Tiger Day 8 - more new sores

This morning, I went to see the first two vets today to let them know how Tiger is faring. Apparently, it's not uncommon for new sores to appear since the spores are already in the deep muscle and they have to come out.

However, it's very common to see "progress" within a few days of treatment, but I was cautioned that this may not indicate that healing is in progress. Relapses are all too common, unfortunately. And more so for FIV+ cats too.

Since we are wary of Sporonox's toxicity to the liver, the vet told me to watch out for vomiting or loss of appetite. In severe cases, jaundice. I mentioned that Tiger's appetite is still very good. However, the symptoms of toxicity does not happen in the early stage of treatment because it takes weeks for the Sporonox to build up in the body. So if there are any symptoms, I won't see them now.

One of the vets has seen FIV+ cats seemingly getting well, cleared of all sores, only to have new sores appearing again after 2 weeks. Hence, the recommended treatment period (to be on Sporonox) for FIV+ cats is 6 weeks and no less. If new sores appear, it's another 6 weeks again.

Yep, it's a long haul.

Sometimes, in FIV+ cats, it can get so bad that on the very day that new sores appear, it can get from a small sore to one that is ulcerated and bleeding. Now, that's scary.

Tiger's sores are all superficial so far.

I also sent photos to the third vet so that he could check out the sores. He concurred that perhaps the existing spores had to germinate, hence, we are seeing new sores. But it's good that these new sores heal fast. He suggested that I try and shave off Tiger's hair around the sores as bacteria can lodge in the hair and lead to secondary infection.

I tried, but I couldn't do it. Tiger is just too strong and it's difficult enough trying to apply the cream onto the sores, let alone cutting the fur with a scissors. I didn't manage to do that.

All three vets recommend giving the Sporonox with some oil as the drug is better ingested with oil. I could use the Omega-7 for this purpose, provided Tiger likes the taste. But I would have to puncture the capsule then. On the first day, I just used virgin coconut oil.

Just now, I noticed another new sore appearing on the hind leg. The vet did say it's very common to find new sores "spreading out" from the old ones. That's what is happening now.

Sporotrichosis begins with an open wound. The spores get into the open wound and goes deep into the muscles. That's how it spreads throughout the body. That is why it erupts from inside. Another way is when it gets into the nostril when the spores are in the air. This gives rise to the "clown nose" syndrome.

Goodnight, Tiger...

Sleep well and sweet dreams. Get well soon. Slowly but surely, we will get there.

Thank you very much for your kind wishes and prayers for Tiger's recovery.