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- Jun 24, 2014
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Hello! I want to preface this by saying that we are in constant contact with the vet techs who work at the shelter we are fostering through, and the little one has seen a vet. Everyone has been very helpful. I'm just looking for some supplemental information from experienced fosters and kitten rescuers, because we are all a little stumped.
She is 6 weeks old, came to the facility with her 3 siblings very underweight but otherwise healthy. They were treated for worms and parasites. No URI signs or eye issues. They are all playful and in good spirits. One of them started to turn her nose up at food about 2 and a half days ago, however, and has lost all of the weight she gained over the last 6 days in shelter and foster care (430g to 400g, so it could be argued she never was gaining well at all). Her siblings are completely fine, it's just her exhibiting this weird aversion to food.
We have been syringe feeding her about 4 to 6mL of water and wet food mixture every 4 hours. It all has to be force fed because she will not take KMR, or any kind of kibble, or any of the wet food we have. We are terrified of her aspirating but I think our technique has been working so far. She used to be a playful little maniac and now she is only interested in her toys and siblings for limited periods of time. Her poop was fine, but after not eating it got mucous and thin, and now that we are syringe feeding her regularly it's formed and the right medium brown colour but very thin. Oh, and we are providing a heat source for them constantly.
We suspect she might have broken her ribs when she was younger, or might have a congenital issue with her ribs, as the left side sticks out strangely. Feels like bone, but it's like there's extra bone, or bone where it shouldn't be. They were going to take x rays and do blood work but it was decided to hold off today, as she, for some crazy reason, actually ate some kibble when she was there.
Anyway! We have the kmr and we aren't using it because she won't take it anyway and if we are force feeding her might as well feed her something that won't upset her GI. What can we do? Is 4 to 6mL every 4 hours enough or should we push her more? Should we try playing with her more in hopes of stimulating appetite or should we let her sleep? What has worked for people in similar situations? any insight anyone might have would be so appreciated, we are baffled.
She is 6 weeks old, came to the facility with her 3 siblings very underweight but otherwise healthy. They were treated for worms and parasites. No URI signs or eye issues. They are all playful and in good spirits. One of them started to turn her nose up at food about 2 and a half days ago, however, and has lost all of the weight she gained over the last 6 days in shelter and foster care (430g to 400g, so it could be argued she never was gaining well at all). Her siblings are completely fine, it's just her exhibiting this weird aversion to food.
We have been syringe feeding her about 4 to 6mL of water and wet food mixture every 4 hours. It all has to be force fed because she will not take KMR, or any kind of kibble, or any of the wet food we have. We are terrified of her aspirating but I think our technique has been working so far. She used to be a playful little maniac and now she is only interested in her toys and siblings for limited periods of time. Her poop was fine, but after not eating it got mucous and thin, and now that we are syringe feeding her regularly it's formed and the right medium brown colour but very thin. Oh, and we are providing a heat source for them constantly.
We suspect she might have broken her ribs when she was younger, or might have a congenital issue with her ribs, as the left side sticks out strangely. Feels like bone, but it's like there's extra bone, or bone where it shouldn't be. They were going to take x rays and do blood work but it was decided to hold off today, as she, for some crazy reason, actually ate some kibble when she was there.
Anyway! We have the kmr and we aren't using it because she won't take it anyway and if we are force feeding her might as well feed her something that won't upset her GI. What can we do? Is 4 to 6mL every 4 hours enough or should we push her more? Should we try playing with her more in hopes of stimulating appetite or should we let her sleep? What has worked for people in similar situations? any insight anyone might have would be so appreciated, we are baffled.
I'm with you, I think it's no coincidence that she has weird ribs and these eating problems. They did give her antibiotics. I forgot to mention that in my panic of posting. But she wasn't running a fever at the time and has no history of it far as I know, so that's another thing I wish I could have been there to talk about just to have been able to hear his thoughts on it. I go in again tomorrow to get more food. They told me not to do KMR unless it's an emergency so I'll keep that in reserve for if she stops eating again and I'll go out and get some of that baby food. Thanks for the suggestions 
