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FIV + and Gastroenteritis question

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2018 6:03 pm
by Britnijustine
I recently adopted an FIV + cat and of course a month in had my first scare, vomiting, no bowel movements and slight lethargy. But after coming home from the vet and a good chunk of money later I think he ate some bits of paper from a toy of his. It seemed quite bad for a few bits of cardboard so my question is, is it more common for FIV positive cats to react poorly to gastric intestinal issues? Could my cats immune system be attacking himself as well?

Re: FIV + and Gastroenteritis question

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2018 8:53 pm
by bobbys girl
Hi and welcome to CC. First of all thank you for adopting an FIV+ kitty.

Sorry to hear he has been unwell. My boy Bob is FIV+ but in all his 5 years he has only had one bout of tummy problems. It must have been something he ate but I don't know what it was. He was 'off colour' for about 24 hours, and fine ever since. I do worry about him more than the others - it's just something you do.

Did you talk to you vet about it? Does he think it was the cardboard?

I hope he is better soon and that it was just one of those things.

Re: FIV + and Gastroenteritis question

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2018 9:46 pm
by Britnijustine
I saw the vet and he was worried it may be a string or thread, both of which I have because I make clothing, which would be a very serious concern as it can really do a number on their insides. But he’s never been a nosy cat . We had an X-ray and saw little tiny flecks of some material but couldn’t determine what it was at that point. I remembered throwing away the toy after I got home. He’s finally stopped vomiting last night so I’m monitoring him for the next couple of days. It seemed very severe for a few pieces of paper so I was wondering if his body reacted my harshly since he is FIV +. Thanks for the well wishes!

Re: FIV + and Gastroenteritis question

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2018 7:47 am
by bobbys girl
Might there have been some irritant (acrylic/plastic/paint) on the card?

Re: FIV + and Gastroenteritis question

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 9:17 pm
by Britnijustine
I’m not sure, but he was getting much better and then the same symptoms started up again. He hasn’t eaten in 3 days after finally getting his appetite back and having normal bowel movements and now he hasn’t had a bowel movement in two days, one earlier today but it was very small. (Sorry TMI) He doesn’t even seem to want to eat the fresh turkey I got him from the deli. I’m so frustrated I hope we figure this out soon

Re: FIV + and Gastroenteritis question

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 9:34 pm
by bobbys girl
Funny thing that, mine are not struck on turkey flavoured cat food of any description. They do, however, like chicken.

Sorry to hear the problem is back again, but don't give up. It is very important you keep his fluids up. Have you tried the Recovery food available from the vets? We call it 'baby food'. Our Purdy is a naturally skinny, nervy sort of cat. Sometimes her daddy (she is a real daddy's girl) spoon feeds her this gloop. She loves the attention and you can almost see the weight go on her!

Hopefully this thing will pass and he will be back to normal soon.

Re: FIV + and Gastroenteritis question

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 9:44 pm
by Britnijustine
Hmm, he was eating it before but now doesn’t seem to eat any of the food I gave him before he started feeling ill. Of course I would get the most fickle cat!!

Re: FIV + and Gastroenteritis question

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 9:47 pm
by bobbys girl
Oh he is no different to any other cat. :lol:

Re: FIV + and Gastroenteritis question

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 10:00 pm
by Britnijustine
:lol: :lol: