Beulah was extremely dehydrated and weak. She presented with a neurologic condition called “nystagmus” that indicated she had inflammation in the brain.  Her muscles were very rigid and stiff which can indicate a condition called “meningitis”—which is very life threatening.  It was difficult for Beulah to breathe normally because she had a severe respiratory infection that is common in young cats, often referred to as “distemper.” The infection had spread not only into her sinuses, but also into her ear canal. Due to the severity of her clinical signs, the prognosis was very guarded as to her recovery. 

Beulah was hospitalized and intravenous fluids were administered over a course of two days. Thankfully tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus were negative. Supportive treatment with aggressive antibiotic medication and anti-inflammatory medication greatly improved Beulah’s condition over the next three days. On the third day of treatment, she recovered enough neurologically to begin eating on her own. At this point she was sent home for follow-up care.

The Wiersma’s report that their kitty is doing very well and has made tremendous recovery from her near fatal infection. They had faith in their little kitty to pursue treatment even in the face of a very unlikely chance for recovery.