Need advice, ideas, input...sick kitten, vets baffled...HELP!

[badgerpup]

The Story:
Merlin is a 5 month old male DSH. I got him through an organization called Help for Homeless Pets when he was about 3 months old. At this time he was quite a pistol, lively, friendly and very playful.
Had him neutered through their facility on Aug 9th, when he also received his rabies shot, and the third and final of his distemper series.
He started very gradually to go downhill. I realized that he just wasn't behaving like a kitten should...e.g. insane Energizer Bunny...and he was thinner. He'd gotten bigger so I just thought at first it was a growth spurt, but I started really watching him and he wasn't eating properly.
He has a choice between Diamond Kitten (his own dry food) and Diamond Maintenance (the older cats' food, which he seems to prefer).

The first visit to the vet showed a temp of 105. Vet gave him a shot of penicillin and oral amox to be started two days later.
Merlin was very weak and tottery and I called the vet, freaking out...2nd vet suggested I start amox right away. Did so, also giving him extra water orally via syringe since he was dehydrated.

Second visit, 4 days later. Merlin's a bit stronger, but still wobbly. Temp 104, weight up a little...but still high temp. Change antibiotic to Clinidine, d/c amoxicillin. Start him on a/d special cat food. Little shit won't eat it. OK...that's what syringes are for...he isn't eating hardly anything at all.

Third visit, two days after that. Still 104 temp. Still wobbly. Lost four ounces...but hydration is OK. Tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia. D/c Clinidine, started on Orbox. Feeding almost entirely now by syringe on a/d cat food, kmr (kitten milk replacement) and water.
Tried canned food, baby food, tuna water...but Merlin just sniffs at it then 'buries' it.

Vet doesn't want to test him for FIP, since no reliable test and too many false positives. I'm doing the best supportive care I can, keeping him nourished and hydrated and loved...but I've promised Merlin that if the orbox doesn't work by Monday night, and the vet can't come up with any other GOOD ideas...then we'll do it his way. :cry:

I would much welcome your input for 'good ideas', since I'm NOT looking forward to watching him die.
He isn't suffering, or in any pain, so putting him to sleep isn't an option.

[Vinca]

1. Is he a long haired cat?

It sounds similar to a cat I had who got a massive hairball because she had some unusual disorder that didn't allow her to puke up hairballs. By the time we figured out what was wrong, it was way too large to come out the normal way and she had surgery. She got quite dehydrated and thin as well as lethargic. Has the vet x-rayed his belly for foreign objects? If he swallowed something with a sharp edge it might be causing a problem. Has he been pooping? They can get impacted, especially if they eat only dry food. Good luck. I hope he gets better.

[GCP]

2. DSH means domestic short haired

He's not a long haired cat.
I don't know what to suggest - I haven't a clue what could be wrong with him - hugs to you both - I hope he pulls through. :hug:

[philosophie_en_rose]

3. Maybe another vet.

Another opinion might be helpful.

[AirmensMom]

4. Darn right about that.

It's what saved our Abys last year.

[Mz Pip]

5. If it's FIP

there isn't much that can be done. And the vet is right with the testing positive not being accurate. Here's some info on it. Good luck.

http://www.newmanveterinary.com/fip.html

Mz Pip
:dem:

[China_cat]

6. Do you have a flea collar on him?

If so remove it.

As to feeding...get rid of the a/d and buy some baby food meat. Cats are obligate carnivores, need the meat not all the filler. Baby meats are appetite tempting on their own but, if necessary, are easier to syringe into the cat and provide a higher level of nourishment.

[bonito]

7. I would give

a tablespoon of colloidal silver twice a day for a few days you can get it at a health food store I make mine at home an have had great success with it for many infections.

[BobMorr]

8. Vitamin c and b-complex

When my pets get sick I always tell the vet to give them a vitamin c and b-complex shot. I also have the vet give them fluids. It always seems to perk them up and helps their immune system to fight the problem. Good luck!

[flvegan]

9. Hold on, you mean Orbax (orbifloxacin), right?

What specific bacteria is the vet treating for that he/she has put Merlin on Orbax?

Second question, living area/condition. Is he inside/outside, or inside only?

Third, any contact with any other animals outside the house since the adoption?

Fourth and last, did the adoption group provide you with his vet records and vet info from before the adoption? If not, you should inqure as to same.

You can also pm me if you want to go off-board with this. I run a rescue and have a live-in vet tech here as well as a 24/7 vet on call.

[badgerpup]

10. Thank you!

Sent ya a PM...
I'm very afraid it's FIP...but I'm not a vet.
I did check out the website...Thanks! :pals:

I've just gotten very attatched to the little guy...
and it's going to be a tough week or so with a sad finish if it is FIP and not something that can be treated. :cry:

I know my other two cats will be there for me...taking care of each other is what we do. :grouphug:
But still...

[astral]

11. Maybe the shots made him sick

Just hang in there and do what you're doing and maybe he will still pull out of it. But I think having the vets keeping on giving him more and more medication might just be making things worse. Is he getting plenty of fresh water? Will he drink water on his own? I'd make sure it's filtered or springwater too.

Do you have a holistic vet to go visit?

[Deep13]

12. FIP=Feline Infectious Peritonitis

In case anyone else was wondering.

You are doing all that can be done.

[Evergreen Emerald]

13. I agree that you should get an X-ray

My cat had similar symptoms. She got weaker and thinner. They did every blood test. An x-ray revealed a needle stuck in the back of her throat. (My daughter and I had been sewing a costume for halloween). She is fat and happy now. I remember looking for the sewing needle.

Good luck to you.

[sleepyhead]

14. X-ray and a basic blood test.

Are you missing any needles and thread? Rubber bands or twist ties? Any house plants? Some plants, esp. lilies, are very toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Having said that, it sounds a lot like FIP, in which case all you can do is keep the little guy comfortable until he stops being comfortable. Is there any information available from the rescue group about any littermates that might have also gotten sick? PM me if you want.