A second anaesthetic may be necessaary for my cat, how dangerous is this

by Maureen
(Aberdeenshire)

My 18 month old male cat has had to have grass removed from his throat twice before and the last time was around 2 weeks ago... This week he is having same symptoms yet again, i.e. coughing after eating and swallowing hard and after grooming with bending his head down on his chest. He is on anti inflamatory at the moment due to a sore spine the vet has diagnosed, so not feeling to great in himself. I phoned my vet regarding suspecting further grass is stuck (or indeed not all was retrieved 2 weeks ago) and he said he is reluctant to give another anaesthetic so soon. I am trying Cod Liver Oil as a lubricant to stop the coughing when it starts but clearly something is very firmly fixed in there. He is eating well and drinking.

My question is I am at my wits end wondering what to do... ie. leave him coughing and choking on and off in the hopes it moves itself or risk him dying under more anesthetic. I cant bear to hear him coughing and choking an surely this cant be good for him... what should I do, I dont have too much faith in my vet but no other choice as I live rurally.

Answer by Kate
hi My cat recently had the same symptoms and our vet recommend that as long as he was still able to eat and drink etc to wait to see if the item dislodges or dissolves by itself.

It took about two weeks but eventually the symptoms eased and he is fine now. So if i were you i would wait and see, keep doing what your doing, make sure he gets plenty to drink and just keep an eye on him.

I hope it solves itself soon

best wishes kate

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