posted 07-11-2003 05:37 PM         

Has anyone else had this happen and has it been good news? Tom one time before this had a similar bout with fleas but came through OK. I cannot understand how a cat in just a week of being gone and while here had his fleas treatment and comes back this sick. Tom Socks has long hair and this beats the hell out of me that he gets fleas so easy. The other cats I have stay outside a lot and don't get fleas that bad what is up with this?

posted 07-11-2003 08:36 PM         

I'm sorry to hear about Tom Socks. I have never heard of this before so I can't offer any advice. But please keep us posted. My thoughts are with you and your friend.

posted 07-11-2003 09:18 PM         

I hate the way this may sound like I am not taking care of Tom Socks or my house is infested with fleas but I assure anyone who reads this post that this is not the case and this is what has stumped me over Tom Socks being this sick with fleas even though he got the fleas from being gone a week and returns in this condition. It still doesn't make a bit of sense as I have other cats that stay outside almost all the time and don't have infestation of fleas like Tom Socks.

I will keep you posted. I will have to call the Vet in the morning I just hope Tom Socks makes it.

posted 07-11-2003 11:11 PM         

Just a thought but maybe he is allergic to fleas? I know of a dog who was allergic, needless to sayhe was itchy, hairless in places, red skin, and swollen. Or maybe a flea(s) was carrying something and bit him? The Discovery Channel did a show recently on the 10 deadliest creatures with mosquitos being one of them with the germs they carry. Maybe fleas can do this too?

Just throwing thoughts around. Please keep us updated.

posted 07-12-2003 11:46 AM         

This truly saddens me and has once again given me a education in Cat health.

The Vet mentioned nothing about allergies from fleas or anything like that. His theory is simple, Tom Socks was just flea infested so bad they sucked the blood out of his organs. The only thing I can come up with even though Tom Socks had been gone a week was the last Advantage Flea treatment was not a good mix or something as I kept him treated every six weeks.

It was sad to see him in that cage in the intensive care unit. Tom Socks could not feed himself or would he respond by licking or swallowing down any food or drink. He knew who I was and tried to respond like he was when he was well like a small dog that jumps up on you but just fell back down. I couldn't keep the tears away as he just meowed weakly.

Thanks all for your replys it helps to know other care during times like this.

posted 07-14-2003 11:42 AM         

Yes, time will heal us both and thinking about the good times does really help.

Tom Socks was considered by the Vet a Domestic Long Hair and was always excited when I would show up from being gone during the day. He would jump on my lap and start playfully head butting me every time when he was well to greed me. I will miss seeing his energy and happy face.

I wish you well.