I've decided to delete my posts. If some admin wants to they can delete the thread.
I am so glad that you're posting on this Diane. I went and looked up your last post on T Foetus, and found it was Aug 23 that you first suspected it. Amazing that it can take over 2 months for vets to finally take you seriously and get results for you. I'm glad that you kept pushing for answers and doing your research or your poor kitties would continue to suffer.
I pray that the treatment goes well for them with no side effects!!
It probably took a while because it is in vogue and not felt to be the likely first suspect and the treatments are not known to work and some have risks of their own. It is unclear whether or not the conservative vets are behind or ahead on this one. Too early to tell.
I have brought up the topic to my vet and he didnt even know what I was talking about. The funny (or sad) thing is he has several breeders as clients so I would have thought he would at least know what I was talking about. Maybe time to get a more informed vet?
It is understood that, although taking more time, this infestation usually resolves on its own, although it can take 9 months (and reportedly even much longer in some cats). It seems to be symptomatic in young cats and older cats seem resistant to symptoms, if not to infestation. The high reported infestation percentages do not seem to go with extreme symptoms, so it is unclear what percentage that may have this have any problematic symptoms. One of the meds can cause neurological symptoms, which may resolve without further problem if the medication is discontinued. Effectiveness of treatment is not yet confirmed. Many vets wait for further study and confirmation of the research before jumping in in situations like this.
One source (in the UK) dealing with the treatments includes:
Quote:Treatment
Most studies on treatment of T foetus infection in cats have been unrewarding. The organism is resistant to most traditionally used anti-protozoal drugs such as fenbendazole and metronidazole. The use of a variety of different antimicrobial drugs has been reported to improve faecal consistency during therapy of infected cats, possibly because of interaction between T foetus and the bacteria normally present in the intestine. However, such antibiotic use is not recommended as it may ultimately prolong the shedding of the organism, and does not resolve the underlying problem.
A recent study by Dr Jody Gookin at the North Carolina State University (who has performed most of the work on this infection in cats) identified that ronidazole and tinadazole (antibiotics similar but not the same as metronidazole) may have efficacy against T foetus infection in cats (JVIM, 2006;20:536; Am J Vet Res, 2007; 68:1085). From limited studies ronidazole appears to be more effective than tinadazole. Ronidazole appears to be relatively safe, although a small number of patients have developed neurological signs e.g. twitching and seizures, which have resolved on stopping the drug. (The neurological signs are similar to those seen in some kittens, or cats with liver disease, when they are given standard or high doses of metronidazole). However, ronidazole is not licensed for use in cats; it should only be used with caution and with informed, signed, owner consent.
http://www.fabcats.org/breeders/infoshee...monas.html
Hi Diane,
I'm SO glad you finally got the results. My heart breaks for you and your kittens, and I truly hope treatment brings relief very, very quickly. Teddy threw up today, and while I was mopping up I thought to myself, "This is nothing compared to what Diane is dealing with." It's unimaginable what poor Phoebe, Maddy and now Sam are going through, not to mention their mom and dad. You've all been through the wringer (with no willing help from your vets). You so deserve a huge break and full recovery for everyone. Fingers and paws crossed over here for you.
Take care,
Coral
It is unfortunate that your babies have the T foetus parasite.. But they are very fortunate to have you as their owner.. Because of your perseverance, finally, the vets gave in and did the necessary test for T foetus.. I respect you for that! I have read about this T foetus before and had posted a link on Dr Gookin's research a few mths ago.. Hope that more vets and breeders will learn about this relatively new feline parasite and that the tests/treatment for T foetus will be made more readily available n the near future..
Finally, hope that your babies will recover quickly and you can put this unhappy issue behind your back...
Finally a answer to your nightmare Diane,
I know this has been a long hard road for you Maddy,Phoebe and little Sam.
Hopefully more vets will take the time to become more knowledgeable about this parasite so the can help there little patients and there clients.I applaud you Diane for your perseverance.
I sure hope there on a fast road to recovrey and you can get back to some kind of normal life.
Hope to see more of you on the forum I miss you
Hugs,
Paw hugs from Cello and Leyla to Tippy, Sam ,Maddy Phoebe