Hello!
This morning I dropped my 2 babies (4months) off at the vet to get spayed and neutered. They were pretty informative but did scare me about the chances of kittens not making it out of surgery. Not something i wanted to hear!
They couldn't eat anything after 8pm last night and boy were they angry with me. Can anyone offer me advice on how to care for them when I bring them home today at 3:30pm???? I am a nervous wreck today at work! I was told they can't eat anything until tomorrow, but to have them lick ice chips and swab their mouths with syrup for glucose. HELP anyone with experience!
Mommy....
I wouldn't worry... Most of us that read this board have probably been where you are today! I know "don't worry" is easier said than done, and I'm the WORST worrier in the world when it comes to my cats! But, your babies will be just FINE in no time flat. Enjoy them!!
Your kitties can actually be fed small amounts anywhere from 6-8 hours post-op if they act hungry. Just feed small amounts rather than normal amounts to prevent vomiting (feeding directly after anesthesia will cause vomiting). Water can also be given, in small sips....your cats will let you know what they want and when they prefer it.
You do not have to give glucose, don't know why you were advised this. While glucose can be a good jump-start in an ill kitty, it's not necessary for spay recovery, nor is it a substitute for food after a spay.
When you bring them home, try to restrict their activity for a day or two and watch their incisions closely for any of the following signs in which you'd want to notify your vet immediately: blood or pus draining from the suture site, swelling, bruising, skin that is hot to the touch, or a large lump developing that seems soft......any of these signs can indicate an infection or a reaction to the sutures. If removable sutures were used, make sure you have a followup appointment with your vet to get them removed (usually 5-7 days post-op)
Thanks FOR THE advice. My kitties both acted very differently. My little boy Huggs was more awake and active than Heavynn my little girl. As soon as I got them home they were actually looking for food. I couldn't believe it. So I did what the vet said and got some ice chips and tried to have them lick. They really weren't interested so I then went and got the maple syrup as told. I did rub some a few times on Huggs tounge. Heavynn wouldn't even let me near her until after 8 hours of being home, so I really couldn't get any to her and she was the one who needed it most. She was so sickly looking when I brought her home. She looked so skinny and was still shaking in her back legs. She looked so "pathetic". I thought she looked dehydrated, so I was very scared when I couldn't get any water to her bc she was so frightened still. We managed through the night nevertheless and I made sure I set my alarm clock for around 1:30am sO I could feed them something for their tummies. So I fed them every hour or so a small amount and kept a close eye on them. They really scare you with that vomit getting in their lungs deal. Anyways, Hopefully Heavynn will look better when I go home to check on her this afternoon. Poor little thing.
The spay is a more complicated procedure than the neuter, therefore it will take Heavynn slightly longer to recover from anesthesia, ... the anesthesia approach was also different in that, she was under longer than Huggs, and probably recieved ISO, where Huggs probably recieved a combination injection of ketamine/valium.
If Heavynn hasn't improved significantly since last night, don't hesitate to get her rechecked by your vet. It's common for kitties to feel "blah" after anesthesia for around 8 hours post-op, but if she develops vomiting, lethargy, a fever, get her back in immediately.
Alright Traci,
I will follow that advice. She seems to be eating and drinking small amounts and is walking around some. I wish she would stay still sometimes, she is still sorta weak and shaky. I did want to ask you, if their weights sounded normal for four months of age. Huggs weighs 5.8lbs and Heavynn is 5.2lbs. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!!
well, given each kitty is different during growth and development, still, the weights sound good to me.
Depending on exactly when the spay was done will depend on how well Heavynn is feeling...she should be up and around and interested in food and water at least 8-10 hours post-op, but every kitty is different. On the offchance you had them vaccinated at the same time as the spay and neuter, however, expect them to be more sore and blah for another day.
Its ok for her to be up and around, you just don't want her and Huggs to be wrestling, playing too rough together for at least another few days, as strenous or vigorous exercise can lead to those sutures pulling, ripping out. Also watch her to make sure she isn't licking at the area excessively or pulling at her sutures, in which you'd need to get her back to your vet for a new suture or two.
By tonite or tomorrow morning, she should be feeling much better and more interested in her food. If she isn't feeling better by tomorrow morning, call your vet and express your concerns.
