As per earlier posts, my cat had surgery to remove an abdominal obstruction. He was offered food last night about 12-hours post-op and he declined. (He hasn't eaten since Sunday night.) This morning the vet called to say he did well last night despite not eating and could go home this afternoon or tomorrow. I chose to keep him there another night to see if he would eat. Did I make the right choice? Would he eat if he came home? Is it normal not to eat 12-hours post-op? And he's hissing at them now--he is not a hisser. Is this more an indication that he's getting worse or that he's getting his energy back and getting better and just doesn't want to be there. He also had a low fever (103)--he'd had a higher one (upwards of 104) before surgery. Thanks.
2007-01-12 03:08:46 · 6 answers · asked by kimpenn09 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
The fever is probably the result of the abdominal obstruction. The fever is going down and that is a good sign. (The normal temp. is 101.4 to 102 f.) So he is getting there.
The not eating and the hissing is probably the anxiety of being in the vets. office for so long. He is probably feeling better and is not liking his surroundings. He is not with the people he loves and they probably have him in a cage all day. (he is not liking to be cooped up). This is very normal and I would not worry about it. What I would do is bring him home and keep an eye on him. Once he relaxes form being back at home he will probably go back to his normal self. After you have him home if you have any concerns about him you can always call the vet again. However before you bring him home I would ask the vet about the temp.
GOOD LUCK! (keep us posted)
2007-01-12 03:26:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat has had 4 abdominal surgeries and the first one he got he ended up herniating. This caused him to get a second one and the vet but in some different sutures. He ended up getting really sick. Sometimes cats reject the suture just like humans. He had a high fever and wouldn't eat. He ended up going to and Emergency vet and had two more surgeries before they found out that it was the suture. He cost me $10,000 and a lot of pain, but he is fine now and I would do anything for him.
Now that you heard my story I would like to give you some advise. Cats normally have a slight fever post-op. The normal cat temperature is 101-102.2. His fever should have dissipated by now. My vet gave him a special food (which I wasn't excited about because it was Purina) that actually is an appetite inhibitor. You need to make sure your vet is doing the following..
1) Giving him antibiotics. I'm sure he is, but if he has a high fever he might need something other then Clavamox (which is the normal medication) My cat got such a high fever and infection that he had to have Vancomycin that I got from the Children's hospital. It saved his life.
2) Make sure he is cleaning his surgery site at least every 4 hours. He also needs to be changing his bedding at least twice a day.
3)Ask your vet what he is feeding him. If he is not eating his food I would try Purina NF canned food (that is the appetite inhibitor) or some Gerber baby food. I was able to bring in different foods for him.
4) Ask how much water he is drinking. He should be drinking a lot post-op.
It is normal for him not to eat for a few hours post-op because their tummy's are upset from the meds. A low grade fever is also normal, but he should be eating by now and his fever should be gone. I think you chose the right thing by keeping him there at the vet. If you aren't comfortable yet to have him home, then you made the right choose. Keep a good eye on him and give him lots of love. Follow all the vets directions and MAKE SURE he is getting antibiotics. He should be on them for about ten days post-op and make sure he finishes them all. If he continues to have a fever call your vet. If he says not to worry call a different vet! Take care!
2007-01-12 13:57:08 · answer #2 · answered by Aero Cat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would bring him home and see how he does. You can always call the vet again later if you're concerned, but once you get your cat settled in at home again, he may start eating just fine. They often don't eat well at the vets. He's just had bowel surgery so it may take him a while to get back into his normal feeding routine. The hissing is probably an indication that he's had enough and wants to come home. Good luck to you.
2007-01-12 11:18:39 · answer #3 · answered by mom of 2 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Immediately after opperations, cats are often a bit touchy. The best thing you can do for this cat is to bring him home and give him plenty of loving attention. When my cat went in for surgury, she wouldn't eat any of the food they gave her either, but after i brought her home she ate small portions at first, and they grew as time went on. Your cat probably just doesn't feel comfortable in his current invironment and needs to be back home.
2007-01-12 11:22:34 · answer #4 · answered by squakaqua212 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that is a normal cat temperature. The cat is probably very upset about being there and may do better at home. If there is no improvement take kitty to a different vet
2007-01-12 11:18:50 · answer #5 · answered by Eyes of Green 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
My cat was a little out of it after being spayed. She hardly ate. So I would think after having a surgry a little more intense then being spayed, your cat probly feels like crap and isn't in the mood to be handled. He just needs time to rest.
2007-01-12 11:15:38 · answer #6 · answered by Jessica 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋