinion would not hurt. You have free expert service on this site. Any questions you may have you can always ask them :)
Keep me in the loop.
Vets sometimes make you more nervous than necessary. That may include my vet telling me Abby would end up with cancer one day. One good friend of mine on this forum had an IBD cat who eventually had to be put to sleep because she got cancer in the colon.
Now, back to Jade, GOOD GIRL...do your research! Vets aren't always right and you know your cat better than anyone. You already know that this will come and go for as long as she lives. The key to this is looking for something to keep it under control or at least delay its return. And always remember, a second opinion would not hurt. You have free expert service on this site. Any questions you may have you can always ask them :)
Keep me in the loop.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'm sure Misha is fine, it's just that a simple blood test can confirm Herpes whereas there is nothing simple about dx'ing allergies. Now a blocked tear duck, I'm sure they see this all the time and you're vet is probably right :)
Yes, my vet is making me nervous :( Good thing I've got time on my hands to do the required research. That will be $100 please LOL...
Yes, my vet is making me nervous :( Good thing I've got time on my hands to do the required research. That will be $100 please LOL...
Why would they not live as long as long as you have the IBS under control? I don't think it's that way with humans, at least I hope not!
Jade, I never thought about it like that. It was just a couple of months ago when I took her in for her eye and it was a different vet who said it could be herpes, or it could just be allergies or blocked tear duct. Nobody else had mentioned herpes before. I was surprised. Then she said the cream would clear it up if it was indeed herpes and that's how we would know. Well, it didn't clear it up, it made it worse.
Besides, when they looked in her eyes and felt around, etc., they felt like it was most likely a tear duct that just gets blocked.
Jade, that would make me nervous that the vet never caught on what was going on with your cat, that it had to be you to find out what was wrong with her! They're the ones with all the medical training. It makes you wonder if we need to do that with human doctors too. Of course, then they get all irritated and annoyed if you ask for tests, etc., because they don't like it looking like you think you know more than them. I do let that intimidate me sometimes, lol.
Jade, I never thought about it like that. It was just a couple of months ago when I took her in for her eye and it was a different vet who said it could be herpes, or it could just be allergies or blocked tear duct. Nobody else had mentioned herpes before. I was surprised. Then she said the cream would clear it up if it was indeed herpes and that's how we would know. Well, it didn't clear it up, it made it worse.
Besides, when they looked in her eyes and felt around, etc., they felt like it was most likely a tear duct that just gets blocked.
Jade, that would make me nervous that the vet never caught on what was going on with your cat, that it had to be you to find out what was wrong with her! They're the ones with all the medical training. It makes you wonder if we need to do that with human doctors too. Of course, then they get all irritated and annoyed if you ask for tests, etc., because they don't like it looking like you think you know more than them. I do let that intimidate me sometimes, lol.
COMMUNITY LEADER
PK - I thought Abby would be living a long life with his raw diet and your attention detail, but after your last PM, I understand this is not true and an IBD cat's life is limited. I'm so sorry for the sadness and stress this puts you under. Abby is a lucky boy to have you as his mama and I hope that all your efforts will help him to have many many more years with you.
Yes, very frustrated with my vet actually. I also wonder why she never pushed to have Jades ears biopsied before? It wasn't until a conversation with ZQ who suggested different cancers that I started researching the scabs on Jade's ears and realized what it likely was. It's one thing for a vet to push a bunch of unecessary procedures or tests just for the money, but it's another when ones vet seems to be lax in diagnosing a symptom that seems obvious...like Herpes!
April - But I'm wondering why your vet doesn't know FOR SURE whether Misha has Herpes or not. Both dx's you mention could certainly cause the symptoms you describe, but if I were you, I would want an answer that was certain, you know? Sorry to be pushy...I'm sure your vet is a good one and eye problems can be difficult to dx since so many different dx's could apply, but I guess I would want to know for sure just since Herpes can do so much damage. Btw...your puppies are lookin' soooo cute!! They're getting so big :)
Thank God for the Internet and forums such as this one because not only do we have to be our own advocates with our own health, but our pets too apparently!
Yes, very frustrated with my vet actually. I also wonder why she never pushed to have Jades ears biopsied before? It wasn't until a conversation with ZQ who suggested different cancers that I started researching the scabs on Jade's ears and realized what it likely was. It's one thing for a vet to push a bunch of unecessary procedures or tests just for the money, but it's another when ones vet seems to be lax in diagnosing a symptom that seems obvious...like Herpes!
April - But I'm wondering why your vet doesn't know FOR SURE whether Misha has Herpes or not. Both dx's you mention could certainly cause the symptoms you describe, but if I were you, I would want an answer that was certain, you know? Sorry to be pushy...I'm sure your vet is a good one and eye problems can be difficult to dx since so many different dx's could apply, but I guess I would want to know for sure just since Herpes can do so much damage. Btw...your puppies are lookin' soooo cute!! They're getting so big :)
Thank God for the Internet and forums such as this one because not only do we have to be our own advocates with our own health, but our pets too apparently!
Jade, they did a sort of test on Misha this last time. They gave me a different eye cream and told me if it was herpes the cream would work but if it wasn't then we could go back to the other cream. I wasn't real crazy about trying a new cream when the other one had always worked in the past but I said ok and tried this new cream for a week. Her eye got worse! I had to go back and ask for the other cream. I still don't know why they didn't just leave it alone when the other one always worked before. I don't think it's herpes in her case. They think it's either allergies or a clogged tear duct. Now they're leaning more towards a clogged tear duct because it's usually just one eye. They said it can get worse as she gets older.
We had wondered if it was allergies because she sneezes periodically too. She's always been that way. And yes, she's an indoor cat. Lazy cat. She mostly sleeps on my bed where the sunlight comes in. :)
We had wondered if it was allergies because she sneezes periodically too. She's always been that way. And yes, she's an indoor cat. Lazy cat. She mostly sleeps on my bed where the sunlight comes in. :)
I know what you say Jade. It's frustrating when the vet does not seem to have a diagnosis to your pet's problem. I'm sorry your beautiful kitty is positive for Herpes. What an uncomfortable situation. I can relate to you, in the sense that we need to be on top of our cats' condition all the time, and carefully treat it and monitor. You know about my IBD cat, and how it will be a forever condition, so I have to keep it under control. Wouldn't it be easier for me to just throw a bunch of kibbles in his bowl and leave? Instead, I have to spend time preparing his foods, get up earlier than usual, spend a lot of money on organic foods, and even more dollards on nutrients.
The way I look at it is they are just special kitties with different needs than other kitties out there, which makes them more dependent. I'd say, who would take better care of my cat than me? Right? Because we cannot change the fact that our cats require special attention, it is better that they stay with us because we care for them, and love them enough to do anything for'em. I doubt anyone else would take better care of your baby than you.
Yeah.....always kindda looking at the positive...
The way I look at it is they are just special kitties with different needs than other kitties out there, which makes them more dependent. I'd say, who would take better care of my cat than me? Right? Because we cannot change the fact that our cats require special attention, it is better that they stay with us because we care for them, and love them enough to do anything for'em. I doubt anyone else would take better care of your baby than you.
Yeah.....always kindda looking at the positive...
COMMUNITY LEADER
Thanks April! Jade has been on the antibiotics for 6days and is feeling and looking Much better. Like human Herpes, I believe the outbreak runs it's course. However, when dealing with a virus, antibiotics only do so much. It may look like kitty is better, but they're not. The virus just goes dormant.
Isn't Misha an indoor kitty? If so, I wonder what she could be allergic to? Testing for Herpes is a specific but simple blood test. You may want to have Misha tested as feline herpes can lead to eye ulcers and blindness. We thought Jade had allergies too until this horrible outbreak 2wks ago.
I was a little annoyed when the tech told me the vet made a "good call." I'm like, umm...no...I'm the one who researched and asked for the test. AND, my vet told me 80% of cats have Herpes, so why didn't she think of doing a test a week ago instead of sending us home with just lubricating eye drops for allergies!?! Why was it ME who had to figure it out???
Isn't Misha an indoor kitty? If so, I wonder what she could be allergic to? Testing for Herpes is a specific but simple blood test. You may want to have Misha tested as feline herpes can lead to eye ulcers and blindness. We thought Jade had allergies too until this horrible outbreak 2wks ago.
I was a little annoyed when the tech told me the vet made a "good call." I'm like, umm...no...I'm the one who researched and asked for the test. AND, my vet told me 80% of cats have Herpes, so why didn't she think of doing a test a week ago instead of sending us home with just lubricating eye drops for allergies!?! Why was it ME who had to figure it out???
Oh no! Poor Jade. That poor kitty sure has been through the wringer lately, hasn't she? Poor baby. I'm glad if it looks like the medicine is working. Let's hope this is it for her! Maybe once things have quieted down and she feels calmer, less stressed, then she'll be able to get her immune system stronger and relax.
I know they wondered if Misha had herpes in the eyes. We're still not sure what it is but don't believe it's that.We think she gets allergies. Her eyes will tear up, more the right one than the left. She seems to have this 2 or 3 times a year and we have to go get the antibiotic/steriod cream for her eyes and then within a week or two it's cleared right up!
I hope little Jade will start to feel better soon. Give her lots of love, cuddles and kitty treats right now. She deserves it!
I know they wondered if Misha had herpes in the eyes. We're still not sure what it is but don't believe it's that.We think she gets allergies. Her eyes will tear up, more the right one than the left. She seems to have this 2 or 3 times a year and we have to go get the antibiotic/steriod cream for her eyes and then within a week or two it's cleared right up!
I hope little Jade will start to feel better soon. Give her lots of love, cuddles and kitty treats right now. She deserves it!
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