Feline viral rhinotracheitis & swelling

[Jadzi]

My 20 year old female is sufferening from FVR.  She has always been very healthy outside of a bout FVR when she was about a year old.  She's been on Anti-biotics for the last 4 or 5 weeks and the symptoms were improving very slowly.  Her nasal passages are still stuffy but they're draining much less the last week or 10 days and she's gaining a bit of strength (we've been syringe feeding her about 13 ounces of Evo per day).  

She's kept a warm room with a humidifier running 24 hours a day.  She had a full blood panel run and there is nothing else wrong with her, strong liver, kidney's etc.  Before this infection set in (about 10 weeks ago) she behaved much like a 10 year old.  Running, playing, eatting and drinking no problem, plenty of energy and interest in her surroundings (she trotted up and down the stairs between floors 1/2 dozen a day with no trouble).  

The problem is our current vet has decided he's done what he knows to do and no longer cares to try.  Because she's 20 he feels we've had what we should expect out of her and its time for her die.  We disagree and hope someone here could help us with the current problem.  

Just this morning her forehead has become swollen, just over her eyeridge, centered more over the left eye which is the nostral that is the most affected.  It feels fluid filled and is about the size of a pat of butter or a 1/2 a rounded tablespoon.  It doesn't seem to cause her pain at all and I'm wondering if this is a secondary fungal infection.  Any ideas if this is correct and what we should ask our new vet (if we can find one) to prescribe?  Is there anything we can do in the mean time to help her?

Thank you for ANY and ALL help.
Jadzi Frey

[Jade59]

My cat had the type of swelling you're describing and it was a fungal infection.  Vet diagnosed by pulling out some of the fluid with a needle.   This was not done in front of us, but I gather it's a fairly quick and simple procedure.  A little expensive, but wouldn't we do ANYTHING for our babies?  

You sound like a wonderful mom!!!

Best of luck!

[zodiacqueen]

You really sound like a great mommy/daddy!!  I can't tell if you're male or female!  It really sounds like you need a new vet.  Your cat may be 20 yrs old, but with her beautiful blood work, she is no where near ready to die.  Your vet shouldn't be giving up hope either, especially since she's so active.  

I'd take her to another vet and get that swelling checked out.  I'm not totally sure what it is, but I DO know that there are sinuses located above the eyebrows, above the nose, and underneath the eyes.  Maybe some of those sinuses are filled up, and possibly infected.  Just an idea!!  They might be able to do an MRI to see what's going on.  That will be expensive though, but if you can swing it, it might be a good idea!

Please come back with an update!!

PS-I'm so glad that you're force feeding her and making sure that she's getting enough fluids, and keeping her in a humidified room.  Those are all of the things that me and some others would have suggested.  You ARE doing everything right!!  Your cat is lucky to have ya!