Conference misery::feline

    I'd like to suggest that you keep a bottle of Pedilyte on hand. If is
    very useful for if your cat is dehydrating from vomiting, diarreha or
    is in kidney failure and seems to get a bit disoriented right after
    urination.
    
    It is really just water mixed with sugar, salt, and posassium, just
    like the lactated ringers that the vet gives your cat subcuetoneously
    when dehydrated. Not only does it rehydrate the cat but it puts the
    electrolytes back in balence. 
    
    You get it in the babyfood section of the supermarket, at about $4.50 a
    bottle; most large drug stores have an equivelent house brand for $2.50
    to $3.00
     
    Deb

    
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Note 736.7                   What to do about Chloe?                      7 of 7
NETWKS::GASKELL                                      10 lines   5-APR-1994 12:37
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    I have no qualifications or training but I give this suggestion 
    as someone who had kidney failure as a child. (And, please 
    don't gross out, it sound worse than it is.)
    
    Take the urine sample and cook it in the microwave for about a min or
    two.  If white threads like egg white appear then the kidneys are
    leaking albumin (sp) which is what egg white is many of.  This is
    a symtom of kidney dysfunction.  It's easy and its almost free.
    
    Best of luck.

    Another helpful hint is to keep canned pumpkin around the house. 
    Pumpkin is a natural fiber and it helps Diahrea as well as 
    constipation.    You can add it directly to food...and the
    kitty won't even taste it.
    
    Just remember...buy the pumpkin without the spices!!

    1.	Put kitten on cloth and place feeding tube against the kitten and
    measure from the tip of the nose to the last rib.  This is where the
    stomach is.
    
    2.	Mark the tube with an indelible marker at that spot.
    
    3.	Weigh and identify the kitten and write down its weight.
    
    4. 	Withdraw the correct amount into the syring from the container of
    formula and attach the tube.  The formula should be at room
    temperature.
    
    5. VERY CAREFULLY PRESS THE PLUNGER UNTIL A DROP OF FORMULA SHOWS AT
    THE END OF THE TUBE.
    
    6. Dip the tube into the container of formula.  This will
    act as a lubricant and the taste will also encourage the kitten to
    swallow the tube.  You may also use a little K-Y Jelly.
    
    7.	Working on a surface at a convenient height, take the kitten in
    your left hand approximating a nursing position.
    
    8.	GENTLY press against the chin/lower jaw with the tip of your right
    index finger to gently open the mouth slightly.
    
    9.	Tip the head back and begin to insert the tube.  Thread the tube
    down the throat UNTIL YOU REACH THE SPOT MARKED ON THE TUBE.
    
    10.	Slide your hand a bit until you are holding not only the kittens
    head in your palm but also holding the tube between your thumb and
    forefinger so it does not slide out. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!
    
    11.	With an even pressure, press the plunger all the way (slowly).  DO
    NOT REMOVE THE TUBE at the same time you are pressing the plunger.
    
    12.	To prevent the kitten from wiggling and the tube sliding out, you
    must hold both firmly.  While the plunger is in all the way, carefully
    remove the tube.
    
    13.	The only possible trouble you can have is IF you withdraw the tube
    while pressing the plunger.
    
    Average size of a kitten at birth: 3 - 3 1/2 ounces.
    
    AGE     WEIGHT   # FEEDINGS/DAY	TOT. DLY.REQ.	AMOUNT PER FEEDING
    1WK	    4 OZ.      6 FEEDINGS	32 CC.		5.33 CC EACH
    2WK	    7 OZ.      4 FEEDINGS	56 CC.		14 CC EACH
    3WK	    10 OZ.     3 FEEDINGS	80 CC.		26.67 CC EACH
    4WK	    1LB.       3 FEEDINGS	104 CC.		34.67 CC EACH
    
    
    Note: you may not be able on the first try to get the tube inserted
    into the stomach to the mark on the first try.  Just pull it out and
    try again.  But NEVER push the plunger until the tube is inserted up to
    that mark!
    
    Good luck!
    Karen