Expert: Karen Craft - 7/4/2009

Question
I have been caring for a stray that came to me about 2 years ago,HE WILL NOT LET US CLOSE ENOUGH TO CATCH HIM but stays near and meets me on porch everyday to eat, I get wormer and meds from my vet to put in food when needed, About 3 days ago he developed very very serious diarrhea and actually had a soaking wet tail from it, He stopped eating and has a long white about 1 inch thick protrusion from anal area, he walks funny and is now very lethargic, we have tried to catch him with a blanket since he is slower now but I am afraid it is making him worse, I couldnt give him the med from vet since he wont eat, he drinks water very slowly a few times a day, he sleeps along time in a bush near me, then walks to get a drink then back to sleeping, He always like eating and has now stopped, I felt so bad for him the morning I noticed the stool (watery green and yellow) all over him and when he got up it was under him, I tried tonight to get him again to take to vet, I worry that I might have made him die in the thick bushes he slowly ran into from his illness, I cant look until morning as it got dark, I am only trying to find out what might have happened to him and if he dies would it have been painful for him, He has had a few bouts with diarrhea off and on since April, He ate good up until about a week ago when he only ate portion of food , now he stopped all together , he goes up to it after awhile then eats a bite, he has only had about 2 tsp of food in last few day, he walks funny and has this white on his behind, no more diarrhea,there is nothing as far as I can tell, what do you think? Thanks in advance

Answer
Hi Cathy,

Sorry to hear what's happening. I can't say for sure what is wrong with him but it sounds like some sort of gastro viral disease. This can kill him. The white you see showing from his anus could be tapeworms or a prolapsed anus. You need to catch him. The major thing that will kill him is dehydration. If he is as sick as you say he is then you need to make the extra effort to catch him. Try using a cat trap or call the local humane society for help. They have special tools to catch strays. He needs to be seen by a vet right away.

I am attaching my recipe for something called Kitty Glop. It has a lot of good nutrition and electrolytes that he needs now. But the biggest thing to catch him and get him treated and cleaned up. Get a large dog crate and keep him in that until he is better. Cover one end with a blanket so he has a dark area to hide in. Keep a litter pan, water and food in it. This link has some good info in it, especially the part about the litter pan. http://muttcats.com/articles/taming_ferals.htm#adults

I hope all goes well for you with this endeavor. Good luck and let me know what happens.

Ciao, Karen


KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox unflavored gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten,)
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.