You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/Cat Paw Issue after IV fluids

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/6/2010


Question
Hello.  I tried to call my vet's office but everyone has left for the day.  My cat a 4 year old DSH male *current on all shots and vaccines Feline HIV negative, no leukemia* just came home from the vet with feline FLUTD and was put on an IV and antibiotics at the vet and was given a catheter and has a special diet now to dissolve struvate crystals Called Royal Canin Urinary SO.  We have been giving him plenty of fresh water as well.  He is also on oral antibiotics at the moment called Orbax 22.7 mg once a day.  I am worried because the paw he got his IV in looks swollen so I took the bandage off about a half hour ago.  There is no blood from the IV and the bandage was on for a day.  What should I watch out for with his paw is this normal?  The paw looks pretty puffy and seems somewhat tender. He got his first dose of antibiotics this morning and he seems pretty tired and worn out from all the stress.  I am just worried about his paw.  Do you have any advice?

Answer
He more than likely got some fluids that leaked out into the tissues. That is from a catheter that got moved or jostled somehow. It will resolve in a few days but it can be sore and tender from the insertion of the catheter and the swelling as well.

I wouldn't do anything but let it resolve on it's own. The body will absorb the fluids.

Keep a good eye on his urine output for the next week or so. And yes, he is worn out. Being blocked is life-threatening and it is very stressful on all involved!

I am glad he made it and is mending.

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! 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 DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. 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 Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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 Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.