Prolapse in kitten

[MeowMeow]

Hello. My friend’s new kitten is 1.5 lbs / 2 mos old.
It had already been spayed and vaccinated, which I feel is quite early. (Correct?)

Then it was administered pain killer (for the spay). The kitten started having diarrhea everyday (I suggested pumpkin & coconut water but didn’t try it). Then it became lethargic. It was given amoxicillin. And rehydrated with fluids. The vet ran labs but before the results were given they suggested more amoxicillin. A day later they found it has Giardia. At home last night, the kitten’s colon came out a little. Now giving the kitten a new medication to treat the Giardia (begins with an M). And bringing it in again today for the prolapse issue.

This kitten is so tiny. My question is, are all these medications normal and a contributing factor for the prolapse? What can be done for the prolapse? Last reported there was about a fingernail of colon sticking out.

Any information is helpful. Thank you

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Thank you for helping with your friend's kitty.

are all these medications normal and a contributing factor for the prolapse?

Yes, the meds are probably standard vet procedure. Whether they are stressors to the body that can contribute to the prolapse depends on who you ask. Conventionally, the answer is "probably not".

The good news is that resolution of the giardia should also resolve the parasite and any straining to poop that resulted in the prolapse.

Kitty expert @Dr. Jean Hofve may have more info.

 

[MeowMeow]

Sounds good. Hopefully they’ll hold off more with all the unnecessary meds but her colon is back inside as of today. Hopefully all remains ok.

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

Yes, the spay seems early; generally we wait until the kitten is at least 2 lbs. (which they typically are at age 2 months). The weight is a better guide than age.

Agree with Dr. Jeff that giardia is the most likely culprit for the prolapse, it can cause a lot of straining.

Metronidazole is the conventional treatment, but it does not actually kill giardia, it only prevents it from reproducing. However, she needs it now to help her system manage it. When she is a little bigger and stronger, here is my giardia protocol. Giardia Natural Treatment Protocol | Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve

Meantime, it is important to start probiotics to help restore the kitten's gut microbiome. Separate them from the antibiotics by at least 2 hours.

 

[MeowMeow]

Thank you both this is all helpful and makes sense!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

You're welcome!

 

[Dr. Christina]

Great suggestion you had for your friend to try some soothing treatments. Maybe you can get your friend to read Anitra Frazier's the Natural Cat, or better yet to take the 101 course. Maybe you could review the course with her as an incentive.

As so many members have discovered, conventional veterinary care is great if you need a diagnosis, surgery or sometimes for acute care. Following all the information here helps keep animals healthy and you stress free as you learn to appreciate symptoms rather than fear them.

One key for you is to see HA! as a university and schedule time to study all the material here - maybe you can entice your friend to join you in this endeavor.

Dr. Christina