AboutJana Connell RVT, CVT Expertise I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I cannot diagnose diseases nor will I try to. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I DO NOT do birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I also do not know much about reptiles, so post those to the reptile experts also. Thanks!
Experience I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a nutritional consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
Organizations Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
I found a litter of kittens and one of them was in pretty bad shape. I fed them for a couple of weeks (found out there are about 30 feral cats in the area)Then I saw one that was in bad shape and started crying immediately. Her eyes, nose and mouth were completely crusted over and she could not see. I took her to the vet thinking she needed to be put down. I had NEVER seen a cat that bad. It turned out she had ringworm over the majority of her body and an upper respiratory infection. I had her treated for the ringworm, it was in liquid form. I also had her wormed and got antibiotics for the infection. It turns out she is only 5 1/2 weeks old. Well, now 4 days after her vet trip she looks much better. But, she cries horribly when she goes to the bathroom and it is always diarrhea. I also noticed when she goes, it is like her back end is jutting out so far. I think that may be because she is so thin but then on each side of her anus is 2 large white pustules that jut out farther as she pushes. It almost looks as if there is an opening in each one. What could this be? She does not have another vet appointment for 2 weeks and frankly, I cannot afford another one until her 8 week check up. Please, any help you can give will be wonderful!! Thank you in advance, Tiffany
Answer Tiffany,
Bless you for taking in these cats and for rescuing her. What you are seeing are her little anal glands jutting out because she is so thin and ill.
In time as she gains weight they will recede back into the skin folds next to her little rectum. You can rub a little Vaseline around her anus to relieve some of the discomfort from the diarrhea but use a tiny amount. Diarrhea can burn and be very painful when you are passing a bunch of worms.
You don't have to do anything to her for this. What you can do is make some boiled rice up and feed her some of this, warmed and softened, with her food everyday. That will help with the diarrhea. This is most likely from her worminess and that too will subside.
She needs to be wormed every time she sees the vet. Make sure you get her tested for leukemia and FIV, FIP also when you can.
If you can, get her on some Science Diet Kitten Growth and she will gain weight quickly because it is the most balanced and complete foods on the market. I have used it and recommended it for over 28 yrs and never had a client switch to a cheaper food later.
God bless you for being the rescue angel and I am sure she will do just great. You have found a friend for life I am sure.
Please let me know how she is doing in a few weeks.
