Cats are very dexterous animals, but they are not always able to avoid falls and bruises. Head injuries and severe concussion in a cat are common.
Why is this happening?
The cause of the concussion in cats on the street can be a fall from a height, falling under a car on the road, an awkward jump from a tree, a blow from a person.
Domestic cats get head injuries as a result of heavy objects falling on them or hitting the wall if the animal is frightened or does not manage to brake in time. Concussion is accompanied by a disorder of cerebral circulation, and sometimes hemorrhage. This process leads to disruption (temporary or permanent) of normal brain activity and activity.
First of all, you need to call a veterinarian. An experienced doctor will provide immediate assistance to the animal.
What happens during a header?
With a concussion in the animal, the central nervous system and the motor apparatus are disturbed for some time. Most often, cats get mild tremors.
As you know, a strong concussion in a cat is the result of damage due to shock. If the proper treatment of a brain injury is not started in time, then this is fraught with the appearance of complications that can develop into chronic diseases that can worsen the pet’s state of health and limit its motor activity.
Each owner of a cat should be clearly aware that even a minor injury in the head area can result in a concussion. Moreover, the more minor the damage, the more difficult it is to determine disorders in brain activity at home.
A cat can behave absolutely adequately, not suffer from a lack of appetite, and also not show signs of impaired motor function. However, after some time, symptoms such as cramps, cardiac abnormalities, and behavioral disorders may suddenly appear. This indicates a hidden past brain injury.
Therefore, you do not need to wait for the manifestation of any symptoms of concussion after an impact - it is necessary to carry the pet to the veterinarian. Moreover, for emergency cases, a round-the-clock veterinary clinic works. It is better to let it be a false alarm than the appearance of chronic diseases as a result of untimely treatment or a general lack thereof.
Symptoms of concussion in cats
The most prominent symptom of concussion in cats is the short-term loss of consciousness after being injured. Loss of consciousness usually occurs for a couple of minutes, but a coma may also occur . At the same time, this pattern is observed: the longer the cat is unconscious, the more severe its condition and consequences.
When a cat regains consciousness, it may not be oriented in space. A rarer symptom may be temporary memory loss. In this case, the animal may not recognize the owner, behave aggressively, hide in secluded corners. A concussion in a cat is commonplace, but the condition of the pet cannot be ignored.
Strange animal behavior
It is necessary to promptly consult a specialist if the cat has the following symptoms:
- Unequal pupils.
- The lack of reaction of the pupils to a light stimulus.
- Fast and unnatural eye movements.
- A cloudy spot on the pupil, iris trembling, an abnormal appearance of the eye associated with a displacement of the lens or damage to the ligaments holding it.
- Bruising on the head.
- Too pale or, conversely, too reddened mucous membranes.
- Dizziness (its sign is uncertain and shaky gait).
- A headache is a sign of it: the animal rests its head on a hard surface and stands motionless.
- Drowsiness.
- Attacks of aggression.
- Involuntary twitching of paws, facial muscles.
- Paralysis of the limbs.
- Short-term loss of hearing or vision.
- Difficulty orienteering.
- Increased heart rate.
- Intermittent breathing accompanied by wheezing.
You need to know that the intensity of the symptoms of concussion in a cat depends on the severity of the injury and the area of damage. The mechanism of brain damage during trauma is as follows: the place where the blow is directly received suffers, and after that the brain beats against the opposite wall of the skull, also receiving trauma. With a concussion, the hypothalamus and the brain stem are most vulnerable. Very dangerous is a hemorrhage in the brain. This condition can lead to paralysis of the animal, temporary or permanent, so it is very important to help as soon as possible. Typically, the main symptoms in animals disappear within 2 weeks. In any case, calling a veterinarian will not hurt.
Pet Concussion First Aid
If the cat received a blow to the head area and there is a suspicion that it has a concussion, then you need to bring it into the room with a dim light and lay it down. If the symptoms do not disappear within ten minutes, then you must definitely consult a specialist. In large cities, there is usually a 24-hour veterinary clinic.
In case of loss of consciousness, you must follow this algorithm:
- Do not try to stir the animal, lay it on its side;
- in case of retraction of the tongue, ensure its straightening;
- apply dry cold to the injury site;
- make a cold compress on the head (soak a towel in cold water, fold it several times and put on the head of the animal);
- if there is an open wound, stop bleeding and apply a bandage;
- if vomiting begins, make sure that the cat does not choke on the masses;
- in case of respiratory failure, indirect heart massage and artificial respiration are indicated.
Of the drugs that can be used without consulting a doctor, an injection of caffeine and camphor is used. But it’s better not to treat the cat concussion yourself. Symptoms should force you to see a specialist.
Cautious action
It should be remembered that the cat after the injury is in a state of shock and can hostilely respond to attempts to provide assistance. Therefore, you need to act as carefully as possible so as not to worsen the condition of the mustachioed pet.
If the cat is unconscious, you need to transport it, having previously laid it on its side and straightened the body. In this case, it is categorically not recommended to put the pet in a carrier or carry it while holding the animal in its arms. For transportation you need to ensure a flat surface. If you notice a concussion in the cat, what to do in this situation? This can tell the veterinarian.
Treating concussion in cats, cats and kittens
Special studies in case of concussion in cats are not particularly effective. X-rays or MRI do not provide comprehensive information about the injury. Therefore, you should contact a qualified and experienced veterinarian who can, based on clinical data, correctly assess the condition of the cat and make a diagnosis.
The doctor first of all assesses the complexity of the injury and administers drugs to the animal that prevent the development of cerebral edema and support the functioning of the main vital functions. It must be borne in mind that a strong concussion in a cat can disrupt the pet’s usual lifestyle.
Drug treatment consists in the appointment of painkillers, vascular and sedatives. If the cat's condition is serious, then additionally prescribed drugs that support cardiac and respiratory activity. In case of nervous or aggressive behavior of the animal, sedatives are prescribed, which should be taken for a long time.
Bed rest
In order for the pet’s recovery to go well and chronic painful disturbances in the brain’s work do not appear, it is necessary to create complete rest conditions for it. Drug treatment is fully effective only when the animal is in a state of complete rest.
A typical severe concussion in a cat can be cured within 2-3 weeks, subject to the recommendations of the doctor.
If the concussion was serious, you must observe the animal at the veterinarian for another 12 months. If necessary, he will correct the prescribed course of medicines and will monitor how quickly and fully restored brain functions. Now you know how to check your favorite cat's concussion.
Every owner of a cat or kitten should be familiar with the symptoms and rules of first aid for concussion. Symptoms noticed in a timely manner and first aid provided can save a pet's life. It should be remembered that the behavior of the animal is an indicator of its condition.