Support for Rescued Kittens

Question

Recently, my sister found two abandoned kittens(one female and one male).  She took them to a traditional veterinarian who estimated that there age was 4 weeks (that was on June 19th).  They were both tested for FIV/Leukemia and the results for both were negative.  Anyway, they both seemed a bit lethargic.   I took over their care and brought them to a vet near my home because the female was having diarrhea and one morning she refused food.  I was feeding EVO canned for kittens and cats.  She was running a temp 103 and they gave her sub q fluids.  She was put on antibiotics (metronidazole 9 days and clavamox 14 days).  The vet tech kept her for the weekend because I wanted to make sure she had the extra care she needed.  She continued to have loose stools but was eating great and would spike a temp on and off.  That was the weekend of 6/28.  On Monday, 6/29, the male seemed sluggish and didn't care to eat so I brought him into the vet when I went to pick up the female.  He too received sub q fluids and was running a slight temp.  They were both put on the same antibiotics and the discussion was that maybe it was distemper or some other virus.  The female is now off the metronidazole as of today and we still have a few more days of clavamox.  Both are eating great, dry Innova and wet Evo.  They also lap water although I have been adding water to the food for extra hydration.  They are still having some loose stools especially the female.  Her temp ranges from 100 to 102.5 (this morning) and was at 103 on Monday, 7/6.  The male seems to be maintaining a normal temp around 100.  They are both much more playful. 

Is there something for immune support that they can be given at this age.  I am wondering of the course of antibiotics has exacerbated the stool issue.   The local veterinarian said they would not begin vaccinations until they were both well for at least 2 weeks.  So they have not had any vaccinations and they are approximately 6-7 weeks old.

Thank you,  Terry

Response

Hello Terry,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. With kittens so young and fragile I highly recommend they be placed on probiotics. After being placed on antibiotics that should help the immune system and the gastrointestinal tract. Gastriplex at half a capsule daily, for each kitten, for at least a month should improve the balance of their GI system.

Very commonly, rescued young kittens have coccidia, a protozoa that flourishes in a weakened immune system. It is easily identified with a fecal exam. The primary sign is diarrhea and can be treated effectively with Albon.

They are both on excellent food and supplementing with extra water is ideal for animals with diarrhea.  Once they get a bit older and stronger, you may offer an immune support supplement such as Immugen. At this time it’s best to keep it simple and nutritionally support the kittens as they get stronger. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA