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My kitten Spirit was injured "electrocuted"

jaynelwells Aug 16, 2005 08:52 PM

On August 13, 2005 - my cat chewed on lamp cord and was electrocuted. It was the FIRST time he had ever chewed on any type of electrical cord. I heard a loud thump and found him less than a minute after it happened. I rushed him to a 24/7 pet hospital that was 20 miles away. All the way to the vet, he struggled to breathe with a gurgling noise and rapid breaths. The hospital took an x-ray and determined that fluid was in his lungs. They gave him oxygen the first few hours, as well as Lasix and Animophylline injections to help open his airway.

I brought him home after 2 days ($840 later) on August 15th. He has not eaten since (in the past 24 hours). He seems very lethargic and weak. I have seen him drink water only after an oral dose of antibiotics that I have to force him to take. He seems to breathe okay, but it is hard to tell because he purrs every time I am near. The hospital had the same problem checking his breathing.

At this point, I put him in a large dog cage to confine his space and to keep the two other kittens away. I am afraid to force feed him since he is so week, but I also cannot afford to have the vet keep him any longer, my finances are tapped out. I am afraid he will die if he does not eat and get his strength up. My "local" vet is not available until tomorrow.

Attached is a picture of Spirit when I adopted him from the local animal shelter. He is only 17 weeks old now. Even though I've only had him for a short time, I can't just let him go without doing all I can to save him!

I noticed that this message board doesn't have as much attention as some of the others - but God Bless any one will pray for baby kitten Spirit - Thank you!

Replies (1)

jaynelwells Aug 22, 2005 05:34 AM

Spirit is EATING! He is amazing - he has come so far in just one short week. I force-fed Spirit for the first few days (after he didn't eat for 24 hours). I went to the vet and he recommended Hill's Prescription diet "a/d". I force-fed Spirit 50% water/food using a syringe. Within 2 days of force-feeding, he was eating with the other two kittens. He is frail and thin (compared to his twin sister Willow) but his appetite is back!

He has to go back to the vet again. He burned his tongue and mouth. His tongue is healing okay, but his mouth doesn't look good at all. He has almost finished up his antibiotic Cefafroxil, but his mouth is raw and sore.

Attached is a picture I took when he was in his "get well" room, to keep the other kittens away from him. He will try to play with a toy. But he doesn't run around with the other two kittens like he used to. I just hope and pray he doesn't have any permanent brain damage!

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