Questions about Intestinal Obstruction

I have some questions about the recovery from the operation for intestinal obstruction. Unfortunately, one of our cats got extremely sick while we were on vacation, and the wonderful group of people caring for the group of kitties were able to save her by rushing her to the vet. She did have the operation for intestinal obstruction, and they had to remove a section of her bowel. The operation was about 10 days ago (I'm a little fuzzy because of the time zone difference between home and where we were!)

Anyway, the operation seemed quite successful, and for the first week I fed her 1 tablespoon of meat baby food every two hours. Now we are up to hard kitten food soaked in sodium-free chicken broth and mashed (1 tablespoon) every 2 hours. I forgot to call the vet today to see how long this will go on. Anyone have any advice about the next step? I'm hoping to get to sleep through the night again sometime soon!

Thanks, and sorry the post is so long - Kim.

oh my, Kim, I am so sorry. And never apologize, ever, for your posts. This is a critical and urgent post for all to read in case somebody knows. And it's not long at all!

I can't help you, except to let you know I am reading and really feel for you and send the best vibes I can. If you trust your vet, ask for feeding options. Also do some research online...does the University near you have a veterinary school? I'd just pay them a visit and start asking questions! I know the universities in your state are very good.

The closest experience we ever had was SiSi (Sasha's mama) swallowed a bird at age 7, and was in the clinic for 3 days. If it hadn't passed they would have had to do major surgery to get it out. She loved to hunt. She was fine in the end, and very tender for about 2 weeks. We fed her a liquid protein diet, but I have no idea if that is good in your situation, only that I really care!
-E.

Thanks! I was just very jet-lagged when I went in to talk to the vet and get the post operative instructions. Forgot to ask much more than what to do the next day. My husband is hoping I won't have to sleep in the chair downstairs forever, LOL.

I was dumb today and forgot to call the vet. She's doing quite well and gaining LOTS of weight, and her coat is very shiny. She purrs when I pick her up. I'm just wondering when the next step is, and I'm sure Monday is just fine.

Poor thing, she's really hungry, though. The vet thinks it was caused possibly from the stress of her being a very small cat and nursing 8 kittens for 11 weeks. She was also feral (or at least homeless) before I brought her into the house 3 weeks before the kittens were born. She doesn't have any diseases, I did have them test before I brought her home.

I would ask your vet. I am pretty sure you can increase the size of her meals and decrease the frequency pretty soon. Just do it gradually and with your vets OK.

Thanks, will do! Her bowels seem to be moving, so that's a good sign. And her kidneys are definitely working. I've never seen a cat pee so much. Which is great, because they did a couple of tests, and said there were lots of "toxins" in her system.

And she's in heat! Dang. They couldn't spay her during that operation! Thanks all!
- Kim.

This is very positive news. Please keep us posted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a quick update on my kitty Elsa - went to get stitches removed today - they're gone already. Can't even see the scar.

She's released to do whatever she wants, eat whatever she wants, and she weighs 7 lbs. 6 oz. (The vet didn't consult the records but they think she was about 4 pounds when brought in. poor baby).

Anyway, for future reference, things go pretty quickly, and in 2 weeks you can hopefully expect a full recovery. Yay!

I am so glad that the people taking care of Elsa got her to the vet in time!!! When Sunni got sick, we were also on vacation. Unfortunately, my friend didn't realize how sick she really was and didn't take her to the vet till the fourth day of her illness. By then, it was really too late, her condition had deteriorated to the point where nothing could be done. We lost our sweet baby before we could even get home to be with her. It's good to see a happy ending to a similar story. Take care and enjoy that babygirl! And how SWEET are those little babies???? Oh my gosh!!!

Originally Posted by kluchetta

Just a quick update on my kitty Elsa - went to get stitches removed today - they're gone already. Can't even see the scar.

She's released to do whatever she wants, eat whatever she wants, and she weighs 7 lbs. 6 oz. (The vet didn't consult the records but they think she was about 4 pounds when brought in.

poor baby).

Anyway, for future reference, things go pretty quickly, and in 2 weeks you can hopefully expect a full recovery. Yay!

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Most excellent! You're such a great mom!!!