Warning: Undefined variable $href_target in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/phpGiggle/phpgiggle-config.inc.php on line 44
Outdoor kitty has rapid weight loss and raised third eyelids. | Ask A Vet
 

 


Dog ate chocolate?

ask a vet

Rapid weight loss.

Species: Cat
Breed: short hair
Age: 2-5 years
Hello Dr. Marie,
First I have to sadly say that I can not afford a vet visit for my outdoor kitty. Hes been pretty healthy for the last 3 years we have been feeding him but with in the last week we have noticed a fast weight loss.His 3rd eye is showing and thats how I could tell he is sick. Hes eating well and drinking well..but Ive noticed in his hind area hes a little wobbly.He also has an extended stomach (hes always had that) He seems a little lethargic and sleeps alot.My husband thinks its worms. Also about 2 weeks ago I gave him the hearts treatment for fleas and ticks on his neck..a couple of days later I noticed the fur was missing...and you can clearly see a tick head embedded in his skin...I dont know if its old or not. I just want to know if there is anything I can do over the counter for him...or is it time to just make him comfortable until he goes (tears). thank you


Warning: Undefined variable $related_questions in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Warning: Undefined variable $related_articles in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

The symptoms that you have described do have me worried.

Parasites could cause the third eyelid elevation and possibly a little bit of a big belly but really should not cause significant rapid weight loss. Any time I see a rapid weight loss I am concerned.

In an outdoor cat, the risk of a virus such as Feline Leukemia, FIV or FIP is very high. My biggest concern for Kitty is that this may be FIP.

There are tick borne diseases that can affect cats but this doesn't sound like a tick borne disease.

Unfortunately if this is one of those viruses then there is no cure. If he were in my office, then I would likely do some blood tests on him to look for Feline Leukemia and FIV and also a general blood panel to give me hints about FIP. There is no one test that is accurate for FIP. But, these tests would cost you at least a couple of hundred dollars to do.

One thing that you could try is buying some over the counter medicine for tapeworms. Tapeworms can cause the elevated third eyelids and in some cases weight loss, but it is not usually severe. I don't believe that the Hartz treatment you did will cover tapeworms. If you are in the US then tapeworm medicine is available over the counter. In Canada it is only available by prescription.

But, if this doesn't work then there is not much that you can do. Ultimately it would be best to have a vet look at him if at all possible.

Dr. Marie.



Warning: Undefined variable $displayed in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/answer_np.php on line 253
Do you have a pet website? Interested in learning more about SEO for Wix?


Check out our dog age calculator and cat age calculator.

Want to receive pet coupons, vet advice and info on new pet products in your inbox?

* indicates required

We'll only send you great stuff, never spam. Unsubscribe any time.

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:

Dr. Marie,
Thank you for your advice...it has helped me alot. :-))One of the most wonderful things about our neighborhood is the volunteers that pick up stray cats and have them nurtured. The cats become wonderful porch and yard companions. Sadly tho ...no one can afford the medications they need except flea and tick meds. Kitty has had a companion for the last year...who shows no signs of this FIP. WE have had a black cat come around in heat but I know Kitty stays far away from other cats. I will try the suggestions you gave on the worm meds...and keep him comfortable for the rest of his life. :--)) thank you Dr. Marie and God Bless you and what you do for us all.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome.

I just wanted to mention that FIP is not directly contagious from cat to cat so one cat could have it and the other may not. When cats come in contact with the virus that causes FIP, only 5% of them actually will get FIP.

Regardless, I hope that things improve with the poor little guy. Thanks for helping him out.

Dr. Marie.



Search for similar questions:

ask a vet

Popular questions...

Trim ferret's teeth? can you trim your ferrets teeth so that when they bite it wont hurt as much and if... (11572 views)

My cat's eye is foggy. Hello, My cat Paisley is 10 months old and her eye is foggy, her ears and nose are... (11972 views)

Did convenia cause death? Dear Dr. Marie, My beloved pet has died just seven days after receiving a shot of... (17004 views)

arthritis in 17 year old dog I have a 17 year old female german shepard/black lab/collie mix that weighs 45... (95712 views)

Dog unable to move. d help. My dog won't move at all. We got home around 435 this afternoon and she ate... (70916 views)

cat with trouble breathing I have a cat named Bunny, she is about 4 or 5 years old, she is a little over... (29585 views)

Geodon (ziprasidone) ingestion. My morkie may have ate a GEODON pill found on the floor. It was 60 mg. And it is an... (24980 views)

Brown spots on belly. Hello, I have a five year old Pomeranian mix (25lbs). Within the last few weeks I... (25049 views)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cats. My cat is aged 9. She was recently diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is... (40739 views)

Red spots My dog has been developed having red spot (lots of round and red spot with hair loss... (42630 views)

See all questions...

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.