Urgent Unusual sneezing behavior from a Senegal/Meyers hybrid

[Pixiebeak]

Was skull included in cat scan ?
Thanks for update

 

[beccarrot]

Of course! It was primarily to see in her head, but they captured most of her body. I don't have those files to view. They gave her Meloxicam injection after her scan, and she's had a few oral doses since along with benadryl. She's been sleeping harder (I can relate - benadryl knocks me on my bum, too) but she hasn't been waking up throughout or showing signs of getting snotty, so I'm tentatively positive.

 

[beccarrot]

One week in to Meloxicam and Benadryl and I can't say the results are *remarkable,* but she does seem slightly improved. Vet did say that they weren't expecting it to fully resolve within the 2 weeks, but we were hoping for a little more obvious improvement than we're seeing. I'm meant to call them at the 2 week mark to discuss and potentially make another appointment at the 1 month mark. I'm worrying less knowing that there isn't some massive infection or tumors growing in her head or chest. I'm still having trouble believing that her episodes are completely benign, but they really don't seem to be affecting her outside of 15-30 minute stints she has. I'm not super excited to be going back since we're still not sure why she came back to us with such a massive bald spot though they say they don't know how it happened, but I also can't really figure out how she could've done it herself, given it's the back of her neck.

 

[beccarrot]

Still working on Evie. After 5 weeks of some improvement on Meloxicam and Benadryl (mild symptoms every few days rather than daily), we managed to see another specialist in the area for a second (fourth) opinion. We were concerned that we were only treating the symptom of inflammation rather than whatever is causing it.

On initial look under a phase microscope, vet uncovered a few too many monocytes for comfort. Fungal infection is the primary suspicion, so she's been on Itraconazole for a week so far. Vet advised to take her off of the Meloxicam and Benadryl, but after a few days of repeated mild fits, I asked to resume the anti-inflammatories.

For other testing:
- Blood work came back good, WBC normal at about 3000. Only issue shown is calcium still on the low side.
- Enzyme issue was not present (her feathers have all grown back from the last vet)
- We redid all 4 of the psittacosis tests and they are negative.
- Still waiting another week or so on fungal cultures - all previous cultures had only been cultivated for 3 days, but apparently it takes a few weeks to grow. I don't know if I'm more afraid of positive or negative results...

Her behavior remains normal, her weight stable and mildly pudgy. She's getting a diet adjustment as well.

 

[beccarrot]

Fungal cultures came back completely clear after 10 days growth period. So all of the tests were negative again. I am relieved, since a fungal infection would've been terrible news, but sad that yet another set of testing led to no answers.

While back on the Meloxicam, she does noticeably better and has fewer / milder symptoms.

We'll hear from the vet on Monday about whether or not to continue fluconazole* for the originally-ordered duration or what our next steps are.