Two orphaned kittens, maggot issues...

This is great news!!

You are literally saving their lives now.

Feels pretty great huh?!  

It does, but the last feeding didn't go as well. I was barely able to get them both to drink 3ml again and they seem lethargic. I will be up all night with them, and praying they make it [emoji]128150[/emoji]

How often are you feeding them?

Are they peeing and pooping? You may need to stimulate them to potty.

You can smear a dab of honey on their gums before the next feeding to try and perk them up.

Hopefully they will pull through the night and you can get them on meds from the vet tomorrow.

They should actually be eliminating on their own just fine at this point, although whether or not you have seen any poop yet is unknown since there was surely a period where they did not consume anything, which will cause some delay with that.

Who determined their age? Just wonder how accurate this is. I wish you had a scale to weigh them, it would have to weigh in ounces.

Don't go getting upset already, they did great a short time ago.

Why do you say lethargic?

Do they still have loads of fleas and lice?

Did you look at their gums color?

catwoman707

Weights are in Post #14.

I was wondering about age also.

Pictures in Post #8.

sarthur2 said:

@catwoman707

Weights are in Post #14.

I was wondering about age also.

Pictures in Post #8.

Click to expand...

So they're actually closer to 3 weeks, which explains why they were not interested in the mush, but soon will be.

Thanks sarthur!

If they are on the young side of 3 weeks, they may need a heat source.  Kittens under 3 weeks can't regulate their body temp yet and need to be warm to digest their food.  The KMR should also be warm.

Handsome Kitty said:

 
If they are on the young side of 3 weeks, they may need a heat source.  Kittens under 3 weeks can't regulate their body temp yet and need to be warm to digest their food.  The KMR should also be warm.

Click to expand...

Right, anyways, the weak and sick always do freeze, so a heat source is never wrong, even if they are 3+ weeks.

tdurkee said:

It does

Click to expand...

Thanks soo much everyone!! They have pulled through the night so far, but the female is refusing any food at this point. She just drools it back out, and seems to be loosing control of her body. She is very weak and not real responsive. I don't have a heating pad (some raccoons I fostered for the state destroyed it this spring), so I did take a soda bottle and filled it with hot water and wrapped it in a blanket, and they are both cuddled up to that now. The little male is still eating 7ml at a feeding. I am feeding every 1-2hrs, depending on how much they will eat at a time. Their gums are a pasty white color. I see no live fleas on them anymore, but still a ton of larvae I can't even get to come off with a lice comb. As for their age, I was told by the person who gave them to me, but she could definetely be wrong, and they could be younger.

Oh, dear, it sounds like the one who is not eating is fading and may not make it, though the other kitten sounds like he's doing better. I hope you can get to the vet today. Warm water bottle is a good idea! They do need a heat source.

Sadly, both kittens passed away this morning. My heart breaks for them, I really tried, but their little bodies just weren't strong enough

I am so sorry. I surely hoped the one that was still eating might make it. I guess their health issues were too great. They surely passed feeling warm, safe, loved and cared for. You truly did everything you could to give them a chance. It's always sad when little ones don't make it. Thank you for caring for them.

Awe, thank you for your kind words! I couldn't agree more, it breaks your heart when they don't make it, but at least I know we tried our best. The condition they came in really makes me wonder what their bodies were like internally They have a forever resting place near my favorite flowering bush [emoji]128158[/emoji]

Very, very sorry to hear this.

We have no way of knowing if they are just too far damaged and on their way out or whether they can be saved, but you truly did your very best, and they did not die alone or a slow and suffering death, they had you, what an enormous difference this made for them, believe this.

Now, you will have 2 little angels over your shoulders. Bodies couldn't pull through but their spirits and energy are still there.

RIP 2 little bugs.             

Thank you all much, you are making me cry! I just felt like a failure when they didn't make it, but your words make me feel much differently [emoji]128150[/emoji][emoji]128150[/emoji][emoji]128150[/emoji]

I'm sorry for you and these baby kitties... you did so much, but sometimes love just ain't enough.

You did what you could, they did know love and care in their short lives, that's all they ever wanted. I'm so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you.

tdurkee said:

It does, but the last feeding didn't go as well. I was barely able to get them both to drink 3ml again and they seem lethargic. I will be up all night with them, and praying they make it [emoji]128150[/emoji]

Click to expand...

catwoman707 said:

 
Very, very sorry to hear this.

We have no way of knowing if they are just too far damaged and on their way out or whether they can be saved, but you truly did your very best, and they did not die alone or a slow and suffering death, they had you, what an enormous difference this made for them, believe this.

Now, you will have 2 little angels over your shoulders. Bodies couldn't pull through but their spirits and energy are still there.

RIP 2 little bugs.     

   

   

Click to expand...

I like that idea.   Having your own guardian angels whom you yourself did created,  as long as your love and effort were honest enough.

In time of your own great need, and praying and begging for Gods help, you will have your own  intermediairies and helpers up there.

Such sad news.  On behalf of the TCS Team, we offer our condolences.  The thread will be locked now out of respect for your loss.  If you wish, you are welcome to post a tribute to these kittens in our Crossing the Bridge forum here:  http://www.thecatsite.com/f/19/crossing-the-bridge