Pet Story of the Month From time to time we bring you an interesting story about a pet that was treated at our hospital.  It may be an unusual case, a dramatic recovery or just a common problem but a good case to use for illustration purposes etc. The following took place at Emerson Animal Hospital recently. "HOW MAKING A DIAGNOSIS CAN SOMETIMES BE LIKE A GAME OF CAT AND MOUSE" "Bugs" and staff Bugs is a 7 year old neutered male domestic short haired cat. He presented to our hospital in January 2004 with a complaint of growling , hissing , twitching and staring at the walls the prior evening. He had never exhibited this behavior before. Physical exam was normal except for a temperature of 103.5F and mild discomfort on palpation of the left laryngeal area. Bugs was admitted to the hospital for observation, bloodwork and radiographs. Radiographs revealed a small radiopaque density in the laryngeal area. The cat ate normally in the hospital and did not exhibit any abnormal behavior. Both chemistry profiles and CBC were within normal limits. Felv, FIV and FIP titers were negative. However, there was a positive Toxoplasma IgM titer of 1:64. Differential diagnoses included Toxoplasmosis, Esophageal foreign body, esophageal neoplasia or non-specific neurological disorder. Bugs appeared fine the next day and was sent home on Clindamycin for 3 weeks. Toxoplasma titer was to be rechecked in 2-3 weeks. Bugs returned for recheck Toxoplasma IgM titer 2 weeks later and it was still 1:64. The patient was doing very well but Dr. Lofaro said that it was most likely not Toxoplasmosis. Clindamycin was continued for 1 more week.Bugs presented again 2 weeks later with the same complaint... growling. hissing and staring at the walls, especially at night. Bugs was referred to an internal medicine specialist who was unable to find any medical explanation for the patient’s neurological behavior. Bugs’ abnormal nocturnal neurological behavior continued on and off without explanation until one night the owner thought she heard something behind the wall. She hired an exterminator to investigate and the house was found to be infested with mice. Since the rodent problem has been resolved, Bugs has not exhibited any more neurological signs. [Services] [About Us] [Tips & Info] [Contact Us] [Adopt a Pet] Design & Hosting by BLAZE inter.NET