Expert: Jessica - 10/7/2010

Question
My bengal recently had a litter of kittens 3 days ago.  When I found her and the kittens she had 3 all clean dry and nursing and there were 2 laying on the floor covered in liquid, blood and who knows what else barely breathing.  I saved them and put them with the mother.  I supplemented the weak kittens with 1 ml of KMR every 2 hours for the first day.  They were well.  1 of the kittens died yesterday.  She had red runny stools and refused to nurse and kept crying and crying, I tried to save her, but failed.  The other kitten is doing well now, but has severe diarrhea and a swollen bottom.  I do not know what to do.  I know she can dehydrate if the diarrhea continues.  Please help.

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Diarrhea in newborns is difficult to treat.  The little one should see a vet.  In some cases of dehydration, a small amount of fluids can be given under the skin, even to newborns.  And rarely, vets will opt to treat young kittens with antibiotics, because diarrhea can be caused in kittens this young by a bacterial infection.  However, with kittens this young, most vets are very guarded about administering antibiotics due to the possibility that they may aspirate them.  Unfortunately, there is little else to do but see a vet for such a little one.

Best wishes!

Jessica