Exactly a week ago, under the drizzling skies, I found our newest little baby on the streets. I took her home and have been taking care of her ever since. She tested positive for FPV or Feline panleukopenia virus. Just a rough summary about what FPV is, it is a viral infection affecting cats. The vet says it is a very deadly virus and almost always kills kittens that are infected. They have given me the worst case scenario and prepared me for the possible outcome should I pursue with taking care of Awit.
Some of the symptoms that the vet told me was loss of appetite, diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting. So far, the only symptom I observed from Awit was diarrhea. During her check up at the clinic, they told me her dehydration level was at an 8 (the critical level is at 10). That's why they gave me 2 packets of dextrose for her to drink every 2 hours. She also has lots of other medicines. I am happy to say that today is the last day she's going to have to drink her antibiotics and other meds. She's just going to have to take multivitamins after today.
Just 1 more week of quarantine and I can finally bring Awit inside the house. I also had to observe my 2 other kitties because they were exposed to her briefly when I got Awit home the first time. I was told to check if these two little boss kitties will show any of the symptoms that the vet told me about. So far, they haven't lost appetite, they're still the same playful naughty little good kitties.
Seeing how she looked like when I first saw her versus how she looks like today, I can see she's reacting so well with her medication. I always talk to her whenever it's her medicine time to just keep on fighting so she can play with her new sisters inside the house. Every time I open her cage, she would go and walk up to the door and meow at me as if saying she's ready to get inside. If I don't have strict orders from the vet to quarantine her for 2 weeks before exposing her to the indoor cats, I'd have already let her in.
The progress of her health gives me so much reassurance that she will soon be able to run around and play with all the toys inside the house. I can't wait to see how her personality will shine. I know the two little curious kitties at the house hissed at Awit the first time they saw her but maybe once she's fully healed and ready to mingle, they'll become best friends.
