Need some serious help for a friend *graphic pictures*

oranges81

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My friend's cat was attacked by something. We don't know what. She has taken him to a vet numerous times and they're only advice right now is either steroids or PTS. I'm advising that she get a second opinion since the vet she's seeing now isn't doing crap...

I got a list of things that she's been doing so far and what's happening to the cat:
Vit E - to prevent itching. The wounds are drying up and causing rubbing and scratching.
There may be a disease that runs in the family that would be treated with steroids.
There are open sores, itching, he's pulling the hair out of his feet and the sore won't heal.
He's vomiting and dehydrated. BUT he is eating fine. I'm giving her a syringe to get water in to his system.
He's got a deformation on his lips, almost like they've melted away.
He's constantly scratching and grooming himself.
He can't wear a cone due to a wound on his neck.

*Warning! Some of the pictures are graphic*






Again, she has seen a vet and I am recommending she get a second opinion. I'm giving her a syringe to get some water into him. She also gave him an antihistamine. Nothing has helped.
 

snake_lady

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Did the vet at least give antibiotics or any ointment for the wounds?

I have to echo getting a 2nd opinion ASAP..... the cat needs some antibiotics at the very minimum, perhaps some meds to help stop vomitting, and he needs fluids if he's dehydrated.

The only other suggestion: I don't know what he's eating, but try meat baby food.... full of nutrition, gentle on stomach, and helps with hydration (it might help him not vomit). Aside from that, feeding him wet food, and trying to keep the wounds clean till your friend can get him into a different vet.

I hope your friend gets to a different vet soon

poor kitty
 
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oranges81

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Thanks, she's feeding him wet food and tuna as well as kibble. I'm sending her an email tonight with some idea's. No the vet didn't give her anything other then a weeks worth of antibiotics, said to give him an antihistamine, and sent her home.
I did recommend giving the cat (Jade) another antihistamine to help with the itching but I'm not sure if it works the same in cats as it does dogs.
 

ldg

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If he's constantly scratching and grooming himself, he's also probably allergic to something or has some type of parasite.

He needs to see another vet for a second opinion ASAP. Until he can get to a vet, they may want to try feeding him ONLY chicken baby food with a little water mixed in. Some cats are allergic to chicken - but most allergy problems are grain-related. So start eliminating things now.




Laurie
 

carolina

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Oh my Gosh... poor baby!! Yep, I also agree he needs to see another vet ASAP.
 
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oranges81

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Originally Posted by LDG

If he's constantly scratching and grooming himself, he's also probably allergic to something or has some type of parasite.

He needs to see another vet for a second opinion ASAP. Until he can get to a vet, they may want to try feeding him ONLY chicken baby food with a little water mixed in. Some cats are allergic to chicken - but most allergy problems are grain-related. So start eliminating things now.




Laurie
The constant grooming is new. Just started after the attack. She's feeding the same food he's eaten since she got him and his brother as kittens. I'll mention the allergy thing thou to her. Anything at this moment would help.
 

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I am not a vet, however I don't think this kitty was attacked by something, or at least that is not his only problem.

Steroids are common treatment for indolent ulcer (lip malformation) also for autoimmune illnesses.

To me it looks and sounds like this kitty is self mutilating due to an allergic or autoimmune type problem. I have a friend who kitty just had to get a steroid shot and surgery for the same type of thing.

Is this kitty FIV positive?

He needs fluids, now. your friend either needs to get him to the vet on IVs or need to have them show her how to do Sub-Q fluids and get the supplies. He will die, quickly, if not kept hydrated.

I agree with Snake Lady, antibiotics are also necessary.

I am inclined to agree that steroids are also needed.

If the wounds are to be left open while other treatments are started to stop the self mutilation, ask about hydro therapy to help them heal. I had to do this with a necrotic wound on a kitty that there was not enough skin to suture closed. It works wonderfully, and will help those wounds heal in 10 days or so. However this is ONLY if the underlying issue is treated.
 
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oranges81

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Originally Posted by kittymonsters

Is this kitty FIV positive?

He needs fluids, now. your friend either needs to get him to the vet on IVs or need to have them show her how to do Sub-Q fluids and get the supplies. He will die, quickly, if not kept hydrated.
No he's not FIV positive. Like I said, I gave her a syringe to get water in to his system until she can get him in on Monday. All the vets are closed on weekends. Small town and all.. Really annoying.
 

kittymonsters

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Originally Posted by oranges81

No he's not FIV positive. Like I said, I gave her a syringe to get water in to his system until she can get him in on Monday. All the vets are closed on weekends. Small town and all.. Really annoying.
I understand you gave her a syringe to get water into him, however if he is vomiting he is not going to get any of that hydration. Also, since he is already in a serious state of dehydration even if he was keeping the fluids down, she is not going to be able to get enough down him to correct the imbalance quickly enough.

All vets must have emergency back up ( used to work for a rural vet) I used to live in a town of less than 300 people in the middle of nowhere. I had to drive 3 hours to the emergency vet. Call the vet, they should have a message on who to call in case of an after hours emergency.

If this kitty is as badly dehydrated as your original post sounds he needs emergency help.


Please look at this link on rodent (indolent) ulcer
http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/eulcer.html

the photo looks just like the photo of your friends kitty.
 
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oranges81

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The vets do have an emergency number but it's a slim chance that they answer the message. I'm not sure how often he's vomiting thou. He's still active and playful so he must getting some fluids from the wet food. I will pass on the urgency of hydration thou.

You're right. That does look like Jade.
 
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oranges81

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The local cat rescue has agreed to foot the vet bill so Jade is getting a full blood panel. And my friend got him to drink some water! So things are looking up!
 

carolina

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I think Kitty monsters is right on the $$$ with Rodent Ulcer... When did this start? Was it all of the sudden? Was there a change of food?
Do you know what kibble he is eating? About the Tuna - if he is eating canned food and kibbles, please advise her to quit feeding Tuna. Tuna made for human consumption is dangerous for cats if fed often, and fish is a high allergen, which can be causing the vomiting and the scratching...

I hope he gets well soon.... If you live in a small town, with not many vets, I would print some information about Rodent Ulcer and take to discuss it with the doctor...

Poor baby!!! Many vibes for this sweet pie...
 
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oranges81

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I believe he eats Whiskas with tuna packaged especially for cats and they only get twice a week. It started about a month ago, after he got in to a fight (which started this whole mess. Lol)
I have sent her an email with the idea's I've received and am going to send her some more info on the ulcer.

Thanks for all the help!! I can't believe how much I learned in one day. I think my brain melted out my ears...
 

ldg

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Just FYI, cats can develop food allergies. I have no idea if that's what the problem is (as I mentioned, it could be some type of skin infection/parasite problem). But feeding the same food doesn't mean anything if an allergy has developed.


Laurie
 

kittymonsters

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That is good news about the Cat Rescue being willing to help Jade. I hope you get him in today and that he gets started on the road to recovery.

Please keep up posted on how things are going. I will be keeping him in my thoughts and sending lots of for his recovery.
 
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oranges81

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Originally Posted by LDG

Just FYI, cats can develop food allergies. I have no idea if that's what the problem is (as I mentioned, it could be some type of skin infection/parasite problem). But feeding the same food doesn't mean anything if an allergy has developed.


Laurie
Didn't know that. I'll remember that. Jade's at the vets right now and is on an IV. He survived the weekend and is now going through testing. BF is going up today to support our friend.
 
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