Cat will be put down if I don't figure this out!?

Question

Please help. My brother's male cat will be put down this weekend, as two veterinarians have failed to diagnose what is wrong. We have tested for FIV, mites, parasites and food allergies and have placed the cat on steroids with very little response.

The symptoms are: Scabbing and bleeding around the eyes, ears, chin and crotch, weakness and fatigue. Eating habit is normal, but he is continually losing weight. He's tried switching foods and even locations, all with the same result.

All information on this is greatly appreciated.

Some more info.

-Tests for Leukemia came back negative.
-Cat is barely a year old.
-Blood work showed nothing.

Also, I understand that many are suggesting to put the cat down, I know this might have to happen, and your suggestions are not helping. Thank you anyways. I'm only looking for anyone who might recognize the disease, as it has baffled every vet we've taken him to.

Answer 1

Could it be some type of cancer or disorder of the blood?

I found this, could it be? Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an uncommon autoimmune disease of the basal cell layer of the skin. It occurs in humans[1] and cats, more frequently occurring in dogs. It does not progress to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in dogs. SLE can also have skin symptoms, but it appears that the two are either separate diseases or DLE is a mild form of SLE.[2] DLE in dogs differs from SLE in humans in that plasma cells predominate histologically instead of T lymphocytes.[3] Because worsening of symptoms occurs with increased ultraviolet light exposure, sun exposure most likely plays a role in DLE, although certain breeds (see below) are predisposed, so there is probably also a genetic cause.[4] After pemphigus foliaceus, DLE is the second most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs.

Or some other type of autoimmune disease. It is confusing that the steroids really didn't help though. Lupus is very hard to dx in humans so it seems like it might be the same with cats. Their are other drugs that are effective to tx though. There really isn't much info. concerning this in cats though, so I am assuming it is very rare.

Answer 2

The first thing I thought of was some sort of immune mediated or auto-immune disease. In short with these diseases, the body begins attacking itself. The skin is often the first thing to be compromised when a pet is ill, so this is how it is reflected is many cats.

There are treatments for auto immune diseases but it will take the attention of a referral vet if your's isn't able to treat it. Most areas have referrals, and many with several options.

I agree that you should have your cat seen by a referral, and by referral I mean experts that are further trained than the small animal vet... specialists, in other words. Simply taking him to another local vet for a second opinion isn't the same.

The cat is so young, it's sad that he's going through so much. I would recommend having him worked up by a referral vet before making any final decisions...at least you'll know for sure that the right decision was made.

Answer 3

You don't mention the cat's age... BUT we have in my city a group of veterinary specialists that specialize in hard cases. You can only get an appointment through a vet referral as they won't see animals for run of the mill things. Ask your vet if there is such a clinic in your area and then insist on a referral. But keep in mind it won't be cheap. It might save the cat's life though. GL

EDIT:
I am assuming the two vets have ruled out the obvious like leukemia and things. Those are easy to rule out by any competent vet. Don't listen to anyone who says it's this or that and you should just put the cat down as they don't know SQUAT about your cat's condition or what care it's received. Please see if there is a clinic like I suggested. It saved the life of one of my animals and was the source of finding the problem in another. If the vet can't find out what's wrong I ASK for the referrals now. Your vet shouldn't mind...

Answer 4

I am so sorry to hear about your brother's cat. It is frustrating to have an ill pet and cannot find out what is wrong so it can be treated.

For some reason from your description of the symptoms, my mind went to lupus. I have tried to do web searches, but mostly the info I am finding is beyond my knowledge level to read! I have attached one link that might be helpful.

If this is lupus (or another auto-immune disease) and depending on the age and other health issues with your brother's cat, euthanasia may be the most loving thing you can do for him. I am so sorry, I know that is a difficult decision to make.

Purrs and Prayers for your brother's cat.

Answer 5

Need to know his blood count (RBC, WBC, HCT, LYM, and most important HGB)
This is what we call CBC, also perform a SMAT-20 to see how the kidneys are working.
We prepare as he will probably need a blood transfusion in order to stabilize him.
Also, need to know since when this is happening.
Could be some sort of viral disease, injected antibiotics should be applied and hospitalization will be needed for sure.

He has a massive internal bleeding that could lead to anemia and low hemoglobin levels.
If WBC (white blood cells) are high, an infection is most likely to be present.
How is his temperature?

My diagnose, viral disease or some parasite in his intestines. Take a stool sample and verify.
Please...keep us posted!!

Answer 6

A chemical exposure maybe? If he's an indoor cat, that would likely rule that out unless he got into cleaning materials under the sink or such. Did the blood panels show anything specific?

Answer 7

That is so sad, when my cats got sick, at 17 years old, I put them down because I did not want them to suffer.
I still cry about them but I know they are in better place and I have rescued another cat who desperately needed a home.
I really weighed all the circumstances but I think sometimes you need to let go and move on, otherwise you are just buying the vet a new car with all the money you spend.

Answer 8

aah poor puss.has he had bloods ? been checked for feline leukaemia ? cat flu ? has he been in contact with lillies? sounds daft but the pollen from all lillies is highly toxic to cats . can even b fatal. check the garden and of the neighbours . has puss taken to sleeping under a new plant which happens to b a lily of some variety? has anyone bought flowers recently? hope this has maybe helped in some way and i really hope puss recovers. give him a little cuddle from me please. xx

Answer 9

Have his thyroid tested. Has the possibly of feline acne been approached? My cat was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Its very common in cats. Good luck.

Answer 10

Have any blood tests been done? Like general chemistry blood work, I mean.
Has he been tested for FeLV?
Is the scabbing and bleeding due to scratching?