please help -- very sick cat!

[kati]

Hello everyone, I need help with one of my cats who is very sick. I am posting my problem on many of the online message boards, hoping for a little help by tonight! All the vets are closed today (Thanksgiving).

My one year old neutered male cat (Tjenda is his name) suddenly became ill this morning. He doesn't want to move, drink, or eat and he is wheezing and seems to be choking on something in his throat. However, I know there is nothing stuck in his throat - the problem seems to be in his lungs. His neck (the area between his chin and chest) is extremely swollen and the swelling spreads, although not as intense, to his shoulders and almost to his back and stomach. The strange thing, though, is that the swelling seems to be from air bubbles! When I touch the swelling, it sounds like there are soapy bubbles popping under his skin.

My sister, an RN, thinks that there might actually be pockets of air under his skin, possibly due to a punctured or infected lung that is leaking oxygen out into his body. If anyone knows anything to help me, please respond to this post AND e-mail me! Any response would be greatly appreciated! Thanks,

kati

[Traci]

Kati, you absolutely MUST get kitty to the nearest ER vet ASAP!

This could be anything from an asthmatic attack, to a serious insect bite (bee, spider, scorpion, wasp, tick, etc)....do NOT wait, look in your phone book and contact the nearest ER vet NOW, you don't have time to waste! If the swelling cuts off the air supply, kitty will be in grave danger......go NOW please!

Btw, just because phones aren't answered on a holiday doesn't mean a pager service isn't in operation, call several vets and leave emergency request info on their machines, be sure to leave your phone number so they can call you back.

[Andyck]

Kati,

Please take your kitty to a vet now!!!

There must be an emergency vet available in your area. Even if this clinic/hospital is not associated with your vet clinic, you need to get your kitty to a vet ASAP! His precious life needs your quick attention!!!

Please keep us posted on your precious little guy!!

[guest]

For what it's worth, I think your sister's right; subcutaneous emphysema sounds like Rice Crispies under the skin, and there's nothing you can do for that at home. He definitely needs to be checked out ASAP.