Re: 7/29 Enana AMPS 274
Hi Natalia. Regarding your question from yesterday's condo:
I hope Enana is swallowing a little better today. That intubation definitely can cause irritation and inflammation. My civvie, Cappi had a dental last year and she refused to swallow afterwards. She couldn't even swallow her own saliva. She didn't/couldn't eat. Her breathing sounded labored and she made wheezing and gasping sounds. At first I wasn't sure if she was having lung problems, but she was getting enough oxygen and the noises were not deep in her chest, they were upper airway.... her throat. She tried to hide but she was so noisy breathing that I could hear her from a room or two away.
The vet and techs suggested patience and this was probably just anesthesia after-effects and give her 1/4 tablet of Pepcid. Well, that was not going to work since she couldn't even swallow her own spit. And on day 3 they said to call back after 5 pm if I was still worried. Instead I just brought her in mid-day. They gave her fluids which at this point I think she needed. Two days later she still is not swallowing and it is obvious that it wasn't anesthesia related. She was hurt. She hadn't eaten in 4 days, it was Friday... I asked for her records so I could go to the ER since the weekend was upon us. Instead the vet came to my house. She finally saw that Cappi's throat was irritated and inflamed.
I got injectable famotidine (Pepcid), injectable antibiotics, fluids, and Sucralfate (Carafate). The suculfrate was a tablet that I crushed and mixed with water. I syringed it into Cappi's mouth a couple times a day. That is what got her over the hump. It soothed the irritated tissue in her throat so she could swallow a little bit. Every time it was a little bit better. I'd syringe the medicine in and then some more cool water. Although I had to force it at first it did get a little easier each time. I think she realized it felt ok... and maybe it was actually good.
I had to assist feed baby food for about 4 more days before she starting eating on her own. She fine now. But the next time a kitty of mine needs a dental the vet will get a long discussion about intubation and how they BETTER be gentle. And I don't want a tech to do it, I am asking for a vet to do it - or actually whoever is their most experienced person.
The fact that Enana is eating is a great relief to me. I'm so glad. You could try a little cool water every so often and see if that makes her feel better. She may not need the sucralfate.