Hello Beth,
You can resume the eye antibiotic but I am concerned that once you stop it you will be right back to where you are now. It sounds like there is an underlying allergy? or something going on, and that the steroid is just quieting it down or masking it while you are suing it, but the underlying problem remains.
IF the eye returns to being swollen and itchy make a re-check appointment (preferably) with one of the doctors that you have seen already and keep investigating the underlying cause.
Sounds ike it is time for an answer to the problem because the medicine we prescribed hasn’t cured it yet.
Thanks for your question! And please don’t hesitate to call for a re-check.
Sincerely,
Krista
Krista Magnifico, DVM
Owner Jarrettsville Veterinary Center
Jarrettsville, MD
http://www.jarrettsvillevet.com
Hello Gary,
Thank you for your question, and thank you for being so proactive and compassionate to these kitties.
I think that in general you have a very good plan and it sounds like you are doing everything just as I would recommend. I think that 9 kittens is too much for one mom if they are all nursing (it sounds like they are not though). A mom that has too many kittens nursing can get hypocalcemia (we call it eclampsia). This can be life threatening.
By 4 weeks old the kittens should be able to be transitioned to kitten food. I would recommend leaving dry kitten food, wet kitten food, or softened dry food with kitten formula out every 4 hours. If the kittens continue to nurse I would start to rotate them so they have more individual time with you and a better ability to be encouraged to eat.
We estimate the age of kittens by one pound per month of age up to about 7 months old. A one pound kitten is about 4 weeks old.
If a kitten is not socialized and tamed by about 6 to 8 weeks old it gets increasingly more difficult. Spend as much time and attention that you can with them before this age.
Please be warned that unvaccinated cats and kittens can carry rabies. It can be deadly to them and to you.
I would also recommend that you contact your veterinarian and any local rescue groups for help in humanely trapping, spaying, vaccinating, de-worming, feline leukemia and feline immuno-deficiency testing, and microchipping. Many of the non-profits or rescues have low cost options for these.
I have included information about some local groups below.
Of course, if you would like to talk to me, or anyone else at Jarrettsville Vet about any of this you can find me at the link below.
For help on affordable pet care;
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
Alley Cat Allies;
http://www.alleycat.org/
Animal Rescue in New Freedom Pa;
http://www.animalrescueinc.org/
Krista Magnifico, DVM
Owner Jarrettsville Veterinary Center
Jarrettsville, MD
http://www.jarrettsvillevet.com