Optimistic Update and a Kitty on Steroids!
The vet called me about an hour ago with an update on Pierre. She informed me that the dermatologist had examined Pierre and agreed with the vet, Dr. Claus, that Pierre might be suffering from an auto immune disease. She believes that what our little furry brown friend may have is called Pemphigus Foliaceus.
They are not certain of this conclusion yet. They took three biopsies from Pierre's chin and cheek areas. Since we are dealing with holiday timing, the results might take five days or so to come back. They are going to start Pierre on aggressive steroid therapy using the drug Prednisone. They are also sending me home with painkillers for my little Vicadin Kitty. ;)
They also found secondary infections throughout his face and eyes as are result of the lesions, so they are going to put him back on an oral antibiotic.
Pierre also saw another Optometrist today. They said that he has Persistent Pupillary Membrane, which is not dangerous to his health or anything. It is a congenital anomaly that causes those lines that run through Pierre's pupils.
They are starting to think that Pierre might not be suffering from Feline Herpes because in the past his symptoms have been improved by steroid therapy, which is usually ineffective when treating herpes. Also, his lesions are also on his ears, which is inconsistent with the herpes virus. Lets cross our fingers that Pierre is herpes free. It would be quite sad for him to have to deal with two ailments at once. Though, the vets are going to wait for the biopsy results before they take him off of his anti viral drug, Famvir.
Now, would everyone like to hear the best news of all?
I get to pick Pierre up from UC Davis tomorrow!!!
Yup, my little buddy gets to come home! I'm so excited to see him! I know he is not out of danger, and we still don't know exactly what is going on, but he is healthy enough to come home with me and snuggle with me all day! (yeah, sorry, I doubt anyone will see me at Northstar for a bit... I am gonna hold Pierre in my arms for at least 72 hours. haha)
So, please continue to think of him and pray for him. There are no guarantees yet.
(and I wonder what my final vet bill is going to be. yowza.)
OK LOVE TO ALL
i'll update again tomorrow when I get back from Davis
love,
linds
(p.s. the awesome artwork on this page is thanks to Bailey Siewert (best bud, pierre advocate, and mother to Pierre's best bud Jake) and her amazing Paint skills)
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