topic Re: Feline Lupus? in Community Chat

Feline Lupus?

grandkidsrgreat — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 21:20:18 GMT

My one remaining kitty, Shy-Annie, has been diagnosed with lupus. She is 7 years old (I think - it gets harder to remember as I get older). Her doctor is researching treatment options, says she's never treated a cat with this. Annie already gets cortisone shots approximately every 2 months for congenital joint deformity pain. Her weight is holding steady and she's on antibiotic for a nailbed infection now. Anyone have any experience with this? I'd love feedback and helpful suggestions.

Re: Feline Lupus?

57babe — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 00:15:22 GMT

Hi grandkidsgreat,

I'm sorry to read that your Shy-Annie is so sick. I've read quite a few stories about cats that have been diagnosed with some type of autoimmune disorder.

I have a cat that our vet has suggested may have feline autoimmune disease. And now we have another cat, Jeremiah, who has struggled to overcome a respiratory infection for over 3 months.

I'm trying different diets and vitamin and mineral supplements to support both of these cats immune systems. I'm concerned about putting both of our cats on medications that will cause unwanted side effects. But sometimes we have no other choice.

Ask your vet about giving your cat L-Lysine and a vitamin & mineral supplement daily. Also, if you haven't already put her on a no-grain, canned food diet (like Wellness) maybe that would help her. I'm also giving my two cats a little scoop of Greek Yogurt daily to help them with digestion.

Hope this helps and I hope Shy-Annie gets well soon. Take good care.

Re: Feline Lupus?

grandkidsrgreat — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 02:30:02 GMT

Thanks 57babe. I knew I could count on you for advice. I'll as our doctor about your suggestions. I've been keeping your Jeremiah in my prayers.

Re: Feline Lupus?

57babe — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 04:01:08 GMT

On 1/17/2014 grandkidsrgreat said: Thanks 57babe. I knew I could count on you for advice. I'll as our doctor about your suggestions. I've been keeping your Jeremiah in my prayers.

Hi grandkidsgreat,

Thank you for praying for Jeremiah. I appreciate that very much.

I will be praying for Shy-Annie's complete healing as well.

Re: Feline Lupus?

Sammycat1 — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 09:23:02 GMT

I'm sorry to hear about Shy-Annie's diagnosis. In Schmoo's early days of trouble, our vet did ascertain that he thought he he might have had polyarthritis, a consequence of lupus in some cats. As he researched and reached out to vet specialists who treated it, I learned a lot too. Apparently it's very rare in cats and tends to afflict dogs more. Gold standard of treatment is prednisolone and other treatments are used to handle the myriad ways lupus manifests. It's inflammation run haywire and can affect the skin (kitty psoriasis, for ex.), joints, kidneys, etc. 57babe's suggestions on vitamins for immune support are excellent as always and on point. But the meds are necessary too...the pred in particular beats back the inflammation. Be careful with dietary changes in the early offing...apparently some are good and some are not with this condition. Our Schmoo did have arthritis in many joints, but testing revealed they were from abuse by a prior owner. Sorry for the small type...typing on DH's Ipad and don't know what I'm doing! Another chronic condition for you Shy-Annie to manage...but she's got a great Cat Mom who can do it!

Re: Feline Lupus?

beastielove — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 15:10:04 GMT

grand...

Sending out tons of very special prayers to your beloved Shy-Anne and tons of very special Comfort Hugs to the both of you.

((((((((((((GRAND & HER PRECIOUS SHY-ANNIE)))))))))

------------------------------------------------------

All of my children have paws =^..^=

Re: Feline Lupus?

Tissyanne — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 19:37:21 GMT

I am saddened to read about your Shy Annie. She has a wonderful kitty mom to care for her, and that means so much. Sending hugs and prayers to you both.

Re: Feline Lupus?

QsZoo — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 20:59:15 GMT

Grand-keeping your sweet Shy-Annie in my prayers too. She is blessed to have you as her MOM. There isn't anything we wouldn't do for our beloved furkids when they need it. Your love is giving her comfort as her vet is helping with treatment. Sending gentle hugs and luvs from me.

Re: Feline Lupus?

QsZoo — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 21:01:23 GMT

double post- The Dastardly Duo was playing

Let the Dog in

Let the Dog Out

Let the Dog In

Let the dog out... and I lost track, sorry