I spayed my cat 2 weeks ago and her breast and belly are VERY SWOLLEN?

Question

i spayed my cat 2 weeks ago but she had to be re-sutured 1 week ago because the incision opened. now one week after the re-suture, the staples are out and there seems to be an infection and she is extremely swollen, although she eats like she is supposed to and plays with the other Kitty's and acts like a normal kitty, i took her to the vet because i was so scared . the vet said that it looks like they will probably have to re operate her and x-ray her belly to see how far deep the infection is, so they quoted me between $2000 - $2500. i don't know what to do... has this happened to anyone else? i cant afford $2000 :( any advice on how i can help her swelling go down? i have been icing it but i don't know that its helping at all .... please if you have any advice on what i can do for her or organizations that will help with this kind of stuff, i would really appreciate the help!

Answer 1

Absolutely get a second opinion! I'm assuming the cat is not at the vets? they should have prescribed antibiotics on the spot. taking xrays to determine the extent of infection doesn't make sense... it maybe more likely that they want to be sure they did not leave anything behind during the surgery (this actually happened to one of my cats who had a leg amputation, they left a cotton inside which caused numerous infections before it was discovered). I would suggest taking him to another veterinarian asap! It will kill your cat if not treated, the vet should be able to suggest options for you in your area. $2000-$2500 is excessive.

Answer 2

Sounds like her case is rapidly becoming critical, though I think you need a vet with something resembling a heart.  She probably will need another surgery, but many vets will work with you on stuff like that.

In any case, I would look around for another vet, cause this should never have gotten so far; she ought to have been put on prophylactic antibiotics, after the surgery.

You might, however, look in a smaller or less urban clinic, because they often are cheaper, just because of lower overhead.  And, too, many Humane Society operations will do that kind of work for you, and happily work out a payment schedule, so the cat can get the care it needs, without becoming another animal that needs to find a home,

It's certainly worth a try.  But I would do it fast, because cats can go downhill in a big rush from complications like that, owing to organ failure.

Good luck.

Answer 3

You're talking infection, which can kill a cat.  The vet is right, she needs to have surgery.

Work out payment terms with them, ask for a discount, whatever it takes. This won't go away by itself, regardless of how normal she's eating--you're talking sepsis here--major infection.

Answer 4

If payment is a problem the RSPCA or whatever they are called in your area will usually be willing to sort out a payment plan.  There are also usually other organsiations such as Cat Rescue (that is what it is called in my area at least).  Have a look in the phonebook.  Just a note for after this operation you might consider getting pet insurance to cover against something like this if it happens again.

Answer 5

usually if you find a small town vet then it will be cheaper. I know a person whos cat broke two of its legs jumpin 15 stories and they lived in chicago and got quoted 2000 dollars and went to an iowa vet clinic and got it for under 400 dollars.  An infection should not cost that much but it depends on where you live to Good luck

Answer 6

Your vet is correct, she does need more surgery.  If you cannot afford it, then you need to surrender your cat to a shelter.  Not having the surgery is going to cause the cat to have a painful ending to her life.  Unfortunately, this a complication that may happen from the surgery, and very unusual.  Just like human surgery, there is no "minor" surgery and anything can happen.  Will your vet allow a payment plan?  Can you afford a loan?  How far, and how much can you afford?  If you can't do any of the above, the most humane thing to do is surrender the cat.

Answer 7

Also, you might want a second opinion, or maybe shop around for a better price on the second surgury. Prices can vary greatly from place to place.

Answer 8

Sounds like your vet wants money...I know that's not nice to say but I have a cat that just went through the same thing and it costed only $150.00!!!.  We had her spayed and her tummy was extremely swollen and sore the next day.  I took her to the vet where we found out she had torn the inside sutures.  she had to be stitched back up again and kept in a quiet place for a couple of days afterwards.  She could be having a reaction to the material used for the stitches also, which can only be diagnosed by a vet.  I would take her to a different vet for a second opinion. Since my cat was a rescue, the human society vet did the first and second sugeries. don't get me wrong, i'm not saying humane society vets are bad, i'm just speaking from experience and your know the old saying...once burned twice learned.  my lesson in this is...just because someone is cheaper, it doesn't mean they're good and won't cost more in the long run (to the detriment of the cat).  I finally took her my regular vet who tested her abdomen to make sure the abdomenal wall was still intact which it was.  she was placed on antibiotics and was doing very well in a couple of days.  Most of all, she must be kept quiet after any type of surgery to eliminate the risk of hurting herself.  she shouldn't be having problems after two weeks and should have been pretty much back to normal.  there is a condition she can have but I can't remember what the vet called it.At any rate, take her to a dependable vet who is recommended by word of mouth. She'll be happy you did.