For Grayson, please say some prayers
For Grayson, please say some prayers
I adopted Grayson last Wednesday from a local shelter. The owner told me he was all up on his shots and in perfect health. I brought him home and he got really sick. I told him the the Emergency Clinic on Sunday at 5 am and yesterday to the regular vet. He is on antibiotics and other medication and his fever has gone done, but he is still not doing too good. He has feline distemper. He got it from the shelter and now may die. I am watching him all the time, but I am still extremely worried. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I will be devastated if I lose him.
- Kasie
...meow...
...meow...
Re: For Grayson, please say some prayers
Kasie, read my post to you in the Feline Health forum...I strongly advise you get Grayson hospitalized immediately.
Grayson is in my thoughts and prayers....please, call your vet right away and discuss hospitalization immediately....IV fluids are crucial for treating distemper.
Grayson is in my thoughts and prayers....please, call your vet right away and discuss hospitalization immediately....IV fluids are crucial for treating distemper.
..........Traci
Re: For Grayson, please say some prayers
Prayers for a recovery for Grayson...I agree about getting him to a vet for IVs as soon as possible...
Not quite sure about cats and feline distemper...but I know my border collie, many years ago before I got her, she was being military trained by a friend of mine...when they took her for her puppy shots and boosters, she developed distemper from the shot itself...is it possible this happened with Grayson, as opposed to having contracted distemper while in the shelter?
I remember Queenie being terribly ill for days, and back 25 years ago, vet medicine (or any medicine) did not know all they do now, so she stayed home and my friend's teenage son laid on the floor holding her for three days while she went through the worst of it, dabbing water into her mouth to help keep her hydrated...and he really did not expect her to make it...but I am sure she would have been much better off under 24/7 supervision and IV and all...
Not quite sure about cats and feline distemper...but I know my border collie, many years ago before I got her, she was being military trained by a friend of mine...when they took her for her puppy shots and boosters, she developed distemper from the shot itself...is it possible this happened with Grayson, as opposed to having contracted distemper while in the shelter?
I remember Queenie being terribly ill for days, and back 25 years ago, vet medicine (or any medicine) did not know all they do now, so she stayed home and my friend's teenage son laid on the floor holding her for three days while she went through the worst of it, dabbing water into her mouth to help keep her hydrated...and he really did not expect her to make it...but I am sure she would have been much better off under 24/7 supervision and IV and all...
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Guest
Re: For Grayson, please say some prayers
Grayson has been to the vet everyday since Sunday getting fluids and antibiotics. He is doing better, but still not eating or drinking anything. I am extremely worried. I am going out of town tomorrow and I just don't know what to do. It seems everything in my life just came crashing down at once. I just want to run away, but I cant.
Re: For Grayson, please say some prayers
Kasie, your vet can keep Grayson at the clinic for continued observation and IV fluids. If your vet is not a 24-hour facility with staff on hand 24/7, then ask him to refer you to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic who does offer 24/7 services. This is the ideal situation if you're going out of town. (it is ideal anyway for agressive treatment). Hospitalization 24/7 affords the quickest recovery, as most kittens recover within 7-14 days with agressive treatment.
If he is vomiting or suffering watery diarrhea, he should be on continuous IV fluids until the vomiting and diarrhea reside/improve. Food should not be given during this time unless the vet feels entereal nutrition will aid the recovery. In initial and agressive distemper treatment, food is usually withheld until vomiting and diarrhea are controlled, then slow introduction of a bland food (for better gastrointestinal absorption) is given as your vet continues to monitor for dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea.
I can't stress this enough, if your kitten is severely ill from distemper, hospitalization is the best course of action and will speed up the recovery process. If you are taking him home, then taking him to the vet every day, the stress could be slowing his recovery. Call your vet immediately and discuss these options with him.
If he is vomiting or suffering watery diarrhea, he should be on continuous IV fluids until the vomiting and diarrhea reside/improve. Food should not be given during this time unless the vet feels entereal nutrition will aid the recovery. In initial and agressive distemper treatment, food is usually withheld until vomiting and diarrhea are controlled, then slow introduction of a bland food (for better gastrointestinal absorption) is given as your vet continues to monitor for dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea.
I can't stress this enough, if your kitten is severely ill from distemper, hospitalization is the best course of action and will speed up the recovery process. If you are taking him home, then taking him to the vet every day, the stress could be slowing his recovery. Call your vet immediately and discuss these options with him.
..........Traci
Re: For Grayson, please say some prayers
I agree with the hospitalization, but my vet does not feel that is necessary. He feels Grayson is doing better as far as his distemper goes. Grayson is also 3 and 1/2 years old to let you know.. so he's not a kitten.
He is not vomitting anymore. He stopped doing that after he got his first antibiotic shot on Monday afternoon. He is still having diarrhea, but only a little. The vet told me to give him some chicken or beef flavored baby food, and he has kept that down for two days so far. He is getting daily IV fluids and antibiotics shots. We are agressively treating this. I told the vet to do whatever he has to to make my Grayson better.
The vet doesn't think Grayson will need to be hospitalized while I am away because he is doing so good. My friend is going to be caring for him while I am going and she is a vet tech assistant, so she can give him his meds or take him to the vet if needed.
I am worried about his eating and drinking. I do not want to leave him here alone if he is not eating or drinking. I don't want him to get dehydrated or anything. It's unfortunate that this happened this week. I wish I could change my trip home, but it is the only time I will be able to see my family. I can cancel if I have to, but I really do not want to. It will be up to the vet. Right now, Grayson is my first priority. If he has to be put at a clinic while I am gone, or if I have to stay.. so be it. I just want him to have a healthy life and a happy one.. he deserves it.. especially after all he has been through.
He is not vomitting anymore. He stopped doing that after he got his first antibiotic shot on Monday afternoon. He is still having diarrhea, but only a little. The vet told me to give him some chicken or beef flavored baby food, and he has kept that down for two days so far. He is getting daily IV fluids and antibiotics shots. We are agressively treating this. I told the vet to do whatever he has to to make my Grayson better.
The vet doesn't think Grayson will need to be hospitalized while I am away because he is doing so good. My friend is going to be caring for him while I am going and she is a vet tech assistant, so she can give him his meds or take him to the vet if needed.
I am worried about his eating and drinking. I do not want to leave him here alone if he is not eating or drinking. I don't want him to get dehydrated or anything. It's unfortunate that this happened this week. I wish I could change my trip home, but it is the only time I will be able to see my family. I can cancel if I have to, but I really do not want to. It will be up to the vet. Right now, Grayson is my first priority. If he has to be put at a clinic while I am gone, or if I have to stay.. so be it. I just want him to have a healthy life and a happy one.. he deserves it.. especially after all he has been through.
- Kasie
...meow...
...meow...
Re: For Grayson, please say some prayers
Kasie, it's not uncommon for recovering distemper kitties to be anorexic, this is due to the enteritis in the GI tract. Before you make your decisions on going out of town, please call your vet and ask him about Hill's feline I/D, this is an excellent diet for the GI tract and is easy on the intestines. If he takes to it, after a few days or so (or as directed by your vet), you can slowly graduate him back to his usual diet (by mixing the I/D with his normal food, eventually omitting more of the I/D)
I am assuming your friend will come into your home at least twice a day to check on Grayson? At least twice a day is what I recommend. If she's experienced, she will know how to check dehydration, etc and can then take him to your vet if necessary...but if she isn't experienced in monitoring kitties with distemper, perhaps it would be more ideal to keep him at the clinic. (this depends on his stress levels of course). How long do you plan to be gone?
I am assuming your friend will come into your home at least twice a day to check on Grayson? At least twice a day is what I recommend. If she's experienced, she will know how to check dehydration, etc and can then take him to your vet if necessary...but if she isn't experienced in monitoring kitties with distemper, perhaps it would be more ideal to keep him at the clinic. (this depends on his stress levels of course). How long do you plan to be gone?
..........Traci
I will be gone from tomorrow to March 26. I made the plans back in January and when I adopted Grayson, I thought I was adopting a healthy cat. I am glad I got him to the vet when I did. If I had let the problem continue.. he probably wouldn't be with me anymore.
I will talk to my vet about the diet you suggested and see what he says. Grayson has absolutely no interest in food. My friend does know all about the dehydration and would be over at least 2 times a day to check on him. I feel okay with that, but honestly.. I would prefer him to be at a clinic.. under constant watch. That is what he has here and it would just make me feel better. Even if he was there for the weekend or until he is doing better with eating and drinking. I won't know anything until he goes to see the vet later today.
Thank you so much for all your suggestions and support. All I want is the best for my Grayson. I just keep hoping and praying that he will get better soon. I have already talked to my mom about cancelling my trip home if I have to, but we will see what the vet says today.
Thank you again. I will definitely give an update after we get home from the vet today.
I meant to ask.. I know that nasal congestion is normal for distemper, and my vet said his nose being cloggy and him sneezing is natural.. but he has been having a little bit of a runny nose again.. nothing near as bad as before.. but a little clear fluid here and there.. is that just him clearing out his nose? I will ask the vet that too, but I wanted to know what you thought also. Thank you again. Grayson also thanks you. ^^
I will talk to my vet about the diet you suggested and see what he says. Grayson has absolutely no interest in food. My friend does know all about the dehydration and would be over at least 2 times a day to check on him. I feel okay with that, but honestly.. I would prefer him to be at a clinic.. under constant watch. That is what he has here and it would just make me feel better. Even if he was there for the weekend or until he is doing better with eating and drinking. I won't know anything until he goes to see the vet later today.
Thank you so much for all your suggestions and support. All I want is the best for my Grayson. I just keep hoping and praying that he will get better soon. I have already talked to my mom about cancelling my trip home if I have to, but we will see what the vet says today.
Thank you again. I will definitely give an update after we get home from the vet today.
I meant to ask.. I know that nasal congestion is normal for distemper, and my vet said his nose being cloggy and him sneezing is natural.. but he has been having a little bit of a runny nose again.. nothing near as bad as before.. but a little clear fluid here and there.. is that just him clearing out his nose? I will ask the vet that too, but I wanted to know what you thought also. Thank you again. Grayson also thanks you. ^^
- Kasie
...meow...
...meow...
It could be a secondary infection of rhinotracheitis, but it could also be calicivirus, both of which would be treated with oral antibiotics.
I would strongly advise you ask your vet to do a quick CBC to monitor Grayson's electrolyte balance/hydration status, and his WBC count. If both are low or concerning, I would strongly advise hospitalization with continuous IV therapy until your vet feels the symptoms have subsided and the CBC improves. It probably isn't helping that he may have an upper respiratory infection, this could be preventing him from being able to smell his food, but do ask about the I/D, that is, if your vet feels Grayson is stable enough to introduce food at this point. Also ask if it might be helpful for nasal saline (upon your vet's direction only) to be used to help clear his nasal congestion, or other medications for this purpose, but you don't want to overload him with medications if he's dehydrated or not eating, or if there is still a potential for vomiting.
The timing of your vacation isn't great right now, but be sure to get your vet's opinion on Grayson's stress level, and the results of the CBC before you decide to leave. While it may be stressful for him to be hospitalized when you are gone, it would be a better situation where he could be monitored constantly. If you do decide to go, and decide to leave Grayson at the clinic, give him a blanket or t-shirt or favorite toy with your scent on it to keep in his cage at the clinic, and call for updates frequently.
I would strongly advise you ask your vet to do a quick CBC to monitor Grayson's electrolyte balance/hydration status, and his WBC count. If both are low or concerning, I would strongly advise hospitalization with continuous IV therapy until your vet feels the symptoms have subsided and the CBC improves. It probably isn't helping that he may have an upper respiratory infection, this could be preventing him from being able to smell his food, but do ask about the I/D, that is, if your vet feels Grayson is stable enough to introduce food at this point. Also ask if it might be helpful for nasal saline (upon your vet's direction only) to be used to help clear his nasal congestion, or other medications for this purpose, but you don't want to overload him with medications if he's dehydrated or not eating, or if there is still a potential for vomiting.
The timing of your vacation isn't great right now, but be sure to get your vet's opinion on Grayson's stress level, and the results of the CBC before you decide to leave. While it may be stressful for him to be hospitalized when you are gone, it would be a better situation where he could be monitored constantly. If you do decide to go, and decide to leave Grayson at the clinic, give him a blanket or t-shirt or favorite toy with your scent on it to keep in his cage at the clinic, and call for updates frequently.
..........Traci
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Guest
Re: For Grayson, please say some prayers
After taking Grayson to the vet today and crying for about 2 hours because I did not know what to do, I decided to leave him at the office. They have a special room for animals that are contagious and will take good care of him. I honestly would have given up my trip if that is what needed to be done, but the vet felt it was a better idea to leave him there so he could be monitored and given continous fluids and medicine. I agreed and gave him and huge hug and a kiss. I have the personal number of the vet as well as a tech that is there in case I need to get a hold of them. I also gave them my cell phone number in case of an emergency or if they need to get a hold of me. I told them to expect me to call at least 2 times a day to check on him.
I honestly feel that this is the best situation for Grayson right now. I am not a vet, nor do I know enough about distemper to diagnose anything. I wouldn't know if he was sicker by looking at him, where as at the vet they can keep an eye on him all day to see how he is doing. I would have preferred to stay with him to give him lots of love, but the vet said that everyone at the office has become so attached to him that they will give him plenty of attention and love. I told him my main concern was him being alone, and I had no doubt he would get the medical care he needed. I told the vet to go ahead and do whatever was needed for Grayson to recover. He will be getting force fed some food (and I think it might be the food you reccomended, Traci) every couple of hours to keep him as stable as possible. He will also be getting his antibiotics and his IV fluids once a day as well. The office is aware that he was on other medication here at home and they will continue to give him the antibiotics he was on here until they feel it isn't necessary anymore. He was also on some nose drops to help with his nasal congestion and some eye gel for his watery eyes. They said they will also be treating him for that also.
He is really touch and go at the moment. I feel better knowing he is under the watchful eye of the doctor and all the techs and employees there than with me or with my friend. I wouldn't know what to do in an emergency and now he is there with everything he needs. I left his soft sided carrier with him that he likes to take shelter in and I think that it will help him a lot. He feels safe in his carrier when ever we are at the office, so I am sure that will help a little. I told the office I will be calling at least 2 times daily and they said that is great.
The vet came in to talk to me and he made me feel a lot better. Even though he told there is a chance that Grayson could still die, he said with every day that passes his chances get better. It has been about a week since Grayson has started feeling sick, so hopefully he will gradually become better. The doctor also told me that I was a good owner and mother and that I was an angel. He told me that I was Grayson's angel and that I have done everything possible to help Grayson recover. He thinks I have given Grayson a will to live and that is why he is fighting. He also told me that if he dies, that I should be proud of what a good owner I was.. and that even though I only had Grayson for a week, for that week Grayson had the most love he has ever had in his life. I felt better knowing he thought that about me, and all I want is Grayson to get better. His medical bills are going to run me about 1500 dollars once I am done, but I have already tapped into my savings to help him. It was supposed to go towards furniture for my new apartment, but I honestly and truly think that Grayson is more important than a couch or a dining room table.
Thank you everyone for your support. I will keep you updated on Grayson's condition when I talk to the vet tomorrow. A vet tech also assured me she would be in 3 times a day on Sunday (since they are not open) to check on him and the doctor said he would be in personally to give him his meds and check on him. I feel better knowing they are dedicated to the animals they care for. I just pray every minute of every day that he gets better.
I also wanted to let you all know that my other cat, Kisa, was up to date on all her shots and vaccinations, but I took her in for an exam anyway on Wednesday to make sure she was okay. The vet said she looked perfect and not worry. He said if I wanted to improve her chances of not getting sick (which it doesn't look like she is going to be) to get her a distemper booster, and I did that day. She is acting completely normal. Eating, drinking, normal bathroom habits, playing, purring.. ect. So, as far as she goes, she is as safe as can be. My friend will be over at least once a day for about an hour to feed her and play with her and clean her box, so that makes me feel better. I will also be checking in on her.
Thank you all for everything. I really appreciate it. I can't help but feel irresponsible about putting my other cat at risk and leaving Grayson at the clinic, but in this case.. I feel that it's what is best for all of us. I did not know I was adopting a cat with distemper, but I did and I will do my best to get him better. I will also be calling animal control to see if they can please do a check on the animals at the shelter as I am afraid they may be sick also. If Grayson was so sick and he was in a cage by himself, I can only imagine what is going on with the other cats.. and the owner said he would take no responsibility about the sickness of his cat. He said.. "You adopted it, you take responsibility for it's illness". I tried to explain there may be other sick animals at the shelter, but he wouldn't hear about it. He said all his animals were "perfectly healthy" which is the exact same thing he told me about Grayson. I really do worry about those animals. They may need medical attention. Especially the kittens just born that have no protection against these kinds of diseases.
I really don't know what else to do. If there is something, I will do it willingly, but right now all I can do is pray for Grayson and trust the vet to do what he can. I am trying to relax and concentrate on my vacation, but it's very hard when something or someone you love more than anything may die at any moment.
Really though, thank you all again. I really really appreciate it. And please, please keep Grayson in your thoughts and prayers to make a full recovery so he can come home to his mom and sister, Kisa, to have a long, healthy and happy life.
I honestly feel that this is the best situation for Grayson right now. I am not a vet, nor do I know enough about distemper to diagnose anything. I wouldn't know if he was sicker by looking at him, where as at the vet they can keep an eye on him all day to see how he is doing. I would have preferred to stay with him to give him lots of love, but the vet said that everyone at the office has become so attached to him that they will give him plenty of attention and love. I told him my main concern was him being alone, and I had no doubt he would get the medical care he needed. I told the vet to go ahead and do whatever was needed for Grayson to recover. He will be getting force fed some food (and I think it might be the food you reccomended, Traci) every couple of hours to keep him as stable as possible. He will also be getting his antibiotics and his IV fluids once a day as well. The office is aware that he was on other medication here at home and they will continue to give him the antibiotics he was on here until they feel it isn't necessary anymore. He was also on some nose drops to help with his nasal congestion and some eye gel for his watery eyes. They said they will also be treating him for that also.
He is really touch and go at the moment. I feel better knowing he is under the watchful eye of the doctor and all the techs and employees there than with me or with my friend. I wouldn't know what to do in an emergency and now he is there with everything he needs. I left his soft sided carrier with him that he likes to take shelter in and I think that it will help him a lot. He feels safe in his carrier when ever we are at the office, so I am sure that will help a little. I told the office I will be calling at least 2 times daily and they said that is great.
The vet came in to talk to me and he made me feel a lot better. Even though he told there is a chance that Grayson could still die, he said with every day that passes his chances get better. It has been about a week since Grayson has started feeling sick, so hopefully he will gradually become better. The doctor also told me that I was a good owner and mother and that I was an angel. He told me that I was Grayson's angel and that I have done everything possible to help Grayson recover. He thinks I have given Grayson a will to live and that is why he is fighting. He also told me that if he dies, that I should be proud of what a good owner I was.. and that even though I only had Grayson for a week, for that week Grayson had the most love he has ever had in his life. I felt better knowing he thought that about me, and all I want is Grayson to get better. His medical bills are going to run me about 1500 dollars once I am done, but I have already tapped into my savings to help him. It was supposed to go towards furniture for my new apartment, but I honestly and truly think that Grayson is more important than a couch or a dining room table.
Thank you everyone for your support. I will keep you updated on Grayson's condition when I talk to the vet tomorrow. A vet tech also assured me she would be in 3 times a day on Sunday (since they are not open) to check on him and the doctor said he would be in personally to give him his meds and check on him. I feel better knowing they are dedicated to the animals they care for. I just pray every minute of every day that he gets better.
I also wanted to let you all know that my other cat, Kisa, was up to date on all her shots and vaccinations, but I took her in for an exam anyway on Wednesday to make sure she was okay. The vet said she looked perfect and not worry. He said if I wanted to improve her chances of not getting sick (which it doesn't look like she is going to be) to get her a distemper booster, and I did that day. She is acting completely normal. Eating, drinking, normal bathroom habits, playing, purring.. ect. So, as far as she goes, she is as safe as can be. My friend will be over at least once a day for about an hour to feed her and play with her and clean her box, so that makes me feel better. I will also be checking in on her.
Thank you all for everything. I really appreciate it. I can't help but feel irresponsible about putting my other cat at risk and leaving Grayson at the clinic, but in this case.. I feel that it's what is best for all of us. I did not know I was adopting a cat with distemper, but I did and I will do my best to get him better. I will also be calling animal control to see if they can please do a check on the animals at the shelter as I am afraid they may be sick also. If Grayson was so sick and he was in a cage by himself, I can only imagine what is going on with the other cats.. and the owner said he would take no responsibility about the sickness of his cat. He said.. "You adopted it, you take responsibility for it's illness". I tried to explain there may be other sick animals at the shelter, but he wouldn't hear about it. He said all his animals were "perfectly healthy" which is the exact same thing he told me about Grayson. I really do worry about those animals. They may need medical attention. Especially the kittens just born that have no protection against these kinds of diseases.
I really don't know what else to do. If there is something, I will do it willingly, but right now all I can do is pray for Grayson and trust the vet to do what he can. I am trying to relax and concentrate on my vacation, but it's very hard when something or someone you love more than anything may die at any moment.
Really though, thank you all again. I really really appreciate it. And please, please keep Grayson in your thoughts and prayers to make a full recovery so he can come home to his mom and sister, Kisa, to have a long, healthy and happy life.