Expert: Norman Auspitz - 8/2/2009

Question
Hello, I found a 5 week old cat (estimate), which appears to be a siamize on the sidewalk thursday afternoon 7/29/09. He was severly infested with fleas and appeared to be in pain. I took him to the local animal clinic and got him cleaned and treated for flea as well as anemia, I also got x rays. The vet said there wasnt any broken bones but there appeared to be a bruise on his head. one of his pupils were also not contracting, ( the same side as the bruise. He basicaly looked like he was on life support. I brought him home and i have been feeding him every 2 to 3 hours, he is also taking cat formula as well. The problem is, he is not walking and cannot keep his head up. he scoots around but he cant stand. he also has not had a boul movement yet, and I have tried to stimulate him. I am givin him amoxicillan twice a day, and the vet has already givin him 2 steroid shots for the inflammation of the brain (if there is any) He has progressed since I found him as far as eating and urinating, but stll not walking or holding his head up for longr than a few seconds. Im not too sure if he can see either??? I'm desperatly trying to save him and he doesnt appear to be in pain, but his motor skills are not
all working properly. What should I do? I know I can take him to a neurologist but that could get expensive. is ther a charity that would help with funds or another org. Please help... PLEASE he is so precious and the last thng i want to think about is euthanization.

Answer
Tina,

I suppose he could recover, but it does sound as if he had a head injury and it is unclear whether or not he can come out of it.  If he cannot control his motor skills better, he cannot properly clean himself or use the litter pan.  Cats hate when they cannot be fastidious. If he cannot have a bowel movement, he is doomed to a life of constant enemas.

I am not sure anything can be done for him and his quality of life might make him miserable.  You can see if there is any improvement at all in another week or two, but things do not sound good for this little tyke.  Even if you spend a small fortune, there is no guarantee that they will be able to help, at all!!!!!!

Please let me know how it goes.

Concerned regards... Norm.