Bobcat Fever

After I posted yesterday morning, Evergreen got worse. I talked to my vet (Dr. A) and she said that because we were on the third day since the onset of symptoms, it was possible Bobcat Fever would show up in a blood test. It doesn't always show up, but we could do the test and see if we could get a definitive result.

 Bobcat Fever is caused by a protozoal organism known as Cytauxzoon felis. This organism causes the fever and reproduces in the cells. During a particular stage of the disease, “signs of the organism can sometimes be seen by viewing a blood sample under a microscope...but not always.”

 With no treatment, the survival rate is near zero. For a few years, there have been several drugs used to treat Bobcat Fever. These have increased the survival rate to 25%. But recently, a new combination of medications has brought the survival rate to 60%. Unfortunately, that is a report statistic. Dr. A and her clinic have not had many cases of Bobcat Fever, but of the cases they have had, there have been no successes.

 There are two clinics in the veterinary practice I use. They are in different towns. Dr. A was at the farthest one from me yesterday, so I took off on the 45-minute drive with a very sick little Everly in tow. She examined him and took his temp – above 104. This was especially alarming since he had been given an injection of ketoprofen at 7pm the evening before. These injections last 24 hours. She drew blood and left the room. Little Evers and I sat in the examining room and waited. It seemed like a long wait. She came back and reported that she could not see the organism in the blood cells she viewed. However, she felt that Bobcat Fever was, in fact, what we were dealing with. There was the history of tick infestation, the ongoing very high temp, lethargy, and (as of yesterday) dehydration. It all fit. We decided to run the FIV/FeLV test to rule out those possibilities. That test was negative for both. We discussed the options. She said even though we didn't have a definitive diagnosis, we could treat for Bobcat Fever based on symptoms and history. This way, I would feel like I'd done everything possible for Evergreen.

 The new treatment is a combination of two drugs and fluids. Initially, Evers was not dehydrated. But yesterday he did show signs of dehydration. He was given fluids at the clinic and I brought fluids home to keep using. One of the two drugs is a specific antibiotic – Azithromycin. The other medication is one used to treat malaria - Atovaquone (Mepron). This new combination is administered for 10 days, if the cat survives that long.

 She sent me home with the fluids and the Azithromycin. The Atovaquone was at the other clinic. So I loaded up my little Evergreen and we drove to the other clinic, picked up the medication, and came home. At one point yesterday evening, I was sitting with Evergreen and he tried to reach up and touch my face. He did it a couple of times and he purred. And I cried. He was so lethargic he had not even been lifting his head when I opened the door to peek in at him (which was over and over). Yet here he was, reaching up, trying to pat my face. It was as if he was trying to comfort me. Fluids and more meds at bedtime.  His temp at that time was 105.6.  

He's still with us this morning. No change so far. He's no better. But he's also no worse. My understanding is that we might have to get through as long as another week before we will know. At some point, he will either get worse or begin to improve.

To everyone who has been praying and caring and leaving comments and sending emails – THANK YOU. It means so much and HELPS so much.

Lee County Clowder – I agreed completely with your comment on yesterday's post. I kept telling myself that this just couldn't be what it was beginning to look like. Apparently, however, little Evergreen had been straying around in my rural corner of the world – getting thinner and thinner. And I guess just before he reached the yard that would become his chance, he got into the ticks or possibly his little self just got too weak to keep them off any longer. I so appreciate your effort to bring a logical thought into the fear.

Before

I'll post again tomorrow.

Comments

[Kat & the Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde]

Continuing purrs & prayers from our little corner of the world!! All our love for you both!!

[Random Felines]

Sending purrs.....

[The Florida Furkids]

We're continuing to purr loud and hard for Evergreen. We hope the meds work and he starts to improve.

The Florida Furkids

[Patti]

Sending you a hug. My heart hurts for both of you.

Patti in KY

[Cassandra Burns]

Ah, poor Evergreen. I will keep all of you in my thoughts.

[jansfunnyfarm]

Poor little Evergreen. You're giving him everything you can for his survival, especially love.

[Bellen]

If Evergreen's strength comes from love and affection, he's sure to beat this thing.

[Milo and Alfie's mom]

Continuing to send love and prayers and comfort for you both. I will be offline for a few days ~ but won't stop praying and thinking positive for you. Bless little Evergreen ~ we all so want him to survive.

[Maxwell, Allie & Faraday (and mom Lisa)]

We're just catching up on Evergreen's story. Oh how we will pray and purr for him! I know how dreadful bobcat fever is, and that several vets will tell you the new tx designed by the Vet School at MU isn't all that great - but I have heard success stories too. Not the 60% the stats claim, but there have been some for whom the combo of antibiotic and antimalarial works.

So please don't give up hope. We aren't - and we're rooting for the little guy!

[Connie]

purrs and more purrs for both of you.

[meowmeowmans]

Our hearts are heavy at this news, but we will not give up hope. We are purring and praying for little Everly, and sending our most fervent wishes for a happily-ever-after.

Hugs to you, dear friend.

us

[Savannah's Paw Tracks]

precious baby; you are the best helping him fight as long as he seems willing; purrrrs Savannah and Mom Linda

[The Poupounette]

Hang in there, Little One. You must. And hang in there, Chrystal. We're all with you.

[Timmy Tomcat]

Big Big Big Tomcat Family Purrs for little Evergreen!
We are pulling for you!
Timmy and Family

[ginny&the fur family]

Hang on little sweet Evergreen we are all out here praying and sending you mental messages to recover and stay here with us on this side of the bridge... Chrystal you are a blessing to all furries. Evers knows that you love him and so he reached for your face to let you know he understands you are trying to help him...... Ginny & The Fur Family

[Cat's Cats]

Chrystal I'm convinced it is NOT Bobcat fever, but some other mystery illness that kittens sometimes get. Do you remember when Kip (aka Bagheera) first came to you, he and one of his siblings, I can't remember which one, became very ill with high fevers, lethargy and even partial paralysis if I remember correctly!!! But they recovered thanks to your TLC and I know little Evers will too!!!!

Sending lots of love to you and Evers!!!

[Lee County Clowder]

Come on, EverKetteh. You got lots and lots of kitties and beans and even a few woofers and other random critters purrrrring and wooing and crossing paws for you.

Hang in there, Evergreen and Chrystal, both.

[the PDX pride]

Purrrrraying!!!!

[Goldie Goodwin]

continuing to pray and send positive healing energy to Evergreen.

[Abby]

Sending healing light and strong purrs for Evergreen.

[momsbusy]

sending lots of special purrs and prayers for healing. little evergreen has the will to live and that is half the battle.