I need some ideas, re: sick fur child...

[Mikimouse]

My youngest cat, Pooky, got his shots today, and is really feeling pretty lousy at the moment. I know that they sometimes get headaches or other assorted aches and pains shortly afterward, but was wondering if anyone has any home remedies that I can give him to help him feel better. Any suggestions would be welcome. I have tried holding him, but he is uncomfortable in any one place for any length of time, and is clearly 'sick'. He is alert, but making periodic plaintive sounds (and I am feeling guilty as hell that he feels so bad).

[amerikat]

1. Keep an eye on him. My cats got a bad batch of vaccine once

the vet had to come out in the middle of the night and give them both epinephrine

[Mikimouse]

2. His breathing is normal and even now, he is periodically purring...

but I think he probably has a headache, as everytime I gently stroke his head he complains, so I am just trying to stroke the fur on his back and sides to let him know that I love him. He had his shots about 10 hours ago.

[DustMolecule]

3. My kitty had a bad reaction once too

Have had several cats in my lifetime and never saw a reaction like it....just really 'stiffened' every time I wanted to comfort her.

Long story short - I just left her alone in the cool/dark place she had chosen for herself, and quietly checked on her every once-in-awhile. Within 24-36 hours she was back to her 'normal' self. She just needed time for her body to react/recover. And I basically, left her alone to do it (cause there really wasn't anything that could be done, except time passing).

on edit: Let the vet know. That way next time he needs his vaccinations, they'll do 'something' differently (if possible).

[Lin]

4. Get pooky to the VET please, don't wait, do it ASAP -good-luck <eom>

[Mikimouse]

7. Thanks Lin, if he isn't better in the next hour or so, I will

call his vet and see what he suggests. He is a great guy who makes house calls and loves all three of my cats. They have been seeing him since I have been here. He still remembers Pooky from his immediate post-alley cat days (when I got him last year, he was just shredded by other cats, but still holding his own-he is a little former street scrapper who was probably abandoned as a kitten). He is definitely Daddy's kitten (even though his estimated age is 3 years).

[Mikimouse]

5. That sounds familiar...

Pooky was quite content just lying on the right side of the computer on my desk while I was writing earlier, but he also managed to lay across the mouse and the modem connection (disconnected me), so I had to move him. He sounded just pathetic when I did and I walked around with him for a few minutes just stroking him gently and trying to soothe him. Right now, he is lying in the dark between the living room and the bedroom, and seems content. I wll probably pick him up and take him into bed with me when I go, as he is used to sleeping by my head. Perhaps that will make him feel better. I will definitely tell the vet about it. I don't remember him getting 'sick' the last time he had his shots, so this might be something new.

[chookie]

6. Poor Kitty!

My little Marigold (a pomeranian) had an adverse reaction to a shot a few months ago, so I know how bad you both feel.

The good news is, off the bat, that the worst reactions (anaphlaxis or shock) occur most often very soon after injection -- so kitty is *probably* not at significant risk of serious problems by this stage.

I'm not sure there are any home remedies, unfortunately. Might be a good idea to call vet tomorrow and see if they can do anything, but I don't think so. What they can do is either adjust the vaccine for next time (use a killed vaccine rather than a live one) or in some cases can give a medicine that prevents symptoms from bad reaction from getting too bad.

The most serious reaction is anaphlaxis -- shock, which can cause respiratory failure. It is a life threatening emergency. If kitty seems to be doing badly, and you fear the onset of serious symptoms, you might want to take her to an emergency clinic as a precaution. (I tend to be over-prepared about everything, but what I would do NOW if I were you even if the cat seems to be okay is to at least identify the nearest emergency clinic and have a plan about how to get there in a hurry. Hopefully you won't need to go, but iuf you do, it's great to not have to figure it out when you are in panic with a seriously ill animal.)

Here a little reading for you.

TYPES OF REACTIONS
*  Mild. Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without treatment.
*   Moderate. Urticaria is a moderate vascular reaction of the skin marked by hives or wheals and rapid swelling and redness of the lips, around the eyes, and in the neck region. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. Urticaria is the most common reaction in cats.
*   Severe. The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis, a sudden, severe allergic response that produces breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. Symptoms usually include sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, rapid drop in blood pressure, swelling of the larynx leading to airway obstruction (and inability to breathe), seizures and cardiovascular collapse or death. This reaction is life-threatening for your cat.

Both anaphylaxis and urticaria are reactions that are triggered by antibodies that the immune system has made to some portion of the vaccine and usually requires at least one previous exposure to the vaccine. The antibodies cause inflammatory cells like basophils and mast cells to release substances that cause the allergic reaction. The impact on the cat may be life threatening but if treated successfully the prognosis for long-term health is good. Mild reactions usually resolve without treatment.
Veterinary Care
Diagnostic tests
There is no diagnostic test for anaphylaxis or urticaria, but a quick physical exam will show common signs of an allergic reaction and the history will reveal recent vaccination.
Treatment
*   Anaphylaxis is an extreme emergency. Your veterinarian will begin immediate emergency life support including establishing an open airway, oxygen administration, intravenous fluids to increase blood pressure and drugs such as epinephrine, diphenhydramine and corticosteroids. Cats that survive the first few minutes usually return to normal health. Anaphylaxis usually occurs soon after vaccination, often while the cat is still in the veterinary clinic.
*   Urticaria occurs soon after vaccination, often shortly after the animal gets home. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. An oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) may be recommended to initiate treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off.
*   Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian.
Home Care
Be sure to schedule vaccination appointments when you will be available to monitor your cat after the vaccine is administered. Be sure to call your veterinarian with any questions or concerns.
Preventative Care
The good news is that severe vaccination reactions are rare. The risk of anaphylaxis and urticaria are much more rare than the benefit of the vaccine in most cases. You can limit vaccines to those that prevent diseases to which your cat may be exposed. Your veterinarian is the best judge of what vaccines are needed to protect against the diseases in your area.
Your veterinarian will record any adverse reactions to vaccines to help prevent those vaccines from being administered again. It is a good idea to also keep a record yourself.

http://petplace.netscape.com/articles/artShow.asp?artID=619

[Mikimouse]

8. No anaphylaxis or urticaria...

I was with him all afternoon (he had his shots at 11:30 this morning, and I don't teach evening classes on Wednesdays, so this was the ideal day for it. I think he is having a very mild reaction to it, but of course, he is not only uncomfortable, but I think, a bit scared too, as he is the healthiest of the three (nothing major for the other two, but he is the livliest). Anyway, he keeps looking at me and then walking over and marking my leg and then walking away. He just seems as though he cannot get settled, which indicates to me that he just feels generally under the weather. I don't expect the symptoms to last 24 hours, just wanted to see if I could find something that might work as a palliative.

[flamingyouth]

9. Winky can't have vaccines at all

She breaks out in horrible sores each time, and her breathing gets labored. I've never had another cat with this reaction in all my years (and all my cats...lol). Hopefully this will be a passing thing. Sounds like you're keeping a close eye on him, which is a good idea.:hi:

[Mikimouse]

11. LOL, I'm not sure which one of us is imprinted on the other...

I suspect that I am the one imprinted on the cats! Yes, I am going to watch him very closely. I know the signs of shock, anaphylaxis and urticaria, but have usually seen it only in humans (not pretty either). Thanks, I'll make sure I pass on all the good thoughts to the Pookster. :hi:

[Lisa0825]

10. I either read or heard somewhere in the past 6 months

that since cats are much more sensitive to drugs and vaccines than dogs, many vets are vaccinating only outside cats for some things, and limiting the number of shots given to cats that are strictly indoors.

I hope furbaby feels better soon! I know how worried I was when my four-legged baby was sick!

[Mikimouse]

12. You are correct. These guys only get the 'standard fare', not the ...

feline leukemia stuff, because they never go outside (well, once in a while, Pooky darts past me when I am coming in, but he never leaves the porch-he just wants to check out his territory, and then comes back in while I am standing there).

[SoCalDem]

14. I only vaccinate when a "new" member arrives

Mine are all indoorsies, and the "new" ones are the ones who muct undergo the testing to make sure they are healthy.. Knock wood..no one has ever tested positive for anything.. It hurts the purse strings, but I would never want a "good deed" to bring harm to my innocent bystanders at home :)

EVERY time I have taken one of my ctas to the vet for ANYTHING, they end up being sick later..

When Sara went for her spaying, we had rampant "eye infections" in ALL the ctas for a month afterwards..

Skunkie went in for something minor, and about a week later we thought he might die, he was so sick..

Consequently, I only bring my babies in as the first patients of the day, and I never let them touch the floor or any furniture :)

[Mikimouse]

16. I try to do pretty much the same thing...

as far as taking them early ini the day. I usually teach an 8AM class, so can't do the very first appointments, but usually get there with the children shortly afterward. Right now, the Pookster is doing a little better; finally rolled into his usual sleeping position. Still not feeling very talkative, other than complaining if I try to pick him up, but I think that the worst is over. When I get back from class and the studio (I have to do my weekly radio spot right after class), I will call the vet and ask if there is anything I can give Pooky to hasten his recovery. The vet really loves all three of my fur children, and has taken care of each, in turn, with a great deal of love and attention. Thanks for the reply!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SoCalDem]

18. I'm so glad your baby is feeling better

:hug: It's terrible when we know they hurt, and they cannot tell us where or how.:(..

When he starts ripping stuff up again, you'll feel so much better :)

[Mikimouse]

19. Just to be on the safe side...

I called the vet and he confirmed what I suspected. There is nothing to be done to ease his discomfort, except to wait it out. Should be OK sometime this afternoon. I am going to lay down with him for a nap before my evening class.

[DustMolecule]

13. How's Pooky doing?

Please update....we're all worried/thinking of you.

[Mikimouse]

15. Update...

Pooky is still sleeping on my pillow. He had a bit of an uncomfortable night, but finally seemed to be feeling more like his normal self early this morning (around 3:00AM). He is now sleeping in his normal position (turned turtle). I am getting ready to go to work, but will be back fairly quickly. I think he's going to be OK, it will just take a little time. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Darth_Kitten]

17. That's good to hear, that he's doing better!

:)

[Mikimouse]

20. He is such a sweetheart of a cat...

He is defintely better now, and I am going to spend the afternoon with im, reading and napping. I know that he wants the company, because he kept coming out to the living room last night until I went to bed. I carried him in and put him in the bed beside me and he slept, albeit not very well, most of the night.