Expert: Jessica - 12/21/2010

Question
Hi Jessica, I have a 4 month old DSH kitten that I got neutered 3 days ago and he also received his shots. I noticed this morning that he has diarrhea and he is vomiting clear liquid but he is still eating and drinking normally. There is no food substance in the vomit and he is acting a little sluggish but he is still relatively playful.

Shots he received:

Rhinotracheitis
Calicivirus
Panleukopenia
Chlamydophila &
Rabies

I have called the vet but due to the holidays my personal vet is closed this week and I hate to take him to a different vet. But what should I do.

Thank you- JUlia

Answer
Hi Julia,

I don't suspect that his vaccinations have to do with his belly symptoms.  It could be possible he picked up a stomach virus while at the animal hospital or that he's been the carrier of a stomach bug that his recent surgery has made him vulnerable to.  Kittens often carry a protozoan germ called coccidia, but their immune systems keep the germ under control until the body becomes stressed by another illness, or a stressful event like a surgery.  Then, the germ multiplies out of control and causes the disease, coccidiosis, which results in diarrhea and sometimes vomiting.

If he's still vomiting tomorrow, it would probably be best to go ahead and get him in to see a different vet.  Little ones his age can become dehydrated somewhat quickly when they have diarrhea and are throwing up.  The vet will check him for dehydration and may want to give him fluids under the skin if he isn't adequately hydrated.  It's also likely that he'll receive an antibiotic to treat for gastrointestinal infections.  This might include Albon or Flagyl.  The vet could give him an injection to prevent vomiting, as well.  A dewormer will almost certainly be administered, as most kittens are infected with parasitic roundworms.

There are many other possibilities, such as a swallowed object, but a stomach virus or parasite is certainly the most common in a kitten of this age.  The vet will have a good idea if this is the case after performing a physical exam.

For the next couple of days, it would be best to feed him a mild, wet diet.  The vet can send you home with a prescription food for sensitive stomachs, or you can boil him some chicken breast and white rice.  Also, chicken baby food mixed 3:1 with baby rice cereal is fine to feed a kitten with a sick tummy for a couple of days.

Good luck!

Jessica