View Single Post
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 21st April 2002, 07:48 PM
gpm gpm is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Treetop
Posts: 886
gpm
Post

Just now saw your post, sorry not to have seen it earlier. I hope Krista sees it soon, as I think she has more experience than I.

If Jas is able to lap milk on her own, you shouldn't have to endure syringe feedings or middle of the night stuff, other than perhaps this first night! I don't know if you have the infant kitty milk replacements available where you are but that might be a good thing to use, even out of the bowl. Regular milk will probably give her the runs a bit. Has the right ingredients for her age. Sold here under names like KMR, Esbilac and Just Born. Make sure it is the kitten formula. If she is able to munch raw meat, you can cut it up in smaller pieces and maybe, just in the beginning add a little tinned food just for kittens, though that may not be necessary if she is able to eat the raw. You can try some unflavored children's Pedialytes for the electrolytes that may have been lost due to stress. She wouldn't need much and just to supplement since she is drinking water well. She is probably dehydrated and I might put her on Lactated Ringer's sub-Q but it probably isn't necessary.

I think you just have to be mindful to not do what comes naturally and try to fill her up right away. Slow and easy for anything that has been starved. Small amounts more frequently than an adult cat. That grabbing of the meat from the dog is typical starvation behavior. They will over eat if allowed.

Big belly is probably a combination of worms and starvation. She may be gassy, too, until things settle in her tummy. Don't deworm her now. She will balance out on a good diet and then you can see if it's required. (Just my opinions here and hopefully someone will correct if inaccurate.)

As for the discharges, you probably know better than I would what to do. My guess would be a dose of Arn 30 or 200 first. Then see where she is. Could be any number of "diseases". See if the eyes crust over seriously and she has any temp, or if her mouth/lips have a dirty look, if she vomits......all those things. Normals for cats are: temp 100.4 to 102.5 F, pulse 160-240 and resp 20-30 but kittens, particularly in her circumstances, can be a little higher. Temp is the main one to watch. You may want to consider Puls if discharges indicate it.

Try to give her a small, safe spot that is all her own with litter box and water close by.

Just got your email so sending this now.......more later......or tomorrow. I think she will be fine.
__________________
Sometimes on Earth, you can find something that resembles a little piece of Heaven. And sometimes on Earth, a little piece of Heaven can find you.
Reply With Quote