My cat (katanchick) was sleeping on my lap when he suddenly jumped (he has never done it in the past ) and fell and hit his head hard on the floor. after that he started running around and drooling a lot. how do I know if the head injury is serious.
p.s he has got CH
I wish I could tell you but honestly I couldn't, would suggest that you watch him closely for the night at least. You know what his 'norm' is more than anyone else. Gentle hugs for katanchick and you.
Posted 10 months ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #
We can't tell you, GC, only you know how hard he fell. I have a CH kitten too, they have an amplified startle reflex which means that anything can suddenly spook them and they leap or fall. My CH kitten falls a lot too, if I knew she had fallen hard on her head I think I would be making a vet visit but if she has just fallen hard on her body, I keep a close eye on her for any problems. You will know that you need to get her to an emergency vet if she does any of the following:
has internal bleeding, i.e. bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, coughing up blood, blood in urine, pale gums, collapse, weak and rapid pulse.
Keep animal as warm and quiet as possible and transport immediately to a veterinarian.
goes into shock, i.e. weak pulse, shallow breathing, nervousness, dazed eyes.
Usually follows severe injury or extreme fright.
Keep animal restrained, warm and quiet.
If animal is unconscious, keep head level with rest of body.
Transport the pet immediately to a veterinarian.
shows signs of fractures:
Fractured limbs: Orthopedic injuries are common in kittens because kittens love to jump. When a kitten fractures a bone, the initial clinical sign is limping, holding the injured leg up, or walking on only three legs. Simple fractures (both ends of the bone remain under the skin) are not as bad as those in which the bone breaks through the skin (open fracture). The latter are at high risk of becoming infected. If you suspect a limb fracture, try to apply a temporary splint to immobilize the leg. A pencil, tongue depressor, or piece of heavy cardboard works well. To effectively immobilize the leg, the splint must span the joint above and below the fracture. For example, for a forearm fracture, the splint must immobilize the limb from the elbow (the joint above) to the wrist (the joint below). Wrap strips of clean cloth or gauze around the leg and the splint so that the leg cannot bend. Do not try to manipulate the bones back into place, and do not wash out open fractures. If the kitten becomes too stressed during splint application, stop and take it to the veterinarian immediately.
He could have bitten down on his tongue, and that might be why he is drooling. But i would get him to a vet right away, especially because he has ch.
In humans we look at people's eyes to determine if they have head trauma - the pupils might be unevenly dialated, or overly responsive to light, or totally unresponsive to light. Blood coming from eyes, ears or the nose is also not good - can also look like water (cerebral fluid). Sometimes you can also see burst veins in the coloured part of the eye. On a kitty you wouldnt be able to see any bruising. Watch out for vomitting or seizures as well.
Also watch out for lethargy - if he wants to fall asleep or is acting droopy - wake him up, and keep him awake; its unbelieveably important that he doesnt fall asleep if he has neurological injuries, as he might not wake up again. Any of these symptoms would warrant a trip to the er.
You need to look up the emergency vet/clinic in your area. Most areas have vet care 24/7 but you will need to find it. Start with the phone book. Also ring your normal vet and hopefully their answerphone will give you a number to ring in case of emergency.
These seven signs mean you should seek vet care:
Although some emergencies can be managed at home, others require immediate veterinary attention. The signs below, if present, usually indicate an emergency that requires immediate veterinary assessment.
Non-responsiveness – a non-responsive kitten is usually in serious trouble. If you get no response or reaction when you call, stroke, or touch your kitten, immediately check its breathing. Airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, and poisonings are a few things that can cause non-responsiveness.
Labored breathing – respiratory problems require immediate attention. Fluid in the lungs or the chest cavity can obstruct breathing, and kittens can go into respiratory arrest, followed by cardiac arrest, if untreated.
Drooling profusely – electric cord burns to the mouth and tongue, contact with household poisons or plants, and nausea from other systemic illnesses can cause profuse drooling.
Incessant vomiting – serious electrolyte abnormalities and dehydration may occur as a result of continuous vomiting. Intestinal obstruction from a ribbon, rubber band, or string is a common cause of chronic vomiting in kittens and requires immediate attention.
Profuse diarrhea – severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to rapid deterioration in kittens if not addressed promptly.
Abnormal coloration of the gums – pale gums implies anemia; bluish gums suggest a cardiac or respiratory problem, and yellow gums denote red blood cell destruction or severe liver disease. All of these conditions require immediate assessment by a veterinarian
Fever – fevers in kittens are often due to infectious conditions. Fever increases a kitten’s fluid requirements, and often depresses their appetite. Malnutrition and dehydration is a dangerous combination. Kittens with fevers (temp greater than 103 F) should be examined promptly.
We had an awful day today.
My vet wasn't working today so I went to his co-worker in the same clinic.
He was so horrible . I'm not going to repeat what he told me but he was so insensitive. Eventually, he said there's nothing to do and send me home.
At home the seizures got more frequent. I called the emergency phone of my regular vet and he told me that what I'm describing sounds like epileptic seizure.
Since Katanchick is eating and drinking water, he said we can test him for that tomorrow morning.
CH+ epilepsy?!?!?
my poor little kitty :(
I'm so sorry that you had a bad experience with an insensitive vet. You might find that when you get back to your regular vet that things are not so dire. There are other members here who have had cats diagnosed with epilepsy. One kitty had to be medicated for about a year and was able to be weaned off the medication and is doing fine now. Thank you for taking care of a special needs kitty and I hope and pray things go smoother for you and kitty once your regular vet is back.
He was for the most part of the day. but as the time goes the seizures are getting more and more frequent. only 20 mins ago he had a couple and since then he is sleeping,resting (he does response to voice and purrs when I pet him).
It is so horrible to watch him having a seizure.
I've been crying all day long...
(((Gipsycat))) You are doing the best you can for this little guy. Did the unfriendly vet give Katanchic any medication? A shot of steriods could really help with the seizures, and to lessen swelling/inflammation on the brain. Monitor his breathing closely, if he looks like he's panting instead of breathing normally, you might have to call the vet up for an emergency call. I'll be holding thumbs for you :)
He thought the cat is fine. He didn't really listen to what I had to say.
Only thought that Katanchick should be put down because of the CH.
Eventually after he spoke for too long like katanchick is already dead I yelled at him with a lot of tears that the CH is not the reason I'm here and that I want to know what's going on with him now and what can we do. He said he doesn't see anything wrong and that he won't give a shot of steroids to a cat that looks fine.
What an a*******! Non-stop seizures are not fine. And if the cat looks fine, why does he want him to be put down because of his CH? You need another vet clinic and I would be complaining in writing about that vet. {{{{{GC and Katanchick}}}}}
Truly, I would be looking for a second opinion from someone who has more experience of CH cats. And I would be doing as Sky says, right now monitoring the little one closely and keeping the number of the emergency vet at hand. I will be keeping fingers crossed for you and Katanchick too.
Add my prayers for this little one and you.
Posted 10 months ago by Jetta and Boo Boo's Mom #
after more than 2 seizure-free hours another one occurred.
We were able to catch it on film. not a very good quality one but you can see most of it (you don't see the drooling).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LACGu1vofSY.
I will be able to show it to the vet tomorrow. about the second opinion, first I'll hear what this one has to say in person. The problem is that
Most of the vets here don't have experience with CH cats...
Gypsycat...I had a very hard time watching that. I can't imagine how hard it is for you to. I agree w/the others. Get a second opinion. If your regular vet has a problem with that, then he's not very professional. And if you didn't feel comfortable w/the other vet,politely(if possible) tell him so.
I'd be snuggking up close with your little darling Katanchick. Lots of Prayers & Healing White Light being sent for you & Katanchick. I hope he has no permanent brain injury from his fall. Peace & Strength to you Gypsycat.
Sending prayers and white light for you and little Katanchick. {{{{Gypsycat}}}}
Posted 10 months ago by GizzysAuntie #
In the morning,the seizures happened every five minutes.
I went to the vet and also got a second opinion from an expert.
It was decided that nothing can be done for him anymore.
My sweet katanchhick is not suffering anymore.
3 months we've spent together. he was an amazing cat.
Thank you for all your love and caring.
I'm so sorry Gypsycat that after all your struggles to keep little Katanchick Healthy & growing,you still lost the battle. From all that you've posted,you did everything possible to help the little sweetheart. He was an absolute cutie-pie & I will treasure the pics & video of your furbaby. Hold onto the wonderful memories you have of him.
Prayers for Peace & Courage to you as you grieve your loss of Katanchick. He is now with the Wolf & all of our TDK furpets in the meadow. Playing & painfree while waiting to be reunited w/you. {{{Gypsycat}}}
Rest In Peace Katanchick.
I'm so sorry to hear this, was hoping he could be helped. Dear Wolf, please take care of little Katanchick. Enjoy the meadow, little one!
Posted 10 months ago by paulajeanne #
I am so sorry for your loss. You worked so hard and faithfully for him. May he be at peace and in no pain or discomfort. May you have the comfort and support you need. You were a blessing in his short life and an inspiration to all that love cats and value life. May you always know the blessing that you were to Katanchick.
Poor wee baby. But you gave him a home and LOVE that he may not have had otherwise. Kittens have accidents, just like human babies.
You did everything you could for your dear wee one. I am so sorry. I hope your little one sees how much love you have and sends you another kitty to love.
Katanchik is playing in the Meadow with Trudis, Stormie, and Binkie. He runs like the wind to the Wolf, away from Mama Cat who has been trying to give him a bath. The giggles from the tiny kits can be heard throughout the catmint beds, and Jasper leans against his great friend as Katanchick storms past the two.
"Can't catch me!" and he turns his head over his shoulder to look at Mama Cat.
"Wolf! Help!" says Mama Cat, breathless with laughter, and in one fluid motion the Wolf takes up the little kitten, very gently, in his huge jaws, walking toward the sweet cat who watches over all those in The Kitten Pack.
Katanchick plops down in front of the Mama Cat, squirming on his back, with his two best friends leaning over him: the smiling Wolf of Gubbio, and the gentle Mama Cat.
He is in the Meadow, whole and healthy and happy, and he will wait for you.
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