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Cats/Gurgling in kittens throat, 1 week post op

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Expert: - 9/24/2009


Question
We took our 8 month old kitten to the vet to be declawed a week ago, when we picked him up he was very bloated and he gurgles. I called the same day and they said the change of food could be causing the bloating problem and the airway could have irritated his throat. They called Mon to check and I was told if he still is gurgling Thurs to bring him in...mmmmm
Its 1 week later and he is beside me gurgling away. He is eating and pooping and playing..but his breathing is horrible, its worse when he purrs or is running around.
I don't want to take him back there...
any advice?  

Answer
Susan,

Your kitten's symptoms are troubling. I would really encourage you to get a second opinion from another vet who isn't affiliated with the clinic your little guy was neutered in. It doesn't make much sense to me that the kitten would be bloated and sounding gurgly after a routine neuter and I find the vet's laissez faire attitude disturbing. It's not abnormal for a kitty to cough for a few days after having any kind of surgery, but gurgling isn't part of the normal package. As for the bloating it's just not something I have experience seeing after a spay/neuter surgery and I think that with the two disturbing symptoms this kitten is showing he should be seen by a vet sooner rather than later. I would be very interested to hear what another vet has to say about the whole situation because something just isn't right, after all, you know your kitten best. If you have any further questions, concerns or you'd like me to clarify anything in this answer, please feel free to contact me again and I'll do my very best to help you out.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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