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FLUFF It was a late Friday afternoon in early January when Mr. and Mrs. Breem brought in their female cat, Fluff, because she was not eating well. It had been three days since she had eaten a good meal and she was spending more time lying around than was usual for Fluff. The Breem’s had been caring for Fluff since November when, as a stray, she had picked them as her owners. This day Fluff was not feeling well, she was extremely dehydrated, thin, her fur was unkempt like she had not been grooming herself. Her gums were dry, her eyes were crusty, and, most worrisome, was her abdomen, filled with fluid (also called ascites). Ascites can be caused by a many different medical conditions and most do not have a good prognosis. The Breem’s were aware of the odds against Fluff but if there was a chance to save her, they were willing to take it. Dr. Kinerk proceeded to hospitalize Fluff and run some tests. After several blood tests (Complete Blood Count, Chemistry profile, Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus blood tests), x-rays, and an abdominal tap (abdominocentesis), we were able to determine that Fluff had septic peritonitis, an infection inside the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum is the membrane that lines the abdomen and the contained organs. Common causes of this type of infection are a penetrating wound, infection after an operation, or a ruptured bowel. Fluff was started on antibiotics and underwent the first of two surgeries to flush and drain her abdomen of the infection. Her abdomen was not closed after the first surgery; it was allowed to remain partially open to provide drainage. Bandages absorbed the fluid that drained from Fluff. The bandages were changed regularly over a one week period. She then underwent a second surgery to close her abdomen. Interestingly, we were never able to clearly identify a source of Fluff’s infection. After one month of antibiotic treatment and tender loving care at home Fluff has regained strength and has a true lust for life. Today she weighs 8lbs. 8oz.and she loves to play. Mr. and Mrs. Breem are so happy to have her in their lives and they deserve a tremendous amount of credit for allowing us to do what was necessary to save Fluff. Dr. Scott Kinerk
2-22-00 3-27-00
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