What do you do when you have sent a cat to 8 different vets and none of them can figure out what’s wrong with him? You send him to vet #9. Originally pulled from the euthanasia list at the shelter in Moreno Valley, “Hal” and his breathing issues are sounding worse. This poor guy has been like this for about a year now. Multiple antibiotics, x-rays, even a guided camera down his throat and we can’t figure out why he breathes with a curdling snore, and always has a congested, boogery nose. He feels stiff when you pet him due to increased muscle development from over use of his auxiliary muscles to breathe.
Two vets have recommended euthanasia, but Hal is a happy guy! He doesn’t seem to know the difference. Loves to play, is extremely affectionate, and particularly likes kittens. We even had a problem with him sneaking them away from new moms, taking them off to his own space to cuddle and groom their fur. He’s a super sweet boy! We currently have him hospitalized and on IV antibiotics to see if it makes a difference. More x-rays, blood labs, breathing treatments and another nose culture to check for fungus and bacteria, again. Last resort will be an expensive MRI. But there is a chance that Hal could stay this way for the rest of his life with an unknown prognosis, considering him un-adoptable, and in hospice. We refuse to give up on him!