Bloody backside and slight odor on pregnant cat

jasnow

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Hi, I took in a stray cat who is under a year old who I found out later to be pregnant. She is at least 7 weeks on, probably more as Ive had her 7 weeks and she got pregnant before I got her.. Three days ago she had a bloody mucus discharge and I took her to the hospital because she wasn't having contractions and they said it could be serious, but when I got there they said she seemed fine and should deliver in the next 24 hours. Her temperature then was 99.5F. Since she has not had any signs of labor and I can still see a kitten moving in her. Her vulva is coated in dry blood and in the last day she has started to smell poorly. This could be because she can't clean herself properly. She has had no signs of a fever or distress. She won't let me touch her stomach much or clean her back side. She displayed some bearing behavior 3 days ago but since then has stopped. She has been moved to different houses a few times and is under stress from moving here 3 days ago. She has not been painting only breathing deeply occasionally. I'm worried a kitten has died in her and don't know if I should take her to see a vet again
 
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jasnow

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I meant to write she has displayed nesting behavior 3 days ago but since has stopped
 

StefanZ

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I will return in one hour and try to answer.

Please continue to describe if there are any other details you see....
 
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StefanZ

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The situation is  touchy.   With a human woman I wouldnt think twice, I would strongly recommend you, even urge, to go to hospital and do a cesarean, to be on the safe side.

With cats its more complicated.  They manage a little too long pregnancies better than humans, but  too short, premature pregnancies much worse.

So a too early cesarean will save the mom for sure, but will endanger, or perhaps even kill the kittens.

The mucus usually falls off shortly before the works/labor begins. 

Shortly before, but its not unheard of it goes already even a week before. There dont need to be complications - even if theoretically there are dangers of infection if no mucus to close off the passage into vagina.  Especielly if the hygiene is not the best.

Kittens dont move much the last days before delivery, when they are down in their birthing position.  Also, you dont find them in their old place which you become used to...   If you arent used to palpate, it may be difficult to feel them. And she doesnt want you to touch her. (is she a little shy or does it hurts her??).

Its common they dont nest for real before very shortly before the delivery, or even - firstly after.  they dont want to soil their favorite nesting place, not to endanger their kittens if there are any predators around.

You tell she doenst seems to be in distress, nor run any fever?  Good.  (you can measure fever in her armpit. Its a little lower there than in her behind, but its not as invasive nor stressing like measuring in the behind).

Ok, to try and summarize.

I suppose you CAN try to wait and see.  Making sure she is not stressed.  Observing and watching like a hawk if she gets fever or colored discharges or other signs of problems.  If so - asap to the vets!.

But the only safe recommendation is you contact this vet again, and talk through.  If possible, begin with phoning, so you dont need to stress her as yet, it this is a problem.

But be prepared the vet wants to see her in person, - he almost surely will want to examine her,

and be prepared the vet wants to make the cesarean - whatever the exact result.      In this case, be also prepared to  help somewhat premature kittens (if you are lucky and they are alive and healthy).

If you are mentally prepared for premature kittens, you do increase their chances.   Im aware you dont have much time to read on and get home suitable gears,

This is an asap errand.

Good luck!   *vibes!*

(some  typos and some wording.corrected)
 
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jasnow

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Thanks a lot. I'm calling the vet again
 

tulosai

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How is she getting on? 

i am glad you have called the vet. What concerns me most is the odor.  Bad odors are usually not a good sign. 
 
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jasnow

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We saw the vet, and she said Lily looks okay, and she wasn't concerned about the bleeding. She cleaned up her backside and thinks the odor was from her anal glands since she hasn't been able to clean herself. She gave us an antibiotic just in case the bleeding causes an infection. She says since her milk isn't in that she expects a few days to a week before we have kittens. She said it was really good that Lily didn't have a fever and was eating and drinking normally so I'm going to pick up the prescription and try to keep her clean. The vet made me feel much better, keeping my fingers crossed.again, thanks so much!
 

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Sounds good!   Well done!

Did the vet said something about the kittens?   I presume they are still alive as the vet saw it, otherwise you could spay her immediately.
 
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jasnow

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The vet could feel movement and said there was good reason to hope they were fine, I'll post on here when I know more! Lily seems just fine right now and has been cuddling on my lap
 
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jasnow

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Good news! I came home today to find Lily mom cat with kittens under my bed on my favorite blanket..! They all look good, can't be sure for now. There was one dead kitten but it looked underdeveloped and had no fur, I'm guessing it probably did when she started bleeding. Lily had pushed it away from the rest, and I cleaned it up and moved her and the kittens to a clean bed gently. Not sure if labor is done, just waiting for now!! Lily is nursing now and looks good.
 
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