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Cat keeps getting sick.

Species: Cat
Breed: don't know but not p
Age: 3-6 months
Hi, I have a 4 month old kitten. I found her when she was about two months. I took her to the vet and she got some shots. shortly after she got a bad cold. Took her to the vet again and vet put her on antibiotics, eye drops and vitamins. 2 weeks after she all was fine she got sick again. Took her to vet again. More antibiotics. She got well for a few weeks and I was going to see the vet for the rest of her shot but now her cold is back. What could be wrong? Do I need a new vet? I there are no other cats around her, how is she catching this?( She is indoor and isolated).She was negative for FIV. She eats ok and plays and climbs like any kitten. Please help!


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi. I'm sorry to hear that LIttle Bear is having these problems.

I have had cases like this where kittens had a really hard time shaking an upper respiratory tract infection.

The first thing I usually do is test for FIV and Feline leukemia as either of these viruses could predispose the immune system to getting and not being able to shake a virus. It sounds like this was done. (If FIV was tested for, then probably Feline leukemia was as well.)

Antibiotics will help with bacterial infection but won't treat the underlying virus. Usually the virus comes first and then, it can progress to a bacterial infection. So, if this is a very persistent virus, then antibiotics may help a little (because of secondary bacterial infections) but they're not going to cure Little Bear.

Unfortunately the only cure here is time.

There are some animals that can have a chronic mycoplasma problem after having an upper respiratory tract infection. These cats can unfortunately have lifelong problems with congestion that comes and goes.

However, I can tell you that in the vast majority of cases that I have seen like this, the cat does eventually get over the virus and ends up being totally healthy.

You may want to ask your vet about using a supplement called Lysine. This amino acid has been shown to help cats fight viruses a little better.

I hope things are better soon!

Dr. Marie


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thank you so much for your quick response. I will ask her Vet about the Lysine when I see her this week. She is very nice but does not like to give bad news and it is easier to accept that she could have this for a while.

Yliana


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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.