Kittens with diarrhea

My kitties and I are new here, but I thought it would be nice to know if anyone else has had this problem. I brought home 3 kittens this past weekend, and found out all too soon that the male, Max, was having bad diarrhea. (Thank goodness the kittens took to the litter box right away!) He even had blood in his stool, which really scared me. Then his sister Maggie started having diarrhea, too. I took all three to the vet Monday, but they said the kittens were too small to use a very comprehensive de-wormer. They gave them each a dose of Strongid and sent me home with some ProPectalin to help stop the diarrhea.

It seemed to work at first, but then yesterday Max's diarrhea got worse...really runny and still bloody. And Molly started having a little loose stool now, too. My regular vet was out of town, so today I took them to another animal hospital in town. This time I took a stool sample so they could test it for parasites. The doctor said they couldn't see any parasites, although he said you can't always see giardia (which I had already read about online). But they did find what he called "bacterial overgrowth," so he prescribed some Albon for me to give the furbabies. I'm really hoping this works. I hate seeing my little darlings feeling ill. I've only had them 6 days, but I am already so attatched! Has anyone else had kitties with this problem? Does the Albon work pretty fast? I hope so!

Albon also treats a common parasite that causes diarrhea called Coccidia, which is dangerous in kittens if untreated. Its not just the diarrhea thats dangerous, its the cause which is the destruction of the lining of the intestines. You may not see results for a week, and my rescue group's vet does a 3 week protocal with Albon, 1 week on, 1 week off, and a 3d week on, and that's if the stool is firm at the end of the first week. If it isn't then we continue to treat with Albon.

There are basically 4 causes of diarrhea in kittens.
1-Too fast a change in diet - fairly mild symptoms.
2- Worms. Again not necessaroly bad diarrhea.
3- Coccidia, bad diarrhea, usually very stinky
4- Giardia, bad and often dark and very smelly.

How old are they? If under 10-12 weeks (or even if they're not, it won't hurt them) you should get them some powder KMR formula and some clear unflavored pedialyte. Follow the formula directions but use half pedialyte for the water you should add - mix this in with their wet food to make a soupy to mushy gruel. This will help keep them from getting dehydrated and losing too much nutrients and electrolytes from the diarrhea.
Let them have this meal a couple times a day.

Originally Posted by stephenq

There are basically 4 causes of diarrhea in kittens.
1-Too fast a change in diet - fairly mild symptoms.
2- Worms. Again not necessaroly bad diarrhea.
3- Coccidia, bad diarrhea, usually very stinky
4- Giardia, bad and often dark and very smelly.

Click to expand...

I'd like to add #5 to this list - Tritrichomonas Foetus. Although it's not as well known in cats, studies have shown that up to 1/3 of cats in certain populations (namely purebred cats and possibly shelter kitties) have TTF. My abyssinian kitten was just diagnosed and I am in the process of treating her now. If you find that all tests come up negative and traditional treatment options fail, I suggest asking your vet to test for TTF.

Good luck with your new babies!

The vet said that they couldn't find any parasites, just bacteria, so I hope that's all it is. I have been continuing doses of the propectalin, and now that they're on the albon it seems to be helping. They have to go back in on June 16th for their first shots and such, so I'm hoping they'll be back to normal by then. They seem to be feeling alot better already, actually. They have very good appetites and are drinking plenty of water, urinating regularly and all that, so I'm not worried about them getting dehydrated.

Thanks for your helpful comments!

I agree with tamgirl99 on the Tritrichomonas. Trich will not show up on any slide or test given for bacteria or parastites done at a vet's office or most labs, it needs special handling and testing at a lab that does the test. You did not say where you got your kittens. Trich is common in shelters and catteries, it is contagious and will often have bacteria overgrowth with Clostridium or other bacteria or parasites. I have two cats that are 2 yrs. old and I have been dealing with this for the whole time I have had them, since they were 12 weeks. I have had just about every test known for bacteria and parasites, all were normal. They have had a bacteria overgrowth also and have been treated with probiotics, antibiotics and other supplements. Dr. Gookins lab did testing and my girls are positive, I hope to start treating them next week. I suggest you search under Jody Gookin and read her information on this parasite, not many vets are aware or experienced in this yet. DO NOT treat without testing as the medication, Ronidazole, can have side effects.
Good luck
twokatz

Thanks twocats...
I guess I forgot about this thread, or I would have updated it! The kittens were back to normal once they finished the Albon treatment. I guess whatever was wrong, that took care of it! They got their first booster shots on June 16th, and the vet gave them a clean bill of health. They have gained alot of weight, which is a good thing...and they are just as playful and silly and healthy as can be!

That is good news. Keep Trich in mind as it comes and goes, some cats clear themselves but can have episodes from stress, diet change, you name it. Hope is stays clear, If it doesn't it could still be the Trich.

Twokatz