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Extreme weight loss
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RicRatCat posted:
I have a DSH cat, Poi, who insists on going outside for the bulk of the day. I have tried very unsuccessfully to keep in indoors. He started out as a healthy cat with a perfect size/weight. Several months ago, we noticed a great loss in weight. He is thin to the point you can almost see his ribs. My wife and I gave him medication to rid him of round and tape worms thinking he may have picked up these parasites but to no avail. He's still not putting any weight back on. My wife is afraid he may have FIV or Feline Leukemia. Other than taking him to the vet (I am the only one working so our income is VERY low), is there any way to determine if he does have one of these afflictions? Or do you have any ideas what could be the cause? He will, on occasion, come home with tufts of fur missing like he's been in a fight but his wounds heal so I don't think it's FIV. He's my buddy so any help would be greatly appreciated.
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Extreme weight lossI have a DSH cat, Poi, who insists on going outside for the bulk of the day. I have tried very unsuccessfully to keep in indoors. He started out as a healthy cat with a perfect size/weight. Several months ago, we noticed a great loss in weight. He is thin to the point you can almost see his ribs. My wife and I gave him medication to rid him of round and tape worms thinking he may have picked up these parasites but to no avail. He's still not putting any weight back on. My wife is afraid he may have FIV or Feline Leukemia. Other than taking him to the vet (I am the only one working so our income is VERY low), is there any way to determine if he does have one of these afflictions? Or do you have any ideas what could be the cause? He will, on occasion, come home with tufts of fur missing like he's been in a fight but his wounds heal so I don't think it's FIV. He's my buddy so any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Violets_are_Blue responded:
The only way to determine if a cat has become infected with FIV or feline leukemia is to have a blood test taken by your vet.They are both contagious and it would be best to keep him inside to prevent its spread if he is infected (fight wounds are the number one way to spread it!). Other worries, however, are diabetes, thyroid issues, kidney failure, or other chronic diseases, many of which do require a blood test to check. A full panel blood test, while expensive, would combine all of these disorders in one test and could save you money instead of checking one problem at a time. You could try calling around for low cost clinics and see if they could see you and help you out.
Report This| Share this:Extreme weight lossThe only way to determine if a cat has become infected with FIV or feline leukemia is to have a blood test taken by your vet.They are both contagious and it would be best to keep him inside to prevent its spread if he is infected (fight wounds are the number one way to spread it!). Other worries, however, are diabetes, thyroid issues, kidney failure, or other chronic diseases, many of which do require a blood test to check. A full panel blood test, while expensive, would combine all of these disorders in one test and could save you money instead of checking one problem at a time. You could try calling around for low cost clinics and see if they could see you and help you out.
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RicRatCat replied to Violets_are_Blue's response:
Thanks for the info. I'll start calling around.
Report This| Share this:Extreme weight lossThanks for the info. I'll start calling around.
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP responded:
Both Feline Leukemia and FIV are common causes of weight loss in unvaccinated outside cats. There is an inexpensive combination tests that can be run at any veterinary clinic. Some humane societies also have low-cost clinics. That being said, there are many other causes of weight loss. If he tests negative for these diseases, the next step is to run stool tests for other parasites.

Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline Practice
Report This| Share this:Extreme weight lossBoth Feline Leukemia and FIV are common causes of weight loss in unvaccinated outside cats. There is an inexpensive combination tests that can be run at any veterinary clinic. Some humane societies also have low-cost clinics. That being said, there are many other causes of weight loss. If he tests negative for these diseases, the next step is to run stool tests for other parasites.<br /> <br />Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP<br />The Cat Doctor<br />Board Certified in Feline Practice
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