12/16/2024
3:45 AM and I just finished "med pass" around here. I do Othello last because his care takes the longest. I started him on a strong antibiotic tonight, following his syringe feeding and other meds and supplements.
I want everyone to get an idea on just how sick this kitten is.... this right here, what you see happening in this photo, is impossible when he's healthy. This is a feral kitten who has bitten without warning, curls himself in a corner with ears pinned back and huge pupils, and hisses when one of us enters a room because he's terrified of people, and requires three people to hold him still with bite-proof gloves for a vaccine or any medications.
But tonight, I picked up and held Othello for the first time ever. He's been my foster since the end of September. Tonight, I not only was able to hold him, but I gave him head pets and kisses in between meds, could put my hand near his mouth to assist him in taking the syringes, and we just sat on the couch just like this for an hour or more. He barely moved, except to look up at me, and I couldn't help but sob hysterically. This baby has lived a life in fear of me, and now he is trusting me to save his life... my heart quite literally hurts for him. I want to save him. I need to save him. I don't care if he goes back to hating me after this - he deserves a long, healthy life just as any other animal does.
I was able to examine him thoroughly tonight to check for anything that could potentially be contributing to his symptoms. I'm going to get a second opinion tomorrow, but I do feel that his abdomen is slightly distended. When I put him back in his crate this evening, he did sit up on his own and walk over to his water bowl to drink a decent amount of water, which made me happy to see πͺπ»
Now I'm not trying to jump the gun and assume an FIP diagnosis just yet, but as we know from experience, it certainly doesn't leave it off the table. Especially with how suddenly he began all these symptoms. We would typically have bloodwork drawn and sent off for testing, but he is so weak and is anemic, so we don't feel comfortable drawing any blood at this time.
If this is a nasty bacterial infection, the supportive care and the stronger antibiotic should begin working. If we do not see improvement by later today, we will be starting GS injections to treat for FIP just in case. Even if he does not have FIP, the treatment will not harm him. We are sincerely praying this is not FIP... we are struggling terribly as it is with funds and donations.
We will keep everyone updated on Othello throughout the day today. β€οΈβπ©Ή Goodnight π΄