Kitten has diarrhea, weak breathing, arched back, trembling and seems unconscious — what is wrong?
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Expert Answer
From your description, the cat shows lethargy, diarrhea, weak breathing, opisthotonos (arched back), tremors and coma. If these symptoms appeared suddenly with no prior abnormality, the myocardial form of feline panleukopenia is strongly suspected.
Panleukopenia-related myocarditis often leads to sudden death before treatment is possible, with main signs including acute diarrhea, tremors, slowed heartbeat, open-mouth breathing and arrhythmia.
In this situation, take the cat to a veterinary hospital immediately to test for panleukopenia. Provide oxygen right away, correct electrolytes and acid-base balance with fluids, and use antiviral interferon and anti-inflammatory drugs to control the myocarditis.