Fergus - Some upsetting vet results

[Supurrkitten]

Last Awesome Condo: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/otj-party-for-fergus-today.179334/

Hey guys,

I was waiting for the results from Fergus' urine culture fully expecting for blue skies. Sadly, Fergus still has his UTI after his 3rd culture and sensitivity and the antibiotics don't seem to be working.

I am sorta devastated. The vet says an abd xray is needed to start and she will not re-prescribe antibiotics until she can rule other issues out. He will go to the vet thursday at 2pm EST.

I guess we should start testing again since he has an active infection.

I regret every day not learning more about FLUTD/struvite prior to consenting to his perineal urethrostomy. He was blocked for the third time and I though it was the only option to save his life. I know now wet food is the answer. Please any of you still feeding any dry hear me and my regrets.

I guess they will look for a collection of stones or some other source of infection or something worse, if there is. I truly believe his PU site is the source of ongoing infection; since it has an adhesion (bridge of skin) that formed after he licked it and injured it when he was really sick. I think urine and bacteria is hanging out there since it is not a freely flowing site and only has the two smaller openings instead of one larger one for urine to pass through. I am dreading the though of revision surgery. It will be expensive. We are paycheck to paycheck right now. i think I am just really emotional. I kinda have been just crying about it. That is why I posted here. I knew you all would understand.

FDMB, all the Beans and SugarCats here are a blessing. Prayers and vibes requested and are always there for each of you.

 

[Chris/China (GA)/Garfield]

Sadly, Fergus still has his UTI after his 3rd culture and sensitivity and the antibiotics don't seem to be working.

Something doesn't sound right there.....do you have a copy of the C&S results?? The whole idea behind doing a C&S is to identify which bacteria is causing the UTI and which antibiotic is most effective against that particular bacteria.

Don't beat yourself up over feeding what most of us were told (by our vets) was the best food. Now we know better and we do better and that's all any of us can do!! You did what you thought was best for Fergus at the time with the information you had. As long as your decisions were made in his best interest in mind, you have nothing to feel guilty about.

Stones and "sludge" in the bladder can cause pain and irritation, as well as giving bacteria more places to "hide", but getting the correct antibiotic (and continuing it long enough) should get rid of it. Some UTI's can take 4-6 weeks on antibiotics to make sure everything is truly killed off.

At this point, taking him off the AB's for 7-10 days and then doing another C&S may help, especially if the AB's he's been on weren't specific to the bacteria you're fighting. If you're started on an AB that isn't the "right" one, it will skew the results of the next ones

Sending vines for Fergus and (((Hugs))) for his mama!!

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

More vines for Fergus. What Chris says makes sense. I hope your vet will be able to determine the correct antibiotic for whatever bacterium is causing the infection.
We'll be thinking good thoughts for Fergus's vetty appointment on Thursday.

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

that sounds pretty frustrating....
I think I'd be calling around looking for another opinion..... someone who will test for the bacteria so the right a/b gets prescribed.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

I think Chris' recommendations make sense. Have they tried different antibiotics, or do they keep giving you the same one? Sometimes you do have to give it for a longer period to get the infection knocked out completely.

I hope you can get it figured out soon. Meanwhile, testing daily is a good idea, so you can jump on any change in Fergus' BGs.

Sending healing vines and lots of s.

 

[Chubba (GA)]

Wow... I don't have any advice to offer, but I just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you and Fergus. That's so scary. Lots of vines sent your way.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

Sending prayers.

 

[Phoebes (GA)]

Sending hugs and prayers for you and Fergus. Head bumps

 

[Squeakycats]

Sending lots of vines and hugs--so sorry you are both going through this

 

[Squalliesmom]

Sending prayers and healing vines for Fergus. I agree with Chris, too; you need to know what bacteria is causing the infection so the correct antibiotic can be given (just please don't let anyone suggest you give him Convenia!). You can also give him d-mannose as an additional assist to the AB - d-mannose binds to the bacteria and is flushed out of the system. Tons of (((hugs))) for you, and gentle scritches for Fergus.

 

[Taffysmama]

If you are on Facebook, join the FLUTD group..."FLUTD Discussion and Treatments". D-Mannose is very helpful for many. It is a sugar in cranberries that binds to bacteria and flushes it out (give plenty of water/fluids, of course). It is not a sugar that should affect diabetics, however. It can be used in higher doses to treat active infection and in pulsed (several days on, several days off) in lower doses for maintenance to prevent infections. FLUTD Group member Martha Mooney Waltien is experienced with this supplement if you tag her. Hang in there! Prayers and vines

 

[LizzieInTexas]

Here is info on D-Mannose from Tanya's site

http://felinecrf.org/pyelonephritis_utis.htm#dmannose

It isn't expensive and I think worth a try.

 

[Cherryl & Mouzer]

Your post breaks my heart. I am sorry for your baby and for what you are feeling in your heart. I do understand the guilt trips we place ourselves on. I live with many guilt trips over many animals. I blame myself for their deaths when it is obviously not my fault - but my mind beats the poo out of me, always telling me, if I would have just done this or that ... I should have done this or that ... If only I knew this I would have done that ... on and on the mind goes with all of this that keeps me in pain.
When I stop, look over each situation for each animal that has passed on, that could have been saved, the one thing said in my mind ... If only there were veterinarians who knew what they were doing, many lives would have been saved - and that is the sad truth in the case of many animals I have had to go through passing away. It hurts me so badly. And there will be more - it will never end - until I no longer have an animal in my care and do not have to deal with this again.

You have done all you know to do, at any given time. You have put your heart into your baby. You have given your all and will continue to do so. And your baby knows you love him. And I know that doesnt help you feel better but some how, remind yourself of it, if you can. I dont have a heart graphic or I would surely give it to you <3

 

[Gill & George]

You've had some good advice and suggestions, just wanted to add prayers and vines for sweet Fergus.


PS as @Squalliesmom said, I would probably not allow them to give George this in this particular situation, it's long acting and some cats can have a negative reaction to it, and once it's in it can stay in the system for over 2 weeks. Additionally it's not really effective for infections of the urinary tract.

 

[Photorecon]

Morning,

I'm very sorry to hear the health condition of Furgus has degraded. Anything I can think about has been
done. The change in antibiotic might be the trick. All UTI I've faced were fixed with antibiotic. Another
trick is to flush all can be floating inside with sub-q (like ketone hanging in). This would not be a good idea
in the case of UTI. Your ved advice id the best, looking inside to see if the organs are not causing the problem
would answer many questions. It's so sad to be an observer not being to d anything.

Don't blame yourself about food, I fed both of my cats with dry food for 4 years before Small Kitty became
a walking skeleton and nearly died.

Hope vet will find a cure and bring Furgus back to happy condition.

 

[Supurrkitten]

Something doesn't sound right there.....do you have a copy of the C&S results?? The whole idea behind doing a C&S is to identify which bacteria is causing the UTI and which antibiotic is most effective against that particular bacteria.

Don't beat yourself up over feeding what most of us were told (by our vets) was the best food. Now we know better and we do better and that's all any of us can do!! You did what you thought was best for Fergus at the time with the information you had. As long as your decisions were made in his best interest in mind, you have nothing to feel guilty about.

Stones and "sludge" in the bladder can cause pain and irritation, as well as giving bacteria more places to "hide", but getting the correct antibiotic (and continuing it long enough) should get rid of it. Some UTI's can take 4-6 weeks on antibiotics to make sure everything is truly killed off.

At this point, taking him off the AB's for 7-10 days and then doing another C&S may help, especially if the AB's he's been on weren't specific to the bacteria you're fighting. If you're started on an AB that isn't the "right" one, it will skew the results of the next ones

Sending vines for Fergus and (((Hugs))) for his mama!!

HE was started on one antibiotic after the first C&S, The second C&S showed a new organism so we did a different specific to that organism one. Now after maybe 2 weeks off he is still showing the second organism found. They want to so an Abdominal xray to look for stones. I get that the sludge can be a hiding place. That explanation helps. I was really stuck on the PU site being a source. She doesn't want to start another antibiotic until we get the xrays. I was wondering if fluids would help. If I did Subcutaneous fluids for a while could it help wash out his bladder. I am going to ask the vet when we see her tomorrow. I was also going to ask about something I could use to wash or squirt him off down there with a few times a day and if anything like that could help.

I just don't want him to get sick again.

 

[Gill & George]

How long were each of the courses of AB's given for? As far as I understand it can take quite a long course to clear a UT infection.

 

[Supurrkitten]

Thank you everyone for your support. I was just really tired after a particularly rough day at work and woke to the call from the vet and took it poorly. I am hoping for a new antibiotic and nothing crazy going on in his abdomen.

 

[Supurrkitten]

How long were each of the courses of AB's given for? As far as I understand it can take quite a long course to clear a UT infection.

Each was a week. I am sure he needs longer now. Each time it was an antibiotic specific to the organism

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I'm going to bet that your kitty wasn't on the AB long enough. The vet also needs to consider that this may also be a kidney infection and not just a UTI. Kidney infections take a much longer course of ABs.

Depending on where you are in Ohio, the vet school at OSU no doubt has a urologist you could see for a consultation.

 

[Photorecon]

My wonder weapon for Small Kitty to kill UTI and teeth infection was Clavaseptin Antibiotic.

You can click on the name above, it will bring you to the site with active ingredient if not
available in the US. I never went up to 14 days like said on the page, after 7 days he was
set (following vet recommendation) but it always depends on what the infection (if at all)
is.

.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Sending vines for the correct AB to be RX to clear up this infection.

 

[Cherryl & Mouzer]

I want to ask something. UTI - That is urinary tract infection? Correct? Where there is the burning and hurting to tinkle but tinkle can pass.
Crystals and Being Blocked - That is something else but the urinary tract is the issue.
Does Fergus have the latter going on? He has crystals and is blocked and cant tinkle at all?

I am asking because Mouzer's brother, Mahoney, one time I saw him going to the pans over and over. So, I observed. He was doing drops, one drop maybe two, each time. Then I looked him over, as he was laying in my bed. I could see tinkle drip on him. I picked him up and took him to the litter pan. I gently held him cradled in my arms but face up, like laying across on his tummy. I gently began to press from the upper bladder area, slowly on towards the back of him -- and tinkle was coming out of him. I got my bottle of homeopet feline urinary tract infection support out and put him on the emergency type of dose, right away. And I kept gently draining him until no more tinkle was coming out. This way he wouldnt get backed up with tinkle. I followed through with the instructions and I think it is like after the emergency dosing that takes place within the next few hours, it is used with different dose for maybe three days. Anyhow, so that was UTI and taken care of. I have had several die from Urinary Block, due to the crystals and absolutely could not tinkle and no tinkle could pass whatsoever. So, I am just asking, I guess trying to understand what is wrong with precious Fergus.

 

[Supurrkitten]

I'm going to bet that your kitty wasn't on the AB long enough. The vet also needs to consider that this may also be a kidney infection and not just a UTI. Kidney infections take a much longer course of ABs.

Depending on where you are in Ohio, the vet school at OSU no doubt has a urologist you could see for a consultation.

I think he needs a longer course of treatment too. I was wondering if an ultrasound would be better to check his kinets. I think the will start with X-ray though. I know stones can be in the kinets also. We are about 2 hours from OSU. It will be a consideration if we need to redo his PU surgery

 

[Supurrkitten]

I want to ask something. UTI - That is urinary tract infection? Correct? Where there is the burning and hurting to tinkle but tinkle can pass.
Crystals and Being Blocked - That is something else but the urinary tract is the issue.
Does Fergus have the latter going on? He has crystals and is blocked and cant tinkle at all?

I am asking because Mouzer's brother, Mahoney, one time I saw his going to the pans over and over. So, I observed. He was doing drops, one drop maybe two, each time. Then I looked him over, as he was laying in my bed. I could see tinkle drip on him. I picked him up and took him to the litter pan. I gently held him cradled in my arms but face up, like laying across on his tummy. I gently began to press from the upper bladder area, slowly on towards the back of him -- and tinkle was coming out of him. I got my bottle of homeopet feline urinary tract infection support out and put him on the emergency type of dose, right away. And I kept gently draining him until no more tinkle was coming out. This way he wouldnt get backed up with tinkle. I followed through with the instructions and I think it is like after the emergency dosing that takes place within the next few hours, it is used with different dose for maybe three days. Anyhow, so that was UTI and taken care of. I have had several die from Urinary Block, due to the crystals and absolutely could not tinkle and no tinkle could pass whatsoever. So, I am just asking, I guess trying to understand what is wrong with precious Fergus.

I will try to clarify so everyone knows his issue better,

Fergus had several blockages in 2009. He was close to having his bladder burst with the first. I would be scared to try and drain him with pressure after that, but I understand why you tried.

Fergus is a male and they have very long urethra (Pee tube). In 2009 he was blocked (with struvite crystals) 3 times in a matter of months and the last time the vet we saw said the catheters would ultimately injure him with so many caths that he needed, that it was incredibly painful and after he blocked so many times it would only be a matter of time before he completely blocked, The vet felt the risk was high for us to possibly miss it if he blocked again since the issue could become emergent in a matter of hours and he would die. So we consented to what we thought was our only option at the time to save him and a thousand plus dollars and a surgery later Fergus had a PU http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1 2142&aid=3600 .

He had been ok and eating dry urinary SO food until April 2017 when he got sick. He was licking his site (pee hole they made) and irritated the skin and the skin began to connect together and close off (adhesion). He has two small openings instead of the regular sized larger one since it connected in the middle. He still passess urine. He was licking because of the UTI which either came first or after the FD because it causes a lot of urination. Fergus was leaking urine and that is when I took him to the vet. He was also very run down and ill. He was then diagnosed with FD.

The vet checked his urine with a needle aspiration of urine through his abdomen. She cultured it and it was only e. coli we got an antibiotic and when he was rechecked to see if it was clear it came back with another organism also. We treated with an antibiotic that covered both the e.coli and new MRSA type organism. When Fergus went for a recheck they drew urine again via needle through the abdomen and I got the call that the MRSA Staph type organism was still there. The vet wants to do abdominal xrays to check for sludge prior to just restarting the antibiotic.

I feel like we should start the antibiotic now for the organism found but she wants further eval. I will talk to her about him being FLUTD and FD and probably needing a long treatment and seeing her opinion.

This may be over sharing, but to help, I will post below pictures of his PU site now and a few weeks ago. Fergus is neutered but after the surgery he had nothing except this small opening. Looks different from other males and females. He has this and his anus behind/below this as openings down there.

First two pics today. Second two pics from a few weeks ago.

 

[Chris/China (GA)/Garfield]

If Fergus had a MRSA bacteria, then it's possible he could need up to 6 months of strain-specific antibiotic

You can't kill that stuff with 7-10 days of anything...it requires long term treatment (I had a MRSA infection in my back several years ago...I spent 9 months in the hospital on IV antibiotics)

 

[Cherryl & Mouzer]

I will try to clarify so everyone knows his issue better,

Fergus had several blockages in 2009. He was close to having his bladder burst with the first. I would be scared to try and drain him with pressure after that, but I understand why you tried.

Fergus is a male and they have very long urethra (Pee tube). In 2009 he was blocked (with struvite crystals) 3 times in a matter of months and the last time the vet we saw said the catheters would ultimately injure him with so many caths that he needed, that it was incredibly painful and after he blocked so many times it would only be a matter of time before he completely blocked, The vet felt the risk was high for us to possibly miss it if he blocked again since the issue could become emergent in a matter of hours and he would die. So we consented to what we thought was our only option at the time to save him and a thousand plus dollars and a surgery later Fergus had a PU http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1 2142&aid=3600 .

He had been ok and eating dry urinary SO food until April 2017 when he got sick. He was licking his site (pee hole they made) and irritated the skin and the skin began to connect together and close off (adhesion). He has two small openings instead of the regular sized larger one since it connected in the middle. He still passess urine. He was licking because of the UTI which either came first or after the FD because it causes a lot of urination. Fergus was leaking urine and that is when I took him to the vet. He was also very run down and ill. He was then diagnosed with FD.

The vet checked his urine with a needle aspiration of urine through his abdomen. She cultured it and it was only e. coli we got an antibiotic and when he was rechecked to see if it was clear it came back with another organism also. We treated with an antibiotic that covered both the e.coli and new MRSA type organism. When Fergus went for a recheck they drew urine again via needle through the abdomen and I got the call that the MRSA Staph type organism was still there. The vet wants to do abdominal xrays to check for sludge prior to just restarting the antibiotic.

I feel like we should start the antibiotic now for the organism found but she wants further eval. I will talk to her about him being FLUTD and FD and probably needing a long treatment and seeing her opinion.

This may be over sharing, but to help, I will post below pictures of his PU site now and a few weeks ago. Fergus is neutered but after the surgery he had nothing except this small opening. Looks different from other males and females. He has this and his anus behind/below this as openings down there.

First two pics today. Second two pics from a few weeks ago.

Thank you for taking the time to explain. I had to read slow so I could keep together what I was reading, so I could grasp on to what you are saying. Fergus has been through a lot with this. I dont even know what to say. You have been through a lot with this. I keep telling myself I should have went to school to become a vet and not to become a vet but just to be able to take care of all of the animals that have been in my life, all of my life. I will keep you and Fergus in my prayers, that Fergus gets this all better very quickly.

 

[Supurrkitten]

Thank you for taking the time to explain. I had to read slow so I could keep together what I was reading, so I could grasp on to what you are saying. Fergus has been through a lot with this. I dont even know what to say. You have been through a lot with this. I keep telling myself I should have went to school to become a vet and not to become a vet but just to be able to take care of all of the animals that have been in my life, all of my life. I will keep you and Fergus in my prayers, that Fergus gets this all better very quickly.

I totally understand. I am a nurse and still feel I could never be a vet. I grew up on a farm and had cats who did not get the care they needed. I swore I would always care for my cats as an adult better than those cats I saw as a kid. I tell my own kiddos that once you take something in, animal or child you are responsible for it. You have to take care of it because it depends on you.

2009 was a long time ago. I have been lucky. I have read some research studies recently about cats post PU and the survival rate and rate of UTI; Fergus has been lucky.

Thanks for following along.

 

[Cherryl & Mouzer]

I totally understand. I am a nurse and still feel I could never be a vet. I grew up on a farm and had cats who did not get the care they needed. I swore I would always care for my cats as an adult better than those cats I saw as a kid. I tell my own kiddos that once you take something in, animal or child you are responsible for it. You have to take care of it because it depends on you.

2009 was a long time ago. I have been lucky. I have read some research studies recently about cats post PU and the survival rate and rate of UTI; Fergus has been lucky.

Thanks for following along.

I do agree - Fergus has been lucky and so lucky to have you!!!!