In the late summer of 2006, I was a passenger in my ex's car, sitting in the drive-thru of a KFC in Watsonville. As I was staring out the window, I saw a very emaciated kitten dart between some bushes. (My ex didn't see the kitten.) I swear I could have counted this kitten's ribs - he was that skinny! Then I saw the kitten again, heading for the back parking lot. I knew at once what I had to try and do: catch this little guy.
I got out of the car and gently approached the kitten, who upon seeing me darted under a tree with heavy foilage. A lady (bless her heart) came up to me and handed me a drumstick in a napkin. (I'm not talking about the yummy ice cream version of a drumstick, but rather the kind that is greasy with bumpy skin that belongs on a hen! Yes, I eat chicken, but I cannot cook it, and it definitely has to be boneless and skinless.) Nevertheless, I was grateful. I began to rip the chunks of meat from the bone and laid out a trail in the dirt near the tree to the curb I was sitting on. Gently calling to the kitten... he, slowly emerged from under the tree and began eating the chicken. As soon as he got close enough, I reached out and grabbed him by the scruff. Oh my golly gee! He was like the exorcist, flailing all around with his claws out! Needless to say, I let go of him at once.
I attempted to grab him again a second time and again, I had to let him go. By this time, my ex had driven back around and scared the kitten back under the tree. Argh! I told my ex I wasn't leaving without this kitten, and if he could please go buy some tasty cat food as I was running out of the chicken. Plus I asked my ex to park in the lot next door so his car wouldn't frighten the kitten again.
You know what they say, "Third time's a charm." I took my sweatshirt off and then strategically placed the chicken in a trail, again. As soon as the kitten started eating the trail of chicken, I grabbed him and wrapped him in my sweatshirt. (My ex had bought dry food - what am I going to do with that?!) as soon as the kitten was snuggled in my sweatshirt, he began to purr quite loudly.
My ex drove me to my truck, and I drove from Watsonville to Los Altos, particularly to the state of the art veterinary hospital where I worked. We (A'more and I) waited as there were several emergencies ahead of us. But when the veterinarian kept passing us up, I asked my colleague if she could at least pull blood to run a FE FI (FeLV/FIV) test on him. I certainly didn't want to bring this kitten home if he tested positive as my kitties are all negative for these two diseases. I let my colleague know that I'd bring the kitten to work with me and have him examined as time allowed.
Examination - Stomatitis
When A'more was examined by one of the veterinarians, the doctor told me that A'more had a severe case of stomatitis. (Although I've been a veterinary technician for many years, I had never heard of this. Mostly because I work in the ICU on emergency.)
STOMATITIS - What is this?
Stomatitis is the inflammation of the oral cavity: teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, throat.
Causes: periodontal disease can definitely contribute to stomatitis, as well as diseases such as: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Calicivirus and Bartonellosis. Stomatitis can also be an immune mediated response where the cat's immune system attacks its own oral tissues as an abnormal response to the bacteria in the mouth. (This was A'more's problem.)
Symptoms:
• halitosis (bad breath)
• drooling, with or without blood
• unkempt hair coat
• refusal to eat
• weight loss
• gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
• pawing at face or mouth
Diagnosis:
Usually during an examination, the veterinarian will look inside a cat's mouth to check its teeth, gums, etc.
A biopsy may or may not be taken (the cat would require anesthesia for this.)
Treatment:
1. Antibiotics will be prescribed. A'more was sent home with clindanycin, but due to his mouth being incredibly painful, I was unable to give the antirobe to him.
2. Periodontal therapy with or without extractions. (Cat requires anesthesia for this.)
A'more continued
A'more was scheduled for his periodontal therapy. Blood was pulled to run chemistries and a CBC (complete blood count) with differential (checking his blood cells under a microscope.) This is when we found out that he had increased kidney enzymes, BUN and Creatinine. Radiographs were taken, and he was scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound. Upon viewing the radiographs, his heart appeared very small - so he also had a cardiac ultrasound done too. Once those checked out okay, he was started on intravenous fluids as a dieresis - to flush his kidneys of the accumulated waste.
He had full mouth extractions done, leaving only his canines (fangs) left. He was given a long lasting injection of antibiotics and a fentanyl pain patch was placed. (I knew I wouldn't be able to give him oral medications.)
See; Feline Chronuc Renal Faulure (CRF) for an inside look to what this disease is and tips and tricks.
ASTHMA
Yes, A'more was also diagnosed with severe asthma as well. He, however, would not let me get the inhaler even close enough to him so that I could better manage this. He didn't like the hiss sound of the inhaler.
Trying to catch him and wrap him up to receive a treatment was "not going to happen" in his mind's eye. Just like when he was a kitten, and I was trying to catch him.
If your kitty has asthma, definitely use a clay-free litter. This will help diminish the dust. I'd also recommend an air purifier along with removing cat dander and dust regularly.
The above photo of A'more was taken about a month before he died. It was getting harder to get him to eat... despite daily fluids being administered and all of his supplements.
My dear kitty, A'more definitely lived longer than I had expected, a full two years longer! He died when he was 8 1/2 years old. He also definitely expended his nine lives! Between his chronic renal failure and his asthma attacks, it seemed that I was always driving him into the veterinary hospital.
My dearest, A'more definitely lived up to his name: full of LOVE!
#Amore #BlackCat #RenalFailure
Next Up: Feline Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)
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