flesh eating diseases?

[kodicals]

well, i don't know if this will help any... but i wanted to hear what others had to say about this and maybe someone else has experienced it.

i have a 16 year old cat who has recently had her front left leg amputated due to these sores that kept forming. no matter how much steriods or prescriptions we tried to stop it, it wouldn't go away. eventually the leg had to be amputated. they did tests on it however, and could not figure out what was wrong with it. it was eating through tendons and was starting to see to her bone. it wasn't cancer, and the lab did not know what it could be. we figured that amputating it was the best solution after months and months of trying to figure out what was wrong.

she was a lot happier when we did so, but right before we did, her nose started to get the disease. the vet thought at first that it was just irritated from when she first started licking it and before he had to wear one of those cones around her neck so she couldn't lick herself.

it has proceeded to get worse. she doesnt have a nose now. Her septum is completely gone, and you can actually see up the two airways. its only 3 weeks later too. they ran more tests and couldnt figure it out, so we took her to a specialist that travels around the US. she thought it might be 2 different really rare diseases. one was from some type of worm that birds pick up and is in their dropping that perhaps Gypsy somehow became in contact with. another is a type of spore from a plant. she said shes seen it twice in cats and once in dogs (over the whole U.S.). The first one came out negative, and the second one most likely will not be it because it has the ability to spread to other cats and humans. And we have 5 cats, none of the others have had problems, nor any of my family members.

they ran tests on the rest of her to check her health. The thing is, they said she was one of the healthiest cats they've ever seen at her age. her heart and lungs are in the shape of a kitten. so thats even more encouragement NOT to put her to sleep. But we don't know what this is, and we don't know where to go from here. We've spent almost 3,000 dollars on tests and doctors trying to figure out what she has. We don't know where to go to next.

Has anyone ever experienced a disease like this? can anyone give me advice or help?

[Sneaky2006]

Wow! I can't imagine what you've had to go through with this kitty and thank you for not giving up on her.
I don't have any advice for you, I've never heard of such diseases, I'm sorry! :sad:
I'm hoping someone else will have some answers for you. Good luck with this kitty.

[kodicals]

yea, we're determined not to give up. especially if shes still in good health (besides the sores). She is actually my dad's cat, and he has been torn apart over the whole thing. I don't live at home, I live an hour and a half away for college, but i've missed quite a bit of classes because of her. I thought the weekend of my birthday would be spent putting her to sleep, but luckily the vet reassured me and my mother (who refuse to give up) that she isnt in any pain (which you can even tell, shes SO HAPPY to have that leg gone too). My dad is just really upset and said no more cats, its been breaking his heart having to see these wounds on her body. I recently brought home a kitten who got attacked by a hawk and didn't have a home and Gypsy is treating him like its one of hers. It's so adorable. She cleans him and they sleep next to eachother.

ive been trying to post a picture but i cant seem to get it to work.

Thanks for the words.

[chico2]

I too have never heard of it and I've had cats most of my life,it sounds horrific though....but you and your family deserve all the praise in the world for not giving up on her little life
I hope it is not going to progress,it sounds very similar to our flesh-eating disease,very scary...Best of luck to sweet Gypsy

[whinnie-boo]

I must admit, you are a stronger person then I, that is so horrible. Poor Gypsy, its such a shame. But, my praises are the same. Thanks you for not giving up on her, whether you feel so or not, Gypsy is more then appreciative of all you do for her. Enjoy every moment you have, and just keep consulting vet's someone must have some idea what it is or how to treat it. Please keep us updated, so if anyone in the future should ask such questions other members may have some answers for them. Give Gypsy a huge KISS from all her friends at PETS.CA, and best of luck to you both.

[Karin]

I have seen two cases of flesh eating bacteria. They will always stand out to me..both were small terriers that "picked a fight" with larger dogs. Both were shaken and lost the fight. (What we call "little/big dog syndrome')

All you can do is supportive care, and aqua therapy goes along way.

You must debride the dead tissue at least 4 times daily and add the water flushes..your vet can also supply you with a aerosol foam spray that eats the dead tissue. Constant antibiotic therapy is a must also, the strongest ones availabe too. Since body fluids are lost, constant hydration is a must also.
The smell is the worse odor I have ever encountered. You have to overlook this as well in order to help..

I am crossing everything I have and wishing you the best..please update when you can.

[krdahmer]

Originally Posted by whinnie-boo

I must admit, you are a stronger person then I, that is so horrible. Poor Gypsy, its such a shame. But, my praises are the same. Thanks you for not giving up on her, whether you feel so or not, Gypsy is more then appreciative of all you do for her. Enjoy every moment you have, and just keep consulting vet's someone must have some idea what it is or how to treat it. Please keep us updated, so if anyone in the future should ask such questions other members may have some answers for them. Give Gypsy a huge KISS from all her friends at PETS.CA, and best of luck to you both.

I'll second that and get in on this group hug...and if you need support we're here for ya.

[glasslass]

Include me in that !! Very scary and I feel for all of you!

[kodicals]

thank you guys soo much!


the oder on her leg was horrible! we did everything you said with the wounds on her leg (from July until October) and it did not help at all, that is when we were forced to amputate it (the vet set gangreen was starting up). With the nose, it is rather difficult because it is her nose. she is on the strongest meds, and actually this past week her nose does not seem to be getting any worse. it's not getting any better, but its not full of fluids anymore.

Thank you guys for everything It's nice to know people really care about their animals as much as my family does.

[doggy lover]

How terrible, is the cat in pain? I've heard of fleash eating disease, in humans and it acts really quickly, so for it to last this long I don't think it could be that. Keep us informed about your kitty and let us know a name for it when you find out I'd like to learn more about it. Good luck and we'll keep our fingers crossed for her.

[kodicals]

They still don't know what it is. they took her to a disease specialist and they thought it would be 2 different diseases. they did tests and they both came out negative. the specialist is stumped.

we took her to the vet today, and it has spread into her mouth. she can hardly eat. it has made a hole in her mouth too. shes starting be in pain, so we are putting her down. my parents were going to do it tomorrow, but i have finals until wednesday. I'm hoping they will wait so i can say goodbye. if they can't, i will understand.

[chico2]

That is sad,I feel for you and your family.You certainly tried everything possible,but I think your parents are doing the right thing for Gypsy..it's the only thing that can be done :sad:
Tell your mom and dad,we are greatful they stuck with Gypsy for so long,where others might not,she was a lucky kitty to be loved so much :love:

[krdahmer]

:sad: So sorry to hear that, but if she is suffering now it'll be for the best. She put up one hell of a fight from the sounds of it though... what a brave kitty! My sympathies to you and your family.

[Karin]

I am so sorry. Everyone involved fought very hard.

Gods speed....

[glasslass]

Sad news! Remember we're all here for you and we all know how much it hurts.