Cat got neutered today.....

[BGcoop]

It’s probably not air. More like bumps-think rash/hives a reaction from the anesthesia. I’ve seen it before. It’s not common but it does/can happen. Very noticeable on a short coated animal like a jack russell type coat or boxer etc. or a smooth coated cat. it’s little welts in the skin. Do his gums have nice pink coloring.

Not a rash, I did check the skin, and it moves/breaks up and reforms. It feels just like sub-q air I’ve felt on human patients.
His coloring is fairly light to begin with, maybe a touch paler, but not more than I would expect I guess.

 

[BGcoop]

BG .... I would still call. Your vet should have a answering service for after hours issues. They can pass the information onto your vet. The vet needs to know. And YOU need to know.

No answering service, just a plain old answering machine.

 

[moniquem]

I have been a small animal veterinary technician for 35+ years. Couple basic facts about a cat neuter:

When kitties are neutered general anesthesia or heavy sedation may be used. Because the surgery is so fast for male cats most hospitals use the heavy sedation.

The surgery is done by making an incision into the "ball sack" and removing the testicles. The incision is not sutured but left open to heal on its own.

From what your describing it does sound like your kitty has subcutaneous emphysema or air under the skin, as you suggested. In all my years I have never seen this after a cat neuter. I am attaching a article for further explanation of what, why, how

https://www.vetinfo.com/subcutaneous-emphysema-in-cats.html

I would watch his breathing tonight and call your vet first thing in the morning. Good luck and let us know what happens!

 

[BGcoop]

I have been a small animal veterinary technician for 35+ years. Couple basic facts about a cat neuter:

When kitties are neutered general anesthesia or heavy sedation may be used. Because the surgery is so fast for male cats most hospitals use the heavy sedation.

The surgery is done by making an incision into the "ball sack" and removing the testicles. The incision is not sutured but left open to heal on its own.

From what your describing it does sound like your kitty has subcutaneous emphysema or air under the skin, as you suggested. In all my years I have never seen this after a cat neuter. I am attaching a article for further explanation of what, why, how

https://www.vetinfo.com/subcutaneous-emphysema-in-cats.html

I would watch his breathing tonight and call your vet first thing in the morning. Good luck and let us know what happens!

Very helpful, Thanks. I’ve been watching his breathing and he seems mostly ok, not slow but not panting, about 30 bpm last I checked(not sure where a cat should be) just doesn’t seem like himself at all yet (could just be anesthesia /discomfort yet?)so I’ll be watching him closely all night.

 

[MissChick@dee]

I have been a small animal veterinary technician for 35+ years. Couple basic facts about a cat neuter:

When kitties are neutered general anesthesia or heavy sedation may be used. Because the surgery is so fast for male cats most hospitals use the heavy sedation.

The surgery is done by making an incision into the "ball sack" and removing the testicles. The incision is not sutured but left open to heal on its own.

From what your describing it does sound like your kitty has subcutaneous emphysema or air under the skin, as you suggested. In all my years I have never seen this after a cat neuter. I am attaching a article for further explanation of what, why, how

https://www.vetinfo.com/subcutaneous-emphysema-in-cats.html

I would watch his breathing tonight and call your vet first thing in the morning. Good luck and let us know what happens!

What should his BPM be??

 

[MissChick@dee]

BG I’m sayin a prayer for your boy. And you too.

 

[BGcoop]

What should his BPM be??

Thanks for the prayers missChick@dee, and good old google says heart rate should be 140 -220 and respiratory rate 20-30. So he’s within the normal ranges for now. Got him to eat a couple bites of tuna, and he urinated, so that’s good.
Thanks everyone! I’ll let you know how he’s doing in the morning

 

[ChickNanny13]

 

[MissChick@dee]

So my very first post for today.....how was your night?
How’s everything?
How’s the little patient?

 

[BGcoop]

Update: Kevin (the cat) is doing well this morning. Called the vet, they said that he was given some sub-q fluids for hydration instead of Iv stuff and that can sometimes cause the crepitus, so i’m Just supposed to keep an eye on it and bring him in if he’s not improving.
Thanks again everyone!