help for kitty

[Erica]

Hey, this was posted on one of my groups and we're all a little stumped on this. The kitty is at a vet right now and they are running a CBC and another test...I can't remember what exactly...any ideas what it might be or any other tests that should be done??

First his general stats....he's about 4 1/2 months old, weights around 6-7 lbs, is neutered (just done 2 weeks ago), and is strictly indoors. He has 2 biological brothers here, both of whom seem healthy, and older non-biological "brother," and a non-biological sister, Frankie, whom we just adopted last Friday. When Frankie moved in, she had an upper respiratory infection going on. I know he hasn't gotten into any plants - none are at a level that he can reach.

When I got home from work last night I noticed Noah was limping - his left front paw was obviously hurting. We thought that he probably sprained it while jumping down from something, but I did notice he also seemed a little sluggish - we thought maybe his body was in "repair mode." I called the vet right away, but he wasn't able to see Noah until noon today.

This morning his paw seemed better; he ate and drank a little (although less entusiastically than usual), then used the litter box. Since he seemed to be healing, I decided to cancel his appointment but keep a close eye on him...but something was still nagging the back of my mind - I just thought that even if he pulled a muscle he should still seem more energetic. About an hour or so after I cancelled, I noticed his left rear leg was bothering him - not as bad as the front was yesterday, but he still looked uncomfortable. So I rescheduled his appointment.

The vet seemed a little unsure about the joint pain, but Noah did have a decent fever - 104.5 - and was a little dehydrated. They drew blood, administerd sub-q fluids, and sent us home with amoxy-drops. We'll get the bloodwork results back tomorrow. The fuilds have made him feel like a new cat - he's all purry, affectionate, and energetic now.

Sorry so long...but if anyone can offer insight or thoughts I'd appreciate it. But hopefully we'll have our own definite answers from the bloodwork.

Amy

[prettykitten]

Hi there, strange question but have you been feeding him liver? This can cause all kinds of joint problems. Otherwise perhaps a low grade fever made worse by shock of op. I know, 2 weeks ago but anesthetics have all sorts of weird effects they don't tell us about for people!!!!!! They have to affect kitties too! I hope kit is feeling better by now. It may turn about to be one of lifes mysteries!

[Traci]

I'm assuming the other tests include a chemistry profile, which I would suggest, this can tell more about organ function. The CBC tells you about dehydration, blood cell counts, inflammatory or allergic response and immunological distress.

I would rule out dietary deficiency (vitamin deficiency), liver shunting, bacterial infection (opt for a urinalysis as well please), injury caused by rough play with siblings or a fall. Dietary issues and liver shunting can be detected upon the chem profile, and the CBC/urinalysis should be able to rule in or out bacterial infection. I assume kitten has been prior tested for FELV/FIV?