Problems after spaying. (long)

7 months ago my son found an abandoned tiny kitten near his house. He asked me to take care of the kitty instead giving the kitty a death sentence at the local animal shelter. I've been through the bottle feeding routine before and in several weeks the little cat was playing and following me around like I was her mother. The kitten was undernourished, skinny and so ugly that she was actualy beautiful, solid black with a round white mark on her throat where where a Pearl would hang on a necklace. I named her "pearl". She's turned out to be a special kitten, my little shadow for the past several months.

10 days ago I took her to a local vet for routine spaying and all went normally for a couple of days. She was ambulatory, able to get to the box, water and food.

3-4 days post op I noticed a small lump at the surgical site, I called the vet and was told not to worry, "it's normal". In a few more days, she developed swelling in her left lower abdominal area that extends into her groin and has problems walking. Called the vet again and was told to start antibiotics and see her the next day. By this time, she stopped eating and drinking.

The following day I could tell that the vet was concerned since the kitty was sick and I was asking a lot of heavy questions. We've continued the antibiotics subcutaneous fluids at home and I bring Pearl to the office every morning. She has a fever, isn't getting better and the vet doesn't seem to know what to do.

I've got a 30 year history of practicing human medicine and if this happened to a person, my first thought would be an abdominal abscess from the surgery. Abscesses dont usually heal without being surgically drained,
It seems that the vet is going to just let Pearl die and not do anything invasive for the abscess. Maybe I'm wrong and there is no abscess. Complicated huh?

I think it will be hard to find a vet that will go behind another vet and fix a botched surgery with complications.

Any advice, experience, comments would be appreciated. I am trying to keep Pearl alive. It's a pity for something like this to happen from a common simple surgical procedure.

Have you suggested the abscess to him directly and asked him to check for that? Possibly it's a stupid question, but I would like to think that he just hasn't thought of it rather than that he is intentionally letting her suffer.

I say try another vet. Just like doctors and surgeons, some are good and some are bad. Your vet may be inexperienced in post surgical complications, but if he truly seems at a loss, you should seek outside help. I don't think you'll have a problem if you approach another vet regarding post-op complications. This doesn't necessarily mean anything was done wrong, so I'd steer clear of using the phrase "botched surgery" when talking to a possible new vet.

I agree, an abdominal abcess seems likely. However, complications from an abdominal surgery can progress into severe infections such as peritonitis or even sepsis (which you probably know), so I think quick action is required in this instance. Perhaps an emergency vet? Be persistant if they try to dismiss you because she's been seen by another doctor. Make it clear you want to know exactly what is happening in there and you want it taken care of NOW.

Good luck and please keep us updated. I hope something can be done for Pearl.

It does sound like an abcess and I think you should take her to another vet right away. They will probably be glad to help your little girl.

I'm so sorry to hear about this happening to your little Pearl and I hope she recovers quickly. Healing vibes for {({({({({(Pearl)})})})})} and to you during this stressful time.

I'ts difficult having some medical knowledge because if I open my mouth the vet thinks that I am getting into her business. Despite this, I've suggested that an abscess might be the cause.
I really try to trust the vet's knowledge and let them do their jobs without interfering but this problem is "hitting mighty close to home".

Originally Posted by Jazzpicker

I'ts difficult having some medical knowledge because if I open my mouth the vet thinks that I am getting into her business. Despite this, I've suggested that an abcess might be the cause.
I really try to trust the vet's knowledge and let them do their jobs without interfering but this problem is "hitting mighty close to home".

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I have some medical knowledge and find my vet is more than willing to hear what I have to say. She isn't offended if I offer up an idea, voice a concern or ask a question based on what I think might be happening. If you're unable to talk freely with your vet, I think you should find a new one!