Doc's medical thread

[Tina B and crew]

Traci...when should I be concerned about his temp. It has fluctuated between 103.2-103.8 today. He seems a little lethargic but at other times he's up and about. He is eating, drinking, urinating etc. I can call the hospital any time aa they are staffed around the clock. He is also on clavamox.

[Traci]

Make sure your thermometer is accurate - but I would advise calling the hospital - he has a short history of fevers, so you want to nip this in the bud right away - Ideally, his temp should be no higher than 102.

Is he still eating? Is he drinking? When do they want to check bandaging on his neck/feeding tube? Do you feel it's too tight?

[Tina B and crew]

Neck bandage is fine. The e-tube is to be checked and removed in about 5 days IF he is eating.

Don't know how to know if my thermometer is correct. But I just checked again and it was 104. He definitely looks and feels feverish. He is eating, was drinking but don't know if he has for the last few hours. His skin pops back relatively quickly.

I called about 20 minutes ago and they said keep checking...if he doesn't feel better or it doesn't go down either call or bring him in.

[Tina B and crew]

It's up to 104.3 by my thermometer. He's eating still but otherwise just sleeping. The area next to the incision doesn't feel a great deal warmer. I am concerned about infection internally myself.

[Tina B and crew]

I checked it with another thermometer and it was 104.5. He looks like he doesn't feel well...dammit! The poor guy has been through so much I was hoping this would be it. I guess I will take him in. I agree with you that this needs to be nipped.

[Traci]

Yes, take him in, ASAP - it might be that a stronger antibiotic is all that is needed, but if possible, try to get a quick CBC done, ok?

Please let us know when you're back from the vet - hang in there, it might only be a temporary fever, from stress maybe.

[Traci]

BTW, if you're using a digital thermometer, always replace it when you know batteries are low. One method of testing, when you buy a thermometer, try to always get one with plastic sleeves with it, this way, you can also take your own temp to get a fairly accurate temp - to compare accuracy with taking cats' temps.

When using it for cats, wipe the end with rubbing alcohol, apply a small amount of vaseline, take temp, clean with a wet wipe, wipe with rubbing alcohol then store away. If you need to use it for yourself, same applies with wiping it with rubbing alcohol, put a thermometer sleeve over it, take your temp, remove sleeve, wipe with rubbing alcohol, then store away.

[Tina B and crew]

just re admitted doc

[Cleo]

Ughh I'm sorry. I hope it's just a minor setback although being readmitted is bad enough. Poor baby.

[Traci]

Are they checking bloodwork, etc?