Expert: Jessica - 9/30/2010

Question
we found a very young kitten outside it seemed fine when we found it 3 days ago but very weak now it's head keeps falling to the side it has been getting worse it can barely hold it's head up we have been trying to give it powdered milk with bread but it can only take a couple licks at a time what can we do for her

Answer
Hi Cindy,

You should get this kitten to a vet right away.  I'm not sure how old the kitten is.  Powdered milk with bread isn't a proper diet for the baby, however, no matter how old it is.  This could be a major reason the little one is doing so poorly.  I would suspect the baby will probably need fluids with dextrose to be given intravenously to save her life at this point.  Then the underlying cause of her condition will need to be determined, whether it's her diet alone or an illness that's caused her to stop eating.

For the immediate interim, you should rub some corn syrup, such as Karo syrup, on the baby's gums.  This is a form of sugar that will absorb through the gums to help prevent hypoglycemic shock, which is deadly.  If you don't have any available, mix some sugar with water until it forms a syrup, and do the same.  It's not as effective as corn syrup but may work in a pinch.  Then get the baby to the vet right away.  You should try to find an emergency vet center, as most kittens in this condition won't survive beyond a few hours without treatment.

Best of luck!

Jessica