Traci: New stray cat on the scene already!
Traci: New stray cat on the scene already!
Almost like there was a "vacancy" sign put up at the house here , a big orange stray male has showed up. He is not all that well and I thought you might be able to help. He has been to hell and back with many fight scars on his face (especially his nose) he is missing his bottom right fang and while relatively skinny he has a very large and hard belly. As a matter of fact when he got here a couple days ago his gut was so big he could barely walk. We have given him some good food and water and affection and he really is loving it! I don't know if someone just drove out to the country here and dropped him off or if he is just a barn cat that sniffed us out but he is really affectionate! We'd really like to help him but can't really afford to take him to vet just yet with all that has transpired lately. We will do that eventually but I just know you'll have some suggestions to tie us over until we do take him!
Re: Traci: New stray cat on the scene already!
The first thing to do is try to get a fecal done.....you could probably try to save a sample and just drop it off at your vet's for testing, if parasites are a concern, he can prescribe for you deworming meds, based on kitty's weight. Some vets will do this on the pretense you're newly adopting, or have a multi-cat household or have fosters/ferals you're caring for, may let you get away with it without an exam at this point,....but do try to get him seen as soon as possible.
The extended, hard abdomen is most likely worms, or poor nutrition, but I strongly suggest a FELV/FIV test because you need to know he is negative. The scars are evidence he is probably not neutered either and has had to fight to survive (or is his tom-status). Please get this testing done ASAP, you never know when a stray might be positive for infectious disease. I'm sending good thoughts that he isn't.
Don't know if you have other cats right now, but if so, keep them seperated from him until he is tested and examined.
As for nutrition, feed him a high quality cat food of course, but expect he might suffer a bout or two of diarrhea and/or constipation with the new food change. If diarrhea, best to get him seen promptly and stool tested. If constipation, you can give him laxatone twice daily for a few days to see if it produces results. If no results within two days, he will need to be seen.
As for the lower canine tooth, he has probably faired well enough without it, but you don't know when it was broken or missing, so need to rule out infection or tooth abcess. If he seems painful while eating or paws at his mouth or won't eat altogether, he needs to be seen to rule out oral health problems.
Speaking of abcesses, check his body over thoroughly for any signs of cuts, abcesses, puncture wounds or other wounds that may appear infected or filled/surrounded with pus. Because he's a stray and most likely unnuetered, he is more likely to suffer bite wounds from other cats and these can abcess quicker than anything. If you do note an abcess, again, he'll need to be seen and treated (antibiotics, cleaning of the wound)
Thank you for caring so much!
The extended, hard abdomen is most likely worms, or poor nutrition, but I strongly suggest a FELV/FIV test because you need to know he is negative. The scars are evidence he is probably not neutered either and has had to fight to survive (or is his tom-status). Please get this testing done ASAP, you never know when a stray might be positive for infectious disease. I'm sending good thoughts that he isn't.
Don't know if you have other cats right now, but if so, keep them seperated from him until he is tested and examined.
As for nutrition, feed him a high quality cat food of course, but expect he might suffer a bout or two of diarrhea and/or constipation with the new food change. If diarrhea, best to get him seen promptly and stool tested. If constipation, you can give him laxatone twice daily for a few days to see if it produces results. If no results within two days, he will need to be seen.
As for the lower canine tooth, he has probably faired well enough without it, but you don't know when it was broken or missing, so need to rule out infection or tooth abcess. If he seems painful while eating or paws at his mouth or won't eat altogether, he needs to be seen to rule out oral health problems.
Speaking of abcesses, check his body over thoroughly for any signs of cuts, abcesses, puncture wounds or other wounds that may appear infected or filled/surrounded with pus. Because he's a stray and most likely unnuetered, he is more likely to suffer bite wounds from other cats and these can abcess quicker than anything. If you do note an abcess, again, he'll need to be seen and treated (antibiotics, cleaning of the wound)
Thank you for caring so much!
..........Traci
Re: Traci: New stray cat on the scene already!
Traci?? Just thought I'd give you a quick update on this big orange guy. I did take him to the vet a week ago and they found him to be diabetic! He is also an older cat, probably around 10+ years old. The vet gave us some glyberide to try and get his blood sugar down a little. But also warned us that he is probably going to need insulin! GEEZ!!! His kidneys are slightly enlarged and his Liver Function levels came back slightly high as well. I have also noticed that he has a bit of limp recently. Today he is really favoring his front right paw. When he is sitting he holds it up as if not to put any pressure on it. When comparing his two front feet, the right one seems larger and swollen. What should I do about this? He seems to fight with other cats nightly and his face is showing it. He has a couple of bald patches and gouges right above his eyes. The vet did a scraping on these and could find nothing wrong. Is there anything "over the counter" that you would recommend applying to his wounds topically? His appetite is fantastic and he has been eating a can of nutritious wet food a day but has not gained any weight, his ribs are really noticeable when you pet him and that also brings to mind the fact that his coat doesn't really feel too good to the touch at all. The vet said that he hasn't been grooming. The bottom line is that this guy is not very well. I don't know how many more trips to the vet we can afford! But I do want to do everything I can to help him. You wouldn't believe how affectionate and friendly he is! Any ideas?
Re: Traci: New stray cat on the scene already!
Well it doesn't help that his renal function is impaired combined with diabetes. The glipizide might work, but it's doubtful (in early diagnosed kitties who may be borderline, sometimes glipizide is all that's needed, but most cases require insulin). Don't know your vet's comments on the liver enzyme elevations, but he might have thought they were insignificant at this point (as in stress elevation at time of visit and blood draw). However, the diabetes could be related to an underlying liver problem, that might also explain the weight loss, and you might want to ask him about that promptly.
Unfortunately, if he is going to remain outdoors, it's going to be hard to treat him effectively, especially with insulin. Insulin is generally given twice a day, and diabetic pets must be indoors in order to monitor for hypo or hyperglycemic episodes (which can be fatal if not detected). Some cats can get by with a once-a-day administration of insulin but it depends on the case, the insulin type, and other related conditions that can exacerbate the diabetes. IF you are keeping him and acclimating him indoors, however, treating diabetes is fairly easy once you get the hang of it and are comfortable with injections, monitoring, and understanding the disease, what to watch for. Insulin is generally acquired through your own pharmacy, so the costs are not overwhelming. A dietary change may be necessary to control the diabetes as well, and if your vet didn't talk to you about that, now is the time to do so.
As for tha paw, he probably has another abcess, which needs to be attended to, and antibiotics need to be given. You also don't want to overlook the possibility of a sprain or bone fracture, especially if he does not use the leg/paw, doesn't apply weight on it, appears grossly swollen, is red, and hot to the touch. Any of the above can still indicate an abcess as well, but left unattended, can cause infection, fever, and internal infection as well (and they are extremely painful). Antibiotics from your vet are reasonably priced, and necessary for abcesses (amoxicillin or clavamox). To clean the abcesses at home, the best method is by using an antiseptic from your vet (like surgical scrub-soaked gauze pads he can provide for you). Don't use hydrogen peroxide on deep puncture wounds or abcesses. Topicals usually aren't necessary unless the infection is severe or there is necrotic skin due to a severe infection. Keeping it clean and dry is your number one concern, plus antibiotic support.
For minor scrapes and scratches, leave them alone, just gently clean them with a mild soap and water, or simply warm water alone. If they appear slightly infected, again, antibiotics are the best approach. If they are simple abrasions or scabbing, you can use neosporin ointment, but sparingly.
Unfortunately, if he is going to remain outdoors, it's going to be hard to treat him effectively, especially with insulin. Insulin is generally given twice a day, and diabetic pets must be indoors in order to monitor for hypo or hyperglycemic episodes (which can be fatal if not detected). Some cats can get by with a once-a-day administration of insulin but it depends on the case, the insulin type, and other related conditions that can exacerbate the diabetes. IF you are keeping him and acclimating him indoors, however, treating diabetes is fairly easy once you get the hang of it and are comfortable with injections, monitoring, and understanding the disease, what to watch for. Insulin is generally acquired through your own pharmacy, so the costs are not overwhelming. A dietary change may be necessary to control the diabetes as well, and if your vet didn't talk to you about that, now is the time to do so.
As for tha paw, he probably has another abcess, which needs to be attended to, and antibiotics need to be given. You also don't want to overlook the possibility of a sprain or bone fracture, especially if he does not use the leg/paw, doesn't apply weight on it, appears grossly swollen, is red, and hot to the touch. Any of the above can still indicate an abcess as well, but left unattended, can cause infection, fever, and internal infection as well (and they are extremely painful). Antibiotics from your vet are reasonably priced, and necessary for abcesses (amoxicillin or clavamox). To clean the abcesses at home, the best method is by using an antiseptic from your vet (like surgical scrub-soaked gauze pads he can provide for you). Don't use hydrogen peroxide on deep puncture wounds or abcesses. Topicals usually aren't necessary unless the infection is severe or there is necrotic skin due to a severe infection. Keeping it clean and dry is your number one concern, plus antibiotic support.
For minor scrapes and scratches, leave them alone, just gently clean them with a mild soap and water, or simply warm water alone. If they appear slightly infected, again, antibiotics are the best approach. If they are simple abrasions or scabbing, you can use neosporin ointment, but sparingly.
..........Traci
Re: Traci: New stray cat on the scene already!
Traci- took him to the vet AGAIN and had the paw looked at. The vet said it looked like a possible "splinter" and was very infected. He was given an antibiotic injection and pills for the next 10 days. I just have a couple quick questions; The paw looks absolutely horrible today and is dripping blood and a clear fluid which I would guess to be pus. Every time I try to clean it he gets very agitated and very nasty! Anything you can think of that I might be able to do to clean it up for him? And how can this little guys' system process antibiotics in the condition it is in? I mean, are these pills (Baytril) going to do any good? He is scheduled to have his Insulin regulation tests tomorrow buy only if the paw looks better than it did when I took him on Friday. I'm worried....
Re: Traci: New stray cat on the scene already!
He is agitated because this abcess is excruciatingly painful. Draining is normal, and can be a good thing. To clean it, for this kitty in particular, I would just use lukewarm water in a dish, and pour it over the wound two or three times a day to clear the pus from the wound, don't manipulate the paw/leg in any way. Simply pouring the water over it will be sufficient, as long as he is on antibiotic support (then gently drape a towel over it briefly to soak up the excess water). Yes, the baytril will target it, as long as he doesn't have any other secondary infections. His immune system is a little compromised right now and the abcess may take longer than normal to heal, but with every-day care, and antibiotics, it should heal soon.
The only thing I would be concerned with is your vet's comments about it "looking like" a splinter.....I am assuming he thoroughly examined the wound and made absolutely certain no foreign body was in it? If there IS a splinter, or something else and it wasn't removed, then it's going to fester more, so call your vet back and ask about that. This is why we generally do more for abcesses....we usually sedate the kitty, open up the wound slightly, take a quick look around, flush it with antiseptic, and close any large or gaping wounds with sutures and follow with prescribed antibiotics. Normally, we don't close these wounds because they need to drain, but large, severely necrotic wounds do require more extensive care. Chances are, your kitty's wound doesnt require sutures, but if it is looking worse today since Friday, then I'd get a recheck tomorrow, despite what you're thinking it looks like. Always best to play it safe. Your vet will be able to tell by examining it, if it is actually improving since Friday.
The only thing I would be concerned with is your vet's comments about it "looking like" a splinter.....I am assuming he thoroughly examined the wound and made absolutely certain no foreign body was in it? If there IS a splinter, or something else and it wasn't removed, then it's going to fester more, so call your vet back and ask about that. This is why we generally do more for abcesses....we usually sedate the kitty, open up the wound slightly, take a quick look around, flush it with antiseptic, and close any large or gaping wounds with sutures and follow with prescribed antibiotics. Normally, we don't close these wounds because they need to drain, but large, severely necrotic wounds do require more extensive care. Chances are, your kitty's wound doesnt require sutures, but if it is looking worse today since Friday, then I'd get a recheck tomorrow, despite what you're thinking it looks like. Always best to play it safe. Your vet will be able to tell by examining it, if it is actually improving since Friday.
..........Traci
Re: Traci: New stray cat on the scene already!
Hi Traci,
Just wanted to update you on the diabetic stray. Well, HE LOOKS GREAT! He is on Insulin (3mg 2x daily) most of the hair in the bald spots he had has grown back, the infected paw has completely healed. There is still one problem however. Sometimes after he eats, his belly swells right up. Sometimes it gets so big it looks like he has swallowed a football! He also has some very odd looking BM's. I watched him the other day and the stool started out normal but about half way through became very loose and very watery. What kind of intestinal problems do you think we are looking at here? He is on a strict diet of Purina Diabetes formula food (both dry and wet) We don't know what else he might be getting into as he is still an outside kitty and might be eating mice etc...we try and watch him as much as possible but he does wander off from time to time.
I do have another situation with one of our indoor boys. Monty has stopped eating almost completely. I had him to the vet the other day
and he has lost 5 lbs since his last visit in January. He was 13lbs now down
to 8. I thought it (and still do) think it is a problem in his mouth (teeth, tongue etc...) but the vet looked and said his mouth while not perfect looked "pretty good". He took some blood and everything appears normal. Whenever he is hungry, he will take a few bites of something and just walk away. I also should note that when he does take a bite of food he sounds as if he is grinding his teeth. This is a scary sound around this house because Dwight used to make those EXACT same noises when he tried to eat after having half of his tongue removed. Any ideas? Your insights are always much appreciated!
Just wanted to update you on the diabetic stray. Well, HE LOOKS GREAT! He is on Insulin (3mg 2x daily) most of the hair in the bald spots he had has grown back, the infected paw has completely healed. There is still one problem however. Sometimes after he eats, his belly swells right up. Sometimes it gets so big it looks like he has swallowed a football! He also has some very odd looking BM's. I watched him the other day and the stool started out normal but about half way through became very loose and very watery. What kind of intestinal problems do you think we are looking at here? He is on a strict diet of Purina Diabetes formula food (both dry and wet) We don't know what else he might be getting into as he is still an outside kitty and might be eating mice etc...we try and watch him as much as possible but he does wander off from time to time.
I do have another situation with one of our indoor boys. Monty has stopped eating almost completely. I had him to the vet the other day
and he has lost 5 lbs since his last visit in January. He was 13lbs now down
to 8. I thought it (and still do) think it is a problem in his mouth (teeth, tongue etc...) but the vet looked and said his mouth while not perfect looked "pretty good". He took some blood and everything appears normal. Whenever he is hungry, he will take a few bites of something and just walk away. I also should note that when he does take a bite of food he sounds as if he is grinding his teeth. This is a scary sound around this house because Dwight used to make those EXACT same noises when he tried to eat after having half of his tongue removed. Any ideas? Your insights are always much appreciated!
Re: Traci: New stray cat on the scene already!
You might be on the mark about the outside influences concerning the stools, that would be my guess. Or, talk to your vet about feeding only one or the other of the dry vs canned DM. The distended belly could be excess gas as well as parasitic infection, and being that he is outdoors, I'd ask your vet about deworming him (don't do this yourself)
As for Monty, the teeth grinding usually indicates a diseased or loose tooth. Does he by chance have gingivitis? (red, inflammaed gums)....If so, I would opt to see another vet and get another full oral exam done immediately. Grinding teeth during or after eating is almost always a sign of an oral problem, moreso teeth than ulcers, etc.
What's concerning is the sudden weight loss, you can't risk more loss. If you're feeding dry, switch to the same brand in canned form, see how he handles it, but do get a new oral exam promptly.
As for Monty, the teeth grinding usually indicates a diseased or loose tooth. Does he by chance have gingivitis? (red, inflammaed gums)....If so, I would opt to see another vet and get another full oral exam done immediately. Grinding teeth during or after eating is almost always a sign of an oral problem, moreso teeth than ulcers, etc.
What's concerning is the sudden weight loss, you can't risk more loss. If you're feeding dry, switch to the same brand in canned form, see how he handles it, but do get a new oral exam promptly.
..........Traci