VIOLET0019
March 8th, 2008, 11:21 AM
Approximately 10 days ago my Ginger 7 yr. old indoor cat suddenly began sneezing :sick:[ALOT i.e. 25-50 continual sneezes at a time, throughout the day!(I was very surprised, never having experienced cold-like symptoms with any cats ever!). He had loss of appetite, and he was feeling blue and lethargic. (He has never had any colds, or infections of the eyes and ears.) Because there were no discharges (from his nose,eyes,mouth or ears), and no signs of wheezing or "rattling noises" of his chest, no diarrhea, I was hoping he would heal on his own. But after 1wk., and still with alot of sneezing, he saw a Vet.(not his regular Dr.). She said most likely he had a Viral Upper Respiratory Infection,either Rhinotracheitis or Calicivirus, & to monitor if any discharges appear(as then he would need antibiotics),&, that he would most likely get better on his own.(I was sooooo relieved that she hadn't prescribed any pills, as I have no help,& I'm ill & still am unable to:sad: orally medicate cats!). Questions + Concerns: RE: Red Ear: Immediately after leaving the Vet,(already driving in the car), I noticed his ears were (suddenly)not standing up)especially the left ear, & oddly - flat/sticking out sort of sideways (NOT previously having ever had any difficulties with his ears at all) - :( But, AFTER the exam, after the Vet used the (?)"Otoscope", did he suddenly develop this very "screaming red" left ear, with shaking of the head, & since that exam, he has been in discomfort with this very red irritated ear! I would like to know your opinions.....Is this a coincidence? or is this "suddenly" a part of the Upper Respiratory Infection? I am very upset wondering if the Vet caused some damage in his left ear, as it became like this immediately AFTER her exam!??) Could this be from her using that Otoscope (perhaps too harshly)? Could she have caused this? Is it necessary to use this device when bringing a cat in, who only had sneezing symptoms??[I know that the other Vet does not like to use this device on exams, being of the opinion that he would rather not stir up anything inside the ears & to let things be unless absolutely necessary]. Also, any opinions on any natural ways to help Ginger's ear? Since leaving the Vet on March 3rd, I began treating his sneezing, using "Sovereign Silver", a few drops orally, 3 times a day. Remarkably after one day of using this,his (constant)sneezing has ceased! This is the first time I have ever used this product and I am really truly :thumbs up amazed!! I am continuing to administer it 2 times a day. I also put a vaporizer wherever he is lying down and this has also helped his breathing tremendously. And I also gave him some extra water using a syringe, squirting it into his mouth. Also, I just began using "Bach Rescue Remedy Cream", around the outside edge of his inflamed ear, as I saw a bit of crust....can I have some opinions about this? Could this be gentle enough to use to calm and soothe the inflammation, or might it be harmful? Since using it there no longer is any crust, but his ear is still red especially along the outside edge :confused: There is no smell coming from the ear. And is it alright to use a drop of the "Sovereign Silver" inside the ear and to perhaps also use a few drops to bathe the irritation? Also: I only realized this on the car ride home, that the Vet did NOT examine Ginger's mouth.....:mad: ??!! I appreciate all opinions and advice and thank you so much!!