Plz help! Kitten suddenly lathargic and rapid breathing!

Took in a stray cat about 2 weeks ago. He's about 6 weeks old, maybe a little older.

Yesterday we noticed that he was in his bed the whole day, just sitting there curled up, not really sleeping nor fully awake.
We took him out and he would take a few steps and slowly curl up in place.

Measured his respiratory rate and it was 80 breaths per min...really high. Oddly, he ate when we gave him food, although not as excitedly as before. After food he goes back to his curled up position, weak, lathergic.

Took him to the vet, the only vet around here, and to our surprise, he seemed way better when we took him out of his carrier to be examined. The vet took his temperature, heart rate, weight and felt around and declared him fine. He did poop in his carrier, if that means anything.

Ran a few errands, and went home. Took him out and now he is back to go how he was, or even worst. His breathing is heavy, whines when you pick him up, extremely weak, he can barely keep himself up. Once in a while he would contract his stomach similar to how when cat are about to vomit or cough out a hair ball. His eyes are half shut...he just looks and acts very weak...sick. Vet is not really that knowledgeable. Needless to say, we really don't want him dying on us.

Any idea what is going on based on the symptoms I described above. Appreciate any help I can get!

since he was better at the vet, does he improve when you take him outside?

I dont know, didnt try taking him out

Forgot to mention, when we got back home, he wouldnt eat but when we gave him fresh water, he kept drinking for at least 15 mins.

catwoman707

Asking for help here please!

He is not getting any better. He can barely move now, or open his eyes. His nostrils were flaring trying to breathe earlier.

It may be too late. He may have pneumonia. Just hold him and comfort him. I am so sorry your little one is struggling. You could try a little smear of karo syrup or honey on his lips to see if he perks up. If he makes it until morning, get him back to the vet asap. Maybe he needs an antibiotic. Otherwise, comfort him and pray. It does not sound good. They do not all make it. He must have contracted an infection of some sort. So very sorry.

He needs to go back to the vet. If it's late, can you take him the an emerg vet?

He sounds like he's fading fast good luck!

Thats the thing. No emergency vet. Only one vet around here and he's no Einstein. I am just hoping for somone knowledgeable to come forth. Gave him an IM injection of dexamethasone earlier, hoping for the best.

You gave him the dex?

Do you have anything to give him subq fluids?

Try giving him some corn syrup or honey, rubbed on his gums. Keep him warm and try to get him to drink, not to fast but he has to stay hydrated.

Do you know what his temp is?

This is very common with vets and kittens, they just don't have the experience that rescuers do unfortunately.

I do not think he is fine at all.

I think maybe his breathing is being restricted possibly due to flat chested syndrome, or a heart condition he was born with that has increased as he has grown.

No, it doesn't sound good, not at all.

The rapid breathing doesn't mean he is dying, unless he is unable to breathe enough oxygen of course, which flat chested syndrome will most definitely do.

He listened to his heart good?

Vet may not even recognize FCK, can you look? Turn him on his back and look at the shape of his rib cage, is it well rounded or does it seem rather flat in front?

SilverPhoenix69 said:

You gave him the dex?

Do you have anything to give him subq fluids?

Try giving him some corn syrup or honey, rubbed on his gums. Keep him warm and try to get him to drink, not to fast but he has to stay hydrated.

Do you know what his temp is?

Click to expand...

gave him ringer lactate earlier, not much though as he was fighting me. Ill try the honey right now. Temp is 101.3

catwoman707 said:

This is very common with vets and kittens, they just don't have the experience that rescuers do unfortunately.

I do not think he is fine at all.
I think maybe his breathing is being restricted possibly due to flat chested syndrome, or a heart condition he was born with that has increased as he has grown.

No, it doesn't sound good, not at all.

The rapid breathing doesn't mean he is dying, unless he is unable to breathe enough oxygen of course, which flat chested syndrome will most definitely do.

He listened to his heart good?

Vet may not even recognize FCK, can you look? Turn him on his back and look at the shape of his rib cage, is it well rounded or does it seem rather flat in front?

Click to expand...

Its round. Vet put his stethoscope on and seemed to have throughly listened in different places. Asked me if i gave him milk several times, dont know what that was about

He's got his head cocked back, mouth open, breathing through mouth i guess. He also went #2 without moving...light brown, solid, soft...normal from what i can tell.

I'm sorry just hold him and comfort him. I don't think there is much more you can do at this point for the little one. Hold him close to your chest and just talk and pet him gently. Be careful he cNr bite you by mistake, he won't mean to hurt you

He's not doing well. Just offer comfort. He may not make it until morning.

How is the situation with your kitten?

Open mouth breathing tells me he is passing away.

It looks like gasps of air, not fast but slow.

He may have gotten pneumonia, although the rapid breathing yesterday I've never seen in pneumonia kittens. 

May be a heart defect inherited, sometimes we just never really know for sure.

I'm so very sorry, I know you are trying your best.

All you can do is your best to hold him and comfort him and offer food and water when needed.
I am so sorry to hear this, I have seen cats bounce back from things, But it seems he is real bad.
I wish him the most loves and comforts he can have in this time.
 

I know its a bit late but i just wanted to update you. Not such good news. Poor thing didnt make it through the night.

Thank you all so very much for your support xoxo