Spay complications in cat I took in. Help!

Hi,

I took in a cat who was abandoned in a carrying case in front of a friends house 3 or 4 weeks ago. It was not my plan at this point in my life to take on another pet (I have three dogs and a ferret already) but my friend could not do anything to help her and I couldn't just let her go to a shelter and go to sleep.

Since taking her in, I brought her to my regular vet and after a $200 bill, walked out knowing at least that she was healthy, about 6-8 months old (but small) and now up-to-date on her vaccinations and in need of being spayed. They wanted to charge me between $450 and $500 to spay her. There was absolutely no way I could afford that right now so I was thankful when I found a place that does stray cats for $60.

She went in nine days ago, I brought her home the next morning… They recommended no cone and less I saw her biting or's looking at the stitches excessively. After a couple of days I really she was biting at the stitches, so I picked up an inflatable collar hoping that that would solve the problem and be more comfortable. It seemed to work at first but then about three days ago, I was checking the incision and realize that she got into it somehow and quite badly… She had it enough small areas and there was dried blood and some bloody residue on her skin on her belly. However, it did not look like the skin itself was red or swollen or indicative of an infection. I called the place that she got done they recommended cleaning it gently with some warm water and putting some Neosporin on it and getting a plastic cone. I have done all that. Since getting the cone, the incisions appear to be scabbing over which I've read is normal I notice she still somehow licking the insides of her legs, but I can't imaginethat there is any possible way that she's getting her stitches. However, today I noticed one of the scabs has been pulled off and with it stitch it does not look open under the stitch that I can tell. Scab is still slightly attached to her with the stitch hanging out. I gently clean the area again today and put some Neosporin on it to try to prevent infection.

I am not sure what to do I've used up all my extra money taking her into the vet already and then getting spayed. It would be financially hard to take her to a regular appointment at my regular vet which starts at $65 just to walk in the door.

But I am definitely concerned. She is active and eating well. Too active actually- it's been pretty hard to keep her quiet while healing.

Attached is a picture of her incision this morning- just about 9 days post op. Opinions and advice are much appreciated!

Thanks!

Wow! Your vet sounds expensive!

It would seem she is somehow working past the cone and worrying the incision. It probably itches as it heals. Is it possible the cone is too narrow? They come in sizes, so maybe a slightly bigger one would work?

I would keep putting the neosporin on the incision and watch it carefully. In the meantime, I would explore a vet who might charge a little less. Or if you are a long time client, can you speak to him/her about giving you a break?

You might also think about getting a Care Credit card. It is the only one I use at my vet.

Thank you for taking her on. She's a lucky little girl!

Thank you! I ended up taking her to my regular vet as I was quite concerned. Luckily, I was able to get the head vet who I love and is quite kind to me and understanding of my financial issues. She waved the office fee even though I didn't get her spayed there. I'm so thankful!

She indicated her stitches were poorly done but that her incision was healing okay. She put her on antibiotics as she did get it slightly open in two spots.

Turns out she also has an ear infection. I noticed after I put the regular cone on her (And in hindsight, she could no longer scratch her ears) that she was shaking her head a lot. A friend of mine said she had ear mites two days ago, so I ordered ear mite medicine hoping to solve the problem without a vet visit…but, since I was already at the vet yesterday, I asked her to look at her ears. Turns out she has an ear infection. Poor baby! Now I'm doubly glad I went!

I have the cone off for a few mins right now. The medicine and ear cleaner the vet used got all over her head and inside of her cone. I'm giving her a supervised break to clean her come and try to get her head clean. So far not luck on the head. I used a damp wash cloth and sponged her face/head off. She was very grateful as she must feel quite itchy, but her fur still feels sticky and gross. Any thoughts?

Thanks!