The vet has just called me. They have found a more serious and life-threatening condition in Bushytail - she has pyometra (infection of the uterus).
The mammary gland infection is already life-threatening. Now, coupled with the pyometra, surgery cannot be postponed.
Bushytail's chances of survival is 50%.
The vet, in her professional opinion, has given us the option of having Bushytail put down, but we cannot do that. We have never done that. So, the surgery will proceed first thing tomorrow morning. We have to give her a chance to live and recover.
Judging from her weak condition, she might need blood transfusion too.
Please say a prayer for Bushytail and wish her well.
We shall leave it to the universe to decide what is best for her. We're already doing our best now.
About pyometra:
Source: http://www.cat-world.com.au/pyometra-in-cats
Pyometra - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Pyometra in Cats
What is pyometra?
Pyometra (pus filled uterus) is a serious & life threatening infection of the uterus. It can occur in any entire female.
What are the symptoms of pyometra in cats?
Pyometra usually appears 6 - 8 weeks after the queen goes out of heat. It is a life threatening infection & requires immediate veterinary attention. Pyometra may come on quickly, or take several months to fully develop.
There are two types of pyometra, open & closed.
•Open pyometra: The cervix is open, and pus drains out of the vagina. This is often cream, pink or brown in colour, and has an offensive odour.
•Closed pyometra: As the uterus is closed, pus is unable to drain from the vagina & therefore collects in the uterus.
It is important to note that all cases of pyometra are medical emergencies, but closed pyometra is far more dangerous & life threatening. Both forms of pyometra require immediate veterinary attention. Pyometra can lead to organ damage & septicaemia.
As well as the possible discharge from the vagina, your cat may display some or all of the below symptoms:
•Anorexia (loss of appetite).
•Weight loss.
•Lethargy.
•Normal, increased or decreased body temperature.
•Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
•Polyuria (excessive urination)
•Distended abdomen.
•Dehydration.
•Elevated white blood cell count.
How is pyometra diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your cat & ask for a medical history such as when her last heat cycle was. He may observe the discharge of pus from the vagina, and be able to feel the enlarged uterus. This can be confirmed by ultrasound or x-ray.
How is pyometra treated?
•If the queen is not required for breeding purposes then an ovariohysterectomy (desexing/spaying) is the best option.
•Antibiotics to control the infection.
•IV fluids to treat dehydration.
•If the cat is required for breeding, prostaglandin treatment will be used. This causes contraction of the uterus & the cervix to relax, which assists in evacuation of the pus. There may be side effects from the prostaglandin such as vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, panting, shock.
•The pus may be cultured, and the queen will be placed on the appropriate antibiotics to treat the infection.
•There is a chance that treatment will not be successful, and for pyometra to reoccur in cats treated for pyometra but not spayed.
References: [1] The Cornell Book of Cats, [2] Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook - Delbert G. Carlson, D.V.M. & James M. Giffin, M.D.
About mastitis in cats (mammary gland infection):
Source: http://www.cat-world.com.au/mastitis-in-cats
Mastitis In Cats - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Mastitis in Cats
What is mastitis?
Mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland) occurs when the lactating queens mammary gland(s) becomes inflamed, blocked or infected. Mastitis can also occur in cats who have had a pseudopregnancy.
Mastitis can affect a single gland or multiple glands. It is a medical emergency & requires immediate veterinary attention.
How does a cat acquire mastitis?
Septic mastitis: Damage to the nipples as a result of constant sucking from kittens & abrasions from sharp kitten paws & teeth allow bacteria to enter the mammary gland via the teat. Streptococci, staphylococci & E. Coli are usually involved in mastitis. [1]
It is also possible for an infection elsewhere to spread to the mammary glands via the bloodstream.
Acute septic mastitis: Infected mammary glands may develop an abscess or become gangrenous.
Non septic mastitis: If the milk duct is not properly cleared blockages may occur. These cause milk to pool in the mammary gland. This forms an ideal environment for bacteria growth and can lead to an infection (septic mastitis). Non septic mastitis is often seen at weaning
What are the signs of mastitis?
•Pain, heat & swelling of the affected gland(s)
•Fever
•The milk may be bloody, yellow or thick
•The queen may refuse to let her kittens nurse from the affected gland
•The queen may become depressed & lose her appetite & become dehydrated
•The queen may be lethargic
•Sick or dying kittens
Symptoms may not be apparent in non septic mastitis. The affected gland(s) may be hot, swollen & painful but the cat remains healthy & alert.
Mastitis can come on quickly & without warning which is why it is important to keep a watchful eye over the queen's mammary glands during lactation so quick action can be taken if any changes are observed.
What should you do if your cat shows symptoms of mastitis?
Mastitis is a medical emergency, and you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.
There seems to be two different schools of thought in regards to allowing kittens to nurse from a queen with mastitis. Your veterinarian is the best person to advise on how to proceed, if you should permit the kittens to continue to nurse from the affected gland(s), or from the queen altogether. It seems that the decision is based on several factors: if the mastitis is confined to one gland it may be recommended that the kittens continue to nurse from all but that gland, the physical condition of the cat, and if the mastitis is septic or non-septic. What does appear to be commonly recommended is to avoid kittens nursing from a gland which has become infected, as infection can be passed onto the kittens, which can result in sickness or death. Only your own veterinarian can recommend which is the best & safest way to proceed.
If your veterinarian does recommend kittens cease nursing from the mother it may be temporary until she can recover, or permanent. Either way, if the kittens are too young to wean, you will have to bottle feed them with a specially formulated milk designed for kittens. Cow's milk is not an appropriate substitute for kittens.
How is mastitis diagnosed?
•A tentative diagnosis may be made on the clinical signs your cat is displaying.
•Bacterial culture & sensitivity of the affected milk.
•Microscopic examination of the discharge for the presence of white blood cells.
How is mastitis treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
•Broad spectrum antibiotics may be given to the queen until bacterial culture results are back in, and then a more appropriate antibiotic will be given.
•Pain medication may be given to the queen.
•Treatment of dehydration if necessary.
•Kittens may also be prescribed antibiotics.
•Abscesses will need to be lanced & drained.
•Gangrenous tissue will need to be debrided (removal of necrotic material).
•Application of a warm compress several times a day to assist with milk drainage.
•Manually expressing of the affected mammary glands to remove infected milk.
•If non septic mastitis occurs at weaning, reducing water & food intake may assist in drying up the milk supply. [1]
References:
[1] Feline Husbandry; Diseases & Management in the Multiple-Cat Environment: Niels C. Pedersen.
[2] The Merck Veterinary Manual
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