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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / September 2004Post-spay not eating?
Hi everyone - it's me again. Millie has been home now for two days. She was spayed on Wednesday; the day before she received her shots. I don't think she has eaten since Tuesday night - I'm very worried. I called the vet today, they said to come in tomorrow to get some a/d food which should tempt her to eat. I've tried both wet and dry food, I've tried wetting the dry food she normally eats and microwaving it. I've even microwaved the wet food. I've tried giving it to her on a spoon and on my finger and nothing. In desperation, I gave her small spoon of the ice cream sundae I was eating after lunch and she licked that off the spoon. She still seems to be in a great deal of pain - I have not been able to give her her anitbiotics which I was directed to grind up in her food. Are there painkillers I can get for her? She did drink a bunch of water last night but nothing today. Any other suggestions? I googled this and some old posts suggested yoghurt - I'm assuming plain will do? And baby food. Please help - I'm very worried. I'd rather not force feed her unless I really have to. She is very ticked off about the proceedure and I fear force-feeding her will break the fragile bond we have. Thanks, DC In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.health+behav", Darkchild <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> artfully composed this message within <news:2psf9sFok4l5U1@uni-berlin.de> on 03 Sep 2004: > I have not been able to give her her > anitbiotics which I was directed to grind up in her food. You might have to give them separate from food just to make sure they get in. She's a kitten, right? Shouldn't be too hard. > She did drink a bunch of water last night but nothing today. > > Any other suggestions? I googled this and some old posts > suggested yoghurt - I'm assuming plain will do? And baby food. Baby food with no onions has worked for me with a sick cat. Put that on your finger or a spoon, get a little bit on the top of her nose so she has to lick it off, it might give her a taste for food. > Please help - I'm very worried. I'd rather not force feed her > unless I really have to. She is very ticked off about the > proceedure and I fear force-feeding her will break the fragile > bond we have. If no food since Tuesday, fragile bond isn't crucial here. Food is more important. Force feed if you have to until you can get more help from the vet. Fluids may even be necessary to hydrate her in order to make her hungry.  SignatureCheryl >From: Darkchild darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com >Millie has been home now for two days. She was spayed on Wednesday; the >day before she received her shots. You mean she just received vaccines too? What vaccines was she given? >I don't think she has eaten since Tuesday night - I'm very worried. I >called the vet today, they said to come in tomorrow to get some a/d food >which should tempt her to eat. That is a long time to go without food. I think the vet should be doing more than just giving you some A/D. > She still seems to >be in a great deal of pain - I have not been able to give her her >anitbiotics which I was directed to grind up in her food. Are there >painkillers I can get for her? Yes, definitely. I really think you should take her to a vet tomorrow first thing. Personally, I don't think cats should get vaccines at the same time as spaying. Their immune system is already under a great deal of stress without adding vaccines on top of it. She could even possibly be having a vaccine reaction. The vet can prescribe a painkiller for your cat which should make her feel better. But in my opinion, Millie definitely needs to be seen as soon as possible. >She did drink a bunch of water last night but nothing today. That's a good thing for her to drink so she doesn't get dehydrated. If you gently grasp the loose skin on the back of her shoulders, it should spring back fairly quickly. If it doesn't, it means she dehydrated. >Any other suggestions? I googled this and some old posts suggested >yoghurt - I'm assuming plain will do? And baby food. Baby food is fine but no onion in it. Plain yogurt is okay too. >Please help - I'm very worried. I'd rather not force feed her unless I >really have to. She is very ticked off about the proceedure and I fear >force-feeding her will break the fragile bond we have. You could try sprinkling a little parmesan cheese on some cat food, or even trying feeding her some plain cooked chicken if she'll eat that. Please let us know how she's doing tomorrow. I understand how worried you are but I think she'll be fine once the vet checks her out. Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm >>From: Darkchild darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > You mean she just received vaccines too? > What vaccines was she given? Yes. They gave her vaccines on Tuesday and performed the spay on Wed. She had rabies, and FCRVP (?) and Tofeldine - I'm not sure which are vaccines and which are medicines. >>I don't think she has eaten since Tuesday night - I'm very worried. I >>called the vet today, they said to come in tomorrow to get some a/d food >>which should tempt her to eat. > > That is a long time to go without food. I think the vet should be doing more > than just giving you some A/D. I thought so too. The vet's office seemed pretty blase about the whole thing. And I think she's coughing now or heaving. I moved her away from a dusty corner she was in; she has stopped since then. >>She still seems to >>be in a great deal of pain - I have not been able to give her her [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > feel better. But in my opinion, Millie definitely needs to be seen as soon as > possible. That's what I thought too. I've called different a vet that is closer to my home and who is a cat-only doctor. I hope to bring her in in the morning. Since my last post I took Cheryl's advice and placed a bit of wet food on her nose. She licked it off and then let me feed her about a 1/2 teaspoon of food via licking off my finger. I just tried again after crushing up the antibiotic into this batch and she licked most of that up too. I'll try again in a little while. >>She did drink a bunch of water last night but nothing today. > > That's a good thing for her to drink so she doesn't get dehydrated. If you > gently grasp the loose skin on the back of her shoulders, it should spring back > fairly quickly. If it doesn't, it means she dehydrated. I could barely get a grasp of the skin around her shoulders - yikes. Hoepfully she'll drink shortly if the eating is any indication. >>Any other suggestions? I googled this and some old posts suggested >>yoghurt - I'm assuming plain will do? And baby food. > > Baby food is fine but no onion in it. Plain yogurt is okay too. Will do. I'll get some ASAP. Again this group has been very helpful. Thank-you so much for the advice. DC >rom: Darkchild darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com >That's what I thought too. I've called different a vet that is closer to >my home and who is a cat-only doctor. I hope to bring her in in the >morning. I'm really glad to hear this. Just make sure you stress to the vet's office how imperative it is that she be seen right away. >Since my last post I took Cheryl's advice and placed a bit of >wet food on her nose. She licked it off and then let me feed her about a >1/2 teaspoon of food via licking off my finger. I just tried again after >crushing up the antibiotic into this batch and she licked most of that >up too. I'll try again in a little while. Good to hear! Please let us know what the vet says and I hope Millie is feeling better soon. Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm > Good to hear! Please let us know what the vet says and I hope Millie is > feeling better soon. Took her to the vet who did the surgery as many vets near me aren't working today because of the holiday. Millie's temperature was high - they gave her fluids from an IV and a shot of antibiotics. Apparently her uterus was infected when they spayed her - I have no idea if that contributed to this. I have to force feed her a/d for the next couple of days and pill her - although I think I'll just mix the pill in with the food. Brought her home to discover she had an accident in her carrier - she peed on herself. I've tried to wipe her down with a damp cloth but it's still quite a mess. I figure I'll give her a bit of time to rest and then will try and bathe her? Or should I just continue to wipe her down? She's fairly soaked through with urine in her hind quarters but I figure she's traumatized enough without having a bath too. She resting on a piece of plastic with newspaper underneath. DC >> Good to hear! Please let us know what the vet says and I hope Millie is >> feeling better soon. [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > DC Poor baby!! I would try to keep wiping her down with a warm cloth. She has just had quite the ordeal. The IV will help with her appetite. Sometimes, dehydration from a fever alone can depress her appetite. Poor little girl. I'm sure with the good care you are giving her, she will improve. Try force feeding her water in the syringe too, so she keeps hydrated. Keep us posted. >From: Karen Chuplis kchuplis@alltel.net >Darkchild at >darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com wrote on 9/4/04 11:20AM: [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] >I'm sure with the good care you are giving her, she will improve. Try force >feeding her water in the syringe too, so she keeps hydrated. Keep us posted. {{{{Millie and you}}}} I'm so glad you took her to the vet and they discovered what's wrong with her. I agree with Karen in that I would just keep wiping her down and not bathe her at this point. I'm afraid the stress might shoot her fever up. Keep us updated, ok? Take care, Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm . > Millie's temperature was high - they gave her fluids from an IV and a shot of antibiotics. Apparently her uterus was infected when they spayed her - I have no idea if that contributed to this. Oh no, poor little girl. > I have to force feed her a/d for the next couple of days and pill her - although I think I'll just mix the pill in with the food. That sounds like a good idea. The less trauma the better. > Brought her home to discover she had an accident in her carrier - she peed on herself. I've tried to wipe her down with a damp cloth but it's still quite a mess. I figure I'll give her a bit of time to rest and then will try and bathe her? Or should I just continue to wipe her down? I would continue wiping her down gently, and bathe just her hindquarters as soon as you think it is okay. Cats hate to be dirty, so this is probably distressing her. I'm so sorry she has to have this terrible experience from what should have been a fairly painless, routine procedure. >>I have to force feed her a/d for the next couple of days and pill her - > > although I think I'll just mix the pill in with the food. > > That sounds like a good idea. The less trauma the better. Actually pilling her was faily easy - force feeding not so much. >>Brought her home to discover she had an accident in her carrier - she > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > soon as you think it is okay. Cats hate to be dirty, so this is probably > distressing her. I tried to bathe her today just because she's starting to reek - I got most of one side done. Force feeding continues but she is still showing no interest in food or water. Or cleaning herself. She seemed more alert today but again I'm not sure. She peed herself again today - which surprised me since she had been moving over to the litterbox. I guess she smelt the pee on her fur and figured it was ok but now she's covered in pee again. I've moved her to my bathroom - tile not carpet although I had had her in my solarium so I could keep an eye on her. I'm so sorry she has to have this terrible experience from > what should have been a fairly painless, routine procedure. If you'll permit a vent - I'm feeling in over my head here. I'm alone, and I've never so much as had a goldfish. I'm starting to wonder if I can do this? I mean I love Millie very much but I guess I'm just feeling really overwhelmed. I'm tired and I thought I was doing the right thing. On top of that she hates me now and seems to have reverted back to her feral instincts. Sorry for the vent - I know all of this is part of being a responsible pet owner - I'm not mad at her I just wish this was easier for both of us. DC "Darkchild" <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> wrote > I tried to bathe her today just because she's starting to reek - I got > most of one side done. > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > moving over to the litterbox. I guess she smelt the pee on her fur and > figured it was ok but now she's covered in pee again. No, I don't think so. Something is really wrong. When does she see the vet again? You mentioned that she has a vaginal infection, didn't you? Her urinating cannot be voluntary. She needs to be seen again. > If you'll permit a vent - I'm feeling in over my head here. I'm alone, > and I've never so much as had a goldfish. I'm starting to wonder if I > can do this? I mean I love Millie very much but I guess I'm just feeling > really overwhelmed. I'm tired and I thought I was doing the right > thing. On top of that she hates me now and seems to have reverted back > to her feral instincts. You just need to see a good vet. Can you make an appointment and take her in and have them clean her too? She should not be incontinent. I really hope you can take her in asap. You may want to let them keep her for a couple of days, rehydrate her, feed her, and clean her up. As for Millie, she doesn't hate you, she just feels bad. Let the professionals handle this--just make sure you have a good vet who knows what he/she is doing and cares. Keep ups posted. > "Darkchild" <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> wrote > I tried to bathe her today > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > vet again? You mentioned that she has a vaginal infection, didn't you? > Her urinating cannot be voluntary. She needs to be seen again. The vet made a casual remark that her uterus was infected when they removed it; he didn't go into details. > You just need to see a good vet. Can you make an appointment and > take her in and have them clean her too? She should not be incontinent. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > handle this--just make sure you have a good vet who knows what he/she > is doing and cares. Keep ups posted. The vet that the rescue group uses mentioned that the best option would be to admit her - however, due to the long weekend at the clinic he said that "no one would be here anyway." So the force feeding route was the choice. I've called the cat vet - hopefully they can see her tomorrow. I will inquire about having her admitted. I'm hoping that the fact that I can get anitbiotics into her will help a little too. But I really want a second opinion as to what is going on. DC > > "Darkchild" <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> wrote > I tried to bathe her today > > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > The vet made a casual remark that her uterus was infected when they > removed it; he didn't go into details. Great. Maybe if he HAD a uterus he could appreciate how bad that might be for your kitty. *shaking my head* > > You just need to see a good vet. Can you make an appointment and > > take her in and have them clean her too? She should not be incontinent. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > that "no one would be here anyway." So the force feeding route was the > choice. Of course, I should have figured that. You made the right decision, hard as it has been for you. In the end Millie will love you for taking care of her. (Honestly--just went through some heavy stuff with one of mine, and she is now more "mine" than my husband's, kind of clings to me--though I am the one who pills her and I took her to The Evil Vet, etc.) > I've called the cat vet - hopefully they can see her tomorrow. I will > inquire about having her admitted. I'm hoping that the fact that I can > get anitbiotics into her will help a little too. But I really want a > second opinion as to what is going on. I'm sure that what you have done will make a big difference. Without the antibiotics and the food and hydration, your girl might not have made it. Internal infections are serious! Let us know what happens, and just ask the vet for what you want--her cleaned up, etc. That's what they are there for. A sick cat is one thing but an incontinent cat is another. She--and you--must be miserable. In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.health+behav", Darkchild <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> artfully composed this message within <news:2q1tq5Fooah5U1@uni-berlin.de> on 05 Sep 2004: > If you'll permit a vent - I'm feeling in over my head here. I'm > alone, and I've never so much as had a goldfish. I'm starting to [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > responsible pet owner - I'm not mad at her I just wish this was > easier for both of us. Vent away DC. I know I did back about 2 years ago while trying to help a sick cat. So many times I thought I couldn't do it. Oh, I vented many times, and cried. He made it, then, but it was hard work and part of me wanted to give up at times. But looking into his eyes and seeing his will to live gave me the strength to do what had to be done. We formed a strong bond from that, mostly based on my awe of him. Someone at that time told me something that helped so much that it still sticks with me, so I'm going to pass it on to you. *You are saving Millie's life by doing what you have to do*. What does the vet say about her prognosis? If getting food and medicine into her is what will save her, it just has to be done. You can do it! Vent away! Anytime you need to! SignatureCheryl > In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.health+behav", Darkchild > <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> artfully composed this message within [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > and medicine into her is what will save her, it just has to be > done. You can do it! Vent away! Anytime you need to! Thank-you so much for the kind words Cheryl. You are right - I *am* keeping her alive. The vet that I've been seeing hasn't said much - he just told me to force feed over the weekend and let them know what happened tomorrow. I'm going to try and get a second opinion and following Mary's advice - if it's severe I'll just have her admitted to let the pros deal with her. She's resting today - but still not eating. DC > Actually pilling her was faily easy - force feeding not so much. Are you using a syringe for force-feeding? What I've done before is mix the canned food with some warm water, and suck it up with a syringe. That way, you can just squirt it into her mouth. > I tried to bathe her today just because she's starting to reek - I got > most of one side done. There are cat "wipes" you can get, kind of like baby wipes. Might make it easier to clean her. > If you'll permit a vent - I'm feeling in over my head here. I'm alone, > and I've never so much as had a goldfish. I'm starting to wonder if I [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > DC Believe me, I completely understand. I've spent a few sleepless nights the past week with a foster kitten. First, she had a bad URI and wasn't eating. I had to stay up all night monitoring her. Then, she had seizures a few days ago. I'm still afraid to sleep because I don't know if she might start having seizures. Millie should not be having this difficult of a time recovering from a spay. Something is wrong. If I were you, I would take her back to the vet. Maybe that cat-only one you mentioned before. She may need to be rehydrated with some sub-q fluids. She's acting grumpy with you because she doesn't feel well, I wouldn't take it personally. I'm sorry this has been so difficult. Here you were doing the right thing by getting her spayed, and it turns out like this. I really feel for you. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com > >>I have to force feed her a/d for the next couple of days and pill her - > > > > although I think I'll just mix the pill in with the food. > > > > That sounds like a good idea. The less trauma the better. > >>Brought her home to discover she had an accident in her carrier - she > > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > soon as you think it is okay. Cats hate to be dirty, so this is probably > > distressing her. > Force feeding continues but she is still showing no interest in food or > water. Or cleaning herself. She seemed more alert today but again I'm [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I'm so sorry she has to have this terrible experience from > > what should have been a fairly painless, routine procedure. >>Actually pilling her was faily easy - force feeding not so much. > > Are you using a syringe for force-feeding? What I've done before is mix the > canned food with some warm water, and suck it up with a syringe. That way, > you can just squirt it into her mouth. I am using the syringe method - she squirms about when I try and get the syringe in there - I guess I'll get better with practice. Part of the problem is that she's almost too weak to sit up which makes getting her into position difficult. >>I tried to bathe her today just because she's starting to reek - I got >>most of one side done. > > There are cat "wipes" you can get, kind of like baby wipes. Might make it > easier to clean her. I think I need some strong cleaner - her urine is tainted with antibiotics which makes it smell very strong and she's unfortunately soaked through with it. >>If you'll permit a vent - I'm feeling in over my head here. I'm alone, >>and I've never so much as had a goldfish. I'm starting to wonder if I [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > Here you were doing the right thing by getting her spayed, and it turns out > like this. I really feel for you. Thank-you. It has been hard but I adopted her to save her in the first place so we'll keep going. It's sort of comforting to know that this is not normal for a spay. I'd hate to think that this experience might cause someone not to spay their cat. The vet did give her sub-q fluids on Saturday morning but this is what has started the peeing on herself. They also gave her a shot of antibiotic. I've tried using the syringe to give her water but that made her gag so I'm hoping the food will be help with hydration. We'll try and see the cat vet tomorrow afternoon if I can get the time off work to do so. Is admittance to the vet costly? The other vet made it seem like it would be very expensive. I'll do whatever is right for her but I'd love to know what I'm in for. DC "Darkchild" <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> wrote > > The vet did give her sub-q fluids on Saturday morning but this is what has started the peeing on herself. They also gave her a shot of antibiotic. I've tried using the syringe to give her water but that made her gag so I'm hoping the food will be help with hydration. > We'll try and see the cat vet tomorrow afternoon if I can get the time off work to do so. Is admittance to the vet costly? The other vet made it seem like it would be very expensive. That other vet is a jerk! I would never go back to him. he sounds to me like he doesn't like cats or thinks they are "a dime a dozen," so to speak. Boarding fees are not high, I think at my vet they might be $15 per night. As for the subQs you paid for that so you know how much that is. I don't know what else they might do--a feeding tube? But you can ask up front how much it will cost. They won't mind cleaning her up and they should not charge much for it. (She has an incision and you are correct to be worried about doing it yourself.) I cannot imagine that you are looking at more than $160-$200. >I'll do whatever is right for > her That much is very clear. You have been in understandable distress but have stuck with her. You have a loving heart and Millie will not forget it. Who did the surgery, by the way? Either of the two vets you mention above? > "Darkchild" <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> wrote > > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > about doing it yourself.) I cannot imagine that you are looking at more than > $160-$200. Thanks Mary. He charged $25 for the sub-q fluids. That price is reasonable - the way he was talking it was going to be around $300-500 for the weekend. I spoke to a friend this afternoon who took her pets to the cat vet and she had a great experience with them so I won't hesistate to bring Millie there. >>I'll do whatever is right for >>her [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Who did the surgery, by the way? Either of the two > vets you mention above? The vet who gave Millie the fluids on Saturday did her spay. He was the vet that the rescue group I got her from arranges all of their spays through. He checked the incision site and said it seemed to be healing fine, however Millie is obviously in some distress as she cries when you pick her up or move her. He said that the antibiotics would probably be the cure-all and that I should force feed her. He wanted to keep her overnight though. I've started a Yahoo album with some pics of Millie when she was feeling better so you can put a face to the poor girl. http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 Thanks again for all your good wishes and support! DC and Millie "Darkchild" <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> wrote: > > > The vet who gave Millie the fluids on Saturday did her spay. He was the vet that the rescue group I got her from arranges all of their spays through. He checked the incision site and said it seemed to be healing fine, however Millie is obviously in some distress as she cries when you > pick her up or move her. Well, I am really glad you are taking her to the cat vet. He or she can tell you what is wrong. Could be that the man who did the surgery could have done more to clean out the infection. Poor millie. >He said that the antibiotics would probably be the cure->all and that I should force feed her. He wanted to keep >her overnight though. I think she has been better off with you. He doesn't sound quite right to me. > I've started a Yahoo album with some pics of Millie when she was feeling better so you can put a face to the poor girl. > http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 I want to see her! But I get this message: "Restricted Access Sorry, dcphoto2005 has not shared any albums with you. If you think you reached this page in error, please contact dcphoto2005 and ask them to share an album with you. Learn more about sharing albums." Is there something else you can do?? In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.health+behav", Darkchild <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> artfully composed this message within <news:2q42r0Fr9sa2U1@uni-berlin.de> on 06 Sep 2004: > I've started a Yahoo album with some pics of Millie when she was > feeling better so you can put a face to the poor girl. > > http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 It isn't shared. I'll check back in a bit and I just want to say that you are a good cat mommy. :) I hope her overnight stay will get her back on her feet, and everyone is right, this isn't the norm. SignatureCheryl >I've started a Yahoo album with some pics of Millie when she was feeling >better so you can put a face to the poor girl. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >DC and Millie you need to share the photo album out. >>I've started a Yahoo album with some pics of Millie when she was feeling >>better so you can put a face to the poor girl. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > you need to share the photo album out. Done - sorry about that! DC Oh she's so pretty! I love her little white paws! >>>I've started a Yahoo album with some pics of Millie when she was feeling >>>better so you can put a face to the poor girl. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > >DC Is she a gray and white tuxedo? She is adorable. I hope she gets well soon. In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.health+behav", Darkchild <darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com> artfully composed this message within <news:2q48b5Fqiv8gU1@uni-berlin.de> on 06 Sep 2004: >>>http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 >>> [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > DC She's very pretty. I like her gray/white tuxedo markings. :) Get Better Millie!! SignatureCheryl >>>>http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 Awww, she's beautiful! She has the same markings as my Mickey. Get well soon, Millie! Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm > http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 She is SO pretty. I sure hope she is feeling better soon. >>http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 > > She is SO pretty. I sure hope she is feeling better soon. Thank you all for your compliments - she is truly a beauty. I got Millie in to see the Cat Doctor this evening. Unfortunately the prognosis is not good. She is in shock - her skin is yellow - she is jaundiced and he fears that her liver is failing. She has continued to wet herself and the urine is very yellow - he explained that this is a symptom of liver failure. He also explained that she may have sustained brain damage as a complication to the problems with her liver. He also believes that she may be FIP+ - he said that she is exhibiting some of the symptoms and he is running tests to see. He explained that FIP is fatal that that if she is positive putting Millie to sleep may save her from the pain she is in. He told me that she is in poor condition and he didn't want to get my hopes up - most cats in this condition do not make it. His first priority was to put her on an IV - apparently the other vet just did sub-q fluids, not an IV as I thought. He was going to get her re-hydrated and try and get her appetite back. He'll phone me tomorrow with an update. I'm completely heartbroken - I phoned her foster mom and she was like 'oh - well she was so healthy when she was here? That's too bad. I'm sure she'll pull through.' aarghh. This new vet is wonderful and at least I know I'm not crazy - something is terribly wrong. I can't help but wonder if there was something I did or didn't do? The vet was very careful to say that her condition was probably there before and that he couldn't say if the the surgery had anything to with kick starting her illness. I honestly didn't know that her skin was yellow - I just thought it was more urine that I couldn't clean - if only I had known. Thank-you to the group for your concern and support. I'm just sitting here hoping for the best. Please think of my little girl tonight and help will her to get through this. I never knew that loving a pet could be this hard. DC. >From: Darkchild darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com >I can't help but wonder if there was something I did or didn't do? The >vet was very careful to say that her condition was probably there before >and that he couldn't say if the the surgery had anything to with kick >starting her illness. I honestly didn't know that her skin was yellow - >I just thought it was more urine that I couldn't clean - if only I had >known. I'm so sorry to hear about Millie's condition. I honestly don't think it's anything you did or didn't do. Sometimes these things just happen and they're beyond our control. You have been wonderful with Millie, and I'm sure she knows it. I will say a prayer that she pulls through this. Mickey and Meesha send lots of healing glow too. Hugs, Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm > I got Millie in to see the Cat Doctor this evening. Unfortunately the > prognosis is not good. She is in shock - her skin is yellow - she is > jaundiced and he fears that her liver is failing. She has continued to > wet herself and the urine is very yellow - he explained that this is a > symptom of liver failure. He also explained that she may have sustained > brain damage as a complication to the problems with her liver. O, God, I'm so sorry. I wonder what caused the liver failure? > He also believes that she may be FIP+ - he said that she is exhibiting > some of the symptoms and he is running tests to see. He explained that [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > He told me that she is in poor condition and he didn't want to get my > hopes up - most cats in this condition do not make it. Poor baby, and poor you. This really is heart breaking. > His first priority was to put her on an IV - apparently the other vet > just did sub-q fluids, not an IV as I thought. He was going to get her [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > I just thought it was more urine that I couldn't clean - if only I had > known. All you did was follow the vet's instructions and put yourself in great distress by caring for her when you felt ill-equipped to do so. Everything you did was right. If she really has a pre-existing condition and the surgery did not cause this then the first vet to see her fell down on the job. > Thank-you to the group for your concern and support. I'm just sitting > here hoping for the best. Please think of my little girl tonight and > help will her to get through this. I never knew that loving a pet could > be this hard. I'm in tears for both of you. You are clearly just the sort of person who ought to be entrusted with a dear little cat like Millie. It is sad beyond words that this is your first experience adopting a needy cat. You have such a good heart. Honestly: Millie knows you love her, they know when they arebeing cared for. She and you will both be in my prayers. I hope she pulls through and does not have to be euthanized. >From: Darkchild >I can't help but wonder if there was something I did or didn't do? If FIP is the culprit, you dont know the cat has it until much damage is already done.There was nothing you could have done to prevent it. I unfortunatly got introduced to the heartbreak of FIP just recently. Its a sad and frustrating situation. If it isnt FIP, maybe things can still turn around. Heres hoping. > Thank you all for your compliments - she is truly a beauty. > [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > > DC. Oh, I'm so sorry that Millie's condition is so poor. Although it doens't sound optimistic, I truly hope she can manage to pull through. You never know - sometimes dire situations actually turn out okay in the end. In any event, I'm sure it wasn't anything that you did or didn't do. Cathy > I got Millie in to see the Cat Doctor > this evening. Unfortunately the [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > sustained brain damage as a complication > to the problems with her liver. Although the vet described a possible worst-case scenario, I wouldn't give up yet. The liver issue may likely be caused by Millie's not eating and developing hepatic lipidosis. This is a condition that can happen relatively quickly when a cat stops eating, and it stands to reason that a kitten with a higher metabolism may be even more susceptible. You should talk to the vet about getting food into her through a feeding tube. > He also believes that she may be FIP+ - > he said that she is exhibiting some of > the symptoms and he is running tests to > see. Be aware that there is NO test that will determine that your cat has FIP, and this disease is very hard to diagnose. All too often cats have been misdiagnosed with this disease and put to sleep when they could have been saved. Don't let the "cat only" qualifications of your vet get in the way of doing some research and don't just take his word for it. A poster here named Yngver has prevously posted very good info about FIP. If you do a quick google with her name and FIP I'm sure you'll find the posts. >He explained that FIP is fatal that > that if she is positive putting Millie > to sleep may save her from the pain she > is in. You can't tell if a kitten is positive with FIP until AFTER they are dead and analysis of affected tissue has been done. I'm honestly a little disturbed by this vet. Keep in mind that a great bedside manner does not necessarily go hand in hand with being competent. > He told me that she is in poor condition > and he didn't want to get my hopes up - [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > and get her appetite back. He'll phone > me tomorrow with an update. It's just as important to get food into her, even if it means inserting a feeding tube temporarily. At this point waiting for her to regain her appetite could be a death sentence. Don't make a decision based only on what the vet says. At least give Millie a chance and see for yourself how she is. Also make it very clear you are willing to do what it takes to save her. Unfortunately there are a lot of vets that just automatically assume that owners will always choose the easy way out (euthanization) rather than going all out to save the cat, and they approach things with that in mind. You have to advocate for your cat and make sure this vet knows exactly what your position is with regard to Millie's care and what you want to do for her. > I'm completely heartbroken - I phoned > her foster mom and she was like 'oh - [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > more urine that I couldn't clean - if > only I had known. I believe you said this was your first cat? Don't kick yourself for not knowing everything. We all were beginners at one time, and you live and learn and make mistakes along the way, many times unknowingly. Take that energy you're using to feel guilty, and instead channel it into doing some research and arming yourself with information so you can make well-educated decisions about what happens next. Many of us here have at one time or another had very sick cats and things seemed hopeless, but sheer will and determination, along with being proactive and doing our research, has often resulted in the cats turning around and regaining health. > Thank-you to the group for your concern > and support. I'm just sitting here > hoping for the best. Please think of my > little girl tonight and help will her to > get through this. I never knew that > loving a pet could be this hard. It is hard, but the rewards far outweigh the heartbreak. I'm keeping fingers and toes crossed that Millie will pull through this and you'll have many happy years together. Stay positive and fight for her. Attitude is everything. Megan Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray >>> http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 >> [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > DC. Oh I am so sorry that it is so bad. I just want you to know this is NOT normal. I feel so very bad that this is turning into such a hard experience when that is just not the way it is usually. She may very well have had a pre existing condition that the the surgery exacerbated. I will pray for Millie and you tonight. There just are not enough words to tell you how this is just not how it usually happens. Please keep us posted. I've been checking all day because I was worried about her. OMG, Poor Millie!! I'm so sorry about this. I hope she pulls through. Sending purrs your way. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com > >>http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 > > [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > DC. > OMG, Poor Millie!! I'm so sorry about this. I hope she pulls through. > Sending purrs your way. Thanks - again for all your kind wishes and support. The vet got Millie's blood work into today and said that it confirms she has damage to her liver because there are elevated levels of biloglobin (sp? I left my notes at the office) in her blood - they were 3-4 times normal. He requested the bloodwork from the other clinic just to establish some sort of norm to see if there was any evidence of the problem pre surgery. He believes the damage is to her whole liver, however her kidneys are ok. She is tolerating fluids although they are still force feeding her. She apparently managed to make it to the box today as well - the vet said she seems 'brighter' probably due to her being more hydrated. As for the FIP - I just want to clarify that the vet did not diagnose her with FIP, he was very clear about the fact that it is very hard to diagnose and he has to looks for a number of symptoms as well as the prescence of antibodies to diagnose. He said he rarely ever tests for this because it is so hard to diagnose from a test but with Millie's condition he felt that it was a strong possibility because in addition to the liver problems she has a very high level of protein in her system which is also a sign. I did do some research online and her symptoms are consistent with some of those of FIP - I do trust this vet. While I realize I may be naive - I really need to believe in something and based on the glowing recommendations I've received from others who have used this vet, I feel like Millie is in good hands. So he believes that she either had a pre-existing liver condition or FIP either of which was probably triggered by the stress of the vaccines and the surgery. She's still there; they are awaiting further tests to help understand if FIP is a more likely factor or not. He said the tests will take 24-48hrs to confirm then we'll discuss further options for treatment from there. He's promised to call me with an update everyday. And I promise to let you all know as soon as I know what the diagnosis is. Thanks, DC >> The vet got Millie's blood work into today and said that it confirms she > has damage to her liver because there are elevated levels of biloglobin [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > apparently managed to make it to the box today as well - the vet said > she seems 'brighter' probably due to her being more hydrated. That she is still with us and feeling better is so good to hear! "Purrs" and prayers might work!! > As for the FIP - I just want to clarify that the vet did not diagnose > her with FIP, he was very clear about the fact that it is very hard to [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > Thanks, > DC I'll keep her in my thoughts. I really hope you and this kitty get to have a long and wonderful life together after all you've been through. This vet sounds fine to me! > Thanks - again for all your kind wishes and support. > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > problem pre surgery. He believes the damage is to her whole liver, > however her kidneys are ok. <snip> > And I promise to let you all know as soon as I know what the diagnosis is. > > Thanks, > DC DC, I've been reading about PSS (portosystemic shunts) all day because of my kitten who was just diagnosed with it. What I read in this article http://maxshouse.com/portosystemic_shunts_pathogenesis_and_pathophysiology.htm particularly the paragraph below, reminded me of Millie. This to me would indicate that she had a pre-existing liver condition. " Anesthesia requires special consideration in cats with PSSs. These cats may have insufficient hepatic function to metabolize drugs and also have compromised hepatic blood flow. Tranquilizers such as phenothiazines and butyrphenones require a high intrinsic hepatic clearance and may cause prolonged anesthetic recovery periods. Narcotics rely on hepatic blood flow for elimination but are reversible and at low doses offer an option for preanesthetic sedation. Narcotics, however, may cause hyperexcitability." I hope whatever damage she has is reversable and she is able to make a full recovery. We'll keep purring for her. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com >> OMG, Poor Millie!! I'm so sorry about this. I hope she pulls through. >> Sending purrs your way. [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] > Thanks, > DC Thank you DC. I continue to send out good thoughts, purrs and prayers to you and Millie. > I've started a Yahoo album with some pics of Millie when she was feeling > better so you can put a face to the poor girl. > > http://photos.yahoo.com/dcphoto2005 Awww.... such a petite little face/chin, & soft, silky looking fur. :-) Cathy >From: Darkchild darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com >I think I need some strong cleaner - her urine is tainted with >antibiotics which makes it smell very strong and she's unfortunately >soaked through with it. Poor baby :( One thing, since she's on antiobiotics, they can upset the stomach and possibly take her appetite away. One thing you could try is some plain yogurt, if she'll eat it. I know my cats love it. Yogurt would be good too for the good gut bacteria that is destroyed by antiobiotics. Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm >>> I have to force feed her a/d for the next couple of days and pill her - >> [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > DC You know, you are experiencing a very unusual experience in having this cat. I can't help but think that there is some reason for you to have Millie who has this infection and is feeling so bad and needs extra special care. I always feel that somehow as much as we feel overwhelmed, this is some lesson that is valuable to us, and we should pay attention. I inherited a cat that I did not want, that is difficult bossy and the biggest character I ever knew. She is not like my other cats and not there to "baby". It's taken two years and I have such a different relationship with her than my other two. I would never have chosen her but I cannot now imagine her with anyone else. She is truly supposed to have been the PITA in my life that she is and has taught me a lot. I really wish this was easier for you too and I wish Millie felt better. She must really feel awful to not use the litter box. I can only imagine what such an infection must feel like. Please hang in there with her. > >>I have to force feed her a/d for the next couple of days and pill her - > > [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > DC This is really not the usual post-spay scenario, poor kitty (& you). If she's not better by tonight - the antibiotic's had 2 days to "kick in" - I'd bring her in to the vet's again tomorrow. I might bring her in again tomorrow, ewven if she seems to be improving by then, just to make sure. Otoh, if she seems worse than she did on Sat., I'd bring her in on an emergency basis today. Cathy I haven't seen any posts on this thread for a couple of days. Anyone know how this poor kitty and her owner are doing? Hope all is well. > I haven't seen any posts on this thread for a couple of days. Anyone know > how this poor kitty and her owner are doing? > > Hope all is well. Thanks for asking Brigitte. I have great news - the tests came back today and they were negative for FIP so that is one theory ruled out. I think Millie is feeling better - the vet says that she is looking more alert because she is responding to hydration but she is still being force fed. He is starting her on appetite stimulants tonight and will see how she does over the weekend. Her skin is still yellow but her gums are less so which is what the vet said he was judging by. Apparently the yellow colour can remain in the skin for sometime. She is still not using her litterbox to urinate - but we're taking that one day at a time. The vet is going to do one more test to check her liver enzyme levels and will decide on whether to biopsy then. She's going to be in the hospital until Wednesday - and then I can take her home. He would have released her Monday but I have to be away for work on Tuesday so we agreed to keep her in until then. I'm just relieved that it's not FIP and that Millie will be back with me soon! The vet said it's probably either a pre-existing condition or an infection that was introduced through the blood. Again, he's been very careful not to blame anything on her spay surgery but I can help but suspect it. I'm just so thankful to finally have a vet who seems to know what he's talking about. He's evern reducing his fees for me since he knows that she is a new adoptee. Thanks again for all your purrs and good thoughts - it's working! DC >> I haven't seen any posts on this thread for a couple of days. Anyone know >> how this poor kitty and her owner are doing? [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > > DC Boy, I sure would suspect it :( I sure hope Millie gets over this soon. It just is not usually THIS traumatic to be a first time kitty slave. Poor girl. Poor you. Keep us updated. I think of her often. > I have great news - the tests came back today and they were negative for FIP so that is one theory ruled out. Wow! That's wonderful! I've been worried that no news was bad news. > I think Millie is feeling better - the vet says that she is looking more alert because she is responding to hydration but she is still being force fed. He is starting her on appetite stimulants tonight and will see how she does over the weekend. Her skin is still yellow but her gums are less so which is what the vet said he was judging by. Apparently the yellow colour can remain in the skin for sometime. Ahh, the poor little thing. It sounds like you've got a decent vet now, anyway. > She is still not using her litterbox to urinate - but we're taking that one day at a time. The vet is going to do one more test to check her liver enzyme levels and will decide on whether to biopsy then. I hope this clears up soon. I'll be interested in knowing why the vet thinks she is avoiding the box. Maybe she just feels too bad. > She's going to be in the hospital until Wednesday - and then I can take her home. He would have released her Monday but I have to be away for work on Tuesday so we agreed to keep her in until then. Very good. Her illness sounds really serious, and you needed the help. I know you will be happy to have her at home and she'll be happy too! > I'm just relieved that it's not FIP and that Millie will be back with me soon! The vet said it's probably either a pre-existing condition or an infection that was introduced through the blood. Again, he's been very careful not to blame anything on her spay surgery but I can help but > suspect it. Man, I tell you, me too. That guy just did not sound right. >I'm just so thankful to finally have a vet who seems to know what he's talking about. He's evern reducing his fees for me since he knows that she is a new adoptee. Super. > Thanks again for all your purrs and good thoughts - it's working! I'm so happy. Sending more to you. > > I haven't seen any posts on this thread for a couple of days. Anyone know > > how this poor kitty and her owner are doing? [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > > DC Good to hear some good news from you. Good luck... Brigitte >From: Darkchild darkchild@REMOVEcanada.com >I have great news - the tests came back today and they were negative for >FIP so that is one theory ruled out. > >I think Millie is feeling better - the vet says that she is looking more >alert because she is responding to hydration but she is still being >force fed. This is great news! I am so happy for you and Millie. :) Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecatjournal.com/articles/claws.htm |
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