I posted on Friday about my cat, Cassidy, and the fact that she had a bout with diarrhea. For those interested, you can read the thread I posted here: http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=219345. I was not able to get a fecal sample to bring to the vet, but her stools have returned to normal since Friday and are well-formed and not overly odiferous. And, after speaking with my vet, I was told that so long as things remained static, I didn't need to worry about rushing her in. However, I'm now concerned as a potential new issue has presented itself.
Since Cassidy had such bad diarrhea which had matted to her fur and irritated her rectum, I have been keeping a watchful eye on her bottom. Actually, between my roommate and I, we have been taking a peek at least twice a day to ensure that there is no swelling or inflammation. I am usually the one to hold her while my roommate looks, but, this afternoon, I decided to get a quick glimpse on my own. Well, what I found has me very concerned. Please bear with me as I try to explain what I saw...
If you look at Cassidy's rectum, it seems normal. Perhaps slightly dirty, but nothing that would cause me to want to bathe her or wipe her -- especially considering she is sensitive in that area. However, about 1/2'' to 3/4'' below her anal opening and to the left, there is a pink flap of skin. It looks swollen and there is no fur covering it. It appears to be the color of her skin and is neither warm or hot to the touch, but it is definitely irritated. The area looks moist, but it doesn't feel that way. And, since we clipped her hair on Friday following her bout with diarrhea, it's difficult to tell whether she has licked away the hair, the "lump" is protruding through the skin, or is just coming up through the fur. But, one thing is certain, it is not normal.
I would usually rush her to the E-vet, but she seems okay in every other way. She does not feel feverish and she has no problem sitting or laying down (though she does resist my trying to look at the area, but it's hard to know whether she would resist me despite the irritated flap of skin). She is eating and drinking, urinating and defecating, and behaving normally. She even played some with the other cats and with a wand toy. So, I feel safe with waiting to talk to my regular vet in the morning and bringing her in then. And, after talking to not one, but two emergency vet clinics, they agree that waiting would be appropriate in this situation. But, until then, I'm worried.
I know I don't have to explain the concern I feel over having my precious baby dealing with an unknown medical problem. And, with my emotions all over the place, it's difficult to think clearly. I have horrible fears of her dying or who-knows-what flashing through my head and I can't seem to regulate my feelings. I operate by knowing what I am dealing with. This being unknown territory makes me nervous and uncomfortable. Neither of the vets I spoke with tonight were willing to offer up suggestions as to what may be going on, but I know that this is abnormal and needs to be checked out. And, I assure you, she will be seen by my vet tomorrow. But, until then, what do I do? How do I remain calm?
I am very certain I'm not dealing with a warble or anything of the like even though that possibility was mentioned in my original thread. We don't have too many insects in the house and she is being kept clean and dry. I know she had a period of time where she was messed (I was not home at the time), but she has since been bathed, dried, and groomed. And, as I said earlier, we're keeping an eye on her. My gut says that this is either an abscess or, more likely, an issue regarding her anal sacs. The flap of skin is below her anus (less than an inch below) and to the left -- perhaps at 7:00 or 8:00 if looking at a clock. It almost looks like a deflated testicle, if that helps. Does this ring a bell to anyone? I could really use the expertise or experience of others.
Please remind me that my precious girl will be okay. She really seems alright in every other way, but I know that it can't be comfortable for her. I'd like to, at the very least, have something to go by, but I just don't know. I will be calling the vet first thing in the morning and she'll be going in as soon as possible. But, please, in the meantime, both Cass and I can use your prayers, vibes, and support. Thank you.
Since Cassidy had such bad diarrhea which had matted to her fur and irritated her rectum, I have been keeping a watchful eye on her bottom. Actually, between my roommate and I, we have been taking a peek at least twice a day to ensure that there is no swelling or inflammation. I am usually the one to hold her while my roommate looks, but, this afternoon, I decided to get a quick glimpse on my own. Well, what I found has me very concerned. Please bear with me as I try to explain what I saw...
If you look at Cassidy's rectum, it seems normal. Perhaps slightly dirty, but nothing that would cause me to want to bathe her or wipe her -- especially considering she is sensitive in that area. However, about 1/2'' to 3/4'' below her anal opening and to the left, there is a pink flap of skin. It looks swollen and there is no fur covering it. It appears to be the color of her skin and is neither warm or hot to the touch, but it is definitely irritated. The area looks moist, but it doesn't feel that way. And, since we clipped her hair on Friday following her bout with diarrhea, it's difficult to tell whether she has licked away the hair, the "lump" is protruding through the skin, or is just coming up through the fur. But, one thing is certain, it is not normal.
I would usually rush her to the E-vet, but she seems okay in every other way. She does not feel feverish and she has no problem sitting or laying down (though she does resist my trying to look at the area, but it's hard to know whether she would resist me despite the irritated flap of skin). She is eating and drinking, urinating and defecating, and behaving normally. She even played some with the other cats and with a wand toy. So, I feel safe with waiting to talk to my regular vet in the morning and bringing her in then. And, after talking to not one, but two emergency vet clinics, they agree that waiting would be appropriate in this situation. But, until then, I'm worried.
I know I don't have to explain the concern I feel over having my precious baby dealing with an unknown medical problem. And, with my emotions all over the place, it's difficult to think clearly. I have horrible fears of her dying or who-knows-what flashing through my head and I can't seem to regulate my feelings. I operate by knowing what I am dealing with. This being unknown territory makes me nervous and uncomfortable. Neither of the vets I spoke with tonight were willing to offer up suggestions as to what may be going on, but I know that this is abnormal and needs to be checked out. And, I assure you, she will be seen by my vet tomorrow. But, until then, what do I do? How do I remain calm?
I am very certain I'm not dealing with a warble or anything of the like even though that possibility was mentioned in my original thread. We don't have too many insects in the house and she is being kept clean and dry. I know she had a period of time where she was messed (I was not home at the time), but she has since been bathed, dried, and groomed. And, as I said earlier, we're keeping an eye on her. My gut says that this is either an abscess or, more likely, an issue regarding her anal sacs. The flap of skin is below her anus (less than an inch below) and to the left -- perhaps at 7:00 or 8:00 if looking at a clock. It almost looks like a deflated testicle, if that helps. Does this ring a bell to anyone? I could really use the expertise or experience of others.
Please remind me that my precious girl will be okay. She really seems alright in every other way, but I know that it can't be comfortable for her. I'd like to, at the very least, have something to go by, but I just don't know. I will be calling the vet first thing in the morning and she'll be going in as soon as possible. But, please, in the meantime, both Cass and I can use your prayers, vibes, and support. Thank you.
