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My FIV+ cat is very sick. Should he be treated for bacteria? Can he recover?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered | 6 years and 1 month old | 7.7 lbs

We have a very sick cat who is FIV positive. He had no symptoms until about 7 months ago when he developed upper respiratory disease. He tested positive for mycoplasma felis and Chryseobacterium indologenes. Orbifloxacin had limited effect. Today he has eaten a little but has lost 34% body weight. He has been off drugs for 3 weeks but was treated today for anemia. Blood work shows low hemoglobin and MCH but normal lymphocytes. Should he be treated for these two bacteria above? Can we save him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 21st, 2018

Oh dear, poor Atticus! It is difficult to determine if his significant weight loss is due to his respiratory condition or FIV. If these bacteria are present and causing problems, then yes, he should be treated for them. Anemia can be caused by chronic disease processes that decrease red blood cell production, blood loss, or destruction of the red blood cells. I'm glad to hear that his lymphocyte count is normal. Without examining Atticus and evaluating all of his test results, I can't help to determine his prognosis and if his condition can improve. I hope that all goes well for Atticus.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 24th, 2018

    Poor Atticus - he sounds very unwell and such a dramatic weight loss is very concerning, especially in an FIV positive cat. I have not used LTCI (it is not yet available where I work) but the early results and mode of action do look very promising in reducing the impact of FIV on patients and supporting the debilitated immune system. I would recommend retesting for Mycoplasma/Chryseobacrium to see if they have cleared following the initial treatment and improvement in his natural immunity; alternative antibiotics may be required if still positive. Given his low blood count I would be particularly concerned about a persistent Mycoplasma infection (this infection lives within and destroys red blood cells)

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