Question about dehydration

[ettevyva]

My son and I (and the vet) have had a horrible time getting blood from Espresso. It even took the vet 4 different tries.
I just realized since Espresso went to the emergency on Saturday completely dehydrated and had to get hydrated, plus he's not drinking or peeing but has severe liquid diarrhea - Could being somewhat dehydrated be a reason it's so hard to get blood???

 

[Barb & Mr. Frog]

Yes

 

[BJM]

How to check for dehydration:
1) moderate to severe - pull up fur at scruff of neck. If it stays pulled up - "tented" - the cat is moderately to severly dehydrated
2) mild dehydration or more - press a finger firmly on the gums of the mouth and release. If it immediately pinks back up, all is well. If it stays blanched, or the gums feel sticky/tacky, the cat is dehydrated at some level.

Add fluids to food, which you are doing for the swollen throat so he can eat.

Sounds like we need to do some sort of fundraiser for you - if the vet you want to see is willing, provide the phone info and folks can call and give amounts using credit cards.

Alternatively, you might ask folks to pm you privately if they want to donate anything.