Jeremy is sick...any ideas?? Traci?

[Tina B and crew]

He started with diarrhea last night, not severe, just a little more loose and smelly than normal. Diarrhea continued today and he started vomiting...was eating OK until this afternoon, then he started fighting the bottle. He was also getting around OK, playing, walking etc. Bridget took him into the office with her and he became lethargic. He did eat OK after she got him to the office. They did a fecal, temp check and gave him sub-q fluids and he perked up a bit. Now she just called and said he was very disoriented, couldn't sit up or walk. Fecal did test positive for coccidia. ER vet did some bloodwork, test for FIV/FeLV came back neg.

They were wondering if he could have gotten injured in some way. The possibility of that is practically zero. He stays in a carrier unless we are in the bedroom. We did let him out this morning to play and exercise and nothing happened. Both of us stepped out of the room for maybe a minute and when we came back in he was still on the sheet we put down, had fallen asleep. So I don't think it could be an injury. He's about 4 weeks we think. Any ideas?? Could this be some sort of infection considering the diarrhea and vomiting? Parasite? Viral?

They are going to keep him at the office tonight...unfortunately the vet I despise is working tonight

Please pray for little Jeremy

[Traci]

Tina, it does sound like a possible injury, but in a tiny kitten, the possibilities are endless. A bacterial would most likely accompany a very high fever and you said the temp was normal, but it doesn't mean one couldn't be brewing. What concerns me is the suddeness....Also, remember that a carrier in a warm room (especially overnight) can overheat and a fever could have resulted that simply did not register during the exam. Maybe call the attending vet tonite and ask if they have rechecked his vitals this eve, and of course, to know how he's doing. Do you know if a urinalysis was done, or a CBC? Those would be the next step I would suggest if he doesn't improve overnight.

Did you check the formula, make sure it isn't expired?

[Tina B and crew]

Thanks for the reply Traci. Bridget brought him back home...he has improved and so far has had no more vomiting or diarrhea with two feedings. He is eating well and is sitting up normally. We are still monitoring him closely. CBC was done and came back normal. Not sure if they did a urinalysis. Vet did RX Primor and kaopectate for the diarrhea. She said to keep an eye on him over night and bring him back if he still shows signs of neurological symptoms. I don't think he could have gotten overheated simply because the room he is in is the coolest room in our house, I always get concerned about kittens getting chilled in there and make sure they are out of drafts. I checked his carrier to see if it gets warm inside and it doesn't. It is a fairly large carrier, but we are going to set up the crate tomorrow and transfer him to it.

I was concerned about the KMR formula myself...checked expiry date and it's April 2004... It had been opened a few weeks back but I always store it in the fridge or freezer...freezer in this case. It does say it can be stored safely in the fridge for up to three months...now I wonder though. Just to be safe though we got a new can anyway and tossed this one. Bridget is preparing to feed Jeremy right now..and she will sleep in the room with him tonight. Last time I checked in on him he was sitting up looking around. I'll update tomorrow. Thanks again.

[Mona]

Tina~

My Honeybun as a kitten had coccidia and giardia, and was not eating and had diarrhea etc. We went through a lot back then withher at 8 weeks of age. Finally the meds kicked in and she ate, had to had fluids etc and force feeding with a syringe. I think their little bodies cannot handle all that is required at such a young age.

THe Flagyl (Metrodonaziale sp) finally did the trick and got the giardia, and she began to feel better.

I do hope little Jeremy gets better soon. Let us know we are praying for him. MOna