Infection In Joints. Don't Know What To Do!

[Rita593]

He had an infection in his umbilical area. We treated that. But the infection seems to have traveled to his joints. (Back legs) the vet we took him to have him a shot and some antibiotics to give him at home. I asked if there was anything else we could do. She said it’s a wait and see game. But there’s a chance that the antibiotics won’t help. It breaks my heart watching him struggle to stand. And when he does he can barely walk a couple steps before falling over. Is there anything anyone can think of to make his life a little easier? I’m feeling completely lost on what to do and how to help him.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi, I'm so sorry this is happening!!
Can you really gently massage his hips and legs? Even additionally simply holding them in your hands, your touch and the warmth in your hands can help.
Do you have another vet you could speak with?
I'm sending lots of good thoughts your way!!

 

[Rita593]

Hi, I'm so sorry this is happening!!
Can you really gently massage his hips and legs? Even additionally simply holding them in your hands, your touch and the warmth in your hands can help.
Do you have another vet you could speak with?
I'm sending lots of good thoughts your way!!

I’m not sure if that will help. Since it’s an infection not a sore muscle. Whenever I touch his legs he cries. I’ve been trying to snuggle him as much as possible. That seems to comfort him. But I wish there was something more I could do. When he lays he has to lay in a certain way so that no weight is on his legs.

 

[Furballsmom]

Oh gosh, poor baby, poor you!
Would a heating pad set on low, with a couple towels on top to avoid too much actual heat, help?
Can you get your current vet to administer some pain meds, or maybe find a different vet?

 

[white shadow]

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Hi Rita593.

A week ago, you posted asking for "tips or advice" about what you seemed to think was an "umbilical hernia"........(Umbilical Hernia?)

Someone replied strongly indicating that it appeared to be a botfly larva...and that you would need a Vet to extract it..........what happened after that?

What you're reporting today does not sound good at all.

Did you try to remove the larva? Did the Vet try...and fail?

Perhaps jen will have a recommendation again.

My reaction is that you need a competent Vet to treat this cat ASAP....

I have no experience with this condition...an article from perMD says:

The most important part of treating warbles in cats is to make sure that the entire botfly larva is remove without significant damage to its body. Crushing it or leaving a piece behind can lead to chronic infections or a potentially fatal allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Botfly Infestation: How to Handle Warbles in Cats | petMD​

.

 

[jen]

That looked so much like a botfly hole the other day. Did you ask the vet about that possibility?

 

[Rita593]

That looked so much like a botfly hole the other day. Did you ask the vet about that possibility?

I did. She said it was an infection. That is completely gone now with the antibiotics. She said since we found him a day or so after he was born. He didn’t get all the antibodies and nutrients from the mother to build up an immune system so he’s susceptible to getting all these infections. I’m new to this whole thing. I’ve literally never had a pet before this so I don’t know what I’m doing and feel like I’m failing this poor little guy.

 

[white shadow]

.
Is he better or worse today than when she last saw him? (has he improved or gotten worse?)

Does she know about this weakness in his back legs?

I went back again to your first thread and looked at the pictures again. It looks like a large swollen area around what looks like a hole (that you said was leaking puss and that jen said looked like a botfly hole). Did she drain this? IF this was 'simply' infection, it would be known as an abscess....the only way to clear an abscess is to open it up, drain and clean out the puss, and then use antibiotics to resolve the infection. It doesn't require any medical training to understand this.

No infection will "travel to his joints" and result in this semi-paralysis you're seeing. An uncontrolled infection can spread throughout the body resulting in "sepsis" Was it the Vet who said it travelled to the joints? If so, you really need someone else to see him.

And frankly, if she's suggesting that what you're seeing is the result of his not having received antibodies from his mother.......I have a real problem with that.

Is there a cat-only clinic nearby? Would you be able to have someone else see him?
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[Furballsmom]

I think you're up against a very challenging situation.
Try the heating pad with towels on it, if he's still crying and see if you can get some emergency pain meds. If you call the regular clinic number, the phone greeting should provide an emergency number.

 

[jen]

Another reason too is that left untreated for a long time, one of the many many symptoms of botfly infection is paralysis.

 

[jen]

In fact also abnormal gait, disorientation, and lack of reflexes too.

 

[Rita593]

.
Is he better or worse today than when she last saw him? (has he improved or gotten worse?)

Does she know about this weakness in his back legs?

I went back again to your first thread and looked at the pictures again. It looks like a large swollen area around what looks like a hole (that you said was leaking puss and that jen said looked like a botfly hole). Did she drain this? IF this was 'simply' infection, it would be known as an abscess....the only way to clear an abscess is to open it up, drain and clean out the puss, and then use antibiotics to resolve the infection. It doesn't require any medical training to understand this.

No infection will "travel to his joints" and result in this semi-paralysis you're seeing. An uncontrolled infection can spread throughout the body resulting in "sepsis" Was it the Vet who said it travelled to the joints? If so, you really need someone else to see him.

And frankly, if she's suggesting that what you're seeing is the result of his not having received antibodies from his mother.......I have a real problem with that.

Is there a cat-only clinic nearby? Would you be able to have someone else see him?
.

The umbilical area is almost completely back to normal. They drained it and gave antibiotics and that’s looking really good.

I can’t remember if she said it “traveled” per say. But I was told that since he didn’t get the proper nutrients and whatever from the mother his immune system is weak and that’s why all the infections.

I work third shift and this all was told to me after about 24 hours of being awake so I may not be getting everything 100% correct. But I do remember the antibodies and nutrients from the mother part and I asked if there was anything we could do to help him not catch anything else and she said no. That’s pretty much up to him building up an immune system.

 

[jen]

That makes a lot more sense

 

[Rita593]

So my little kitty we rescued unfortunately got an infection in his back legs (joints) my vet gave me antibiotics and said that’s really the only thing we can do is hope it works. Well know the infection is starting in his front legs (joints) and it’s to the point where he can barely use any of his legs to move. He has to lay on his side or back because he can’t have pressure on his legs or he’s in pain. My vet said there is a good chance his joints with rupture and abscess. I hate seeing him in pain. And I feel like it will only get worse from here. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to have to put him down. But It breaks my heart to see him not be able to move and to have to pee and poop right where he is because he can’t use his legs. I really don’t know what to do.

 

[Columbine]

I'm so sorry your cat is so sick Aggressive antibiotics seem like your best hope right now. I know in a human that level of infection would require a hospital stay and IV antibiotics, so I'd probably speak to the vet about a similar option for your boy. If you're not happy with the way your current vet is handling things, you can always seek a second opinion - maybe from a specialist cat vet.

I think you also need to have a conversation about what his chances of recovery actually are. I know its hard, and not something you want to think about, but you at least need to be aware of the possible outcomes.

I really hope your little guy makes it

 

[di and bob]

It is heartbreaking to have to watch someone you care fro so helpless, so full of pain. Antibiotics are perhaps the only option right now. Make sure he gets every dose as prescribed, and on time. The antibiotics are to prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body, which it sounds like it may have. I have had cats pull through when it seems impossible, give him as much care and as much love as you can. It hopefully isn't forever. Abscesses do rupture, the pain is much worse before they do. The rupture will be bloody and messy, but then will relieve much of the pain, and then the healing can begin. My cats don't walk on the affected leg too, but I have never had one with multiple joints involved. Are they sure it is abscesses?
Make sure he drinks plenty of fresh water, and right now try to get him to eat whatever he can, like deli turkey or tuna, or whatever he wants.
A second opinion may be warranted, I feel he may need a pain med too, to function. Antibiotics take several days to start working, so don't give up! He is so blessed to have you in his life. We are here for support anytime, please keep us posted!

 

[Rita593]

The problem is he’s so little. They can’t give him an agresive antibiotic. He’s been taking it on time everyday for about 2 weeks now. I still bottle feed him because it’s hard for him to eat from a dish. But I mix a soft kitten food with his formula.

 

[Rita593]

It is heartbreaking to have to watch someone you care fro so helpless, so full of pain. Antibiotics are perhaps the only option right now. Make sure he gets every dose as prescribed, and on time. The antibiotics are to prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body, which it sounds like it may have. I have had cats pull through when it seems impossible, give him as much care and as much love as you can. It hopefully isn't forever. Abscesses do rupture, the pain is much worse before they do. The rupture will be bloody and messy, but then will relieve much of the pain, and then the healing can begin. My cats don't walk on the affected leg too, but I have never had one with multiple joints involved. Are they sure it is abscesses?
Make sure he drinks plenty of fresh water, and right now try to get him to eat whatever he can, like deli turkey or tuna, or whatever he wants.
A second opinion may be warranted, I feel he may need a pain med too, to function. Antibiotics take several days to start working, so don't give up! He is so blessed to have you in his life. We are here for support anytime, please keep us posted!

Not sure if they’re abscesses. The vet told me that the infection might cause and abscess and rupture
But his legs look slightly swollen Where his joints are. And he cries if you touch them.

 

[Rita593]

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[Columbine]

Poor little guy I hadn't realised how young he is.

I've done a little research, and it seems like you're either dealing with septic arthritis or, possibly more likely in one so young, limping kitten syndrome associated with feline calicivirus. Your vet will need to confirm what's going on with blood tests, and by testing the fluid that's collected round the affected joints. An accurate diagnosis is vital for effective treatment.

Do keep us updated. We're all rooting for him

Kitten with Swollen Joints on All 4 Legs
Arthritis (Septic) in Cats | petMD
Limping syndrome and feline calicivirus | International Cat Care