Expert: Kate Tilmouth - 6/2/2009

Question
Hi.  A few days after birth, I noticed my mother cat walking with her hind legs up in the air a bit.  I knew she was sick but didn't have the money to take her to the vet.  I was watching her and she seemed to be getting better.  Well today, about 7 days later, I noticed she has a huge hole, probably 4 inches x 4 inches in diameter, and it is red, and it looks like you can see some internal organs.  She is eating, walking around, acting basically normal, yet not spending much time with her kittens.  I know I am going to have to take her to the vet over this, but we are so broke.  Do you know what this could be the result of.  I know she has not been outside to be in any altercations or anything.  It definitely is a wound that is leading into her internal organs.  Her skin is just flapping over.  But a lot of her internal organs are exposed.  How did this happen?

Answer
Hi
How awful this sounds nasty.

I am not a vet and so would not like to give you a diagnosis of what has caused this. All I can say is that if it was not caused by a trauma i.e being hit by something or falling then it must be some sort of nasty infection or a parasite problem. maggots can eat away at skin etc.

I think the sooner you can get her seen by a vet the better. Infection can set in quickly in an open wound.

I really hope the vet can help her quickly and easily. Check out to see if there are any charities in your area that can hep with vet costs. Your vet may know of something.

best wishes Kate
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