URGENT ADVICE NEEDED! Ashes and her kittens. UPDATE in post #50

[Reachoutrescue]

I meant to post Ashes up last week when we pulled her from a local pound, but so much has been going on. Ashes came to us very pregnant.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_1911.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_1916.jpg

Ashes started going in to labor this morning around 11am. She had her first kitten at about 10:45 pm. The lil' guy was stuck, so I had to help. The second came very shortly after, the same issue. Ashes did not do a great job cleaning them and is sort of ignoring them. I have helped deliver kittens several times before, but never had this issue. They have not started to nurse and she barely cleaned them. I cleaned them with a dry towel and got them to breathe. Their breathing is a bit labored. They are very small as well. I am not sure if they are early and I really can't tell if Ashes even has milk. Like I said, I have assisted in birth before, but everytime the mama took care of her babies. Does anybody have any insight on this?

Ashes decided to get up and eat. Now she is laying down and I put the kittens by her to see if they would try to nurse, and they are not really doing anything but what seems to be resting. I am very worried about them and am not sure what to do for them or for her. I know she has about 2 more kittens, but she has not had any contractions since the second kitten. Could they have been early?

First baby
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_1999.jpg

They are alive, but their breathing is very labored. They move, but barely.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2003.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2004.jpg

[Reachoutrescue]

I looked up some info online:

Occasionally kittens will be born prematurely. They will be small, thin, and have little or no hair. These kittens require intensive nursing care. Premature kittens often fail to nurse, and often need to be fed with a syringe, bottle or stomach tube. They also need to be kept warm if the queen rejects them.
I offered the kittens some formula from a syringe. They refused at first, but then I got them to take about .4cc each. Better than nothing. I also was able to stimulate them to urinate. I have them in the cage with Ashes on a blanket with a heating pad underneath. I plan to feed them every hour or so until I can call my vet in the morning. I just hope I can save them.

Ashes is still resting comfortably. I found this online as well:

So-called interrupted labor is sufficiently common in the cat to be considered a normal occurrence. In this case the queen ceases straining, rests happily, suckles those kittens already born and accepts food, despite still having more kittens to deliver. This resting stage may last up to 24 or even 36 hours, after which straining recommences and the remainder of the litter is born normally.
This seems to be what is going on with her right now. I will call the vet when they open at 9am. Will keep you all posted. Any suggestions or advice well appreciated. You think after almost 5 yrs doing rescue that this would not be new to me....but I have NEVER seen this type of delivery before and just am so worried now.

[G535]

Sounds like you're doing all you can now, hope they thrive until you can see the vet.

[Reachoutrescue]

Thank you. The first kitten has passed away, the second is still fighting to live, but I don't think he'll make it.

Ashes has not gone back into labor yet. Is it possible to go to term with the remaining kittens?

I'm going to try to get some sleep. I'll update soon.

[Medusa]

I experienced this w/my tortie, Pigeon. When I rescued her she was ready to deliver. Her kittens were premature, did not try to nurse and she kept trying to suffocate them. I finally had to remove them from her. She had three kittens, one born dead, another died shortly thereafter. I bottle fed the third one but it died w/in a couple of hours. Your vet may be able to give you some good advice. I did everything that my vet told me to do but the kittens just couldn't make it and Pigeon wasn't the least interested in them. She must have known that there was something wrong.

I'm sorry that this is happening and I do hope that you're able to save the surviving kittens but either way, know that you did your best w/them. It will be a round the clock issue to keep them alive until they're able to on their own with or without Ashes' help. :love:

[smokey the elder]

I had a foster, Silver. Her five kittens were born preemie on Halloween; they looked much like Ashes' kittens. She didn't know what to do with them, and we lost the whole litter.

[Reachoutrescue]

The little kitten is still fighting to hang on. He has been alive for about 7 hours now. I gave him another feeding at 7 am and he urinated. Ashes still has not had anymore kittens, but I can feel faint movements in her belly. I am not sure if it is kittens or just her body, but she still has quite a belly. I called my vet, but she was not in. The vet tech told me that Ashes will need to have a c-section to remove the remaining babies, as she will just wait for them to die to deliver them. I have a feeling we will lose them all, but we will do everything in our power to save them. It is so sad.

[moosmom]

Ashes and her babies are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep doing what you're doing, ROR. You are a hero.

[Laura's Babies]

Do what you can, as we know you will. Sometime no matter how hard you try, you can't save them, you just do the best you can for them.

[catmandu]

I remember when Pouncette had two Kittens Gary and Ivon in the cellar where she ran and hid and I couldnt catch her.
I wanted her to have her babies in the spare bedroom where it was safe and dry and warm, but Pouncette had other ideas.:eek:
And there was the tiny head of a little Kitten that she had been born dead , I assume and that she had eaten.:( I guess thats an instinct of a wild Cat as they cant have something that will draw predators top the nest.
Those Tiny Kittens will be Eternal Angels now, and will be a part of The Animal Angel Army, and loved for Eternity.:love:

[Anikaca77]

I don't have any advice but my prays are coming.

RIP small kitten.

[Reachoutrescue]

Thank you everybody for your prayers. The lil' kitten is still fighting to live. I just fed him again at 9am...he just took a small amount.

I'm at the vet's now and waiting for Ashes to get out of surgery. They have just begun. I will update soon.

[Taz_Zoee]

OH my, I am just seeing this. I can imagine what that is like worrying about the kittens. I went through a similar situation with my friend and her Rottie.

I hope Ashes and any remaining kittens will be okay.

[Catty1]

Prayers for Ashes and her babies. Even if just one makes it...

{{{{hugs}}}}

[GILL]

The CREW is with you and Ashes. It sounds like yu are doing everything right.

[Reachoutrescue]

Even if just one makes it...


That is what I keep thinking through all of this...if just one kit makes it....that would be so great.

Well, the c-section went smooth. They found 5 more babies in her. One was already dead and 4 others were moving and had a heartbeat. The vet staff stimulated their breathing and they were taking deep breaths. But slowly, one after another failed. We left the vet office with three breathing kittens (two from the c-section and the one born last night) and a not so happy Ashes. The vet said the kittens were about 2 weeks early, which is equivalent to a woman giving birth at 7 months rather than 9. Ashes had not yet developed any milk, the vet said that is the reason she would not care for the two kits she delivered. Her instinct was off, so to speak.

So, we are home. Ashes is still a bit out of it, but for the most part she is doing well. She is not a happy girl though....she is crying a bit. I am sure she knows that her babies are gone. A little bit ago one more passed, a little girl, leaving us with two boys. One from last night and one from today. They both took some kitty formula, but just about .2cc each. I will give them more in about an hour or so. Both have also urinated. Dave, my husband, named the boy born last night JR. because he was born on Dave's birthday. I have not named the other yet. If he makes it, we will pick a proper name for his strength.

The vet told me not to give my hopes up because all of them will probably die. I have a feeling that she is right, but until their last breath, I will do what I can to keep them alive.

Thank you for all the nice words and prayers. I will keep you updated.

[Medusa]

Oh I'm sorry to hear that more kittens have died but you and your vet certainly have done what you could to save them. I feel for Ashes, too. Please know that my prayers are still w/you and Ashes. :love:

[lvpets2002]

:( I am so sorry to read about the babies that passed on.. I am pulling & praying for the 2 babies left to pull thru & live.. Prayers being sent & Huggss..

[Laura's Babies]

My heart and prayers are with you and the two remaning babies.

[pomtzu]

That's so sad - and poor Ashes must be so confused. :confused: Poor girl! Prayers for the survivors to make it.

RIP little babies.

[snowbelle15]

I hope the remaining kittens make it. My prayers are with you and the kittens.

[Taz_Zoee]

I hope the remaining two kitties pull through. But at least Ashes made it through this ordeal and you can get her back to good health and help her find the perfect home.

[Catty1]

Bless you, no matter what happens Tracy, you have done all you can and are doing all you can.

I am angry at the person that dumped Ashes so young, or didn't get her spayed...and that this happened.

Praying for the preemies...miracles happen all the time and they have PT Prayers going for them. :love:

[wolflady]

Oh poor Ashes and poor you! Bless you for helping her all you can. Prayers on the way for you, Ashes and the 2 remaining kittens. :love:

[momcat]

I'm just seeing this now and my heart is broken. You've gone above and beyond for Ashes and her babies. Please know that all of you are in prayer.

RIP sweet little babies. You are loved! :love: ! :love:

[phesina]

Prayers for Ashes and her babies. God bless you for all you have done and are doing.

[kb2yjx]

I am so sad to read this thread! BUT, you did do all you could do to help Ashes and her babies. I will light a candle under PET T for her and her babies.....

[cassiesmom]

Prayers for Ashes and her babies. God bless you for all you have done and are doing.

What Phesina said

[Reachoutrescue]

With a sad heart I type this. The last two kittens passed away shortly after my last post. I meant to post earlier, but the day slipped away from me. The kit that was born last night, JR. passed away in my hands. I tried to keep him alive, but it was useless. The last kitten passed away just before my children got home from school. The vet told me they more than likely would not make it, but I was really hoping we could save at least one.

Ashes is doing well. She is still a bit sluggish, but after all she has been through, it is understood. She is eating and drinking....and ever so affectionate. I think she will do okay...or at least I am praying she will be.

I will post some pictures of her tomorrow. Thank you all for your support through all of this...it has been a rough day. I know in rescue this happens, but it does not make it easier. It still makes me so sad and think that maybe I could have done something different to keep her less stressed. I do know in my heart that I did do everything I was physically able to do to try and keep them alive.

Thank you all again...very much. :)

[Medusa]

I do know in my heart that I did do everything I was physically able to do to try and keep them alive.

Yes, you surely did. It's so tough to see this happen but you were there for Ashes and the kittens w/help and comfort for them all. RIP, little ones and just plain rest for you, Ashes, and peace to your mom. :love:

[3Catcondo]

Thank you for all you have done for Ashes and her kittens. I'm sure your heart is very heavy, because I know from rescue myself it never gets easier to lose any. It always takes its toll on us, but knowing that you did all you could for her and her babies should help you get thru this. Hugs to you and Ashes, prayers for both of you that you get lots of rest and will heal from your loss quickly. :love:

[GILL]

We are so sorry. You could not have done more and we thank you.
Rest easy little ones.

[Catty1]

The best thing that happened to Ashes is that she found YOU. You did absolutely everything possible, and you know that.

Think of the Phoenix, the amazing mythical bird that rises from the 'ashes' to fly and live again.

RIP, wee babies. You were so loved. So loved. Play as happy babies at the RB.

Tracey, {{{{hugs}}}}. :love:

[pomtzu]

So sorry to hear that you lost all the babies. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, it just isn't meant to be. Thank you for all you did, and for being there for Ashes. She sounds like she's going to be just fine in no time.

Peace and love to the little ones now at RB. :love:

[wolflady]

Oh, I'm so sorry to see this news today, but like everyone else has said you did everything you could and it probably just wasn't meant to be for those babies. God had a different plan for them, but you helped make their next journey the best it could be. Rest easy little ones and let the healing begin for Ashes (and you!). :love:

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to heart this.:( RIP little ones.:( You did everything you could for them.

[phesina]

I'm so sorry to read this. You did everything you could. God bless you and Ashes both.

Those dear kittens knew nothing but love in their all-too-short existences.

[Taz_Zoee]

You absolutely did everything possible. AND you saved Ashes. If you hadn't taken her in she could have died during the births of the kittens.

RIP kittens

[Barbara]

I am so sorry to hear this.
But I am glad Ashes is doing well- if she hadn't been with you she wouldn't have had a chance herself:(
She looks like an especially sweet kitty and I hope she gets over it well.
This seems to me the toughest thing in rescuing:(

[pomtzu]

A candle burns in PetT for Ashes and the babies she lost too soon. :love:

[smokey the elder]

RIP, tiny litter of kittens.

[Reachoutrescue]

Thank you....everybody....for your extremely kind and caring words. They really mean so much to me.

I am not sure if I should post this, but here is a picture of the three babies that fought so hard to stay with us.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2007.jpg

My boys kept saying how very "tiny" they were and how they looked a bit like rats! Silly kids....but they really were so interested in the babies. They also understood that God had other plans for them and that they are at the RB with all the other rescued pets that did not make it.

Here is Ashes, I took this yesterday after she came home for the vet. She is doing very well. So affectionate! She is coughing a bit, but the vet said it is more than likely from the tube in her throat and the stress. If she is not better in a couple of days, we will put her on meds.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2009.jpg

This was taken today. I am sorry it is so dark...my camera seems to have a mind of its own these days! Ashes used the litter box today and I noticed she was spotting (I saw spots on the white towel by her litter box), so I called the vet....because I am just very paranoid! She said that it was normal and should stop in a few days or so, as long as it is not heavy and just spotting, there is no need to worry. I said "easy for you to say"...and of course she laughed and called me a "worried mom"!!
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2012.jpg

A nice stretch for a tired gal. She always looks like the stretch feels so good!
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2022.jpg

I sat with her for awhile today and just talked to her, she loved it. I think she knows that I helped her....or at least I hope she does. A few of you said that if not for me, she may not have made it, and I think about it now, and it may be true. If I had not taken her from the pound, she would have went into labor all alone there (if she was not put down first) and they would not have thought to take her to the vet. The kittens that were removed by my vet could have died inside her and she could have died from the toxins...or in delivery trying to pass the dead babies. So, yes we lost 7 precious babies, but we saved Ashes....that is the most important thing. Dave's brother may be adopting her. They have been wanting to get their children (ages 4 and 2) a kitten, but I am convincing them to take Ashes. She is so sweet and still a kitten herself. They will talk about it and come and see her when she is fully recovered. Fingers crossed that she can stay "in the family", then I can see her all the time!!

I will keep you all posted on her recovery. Thank you all again so much. I'm so glad I had you all on my side these last few days....actually, I am glad that I have you by my side all the time!! You guys are great! Thank you again!!

[Medusa]

Ashes is so tiny, as you say, she's a kitten herself. What an ordeal for everyone! I'm glad that it's over for you. Now all can begin to heal. You did a wonderful job and even though there were no survivors except for Ashes, you did your best and that's all anyone can do. :love:

[orangemm]

Poor little Ashes; she is probably very confused right now. How wonderful of you to take her in and help her the way you did. Bless you for doing that. I hate to think what might have happened if you hadn't been there for her.

RIP little babies...........gentle scritches for Ashes............:love:

[momcat]

You're a true kitty hero and Ashes does appreciate all you did. Our animals are aware of much more than we think. Please give Ashes plenty of gentle lovies from me? [[[[[HUGS]]]]] times a million are being sent for you!

My prayers continue for each of you.....

[cassiesmom]

Gentle *kissie* to sweet Ashes from me! Reachoutrescue, you are wonderful.

[Reachoutrescue]

Thank you everybody for your extremely kind words. Ashes and I truly appreciate them!

Ashes is doing well today. She is more active and breathing better. She will be going into the vet next Wed. for a check up. I will keep you posted and post more pics of her soon.

Thank you again!

[Barbara]

Ashes must be very young. They can get pregnant at half a year. And then 7 babies- that was just too much for the poor girl.
I think for small children it is better if the kitty is just not as tiny- so I hope she will have a new and wonderful home soon,

[smokey the elder]

Those kittens look just like Silver's kittens were; very small; Silver's were maybe not quite that premature (8 weeks, maybe?)

[Reachoutrescue]

I just wanted to give everybody an update on Ashes. She is doing very well. She is healing very nicely and jut about healed up. Ashes will be going home next Saturday with Dave's brother, Tony, his wife and two children. Ashes will be their first cat..their first pet ever! I am very excited that I will be able to see Ashes whenever I want.

Here are some picture of her I took the yesterday.

"Hey whatcha got dere?" She is very curious.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2099.jpg

"Oh, its dat fwashy thing." She hates the camera!
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2112.jpg

This girl is one of the most affectionate cats I have ever met.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2104.jpg

She loves to be loved!
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2108.jpg

"AGAIN wit dat fwashy thing!" She REALLY hates the camera!
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/Reachoutrescue/RESCUE/100_2101.jpg

I hope you enjoyed the pics!

[Medusa]

She really is so cute.

[Laura's Babies]

Sweetness just drips from her pictures and she is a lovely little girl.

CONGRATULATIONS on your new furever home Ashes! Show your new family all the benifits of having a sweet kitty in the house and all the things you can do to improve their lives. Make them wonder how they ever lived without you!

[pomtzu]

She looks like quite the little love-bug!. :love: That's great that she'll still be part of your family. Thanks for giving this little girl a great new start in life! :)

[carole]

She is such a pretty wee girl, i am so sorry you and Ashes had to go through all of this, very sad indeed, but she was so lucky to have someone, who was educated on delivering kittens and had her utmost best interest at heart, you did a great job, and i admire your dedication.

What a nice ending to the story too, that Ashes will be still in your family and you will be able to see her grow,don't be hard on yourself, you did everything you possible could RIP little babies.:love::love:

[snowbelle15]

Ashes you are adorable! I'm happy to here that you are healing well and you have a new home. I'm sure you will love your new furever home :D

[cassiesmom]

Ashes, I hope you learn how to be a camera ham because you are your family's first kitty and they might take a LOT of pictures of you :)

You are beautiful and I love the picture of you bending your head for petting. I hope you'll have a wonderful life with your new family. *kiss*

[phesina]

Awwww, what a sweet ending to such a wonderful story!

[krazyaboutkatz]

She sure is a cutie pie and I'm glad to hear that she's already found her loving forever home too.:)