[red_kittycat]

Okay, the final word on Aphrodite's death is that the cause of death was the deterioration of the intestinal lining. Something was killing the cells and no new cells were being produced. The five vets at the animal hospital agree that this must have been caused by some virus. However, distemper has been ruled out in light of her vaccination history and other symptoms. They feel that there may be some undiscovered virus, or some mutation of a known virus, that has caused this serious illness. Other cats in the house have had the same symptoms, and they've all been to the vet over and over, tests head to toe, no diagnosis, and a full battery of treatments, just in case. The treatments don't work at all, not even anti-diarrheals, but no others have died. However, they do become anorexic, malnourished, and dehydrated. We've gotten them through with force feeding and sub-q fluids. Some have recovered almost fully but do continue to have mild diarrhea. One has been sick for almost 4 months and is still skinny as a rail, although he did begin eating on his own again this week, finally!

I have seen one or two referrences to a possible new strain of torovirus occurring in cats. However, my vets have no knowledge of a study that has isolated the virus in cats to determine its real effects. Assumptions were based on its effects in cattle. Is there any new news?

 

[Rayona]

I'm not sure where you live, but there was a nasty outbreak of torovirus here in Manhattan last year. It was really only a problem for dogs, since cats almost never get out in the city. Perhaps your vet can find some info with this knowledge.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your cat, and I hope your other fur babies get well soon!