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

[Kieka]

Poor baby. I really don't have much to add other then the possibility of seeing a second vet. Not that your vet is bad or really doing anything wrong but a second vet might have different treatment ideas. If you do consider this please make sure it is a cat specialist vet or see if any vet training schools are in your area. That way you are getting the opinion of someone who either really knows their cats or is on the forefront of medical care.

 

[StefanZ]

Lets hope its limping kitten syndrome. Althoug this typically affect 1 leg at a time and proceed with next. Anyway l-lysine is what to try here. Cant hurt sometimes helps against calici virus (=limping).

Can you get raw goats milk? And raw honey to mix in with formula?

These are no remedies but both potentially some antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Prayers may help too. If nothing else they will give You more strengh...

 

[biscuity]

I do agree with another poster that you need to have a careful discussion with the vet & maybe also look at getting a 2nd opinion from a cat specialist. I'm wishing the poor baby the very best of luck.

 

[StefanZ]

A warming pad was mentioned.
An IR heating lamp may be even better. Its no coincidence these are often used by rheumatics. The infrared warmth goes deeper in than the usual heat.

 

[PushPurrCatPaws]

I am so sorry you both are going through this... poor little kitten! Have you named him? There are so many people pulling for him and for you, it helps to have a name for us to send our good wishes and prayers


Poor guy- he looks in so much discomfort, his poor legs! I really feel for you and the difficult position you are in. I really hope the antibiotics the vet has prescribed starts to help him out soon.

 

[Rita593]

I am so sorry you both are going through this... poor little kitten! Have you named him? There are so many people pulling for him and for you, it helps to have a name for us to send our good wishes and prayers


Poor guy- he looks in so much discomfort, his poor legs! I really feel for you and the difficult position you are in. I really hope the antibiotics the vet has prescribed starts to help him out soon.

His name is Floof. And it breaks my heart. He can’t really do anything but lay on his back. I’ve been snuggling with him all day. That seems to comfort him some. And he’s a spoiled guy who likes kisses. I hope the antibiotics work to. But like I said it’s been about 2 weeks and it hasn’t seemed like they’ve helped.

 

[catwoman707]

Due to the time frame here it is not calicivirus, which is in and out of their system in about a 3 day period.
He sounds like just what the vet said, curious which antibiotic is he on?
What does he weigh?

 

[1 bruce 1]

This is absolutely heartbreaking.
I am so sorry this is happening!
I looked at his pictures...what a handsome little guy and that picture of him holding his own bottle propped up on the towel is just the cutest thing I've ever seen!

We're pulling for you.

 

[Rita593]

Due to the time frame here it is not calicivirus, which is in and out of their system in about a 3 day period.
He sounds like just what the vet said, curious which antibiotic is he on?
What does he weigh?

Last week he was a little over a pound. I’m guessing around a pound and a half right now. And this is what the vet gave us for an antibiotic.

 

[white shadow]

.
Rita593 - two weeks on this antibiotic, and the infection has spread to the front - that tells me it's probably not the right antibiotic for this bacteria.

Would you be able to take him back - or, perhaps better yet, to a cat-only Vet - ?

The only way to clear an abscess is to drain it....and then to provide an antibiotic that is effective against that particular bacteria. Antibiotics themselves are unable to counter against the accumulation within the abscess - from my experience.

The fluid/pus must be examined/cultured to identify exactly which bacteria it is...then, the appropriate a/b can be given.

But again, would you be able to get him in? How would you feel about a second opinion from a cat-only Vet?
.

 

[Rita593]

.
Rita593 - two weeks on this antibiotic, and the infection has spread to the front - that tells me it's probably not the right antibiotic for this bacteria.

Would you be able to take him back - or, perhaps better yet, to a cat-only Vet - ?

The only way to clear an abscess is to drain it....and then to provide an antibiotic that is effective against that particular bacteria. Antibiotics themselves are unable to counter against the accumulation within the abscess - from my experience.

The fluid/pus must be examined/cultured to identify exactly which bacteria it is...then, the appropriate a/b can be given.

But again, would you be able to get him in? How would you feel about a second opinion from a cat-only Vet?
.

The only cat only vet near me is almost 2 hours away and is pretty well booked for a month straight. I work nights so when I get off in the morning I’m going to call around and see if I can get him in anywhere. I’m at the point where I don’t know what to do. When I suggested to my boyfriend to consider the possibility that there might not be anything we can do and might have to put him down he got mad. But I’m the one who has to do all the work. Run him to the vet. When he pops and gets it on him he says “hey babe, he fell in his poop again” and walks away. Like I’m dealing with my 3 year old niece having cancer and with all the stress I have this on top of it is making me feel like I’m going insane. I just don’t know if I can keep doing it.

 

[di and bob]

Try not to be everything to everyone....take ONE DAY AT A TIME. Don't try to imagine what the future is going to bring, it will be what it is. You have to do your best and let the rest go. Right now you are doing all you can. Your precious niece is in good hands I'm sure, and that precious tiny little soul you are caring for needs you and loves you. Your boyfriend is typically letting you do the 'mothering', most men want nothing to do with bodily functions. It would be nice if you could have him watch the kitten for a day and let you get some rest, or someone else that could be relied upon after a quick training on what the kitten needs. Just keep thinking, none of this will last forever, both will come to their conclusion in time. Please keep us posted, there are many here with much experience, there may be some who have gone through the same thing and bring answers.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, miracles DO happen you know, all you have to do is believe......may God give you the strength to go on, may he take mercy on these two innocents, and may His healing powers help those two precious little souls who need it so very much.

 

[Rita593]

We had to put him down. I was absolutely heartbroken. But he was in so much pain..

 

[PushPurrCatPaws]

Oh Rita593 - I am so very sorry! Floof was such a trooper, and you did all that you could for him!

 

[Columbine]

Oh no I'm so, so sorry. He was lucky that he found his way to you. Because of you, he died in warmth and comfort, rather than cold and scared. His last weeks were spent peacefully, knowing he was loved, and loving you right back. That in itself is a gift.

Rest in peace, Floof, you gorgeous little boy

 

[betsygee]

Such sad news. We'll close the thread now out of respect for your loss, and we invite you to post a tribute to your little one in our Crossing the Bridge forum.