I hate that I have to ask this, being a pre-veterinary student myself, but I have a question concerning my kitty's irritable GIT and swollen, red gums.
I've taken him to the vet several times, but she says there isn't anything to worry about right now.
I got my kitty about 8 months ago from the animal shelter, and soon found that his stools were VERY foul-smelling and contained blood. We switched him to an all-soft food Science Diet ID regiment, which cleared things up considerably. However, I was wondering if there is any other ways (pills, etc) to help with this besides this rather expensive and tedious diet? (He's still growing, and purely canned food gets very expensive).
Also, does anybody have any experience with this type of problem, or know what may be the basis of it?
2007-02-08 15:31:36 · 6 answers · asked by Shea 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I should also mention that he has very strong-smelling breath; it smells just like his food, but ALL the time.
2007-02-08 15:32:36 · update #1
I've actually had 2 stool samples ran, for both giardia and bacteria...as well as bloodwork :P
2007-02-09 06:59:40 · update #2
First I would CHANGE VETS for red swollen gums and the foulness of the breath and feces is NOT Healthy. Does Science Diet Not have dry food-which would be more healthy for him for the dry food cleans teeth and keeps gums in shape-swollen red gums usually relate and if all he's eating is canned how do his teeth get cleaned.You can get teeth toothpase but with his gums swollen to actually brush may be painful they do have a spray or something similar that cleans teeth and disinfects Check Out Petsmart.I would also add a Supplement like Brewers Yeast with Garlic and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. The Brewers Yeast is very healthy for them and most cats like the tase but if not can crumble up and add to food-1tab per each 10lbs give my cat 1tablet. The Garlic as in humans ,will also clean the inner system for works against bacteria and any intestinal disorders and the Omega 3 will give healthy skin and coat. Even if you can't switch to dry or once in a while dry-check into the Product to get the gums and mouth healthy and give the Brewers Yeast +Wish you lots of luck. and it always warms my heart when I hear of a rescued pet.God Bless
2007-02-08 15:46:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think I'd get a 2nd opinion from another vet, because what you describe does not sound like a healthy cat. It doesn't sound life threatening but I would hate for things to get worse. You probably already know this but are you making sure your kitty has plenty of fluids - water. I had a kitten with kitty-aids and she was constantly dehydrated from not drinking many fluids. We had to add this special high-mineral packed milk-type fluid, which we mixed with the special science diet soft food. If a cat is ill and you love it, then the extra money spent on him is worth it. I believe in giving my cats the best even though their sceince diet hairball light formula is costing me out the rearend. By the way, it doesn't make you a bad person to question your vet's opinion; its your cats life we are talking about here. I hope you find some good news, as well as relief.
2007-02-08 15:48:24 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really think you should get a second opinion. Swollen red gums could be a systemic infection. I had a cat with that problem and she didn't live very long despite antibiotics because she was too sick by the time she found me. (She was a pregnant stray that I took in.) The loose, bloody stools could be from worms, but I assume you'd know that as a pre-vet student. If the cat has a gum disease, that could cause the fowl breath.
2007-02-08 15:42:42 · answer #3 · answered by kcpaull 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The poop with the blood could be the thing they treat with Strongid, the yellow liquid squirted in the cats mouth. I forgot the name of the disease or parasite that causes the blood in the poop, but if it's not a hemmoriod it is probably the thing that needs the prescription Strongid.
The bad breath and bad gums do need to be addressed! Your cat's teeth are rotting or something, he might be in pain.
2007-02-08 15:46:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you done any bloodwork on you kitty? You may want to have a full panel run with virals and a fecal exam...just in case.
Here's a website that has been a lifesaver for my boy:
www.petmedicinechest.com
2007-02-08 15:43:06 · answer #5 · answered by Jennybobenny 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
go to winco foods and they have caned food for 25cents no joke
and the breth it bets me
2007-02-08 15:37:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋