My 6-mo old cat was spayed & now she has chest congestion/

My 6-month old cat was spayed yesterday and she's had chest congestion ever since. The vet's office said her throat was probably scratched from the tracheal tube but it sounds like congestion not irritation. She's been coughing and I can hear the congestion. When I pet her I can feel rumbling in her body like there is congestion. She's been trying to play as normal so I've kept her in the bathrom or my dog's crate. She has not meowed since her surgery but has been doing an adnormally loud purr. Any adivce? I'm worried she may have bortella (sp?) but the vet's office didn't seem too concerned. Should I insist on an exam?

[Jade59]

Leslie, I would insist.  You know your girl better than anyone.  My cat has been put under a number of times and this doesn't sound right to me so go ahead and make an appt.  It's maybe nothing, but better to be safe and have your vet give a listen to kitty's chest,  than sorry.

Please let us know how it goes and good luck!

[leslie_27]

Thanks for the feedback! I think you are right.. plus I would feel much better knowing she was checked out. Thanks! :-)

[leslie_27]

The vet said that it was most likely FHV. She made it sound like it's no big deal and gave my kitty, Star, an antibiotic shot plus some antiobiotics for me to bring home. I'm finding conflicting information online. My sister's cat had FHV and it died after suffering for a while. It was a full grown cat, too. I read it can cause fatal pneumonia in kittens. If she's not better by Monday I am going to take her for a second opinion.

[opus88]

I don't blame you hon, and another thing I'm not in favor of that antibiotic shot either!!! its a pretty powerful antibiotic that stays in their systems for alot longer than needed, but appears to be all the 'rage' right now with Vets....was meant to be for feral cats who we aren't able to give daily meds too....now its done as a convenience.
run a hot steamy shower and bring her into the bathroom with you, that will help steam her and make it easier for her to breath, poor baby....good luck♥

[leslie_27]

I agree! It is powerful stuff. I am not adverse to giving my cats a pill but the vet wanted to give her a shot. The med the vet sent home is a lysine gel meant to help prevent recurrence, not an antibiotic.
My boyfriend just went to the store to get a humidifier for her. Good idea about the steam, thanks! :-)

[opus88]

the lysine gel is good, you should go to a Vitamin store and get the supplement as well, its an amino acid L-lysine, and VERY good for the immune system which kitty needs to build up to fight this off....you are both good kitty parents..
is she eating and drinking well? when the noses get congested they can't smell the food and than refuse to eat....be sure she keeps taking in both if you need to you may have to assist her..
gee I sure hope she will start feeling better soon. :-)

[leslie_27]

Good idea to get some vitamins, thanks!
She has been eating alright though not as much as usual. I give her a mix of cereal and wet food. She seems to be feeling okay aside from the cough. She was just trying to play with my other cat as I type and is now attacking my boyfriend's hand.
Thanks for your concern and kind words :-)