So worried.

mrcow

Okay, so I've already called the vet and they've told me not to worry. But I am so worried and upset about this that I just wanted to post.

I've got a small cat who gave birth to a stillborn kitten today. There are still babies inside her and I think I felt at least one moving a little while ago. It's now been over 8 hours since the first and there is no sign of any more coming.

She's eating fine, drinking and using the litter tray and is being very clingy to me and the kids. She is also sleeping quite a lot but seems fine in herself and not distressed or uncomfortable.

The vet has said to leave her as labour can take up to 36 hours. But this one just seems to have stopped completely.

I'm so worried I can hardly hold it together. I've read about interrupted labour in cat, but is this type of labour common? or even remotely normal?

D&DD

Really sorry I can't help never had kittens/pups, being the worrywart I am I'd have been on my way to the vets already. I'm sure someone who's had kittens will be along soon to advise. If the vet said not to worry did they say when you should go there if you need to?? Any sort of timeframe or have you got to wait the 36 hours?

GBNI

I think I'd be phoning for a second opinion. 8 hours seems a long time between kittens, especially if the labour seems to have ground to a halt.

mrcow

Okay - I will ring them again. And see if I can take her in. Thanksx.


Edit: They've told me to sit tight and wait. Again!

lee111s

I'd call another vet.

mrcow

lee111s wrote: »

I'd call another vet.

Do you think? They said it was completely normal to have a delay during labour. I'm kind of seeing what they are saying as she doesn't seem even remotely bothered or flustered. She's sleeping on a cushion. They said that delays of 24 hours are not unusual and that I'm to take her in in the morning if nothing has happened. I am worried, but they seemed so confident and reassuring?

She's a stray. I've only had her a week and she hasn't had a great start in life (including this!). I just want to do what's right for her.

krlyr

I would be getting a second opinion too, won't harm.

http://www.2ndchance.info/felinelabor.htm
"It usually takes two to six hours for the entire litter to be delivered. If labor persists beyond seven hours it is wise to take the mother and the kittens to a veterinarian."

jenhug

I would have had her down the vets asap. if she needs a section, ask them to spay at the same time, to save costs of a further op later.

deedeeliz

Call and take her to a different vets.

If she's a stray she wont have had the best nutrition whilst pregnant and a stillborn kitten then nothing doesn't indicate this is a normal labour! The longer the others are inside mum cat now the less chance they have so please call and ask for the injection that induces labour

Pollycat

Well done you for taking in a stray - and pregnant - cat. :T

I hope everything is OK.

mrcow

Sorry for the delay in updating, it's been an upsetting few days and I wanted to post when I had something concrete to say (I think sometimes it's useful to post updates for anyone searching the forums with similar issues).

She passed a second stillborn about 20 hours after the first.

She's had two ultrasounds and an x-ray and they think she still has a retained placenta so has had oxytocin and is on antibiotics.

They think the kittens could have died due to a viral infection not prevented because she's not been vaccinated. Without testing, we can't be sure. We have to wait 4-6 weeks before we can get her neutered. I'll get her microchipped and vaccinated before then (she's staying indoors until she's neutered anyway).

I just feel so upset for her. She's had such a rubbish time. But thank you to everyone who took the time to post and to the poster who PM'd me - the support was really appreciated.

I guess my parting comment to anyone reading would be to please ensure any animal you're responsible for is neutered and vaccinated. I wouldn't wish this cat's week one anyone else ever.