Would appreciate cat health info

[matt819]

About 30 years ago I was a cat person for a short time, assuming ownership of a friend's Persian and then taking in a stray. Then I got married and became a dog person for the next 25 years. Then someone abandoned a Maine Coon at our barn, and I became a cat person again. And then a friend of a friend needed to find a home for his part Maine Coon, and I said yes.

In the no good deed goes unpunished category, this cat was a mess. He had/has ear problems - polyps that needed cauterization - he didn't get along with any of the others in our menagerie - but was a sweetie, and we're buds.

Then last week he develops a golf ball size abscess, which the vet removed and enjoyed regaling me with stories about the absolute stench and mess. Thanks, doc. Then he's on IV fluids, he's dropped 20% of this body weight, and is not well. I take him home on Wednesday and back in on Friday for more blood tests. The numbers - kidney function - were not good, and the prognosis was not good. The vet recommended that he come back in over the weekend for more IV fluids - with no oversight from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. I said no. If he's going to die, it will be on his terms, and ours, not alone in a kennel.

So we set him up in a spare room (well, it became a spare room once we knew he needed it) with his own water, food, litter box, etc., and fed him regularly.

So, here's where I come to the questions. He's eating, up to the equivalent of 2 large cat food cans a day, and drinking and peeing. He's less wobbly on his feet, can jump up about 2 feet to the window sill. He spend some time out of this carrying case (he loves his carrying case), usually sunning himself. I think he's coming around. The abscess wound is revolting beyond description, but it seems to be closing okay. Any other ideas from cat people here for hastening, or at least encouraging further healing? Any particular food or food combinations? Supplements? Old wives' rememdies?

Toby's a neutered male, anywhere between 5 and 10 years old.

Thanks.

[japple]

1. I had a male cat with a similar problem years ago, though it

wasn't nearly as bad as your cat. I put warm compresses on his abscess and held them there for awhile. It seemed to make him feel better. I would soak a washcloth in hot water, then pour a little peroxide on it and squeeze it out. Then, making sure it wasn't too hot, I would hold it on the wound until it was cool. He was a black cat, and the peroxide turned his fur around that area brown for awhile, but that didn't bother him a bit.

If your cat is eating, drinking, using his litter box, walking around and socializing, I'd say he's doing very well. Did the vet put a drain in it? Did he give you any antibiotics? I would keep him inside at least until the wound is better.

Best of luck to your boy, Toby. He sounds like a great cat.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. For starters, I would look for another veterinarian...

What kind of vet would suggest that a cat in Toby's condition be left unattended over a weekend????

Maine Coons are incredible cats. Toby will more than repay your effort with overflowing love and devotion and affection.

BTW..what was the source of the abcess..was there a fight in which he was scratched??

[emilyg]

3. Ditto on finding another vet.

When my Boo-Boo had an abscess - I applied warm washcloth to wound - very gently squeezed - very gently. Your cat sounds like he's recovering. Feed him his favorite food. I know this is a no-no - but I give a sick cat a little half and half.

[spooky3]

4. double ditto - I agree, you need a second opinion at the very least.

[badgerpup]

5. Is he on antibiotics?

My "mighty warriors" come home with abscesses from time to time, and I'll agree, they are beyond revolting. :puke:
Once the abscess is drained, Toby should have perked up a bit...get all that infection OUT of his body. My vet will usually give my guys* a shot of Clavamox^TM and a ten-day course of same to give orally. This takes care of the 'cat not feeling well' problem, and the main problem then is house arrest until the wound heals up- from the INSIDE.

Abscesses are cause usually by puncture wounds. The wound closes over the top, and all the bacteria and white blood cells etc. have a fine old battle, causing the lump. It's taking place in a pretty much anaerobic (low O₂) environment, which is why it STINKS to high heaven when it suppurates. They are an infection, which causes the cat's body temp to rise, and they'll go off their food and may become dehydrated. Supplemental liquid (when the vet gives it subcutaneously right under the 'scruff') doesn't hurt, and helps them feel better.

Do ask your second opinion vet about an antibiotic. You don't want to go throwing them around for every little thing, but an abscess really does need them to help speed healing and avoid re-infection.

Why yes, I've had to deal with an abscess or twenty...why do you ask? :crazy:


* My boys are ALL neutered males, but sometimes they WILL get into fights...especially Riktor, who seems to think he has something to prove.
Esme does not partipate in activities which would cause her to come up with an abscess...smart girl.

[CountAllVotes]

6. agree, go to another vet ASAP

I once had a Maine Coon too! He was prone to abscesses because of the type of cat they are - very curious indeed.

He ended up going for the Clamavox drops. He actually began to like them and would look forward to getting the drops because he knew he'd get better faster and he could go on with his life as a Maine Coon.

Glad to know he likes his carrier. Be sure to get him to another vet very soon.

:dem:

[Warpy]

7. I'd ask that vet about antibiotics

because with decreased renal function, they might not have been that good an idea since they're eliminated through the kidneys. One shot at the vet's office might have been it for him.

Maine Coons are very prone to renal disease. You can buy them some time by doing subcutaneous fluids, but there will come a time when the cat will rebel and you'll know it's time to say goodbye.

As for the abscess, they're revolting. All my cats have had drains to keep them open while they healed from the inside out, drains that required attention with peroxide and saline.

However, it seems like your old boy is perking up. Eating, drinking, peeing and pooping are all good, as is jumping into the sun to warm up. Renal failure in cats shows up when the cat is unable to drink enough fluid to make up for what pours out through his kidneys, so be on the lookout for that.

Just ask about the antibiotics. My cats were treated without them years ago and all recovered, but times have changed. Abscesses are usually the result of fights with other cats, whether yours or cats outside. It might be time to keep him indoors.

[badgerpup]

8. How is Toby doing?

:hi:
We can has update plz? Inquiring minds want to know!

[glinda]

9. Get another Vet. Also, kidney function can be worked with. I do subQ at home for my cat who has

only 25-30% function left.

[GoCubsGo]

10. Also, look into Azodyl

My 16-year-old kitty was just diagnosed with chronic renal failure. He also has only 25% of his function left. My vet put him on Azodyl, which is a supplement, so doesn't require prescription. It's a capsule full of strains of bacteria that eat urea. Essentially, they provide dialysis through the intestines. It's not a cure, but the chances are good that it will at least improve kitty's quality of life. My cat was feeling better within two days. His appetite picked up, and he is a bit more active. Almost back to his old self on some days.

http://www.azodyl.com/

You can purchase Azodyl at some vet's offices. Or, get it online. Entirely Pets seems to have the best prices. It has to be refrigerated, so if you aren't going to be home around the time the shipment arrives, the savings might not be worth the risk of the batch spoiling. It doesn't have any side effects, so even if it doesn't help kitty, it won't hurt him.