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Barnyard Buddies:  Whats wrong with my cat? UPDATE  |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 09:41:04 AM
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Okay, I'm desperate here. I inherited a cat when my mom passed away. She is about 13 years old and has always had respitory probs. Lately something else is going on.... Losing a lot of hair. Gobs. Nose and eyes are crusted over with a black tissue-like substance. Not eating. Bottom of jaw is swollen and looks a little mucus-y (Sp?). Sneezing a lot. Itching a lot. Black greasy spots on paws. Teeth look transparent. Any suggestions? I've given my lab benadryl before (per vet) for allergies. Can I do that for a cat? This cat is very special to me as it was my mom's. I can't afford a huge vet bill-besides, I trust farmgirl advice so much more! Any help out there?
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens-QMD
[h6]
http://harvestthymefarm.etsy.com
http://heirloommavens.blogspot.com
"In seed time, learn. In harvest, teach, and in winter, enjoy" Wm. Blake |
Edited by - deeredawn on Mar 15 2009 5:50:05 PM |
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southerncrossgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
631 Posts
Gena
Harmony
NC
USA
631 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 10:34:06 AM
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Dawn, There seems to be so many things going on at once. Do you think that calling the Vet to ask questions, that they would be able to help you? Give her a hug from me.
BE HAPPY!!! |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 10:49:10 AM
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I would suggest taking him to the vet. I don't think benydryl will help most of these symptoms.
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 10:53:08 AM
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I would probably take it to the vet, too. Just to know what it is and to know what the options are. You have a choice as to what to do.
I sure hope there is nothing too serious and that it can be taken care of with some antibiotics. Good luck.
Kris
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. Maori proverb |
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ponypower
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Lily
Caspar
Ca
USA
68 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 12:47:07 PM
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| Dawn, this cat sounds like it is suffering. If at all possible get her to a vet and at least get a basic blood panel and maybe some fluids. Check the color of her gums. If she is pale that is not good. Pinch her skin at the back of her neck and see if it snaps back or creates a tent. If it is sluggish in snapping back then she is dehydrated. It may not be as expensive as you think if she can be diagnosed easily. But it sounds like you better do it sooner rather than later. That is my two cents. Good luck with her. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 4:17:58 PM
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I would at least call the vet and see what they think.
I had one about that sick this last fall. He is young though. I took him to the vet thinking he had something really bad. He had quit eating and lost weight, could barely walk and would fall over. Severe upper respiratory infection and ear infection made worse by an allergy to hay...he's a barn cat....antibiotics and really smelly food made him a new cat. Apparently cats won't eat what they can't smell....hmmmm. And the vet told me to give him Benadryl for the sneezing when he gets around the hay--1 mg. per pound of body weight. So yes you can give Benadryl to a cat. How many people do you know with a barn cat allergic to hay??? My DH just rolled his eyes but he likes the cat too.
It's not about being perfect, but enjoying what you do. Set aside time to be creative.
Robyn Pandolph
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 7:10:48 PM
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thank you. I will call and take heed tomorrow. Also, thanks to you that called me tonight to give me some natural care tips. I will keep you posted. She is indeed suffering and I am a realist and I know that if I cannot afford to fix the problem, then I will have to make a humane decision. She did eat some soft food tonight. That is a good sign as she was not eathing at all.
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens-QMD
[h6]
http://harvestthymefarm.etsy.com
http://heirloommavens.blogspot.com
"In seed time, learn. In harvest, teach, and in winter, enjoy" Wm. Blake |
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Catopia
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Erin
Richland
WA
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2009 : 10:16:49 AM
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Dawn,
I feel so badly for your kitty (and for you, too!). I once was in your shoes - sick cat, no money for vet. I found a vet online that answered my question.
I worked at vet clinics for a few years, but have not seen what you describe. Here is a website that you might be able to utilize to do your own diagnosing:
http://www.helpmycat.com/gen_syms.php
I hope this helps in some way.
Erin |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
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barnagainkristin
True Blue Farmgirl
465 Posts
Kristin
Utah
USA
465 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2009 : 8:00:42 PM
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I found a website to recieve a coupon for 20.00 off on routine vet care in the nifty thrifty section of farmgirl connection. Don't know if this would help you at all but you may want to check it out.
Hope you figure it out soon and she is O.K. Kitty blessings sent your way.
barnagainkristin
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir |
Edited by - barnagainkristin on Feb 24 2009 8:02:09 PM |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Feb 25 2009 : 08:03:10 AM
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UPdate: She seems to be perking up. I dosed her with half strength Benadryl last night to take the swelling down in her jaw and I've switched her over to wet food (only cuz it was given to me). Once I'm out of that, I'm going to do a broth/rice thing for her. I'm keeping her comfortable as she is really old. Thanks for everything and I will update you again!
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens-QMD
[h6]
http://harvestthymefarm.etsy.com
http://heirloommavens.blogspot.com
"In seed time, learn. In harvest, teach, and in winter, enjoy" Wm. Blake |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Feb 25 2009 : 09:13:05 AM
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What a good cat momma you are. She is very loved. And very lucky to have such a great care giver. Hope she is well soon, Dawn.
Kris
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. Maori proverb |
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Catopia
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Erin
Richland
WA
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2009 : 7:46:27 PM
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Dawn,
Hey, I am just checking in to see how it's going with your kitty. Sometimes kitties get an autoimmune thing called stomatitis, where their gums become infected and sore and eating is difficult. Or your kitty might have an abscessed tooth, which can cause swelling in the jaw. Another possibility for jaw swelling, but more remote might be that she had a tangle with another cat and got bit, causing her an abscess on her face or jaw. If there is an abscess and if it is filling with pus, it's important that the pus drain out. Just some ideas - it's much easier to see what is going on with a visual.
Did you find anything that sounded like a possible diagnosis on the site I referred you to?
Erin |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2009 : 05:52:49 AM
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Actually I didn't. She does have a pretty sore mouth so I'm giving her some crushed aspirin and rinsing her mouth out well with a peroxide/water solution. She is way more alert than before. So we will see.....
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens-QMD
http://harvestthymefarm.etsy.com
http://harvestthyme.blogspot.com
"In seed time, learn. In harvest, teach, and in winter, enjoy" Wm. Blake |
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gspringman
True Blue Farmgirl
387 Posts
Gail
Bonanza
Oregon
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2009 : 07:16:02 AM
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Dawn, this happened to my sis in laws older cat. It sounds like a type of cancer that cats get in and around the mouth where they cannot eat or drink and the pus gets worse. It usually means its time to put them down. Sorry.
gail
#486 |
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gspringman
True Blue Farmgirl
387 Posts
Gail
Bonanza
Oregon
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 10:09:42 AM
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Dawn- how is your cat? I hope I did'nt make you feel bad about it might be a cancer, but that's what the vet said is usually the case in the area of a cats mouth and the way you explained how it looked and how it was acting, is how my sis in laws cat looked. Hope I'm wrong. hugs for you both
Gail
Farmgirl #486
mbr. Charming Chicks
http://grammasladybug.blogspot.com/ |
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pnygrl
Farmgirl in Training
34 Posts
Adrianne
Chazy
New York
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 1:18:58 PM
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| If you have pus then you likely have an infection somewhere- does the cat have a temperature? Have you performed a turgor test (does the skin stay in a tent when you let it go after pulling it up)? In my experience, an animal may imptrove a little with some home doctoring but if it has an infection, it will go down hill fast and if you wait you will likely lose the cat. If the cat means that much to you, you need to take it to the vet. Benadryl is only and antihistamine and will not treat an infection.... |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 4:17:17 PM
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no...no... you didn't upset me. I work at a hatchery and we are soooo busy that I dont get a chance to post during the day. Her lower jaw is VERY swollen. She is still having the hardest time with wet food. I did do the turgor thing and she is well hydrated at this moment. I have a vet appt tomorrow. Thank you so much. I will keep you all posted. I am hoping to post a pic of her on my blog this week.
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens-QMD
http://harvestthymefarm.etsy.com
http://harvestthyme.blogspot.com
~live big, ride hard, and shoot straight." |
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K-Falls Farmgirl
Chapter Leader
2096 Posts
Cheryl
Klamath Falls
Oregon
USA
2096 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 9:49:51 PM
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Dawn, I hope its not something really serious, or life threatening...... Good idea to take her to a vet. We hate for our animals to be sick as much as we did our kids..
Cheryl
Farmgirl #309
Klamath Falls "Charming Chicks Chapter" Mother Hen
Almost daily posts at:
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Come visit the barn at http://barndoorcreations.blogspot.com/
You never know when what you say or do will make a difference...Kerry Kennedy
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Mar 04 2009 : 9:03:14 PM
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Unfortunately I also think that taking your cat to the vet is the best option for you even though it is spendy. Your cat has many problems right now and there isn't much to do on your side. I don't think benadryl would help, it might make it worse. I hope everything goes well.
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2009 : 7:21:25 PM
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Unfortunately, BUtterscotch has too many problems to fix. Feline leukemia, a mouth/sinus infection/skin infection.... so much more that I couldn't understand. Vet thought it might be a good idea to put her down. I am choosing to make her as comfy as possible for the remainder of her days. I have pain pills for her. I dont think it will be long. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support. I feel so stupid for getting so emotional over this cat, but like I said in the beginning of this thread, she was my mom's and when mom died, I took the cat. It's like an extention of my mom.... so the mourning starts again. You all have been so kind. Thank you.
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens-QMD
http://harvestthymefarm.etsy.com
http://harvestthyme.blogspot.com
~live big, ride hard, and shoot straight." |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2009 : 9:27:09 PM
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Oh Dawn, I am so sorry to hear the sad news. *Hugs* You have been a great friend to that cat and you are doing a great job by keeping her comfortable in her remaining days. I know it might not be comforting right now, but maybe it will help to think of your mom calling her kitty home to be with her?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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gspringman
True Blue Farmgirl
387 Posts
Gail
Bonanza
Oregon
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2009 : 5:44:10 PM
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Dawn, so sorry to hear about your cat. She has been well loved and my thoughts and prayers go out to you both.
Gail
Farmgirl #486
mbr. Charming Chicks
http://grammasladybug.blogspot.com/ |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2009 : 5:52:29 PM
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Butterscotch on the Rocks passed away today. I ran into a nearby town for about an hour today and she was gone when I came home. Upon looking her over, she had numerous tumors on her legs and her body. I know she is better off now that she's not suffering. She is going to be buried in a small flower garden that I've been planning since my mom passed. Its a memorial wild flower garden. Thank you everyone for your advice, input and warm thoughts. This is harder than I thought it'd be. Again, thank you!
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens-QMD
http://harvestthymefarm.etsy.com
http://harvestthyme.blogspot.com
~live big, ride hard, and shoot straight." |
Edited by - deeredawn on Mar 15 2009 5:53:52 PM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Barnyard Buddies: Whats wrong with my cat? UPDATE |
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Whats wrong with my cat? UPDATE
