Fluid In The Chest in Cats

I know, sounds ridiculous. But I had no symptoms whatsoever in all that time. I did not cough or have shortness of breath. Then suddenly I became quite ill and was hospitalised. I was stunned to find that I had stage 4 Emphysema. A friend of mine introduced me to a doctor called DR JOE, BEST HEALTH HERBAL CENTRE owner (ww w. besthealthherbalcentre. co m) who sent me herbal medicines which he prepared for me, and my life got transformed and everything was fine and okay with me. Difficulty catching a deep breath stop completely and my lungs function is back to normal.

I know, sounds ridiculous. But I had no symptoms whatsoever in all that time. I did not cough or have shortness of breath. Then suddenly I became quite ill and was hospitalised. I was stunned to find that I had stage 4 Emphysema. A friend of mine introduced me to a doctor called DR JOE, BEST HEALTH HERBAL CENTRE owner (ww w. besthealthherbalcentre. co m) who sent me herbal medicines which he prepared for me, and my life got transformed and everything was fine and okay with me. Difficulty catching a deep breath stop completely and my lungs function is back to normal.

Let's set up a site to share similar experiences we need to figure out is it vet neglect. I went thru this also. Vets only want your money please let's set up a website for helping each other. Please let me know if anything is set up [email protected]

I can’t believe what happened to me with my 10 year old (prior to this completely healthy) cat, happened almost exactly the same way to so many others! (Rockets parent): when I first brought Zoey in on April 9th, at first it was for merely a well visit, although, full disclosure-I Did start to notice labored breathing in her abdomen/Rib cage area and a slightly runny nose, about a wk prior. I was thinking upper respiratory, cold, pneumonia at the absolute worst. I also spent $510! Left with ZERO answers, a disk of her x-rays, and a vile filled with bloody, yellow lymph fluid and told keep it in your fridge and u can go have it tested since u don’t want to put her down! Never felt so helpless my Entire life! Since then, I have gotten much more clarity, as I’ve sought second opinions as well the pet oncologist.

DO any of u guys want to possibly set up a video conference call or an online chat group or something? To help each other out and share info we may have learned, pics, or maybe a miracle procedure ur cat had.? Or even support/grieving through this hellacious experience?
This is so rare (at least every vet I’ve seen other than the oncologist. Says
“they've never seen this, she’s on limited time and keep her comfortable while she dies” 🙄 oh, and “you have maybe 3 months.” 🤦‍♀️

I’ve been doing a lot of research on my own (at the library, online, taking notes of what different vets say each time, and charting how many days she lasts in between each thoracocentesis (drainage with needles). AND more importantly, how much fluid they are getting off her each time. (Each time she last longer, and since April 9th her lymph fluid they aspirate has decreased from 12 ounces down to 5. And this past time ONLY on her right side. Coincidentally though-the Vet said he still thought it was lymphoma cancer and we shld put her down soon. 🙄.
ALSO, I’ve noticed a common theme with ALL of these stories-the Vets all “suspect” our fur babies have “cancer”, however none of them can find it with ultrasounds, and xrays?? They say that they “think its hiding??
**I was at the library yesterday reading a feline book, and i think I’m on to something. “Pleurisy” is a feline respiratory disorder. It’s a “bacterial infection that may lead to an inflammation of the layer covering the lungs (Pleura). This causes a build up of fluid in the chest cavity that makes breathing difficult.” Action needed? “Immediate Vet Treatment and the fluid in the chest cavity may need to be drained.”
IF I came across a miracle here, then this cld possibly 🤞 explain WHY it’s happening mainly so rapidly out of the blue and WHY none of the vets can locate the cancer-but rather have a “hunch”. And (In my opinion).. why they want to put them down so early on in diagnosing them. Because they simply don’t know what’s wrong with these poor little guys.
THOUGHTS??
(Ps-one thing I’m sure of-we are on limited time with this fluid leaking/build up. We have to fix the problem relatively quickly, or prognosis not good).

Sorry to hear about Rocket . It happened only 2 weeks ago . I noticed my Baby girl she was only 9 years old and I had rescued her right off the street at 1 years old so I noticed her breathing was fast about 2 weeks ago . Rushed her to the Vet immediately with in half hour . He had to do an X-ray and blood work but had suspected fluid around her lungs and there was a lot after the tests results . He sent her home with lasek . I was to give her 2 doses a day and immediately in a day or so she seemed to be breathing better and lost some weight . I realized at that point the weight she had gained in a couple months was the fluid and not the winter weight that I thought or just getting older and putting on weight . After couples of days breathing better she seemed tired and withdrawn wasn’t her energetic self and barely eating . My cat would not be the same . I wondered if the lasek was too much . Some days she seemed fine and others I wasn’t sure if she would recover. The Dr called everyday concerned , worried and other times was optimistic of a recovery. He could not Telk me what or why with out testing the fluid he took out around her heart . So to save my Baby I went ahead and he said no cancer was detected although there was lots of inflammation in her lung and heart he still detected cancer . I have a copy of those results to understand what was going on . He never mentioned FIP a friend pointed out that in the results FIP was detected . I had to insist on antibiotics 3 different times throughout this ordeal . I suspected pneumonia I don’t think it’s uncommon in cats . She passed away peacefully at home after 12 days 😢she didn’t want anymore of the meds or doctors I was actually bringing her with in an hour for a second opinion. I’m still confused and upset and cannot bring myself to call and ask more questions he didn’t seem to have any his self. I was told by friends That they do not know a lot about FIP . I have 2 10 month old baby boys that I’m concerned about now . And Baby previously had 2 other older cats living in the house with us for years until last spring wheh the oldest passed at 16. It’s upsetting to know that a Veterinarian could not help her I don’t care about the money . I would have paid any mount to save her . My cats are my children and they are indoors only and always been healthy until this .!

Something very similar just happened to me. I had to put my sweetest one year old cat to sleep yesterday. The vet was so unprofessional, saw fluid around his heart from the xrays, but could not diagnose why? He told me to take him home, never followed up. I kept calling calling and asking questions as he was not eating, drinking (i fed him with a syringe). Finally I was so upset i demanded to speak to another vet for some answers! Even rushed him in for an ultrasound and he died an hour later. It is so distressing to know you did everything you could, don't know the cause and had to deal with this horrible vet experience. I am one saddened owner 😫

Sherry, could we possibly talk? My 10 year old baby girl due baby seems almost an exact replica of your baby. (I’m so sorry for your loss!). I’m trying desperately to save mine! It’s been 6.5 wks, 5 vet visits, 2,000$ and 4 aspirations (drainage with needles). I’m also instructed to give 2 lasix pills per day. Honestly, I don’t think they do anything other than make them pee a lot and piss them off when making them take them. I think I know what’s wrong with both of our girls. I’m not sure how this works, but let me know if u can spare a few minutes and I will give you my contact info. (I’m in Jax, Fl). Thank you!

So sorry to hear about your Chloe . I am just learning that this happens to other cats . I’m trying to learn what or why my 9 year old Baby girl had . She was always healthy and never showed any signs of illness after 12 days of meds and getting the fluid off her chest to breath . Dr gave me lasek to give her twice a day . They don’t know much about this I’m learning that FIP could be behind this and it’s usually fatal . Fluid around the heart isn’t good for people let alone a cat. I almost lost my mind trying to save my girl she was strong she showed signs of improvement on most days. And I want to know what or why now . I have 2 10 month old baby boys that miss their big sister and nighttime isn’t the same . I’m worried that she or they could have passed this to each other . I had the fluid tested in hopes that they could help her and still I’m not getting answers . After being on the lasek 1-2 days her breathing was normal than it seemed to be little bit slower . I was told not to stop the lasek but I feel like it hurt her in the end .

Omg I’m reading your comment and I just went through this last couple weeks I lost my precious 9 year old indoor cat who was always healthy I rescued 2 male brothers at 3-4 weeks all there other siblings are healthy and currently they are . The boys are 10 months old . Baby one day out of the blue was breathing rapidly so rushed to the Vet she was put on lasek antibiotics and after a day her breathing was normal . She seemed to lose all energy and wasn’t her energetic self not eating much . I lost her after 12 days . The results of the fluid that were tested during this whole thing didn’t have much of a solution I was hoping that it would save her . The dr had never mentioned FIP I asked for a copy and the results say that FIP was detected I was told by other people they do not know much I don’t think I ever heard of it either . But it doesn’t sound like there is a vaccine or a cure I’m afraid now for my 10 month old and did they give her to her? She could have had it her whole life ? I rescued her literally off the street @ year old she did had conjunctivitis after a vet visit she was healthy for the next 8 years until this. I can’t bring myself to call this Dr who treated her I’m still grieving and feeling little resentful towards him. I know he did tried and I know in time that will pass.

Hi. I’m Leslie from St Augustine and my fur baby girl is Zoey. We’ve Been going through this nightmare with my 10 yo girl Siamese rescue (who I’ve had since I found her on the street around 6 weeks of age).we've been going through this hell since April 9th. Heartbreaking, frustrating and completely 100% came on out of nowhere!! She hadn’t so much had a cold in 10 years. She won a cutest pet contest in our local paper, prize was a $50 gift card to a vet, so I figured I wld take her for a check up. I didn’t know the vet, but being that she’s so healthy and it’s merely for a well visit, what could go wrong, right?? WRONG. I’ll never forget when that SOB walked back in the room (no bedside manner and all)-and in the next 15 seconds of my life I blacked out. All I cld hear was “we pulled so much fluid off of her. Late stage cancer. Grave discomfort, nothing we can do. I highly recommend putting her down. I’m Sorry.”
(Next thing I remember was the vet handing me a paper Dixie cup of water as I sat on the hard wooden chair, telling me I passed out.). FIRST piece of advice to EVERYONE who can read this: these are OUR babies.we KNOW them. If something about their advice feels wrong, it probably is. Go with ur instinct. I told him he was out of his “[email protected]*** Mind. That He had the wrong cat. My cat hadn’t had a cold in 10 years. I told him to give me my baby back now, along with his xrays, and her lymph fluid sample that he had not even tested. Paid my $510 for a 45 min visit. Went home and cried so hard the next 13 hours that I broke a blood vessel in my right eye. Then I got my shit together and started making calls. Formulating a plan. Researching. Went to Barnes and Nobles and read a book. Reached out to a Vet friend i had. That although had not spoken in 5 years, you might be surprised with how wonderful ppl can be during this time. (Except most vets).
***SO, I can tell you so much about this subject (unfortunately)- as luck would have it, it has tainted my life twice now in 10 years. If I can help every one on here, or even just half of the people dealing with this, then it would serve a purpose! then maybe, even if none of us can save our babies- We could all be more educated, comfortable and know what we are talking about to the Vets. I want to educate as many ppl as possible, with at least all of the knowledge and experience, and mounds of literature ans paperwork I now have from both Winnie Palmer Neonatologists, vets and vet oncologists. because as many of you are quickly learning, the General veterinarian’s give u as little info as possible, and only if you ask. They tend to give you a whole lot of “I don’t know. We don’t know what causes it.”, are very dismissive, expensive, and guide you to immediately euthanize.
**YOU need to take your little guy ASAP to have the fluid aspirated (drained) out of his chest cavity. (It’s compressing his lungs and slowing (or rapidly) making it harder and harder for him to breathe. My Zoey has been to the vet 5 times the last 6.5 weeks. I’ve had her to 3 different ones (the first one was directly related to Hitler in my opinion! Very dismissive, accused her of having feline leukemia and felv repeatedly, only to then test her and within 10 mins tell me I was right and that it was negative, did everything in his power to convince me to put her down, and then charged me $510)!
The most informative and worthwhile (and expensive but worth every single penny of u can find a way. I applied and got approved for care credit. Took 10 mins online). Was the feline Oncologist/Specialist Vet. He NEEDS a full ultrasound of his lymphatic system. ALL of these babies have something called “PLEURAL EFFUSION of the THORACIC DUCT’. The reason I know so much about it, is that my 9 yo little girl was born with the same damn thing in 2010 and spent her first 120 in the NICU. 15 chest tubes, 3 surgeries and a blood transfusion later, I got to bring her home. So-U cld imagine my wave of anger, shock, extreme sadness and heartbroken when here I sit a decade later almost to the month and my second love of my life (my Siamese loving, affectionate, youthful, beautiful cat) has the same damn thing!
I hear several people here talk about ‘FIP’: feline infectious Peritonitis . They did also mention that to me, and pretty much ruled it out. They can use their educated opinion pretty confidently by looking at the “lymph fluid” they aspirate off your babies and the color will give them a very solid indication (along with lifestyle and history of the cat).
There are only 4 main things that cause this.FIP, Feline leukemia/Felv, Mid to late stage cancer-please note: Lymphoma and IBD (irritable Bowl Disease) seem to be the most common ones. This is because Lymphoma hides itself incredibly well and pushes against the organs causing a tear in the lung lobe (aka-their thoracic duct to leak). Last but but not least (or shld I say Last in the Vets’ eyes until they give up and it’s up to US to research, call around, be a pain in the ass and keep taking them to get heir treatments (x-ray to see the fluid, aspirate with needles to draw the fluid off them, give them a shot of prednisone or some kind of steroid, and the very last and NOT proven effective but prob helps 10% is an rx to give 2 lasix pills a day, and count their BPM (beat per minute) and chart it each night.
(Oh, SO I digressed-as I was saying-we we’re fortunate enough (Insert huge sarcasm) to get diagnosed with “idiopathic chylothorax causing Pleural Effusions”-Idiopathic, meaning “no underlying cause. My little girl had a surgery at 8 weeks called a “thoracotomy”, where they preformed an open chest surgery, found where the duct was leaking, they abraised

So sorry I just went through this almost exact situation I’m learning now all I can and I thought at first it was my fault that maybe my Baby had a cold and I should have taken her regularly to the Vet she was always healthy and energetic and the sweetest cat . My baby’s fluid was tested and it didn’t show any cancer I was so relieved the dr thought and still suspected cancer . He didn’t have an answer his self . After a day of being on lasek her breathing returned to normal . I insisted on antibiotics thinking pneumonia and like yours Baby became tired wasn’t herself no energy wasn’t eating much we had almost 2 weeks of cuddling and for most of those days she seemed like she would survive . She was strong and the fluid seemed to be gone . The weight she had gained over the early winter months was gone which now I realized the weight was the fluid . Like yours Baby never suffered she wanted to be at home with me she was my rock . She knew I was struggling to let her go I told her to hold on I was getting her a second opinion. I left the house before the appt that day and she passed. I was devastated and confused and I have no answers. The fluid detected FIP although the DR never mentioned it . I’m so glad I got a copy of that . I have 2 10 month old brothers that I rescued at 4 weeks old and I’m worried that it’s going to get passed on or could they have given it to her ? I fear those questions there isn’t a cure and it’s usually fatal . There is no vaccine or magic pill like I thought that would have saved her . My boys are missing there big sister especially at bedtime 😢

Do u have a vet specialist/Oncologist where u live? I’m finding (from taking Zoey to 4 different vets, general practice vets admittingly know little to nothing about the feline lymphatic system. Ask him if it’s “chylothorax”/hemorrhagic pleural effusion. Other common causes according to the feline oncologist that I took mine to, is Lymphoma, IBD (irritable bowel disease) Or any trauma such as getting hit by a car, that wld cause a torn lobe. (Hope that helped)

Andrea G. My cat had the same thing. She was sucking in at the gut and very fast open mouth breathing. The vet diagnosed her with heartworm and send her home as hospice patient. I set her up in an oxygen chamber I made out of 55 gal plastic bin for which I made two dime size holes one for o2 to come in and the other to exit. I rented a Philips oxygen concentrator and I ran it 24 hours at 2 lbs and every 4 hours I would change out the ice packs since the box is plastic it will get too hot and that would make her worse. She was doing great for almost 3 weeks until I decided to place her by the window so she can see outside. The heat got her really sick and after that she wouldn't respond to any treatment. It hurt like hell to see her die but I can say that I wouldn't change it for euthanasia. I know she was happy at home with her family around her. Her heart gave out and she passed quickly. :( I'm still looking for answers and I may never know why she really died but putting her through any test that would hurt her or even killed her, that would have haunted me for life. I think in my heart, what I did was the best decision with her wellbeing in mind. I thank God for the extra time I got with her :) I will always miss her.

Andrea G. My cat had the same thing. She was sucking in at the gut and very fast open mouth breathing. The vet diagnosed her with heartworm and send her home as hospice patient. I set her up in an oxygen chamber I made out of 55 gal plastic bin for which I made two dime size holes one for o2 to come in and the other to exit. I rented a Philips oxygen concentrator and I ran it 24 hours at 2 lbs and every 4 hours I would change out the ice packs since the box is plastic it will get too hot and that would make her worse. She was doing great for almost 3 weeks until I decided to place her by the window so she can see outside. The heat got her really sick and after that she wouldn't respond to any treatment. It hurt like hell to see her die but I can say that I wouldn't change it for euthanasia. I know she was happy at home with her family around her. Her heart gave out and she passed quickly. :( I'm still looking for answers and I may never know why she really died but putting her through any test that would hurt her or even killed her, that would have haunted me for life. I think in my heart, what I did was the best decision with her wellbeing in mind. I thank God for the extra time I got with her :) I will always miss her.

The vet didn’t aspirate and drain the fluid off his chest with sterile needles?

for oxygen home therapy I rented an oxygen concentrator from my local pharmacy with my vet's prescription. I then purchased one online. Use it 24 hours a day if needed it's ok. Over 24 hours in oxygen you will have to wean them off but only do it slowly turning the dial down a tiny bit every hour or so. If in distress put the oxygen back to original level.

Cold packs need to be used when having a pet inside an oxygen chamber to keep their body temperature comfortable. Since they are ill, any changes in temperature will affected them dramatically. Put a reptile temperature gauge inside the storage bin or whatever you are using to keep track of the temperature. You can buy ice packs at any walmart for less than a buck. Use as many as needed but do not put them too close to your pet just close enough to keep them comfortable and take it day by day. It helps to have someone help you out with keeping stable an ill pet. Sometimes you get too tired to think straight and need reminders that could be so important that could be life threatening. Do the best for your pet, don't ever give up on them. The best life is the one they have by your side remember that do not leave them at the vet's office without visiting them often and taking them familiar things to let them know they will be coming home. If you decide to do therapy at home.. very important setup an area with no distractions, peaceful cool comfortable room for them. They will heal faster when secluded and away from noises and other potential stressful triggers. You too need rest, make sure you find someone to take over for a little while and let you recoup. God bless you for doing the best for your love one :)

Excuse me! I meant hypERthyroid, overactive thyroid. Sorry, long day...

Hi, My cat Tiger had hypothyroidism diagnosed two years ago, and lived a year. He had cardiomyopathy, like a " stiff" heart, which is brought on by the system working so hard. For a while, after he got on meds for the thyroid, his "galloping" heart beat did get better, according to the vet. He had the pleural effusion too, that eventually came back and he was also put on furosemide.(lasix.) I think the furosemide sent his already bad kidneys over the edge. We had him put to sleep when he just couldn't eat anymore, barely moved and meowed so sadly. Such a friendly orange boy! From what I've read (a lot!)if you catch over active thyroid early, maybe have it treated with that iodine treatment, heart problems can reverse and they will be well for quite a while. I think my boy's kidneys were too far gone already, and he was only 12.They confirm hypothyroid with a blood test, maybe they ruled it out on your kitty? Some vets don't think about that but its getting so common, they should!

ATTENTION TO OWNER OF JAX: If your boy seemed better when you went in to the vet (caretakers); then take him home. My cat was not expected to live long this last Dec. 2018, but she fully recovered. No one should tell you to put him down. They may suggest it may be an answer d/t the long term outcome they suspect, but it is up to you and what your gut says.. For my girl, Joline, we had many many weeks (2+ months) of normalcy, and she was fine. Whatever the cause of the pleural effusion, and abdominal changes, she was asymptomatic for some time. Now again, I am treating her using the best knowledge I have acquired from my past work in the medical profession along with the studying I have done in how we may apply this to animals. You know your pet better than anyone. I almost gave up last friday thinking my girl was in pain and I may be prolonging the inevitable. But, I have seen her so sick, and today it is evident she is getting stronger. Am taking day by day. I take time to stroke her very gently about her face and along her back with a wet cloth esp. at night and she loves it. There is always hope. I have seen pets totally turn around.. Best wishes to you and yours in these difficult times.

That is a very large amount of rutin you have Jax on.. How do you get that much into him? Normally 50 mg. per kilo is the usual dose in a day split dosages. Is he eating normally?.. I have rutin here, as my cat is sick with what is another episode of some type of infection (lymphocytes up) (But neutrophils bottomed out-low). Fluid in chest and abdomen. Could be FIP, but pancreatitis test was positive. Yet, pancreatitis (could be secondary) can be caused by another system or organ (s) that are inflammed in the bowel for instance. There could be a lymphoma.. Tests for feline leukemia were negative. She is young-2.8 yrs. and normally very very active as she is an oriental shorthair. She has had this happen before with a low grade fever coming on, once with a uti, and I gave her clavaseptin which did help. I believe some of her problems were induced by a shot of convenia which did nothing for infection, but she shut down, and almost died with extreme weakness and lethargy and breathing becoming worse and worse.. I read about rutin and started her on it along with probiotics. -but started in little amts. as she could not eat(sometimes just a lick or 3)..sometimes nada- She was extremely sick last Dec. 8th-15th 2018. Now in 2019 April 6 a syndrome of issues and abnormal blood work evidenced itself again. She had completely recovered from the initial episode last dec. I stay with her constantly..watching for litter box habits.. making sure she is hydrated, but realize she is retaining fluid in chest and abdomen-plus generally; so decided against Lasix because dehydration and electrolyte disturbances can be deadly consequences. Last year when a tap of chest was suggested for symptomatic purposes, I passed and started the rutin etc. She totally improved and started to pee alot with the excessive fluid being released. She totally recovered (at least symptomatically then).. Actually I thought our problems were over as she was flying about the house and regained all her strength.. I also kept her on a probiotic blend called Gut soothe by Adored Beast, now using 'Healty Gut' with special ingredients including pro and prebiotics and address the need for digestive enzymes for the pancreatic issues. She seemed to be fading fast last week, and the Vet did not feel we had long. Where metacam can help the pain (she has been in alot); Metacam can also induce kidney failure which can become a part of the picture. I am encouraging her to eat and drink. Have at times syringed her but usually mix rutin in the water. Step by step. she has made tiny improvements and is taking more food. Purchased diff kinds of pate including baby food (chicken and broth) with sprinkling digestive enzymes on top. Also using fancy feast (gravy lovers, and creamy delights with extra milk etc.)-also Wellness pate (warmed)-put a little water in the mix. She is eating in tiny portions, and licking the gravy off the top of the diff foods helped her from becoming dehydrated too. She now wants to eat more often, or try; and the last 2 days has consumed more of the body of the foods. It is important to offer food often even if they are just taking small portions. She is in pain (on buprenorphine)-She is better, but her XRays from April 6th were bad. I have a stethescope, and her chest sounds better (less fluid, if any). This could be FIP, and of course this is a fatal diagnosis. But, I am hanging onto her and working with her hoping it is a situation like a chylothorax that will go into remission, and treating her like she could have pancreatitis with antibiotics along with probiotics and digestive enzymes.. Praying for permanent recovery. She is a determined little girl, and she is pooping (small bits now) and peeing. Drs. can only do so much. They have many diff situations to deal with, and they want to do their best with what they know (which is limited with things like FIP, lymphomas, and pancreatitis including congestive heart failure).. Many times one diagnosis is complicated by other factors. They know the owner must weigh the best they can do for their pet within a boundary of financial constraints. Best of luck to you and all on here with their special companions...

I also had a siamese that i had for 10 years. She was probably 12. On monday she was diagnosed with crf and put on 300ml iv drip 3 days in a row. Once her levels went down i gave 100ml subq fluid at home for 2 days. The last day she didnt eat or drink and o didnt see her use the litter box. Very lethargic. She then started breathing really fast 70-120x a min. The vet recomended euthanasia and she was put to rest on 9/22/18. Do you think that i could have over hydrated her causing her heart issue the vet suspected? Do you think euthensia was a good option. She really didnt look good and the vet didnt think she would make it through any testing to confim diagnosis or treatment. I feel so horrible and guilty. I cant stand to think i did something to contribute to it.

My sweet cat died yesterday of something similar to what you describe. I wish I had known it was unlikely to be fixed because I would have put her to sleep with us by her side to say goodbye There us no describing the pain in our hearts over losing her. In short, there was indication that she inhaled a small AMT. of food and this was the precurser to everything as what you described. I can recall almost to the moment when our other cat startled her while she was eating and after that she began showing symptoms starting with hesitation eating. Vets and cat owners need to look into this as a factor. Hope this info. helps someone else.

I had the same experience very similar to Shadows mom that was submitted by Andrea. I hear about so many cats lately that get fluid in their chest and veterinarians are stumped and they can't figure out why this happens and they can't figure out how to help them correctly then we have to put them down so they're no longer in misery but it really frustrates me with technology today in veterinary medicine that they can't figure out how to treat these cats so they can survive. I know sometimes it's a mystery and we do our best but I wish there was a cure to treat this

Shadows mom
My outside intact barn kitty that does not stray from home and loves his mommy more than anything.... seemed to loose almost half his
Body weight over night. I brought him inside for the night and noticed he was in what appeared to be significant respiratory distress. Sucking in at the gut and very fast open mouth breathing and I couldn't get him to lay down. I had an email to the vet I needed an emergency apt before they even opened. I received a call as soon as they did only to get there and find out the vet and covering vet were on emergency farm calls. Long and short they put him on 02 and called around and got me into a vet one town over. I was very happy with her. She quickly identified through xray his chest cavity was defiantly filled with fluid so much so he had less than 1/4th normal lung capacity and you couldn't even see the heart. She said it coukd be chyle, blood, or infection. She drew off 3 or 4 cc's to analyze. Upon visual inspection she said it didnt appear to be chyle, or blood and she was going to look at it under microscope for white blood cells but he had no fever. The fluid looked like very watered down blood. So pinkish liquid. She came back and said she saw no leukocytes or lymphocytes and no white blood cells. So none of the 3 thing one would expect. She said she could drain of probably another 20 or 30 cc's to buy me enough time for the hour long trip to the closest big city (houston) to a specialized emergency clinic. But his outlook was poor so no promise he'd survive but it would cost me between $3000 And $4000. She did tell me the only thing she saw on the smear was non uniform misshapen red blood cells. Which could be a sign of cancer but xrays didnt reveal any of the signs shed expect to see with cancer. He was suffocating, not eating or drinking. I knew multiple organ failure was on the horizon so elected to put him down yesterday. But i can't get this nagging desire to know what caused this. Have you ever encountered anything like this?

They took out a half cup of lemonade coloured fluid from her chest cavity this morning ... and still has a fever. I sent out blood sample for fip and her chest fluid and will not have an answer back till Wednesday.... she’s still drinking eating going to the washroom normally no vomiting.... any suggestions on what else it might be based on chest fluid colour? I was thinking a tumour or anything else that’s treatable. Any thoughts??

Our 12 year old cat got fluid around her heart, we discovered after taking her to the ER in Annapolis, Md, we decided to have her put down, the prognosis was very bad, we did not want her to suffer more, have no idea how this happened, we miss her

Thank you, very much.

I called to get the results since I never heard back from the vet, apparently they have been too busy to call me and let me know that my cat probably has cancer and we should put her down. Very disappointed with the lack of empathy and service, like we weren’t important enough to follow up on and sad at the outcome. I was never told there was a mass in her abdomen, if I had been told that, I would have assumed cancer along with the other symptoms and not made her suffer any longer but since they didn’t tell me til 10mins before they closed I have no option but to wait and make her continue to suffer till I can find somewhere else to euthanize her and end her suffering. Very sad about the whole thing.

Thank you, we are just waiting for the results to come back to see what kind of fluid it is, then figure out a plan from there. I can’t believe it takes a few days, I really hope she can last that long.