Cats are naturally curious. They want to stick their wet noses into everything and climb to the highest point. Despite their remarkable agility, their curiosity can sometimes lead to tragic consequences—they suffer various injuries, including concussions.
Causes of injuries
A cat can get a concussion for a variety of reasons. The most common one is: fall from a great heightDespite their agility and ability to always land on their feet, which significantly softens the impact, cats cannot circumvent the laws of physics. When falling from a significant height, they do not die like other animals, but they suffer a powerful impact, causing a concussion of the brain and spinal cord.
Unfortunately, humans are often the cause of injury. It can be accidental (like being hit by an opening door, or being kicked while walking) or intentional. Not everyone loves these cute animals.
A cat can suffer a concussion by hitting an obstacle at high speed. This happens when an animal is startled by something and rushes away. At this point, an obstacle may be in its path, which the cat, in its panic, fails to notice.
Finally, these animals they create trouble for themselvesWhile playing or exploring their surroundings, animals may drop a heavy object on themselves, the impact of which can cause a concussion.
What happens when you have a head injury?
Falls from heights and blows to the head can disrupt the central nervous system in animals. A severe concussion in a cat is equivalent to a brain contusion. This means that tissue damage occurs in a limited area of the brain. Along with the immediate area of impact, the brainstem and hypothalamus are also damaged.
Strong blows cause destruction of brain tissue Both at the site of impact and at the opposite side of the skull. A concussion disrupts the functioning of vital centers. Circulation may be impaired. In severe cases, a severe concussion in a cat is accompanied by hemorrhaging into the brain tissue and necrosis.
Spinal cord concussion in a cat
This injury most often occurs as a result of a fall from a great height. A spinal cord concussion in cats occurs when the conduction pathways are disrupted, causing problems with the function of a particular part of the organ. For example, if the brain is disrupted in the cervical enlargement, the cat will experience paralysis of the limbs and some internal organs. However, the animal will continue to live, as the brain maintains the function of the lungs and heart. If a spinal cord concussion causes disruption of its function at the level of the 4th and 6th pairs of nerves, then the animal will most likely die, since this pathology will lead to paralysis of the respiratory center.
Symptoms of a concussion in cats
The most characteristic symptom of this injury is loss of consciousness immediately after the impact. The animal remains unconscious for several minutes, then regains consciousness. However, with a brain contusion, a cat can lapse into a coma. The duration of unconsciousness can determine the severity of the concussion. The longer the cat remains unconscious, the more severe the injury and the more dangerous the consequences.
After regaining consciousness, the cat may experience spatial disorientation for a considerable period of time. In some cases, memory loss may occur. The cat may become frightened of its owner, not recognize them, and may even become aggressive.
You should contact your veterinarian immediately, If your cat has the following symptoms:
The pupils are of different sizes.- The pupils react poorly or do not react at all to light.
- Rapid, unpredictable pupillary movements are noted.
- A cloudy spot has appeared on the pupil. The iris is trembling. This may indicate possible lens displacement due to a torn ligament.
- Bruises were found on the head.
- The mucous membranes have become pale or, on the contrary, excessively bloodshot.
- The cat moves with an unsteady gait.
- She has unmotivated bouts of aggression.
- The limbs twitch involuntarily.
- Paralysis of the limbs is observed.
- The cat has poor orientation in the surrounding space.
- Breathing is intermittent, accompanied by wheezing.
The pupils are of different sizes.It is important to understand that intensity of symptoms The exact severity of the injury depends on the severity of the cat's injury. However, this doesn't mean that even mild symptoms shouldn't be treated by a veterinarian. Consulting a specialist is essential in any case.
Symptoms of a concussion in cats
With mild trauma, when the spinal cord remains intact, cats may experience temporary paralysis of the limbs. With severe injuries, including fractures of the vertebrae and ruptures of the spinal cord membranes, signs of total paralysis are observed. Sensitivity in the limbs and tail is minimal. Rectal prolapse may occur.
With a severe spinal cord concussion, a cat will move only on its forelimbs for some time. The hind limbs, although still feeling, do not obey brain signalsWithout treatment, there's a chance the hind limbs will remain paralyzed, and a hump will develop at the site of the spinal cord injury. This is assuming the animal survives.
First aid for a cat with a concussion
If the injury is the result of a strong blow to the head, pick up the cat and bring it into a room with fresh air and subdued lighting. If the animal is unconscious, you need to do the following:
- Lay the cat on its side.
- Make sure your pet's tongue is not retracted.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area. A simple towel soaked in water can serve as a cold compress.
- If there is an open wound, it must be covered with a bandage, after stopping the bleeding.
- When vomiting begins, everything must be done to prevent the cat from choking.
- If the cat has stopped breathing, you will need to perform artificial respiration and massage the heart area.
Lay the cat on its side.Before the veterinarian arrives, it is permissible to give the injured pet caffeine injection, but it is still better not to try to treat it yourself.
Keep in mind that a cat will be in shock for several days after a concussion. During this time, it may not recognize its owners and may become aggressive toward them. Therefore, be patient.
If the cat still doesn't regain consciousness and calling a veterinarian is not possible, transport the pet on its side for examination. Do not place the cat in a carrier. It's best to carry it in your arms.
Treatment of concussion in cats
High-quality treatment of an animal is possible only after a comprehensive examinationUnfortunately, diagnostic methods such as X-rays and MRIs cannot be used on cats. Or rather, they can be used, but they are ineffective in cases of concussion in cats. Therefore, veterinarians must make a diagnosis based on clinical findings.
The specialist first assesses the severity of the concussion and, if necessary, administers injections to prevent brain swelling. Additionally, the veterinarian may administer life-sustaining medications.
Drug treatment is reduced to the use of analgesics and sedativesVascular medications are also helpful. In severe cases of concussion, medications to support cardiac function may be prescribed.
The cat recovers from the concussion in a few weeks.
