Panic .. Hand rearing kitten

I recieved a 2 hour old kitten from a local shelter when mom developed mastitis. That was 7 days ago. He has been doing really well and has been gaining weight slowly but steadly. We were having an issue with gas and diarrea. It was suggested that I give him Bene-Bac. I gave him the perscribed tube (gel) early this afternoon prior to his feeding. Since this time his gas appears to have subsided however, his already red and swollen anus is now even more so. Prior to this evening I was using polysporin antibiotic cream on his anus. We have had the assistance of your young Pug mix when the kitten has eliminated. There is now some bright red blood being eliminated and his little toosh is swollen. I ran out and purchased some Aloe wipes (no alcohol) and Penaten cream (no zinc). He has been so distressed this evening with his present circumstance that only a warm bath and blow dry was calming him. He has eaten a small amount of KMR .. and is now .. at last sleeping. Does anyone have any idea of how to deal with the swollen bottom?? I realize the bright red blood is nothing to get overly worried about but he is sooooo sore. I will be feeding him smaller amounts and alternating him between the KMR and pedialite for at least the next 24 hours until I see how he is doing. Any other suggestions??

Can you maybe wipe him with a wet paper towel instead of the aloe wipes? I've known (human) babies that were sensitive to even the gentlest of wipes and needed plain water. Also, make sure to totally dry him after you wipe him.

I don't know what else to tell you, but I hope he starts to feel better!

i don't know what to tell you about the bottom - i think that calls for a vet visit, myself.
there's a very good link for hand-rearing kittens here: hand-rearing kittens. hopefully it'll have some useful info.

I only started using the aloe wipes .. He was being cleaned by my dog .. which appeared to be working out quite well =) I will use cooled boiled water on his bottom with a cotton ball .. I have been asked to use a sugar compress on his little bum to help with the healing.

You can use a tiny bit of desitin on his bum and instead of stimulating him with water (or the pug's tongue) switch to mineral oil instead. Warm it up a bit in the microwave, just about 4 seconds to help take the sting out of it. You can also dilute his KMR with a bit more water making elimination a bit easier on him, plus giving him much-needed fluids he lost during diarrhea. If there is a lot of blood and it is bright red then there is need for concern, he needs to see a vet NOW. If it is mixed with mucous that is also an immediate vet visit. A feline specialist is better- they are more knowledgeable with the really young ones. You can also refer to my website www.kitten-rescue.com or drop me a PM if you like and I will help all I can. Been there, done that many times.

Well, we made it though the evening very comfortably The sugar water compress really appears to have taken the irritation down. He is now our little sugar bum boy =) I like the idea of using the mineral oil to stimulate him. He had a bath this morning and his favorite blow dry .. then off to see the vet tech at the shelter. He is doing quite well and I will continue with the sugar water compress 3 - 4 times a day. He was so distressed yesterday that I was beside myself. I have been raising orphaned kittens for many years and when they are this tiny I tend to panic a bit more than usual I will try the mineral oil .. wonder if extra virgin olive oil would do the same? No blood on his little bottom today