Question:
I went to a local vet who was giving cats away that she had saved from a shelter. I took the mommy and her kitten, Shelby. The mommy, Hannah, had a large stomach. It would literally move side to side when she walked. She got roundworms, so I took her to the vet (who had given her and her kitten deworming medicine). When I asked about her huge stomach, the vet said sometimes when a cat has babies, it will lose muscle tone -- nothing to worry about.Well, it definitely was something to worry about. She began vomiting and did not eat anything for an entire weekend. I took her to another vet, who told me she had a terminal disease. She had aspirated her belly, and yellow mucous fluid came out, and the vet knew immediately that it was feline infectious peritonitis. This vet suggested euthanizing Hannah, saying she wouldn't get any better, only worse. Thus, I had her put to sleep.I am so devastated by all of this. Can you please tell me what I should do about the kitten, Shelby? I am so afraid to test her. Also, I
R.S., Schenectady, NY Jul 02, 2006
Answer:
My condolences to you on your sad and unexpected loss. You owe it to Hannah to inform the first veterinarian of her incorrect diagnosis. If she is worthy of the title "animal doctor," she will willingly pay for any veterinary costs that Hannah's condition and ultimate euthanasia incurred. She also put your kitten at risk and should therefore pay for a blood test for FIP. Perhaps, if you can trust her, she may provide you with another cat who has been tested for infectious diseases and has a clean bill of health.
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