Calicivirus

[bds7]

Approximately one month ago one of the outside cats that I care for; I had approximately 15 spayed and/or neutered in a Trap Neuter Release Program 4 years ago, was showing signs of illness - wasn't eating, drooling, lethargic so I scooped him up and took him to my veterinarian. After keeping him 7 days and taking a culture, which results were not in yet, I took him home. I kept him isolated and gave him Baytril. When I brought him home he was no better than when I took him to the doctor. After 2 days of medication he seemed to get an appetite back but he was still drooling. To make a long story short, 12 hours after seeming to rebound he collapsed and seemed to be seizing (his eyes were darting back and forth and he was moving his head up and down). I took him to emergency and he was put to sleep. I am still distraught about this fact and feel as though I let him down. Four days later his brother, who is also outside, became injured and I dropped him off at the veterinarin. He was kept in quarrantine for 10 days; fear of rabies, and came home, alas with his paw still swollen. He was given Baytril and had a drain placed in his paw for the 10 day stay. After getting some more medication because of the swelling it is now starting to recede. Yesterday I found out; I was taking another cat for a T-4 (thyroid) test, that he tested positive for the Calicicvirus. Now I am in a dilemma. I have 5 cats inside, the cat I just brought home is in a powder room isolated but I am afraid the virus has spread within the home since I have brought in him and his brother inside in the past month who tested for it. I should note that both cats were isolated but were in rooms with rugs initially and of course I handled them. I did wash my hands every time I touched them but even if you are careful I read it can be transferred to your clothes. This kitty shows no signs now. I am tempted to keep him in if he wants to stay - he may freak-out since he has been an outside, wandering cat for 4 years. I need someone to talk to. Any communication will be appreciated. I can't seem to get the feeling of letting the kitty I put to sleep, down and don't want to throw this one out into the wild since he has been inside, and seems to be enjoying it, for now. If I let him out he will have to be with the others because complete isolation is not possible. I am wondering what the chances are of him getting full blown symptoms. It has been almost one month since his brother died and this guy still does not show virus symptoms.

[momperson]

I am caring for a cat with active calici virus now. I have had her since she was 5 weeks old. Three years ago she developed gingivitis/stomatitis. After three years of steroid shots I had all her teeth extracted (except for the canines). I was very hopeful that this would take care of the problem but a couple of months later she developed respiratory symptoms. It has been almost three months now and no improvement. I understand that calici is uncurable and untreatable but that it can go into remission for periods of time. Meanwhile, in January I had to have our old cat (16) put down because she could no longer eat due to calici. I am sorry for what you are going through now and I wish I could say some magic words so you would not feel bad about the cat that you lost. You really did do the best you could for him and don't have anything to feel bad about. I understand your feelings of guilt, though. I feel that way about the one we just lost but I know that all she had ahead of her was suffering. I don't know what to do for my sick one now and to make things worse I have three beautiful boys who probably have the same disease.