Aa
Vomiting after intestinal surgery
I need help.I have an obese 8 year old siamese cat that underwent intestinal surgery last week for an obstruction. He ate my baby's bath toy- alphabet letter made of foam. The surgery went well as the foam was already in the colon and was "milked" out. I brought "George" home the next day due to the impending hurricane-IKE.
George did well the first two days and then began vomiting bile. He was unable to eat, pass stool or keep anything down. We returned to the vet in which he was admitted for dehydration,and to rule out pancreatitis, peritonitis, or acute renal failure. After three days of IV fluids, amoxicillin and reglan, George was discharged with all normal lab values. He has again thrown up and started refusing to eat-but will drink lots of water. The vet is baffled and is referring us to an internist because he just doesn't know what is causing the vomiting? Got any ideas? Also, how can I encourage George to eat? I don't want him to die from liver disease from not eating!!! Help!
George did well the first two days and then began vomiting bile. He was unable to eat, pass stool or keep anything down. We returned to the vet in which he was admitted for dehydration,and to rule out pancreatitis, peritonitis, or acute renal failure. After three days of IV fluids, amoxicillin and reglan, George was discharged with all normal lab values. He has again thrown up and started refusing to eat-but will drink lots of water. The vet is baffled and is referring us to an internist because he just doesn't know what is causing the vomiting? Got any ideas? Also, how can I encourage George to eat? I don't want him to die from liver disease from not eating!!! Help!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Is George developing diabetes?
I think referral to an Internist a good idea.
I would make sure that the vet has continued your cat on either reglan or cerenia to control the nausea and vomiting, and an appetite stimulant such as cyproheptidine or mirtazapine. Your cat should also be on pepcid and sucralfate.
One hour after giving George reglan or cerenia, you should try to entice George to eat anything his heart desires, just to get him to eat something.
Sometimes, cats have to be force fed, but please don't do this at home. Force feeding should only be performed at the vet's, unless you are taught the proper method.
I think referral to an Internist a good idea.
I would make sure that the vet has continued your cat on either reglan or cerenia to control the nausea and vomiting, and an appetite stimulant such as cyproheptidine or mirtazapine. Your cat should also be on pepcid and sucralfate.
One hour after giving George reglan or cerenia, you should try to entice George to eat anything his heart desires, just to get him to eat something.
Sometimes, cats have to be force fed, but please don't do this at home. Force feeding should only be performed at the vet's, unless you are taught the proper method.
Well, George never "turned around" after the second surgery. He had gone a long time without eating and I think that the second surgery was just too much.
The vet believed that he had turned septic. So, much to our dismay, we let the vet put our sweet Geroge out of his misery.
I wanted to let all of you know...I kept insisting to the vet that I believed that what he pulled out from the original surgery didn't look like all that he had eaten. Even during his first hospitalization I asked if they could perform another barium test just to check. They didn't listen. I cried several times ( to my mother over the phone) telling her that my gut instinct was that something was left over and that no one believed me. (instead leaning towards pancreatitis)
Unfortunately, the last piece of foam was hiding in his stomach and was 100% blocked.
As an oncology nurse myself, I have learned a great deal from this experience. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS listen to the family. If they say, "something is wrong, he isn't acting right....." I listen.
Instincts are an innate trait and we must learn to follow them!
The vet believed that he had turned septic. So, much to our dismay, we let the vet put our sweet Geroge out of his misery.
I wanted to let all of you know...I kept insisting to the vet that I believed that what he pulled out from the original surgery didn't look like all that he had eaten. Even during his first hospitalization I asked if they could perform another barium test just to check. They didn't listen. I cried several times ( to my mother over the phone) telling her that my gut instinct was that something was left over and that no one believed me. (instead leaning towards pancreatitis)
Unfortunately, the last piece of foam was hiding in his stomach and was 100% blocked.
As an oncology nurse myself, I have learned a great deal from this experience. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS listen to the family. If they say, "something is wrong, he isn't acting right....." I listen.
Instincts are an innate trait and we must learn to follow them!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I hope George is doing well now that they have found the culprit!
Quick update:
George underwent another exploratory surgery and a large piece of the original foam was found just outside of his stomach. A small section of questionable intestine was also resected to prevent a third surgery from happening.
I am grateful for a good team of doctors and hope that my Georgie makes a speedy recovery.
George underwent another exploratory surgery and a large piece of the original foam was found just outside of his stomach. A small section of questionable intestine was also resected to prevent a third surgery from happening.
I am grateful for a good team of doctors and hope that my Georgie makes a speedy recovery.
Wow Dr. Cheng!
You are definitely right on target. George was referred to an internist and an IV of normal saline was started. He was also given reglan, pepcid and valium for (aggression) and they found it to work as a stimulant.
Since he has been vomiting, they decided to start parenteral nutrition as well. They performed xrays and an ultrasound of the pancreas which looked clear.
They are, however, monitoring the gas pattern because they feel that some sort of obstruction has been left behind. George started eating again, but vomited later.
He will probably be re-operated on tomorrow to see if there is another intestinal blockage.
If a diagnosis is not found, I have opted not to have him placed on a feeding tube and instead will allow him to be put to rest.
Thank you for taking the time to answer. I appreciate your knowledgeable words during this difficult time. -Alice
You are definitely right on target. George was referred to an internist and an IV of normal saline was started. He was also given reglan, pepcid and valium for (aggression) and they found it to work as a stimulant.
Since he has been vomiting, they decided to start parenteral nutrition as well. They performed xrays and an ultrasound of the pancreas which looked clear.
They are, however, monitoring the gas pattern because they feel that some sort of obstruction has been left behind. George started eating again, but vomited later.
He will probably be re-operated on tomorrow to see if there is another intestinal blockage.
If a diagnosis is not found, I have opted not to have him placed on a feeding tube and instead will allow him to be put to rest.
Thank you for taking the time to answer. I appreciate your knowledgeable words during this difficult time. -Alice
You are reading content posted in the Animal Health - General Forum
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Has your pet ever swallowed your prescription medicine? Vet tech Thomas Dock explores the top 10 meds that harm pets and what you can do to prevent a tragedy from happening.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
