What to do if a cat has a concussion

Special studies for concussions in cats are not particularly effective. X-rays or MRIs do not provide comprehensive information about the injury. Therefore, you should contact a qualified and experienced veterinarian who can, based on clinical data, properly assess the cat's condition and make a diagnosis.

Can a cat have a concussion and how to treat it

Over the years, many cat owners are beginning to realize that cats don't always land on their feet when they fall. Contrary to popular myth, a cat can take a bad fall, and occasionally it happens. But can a cat have a concussion?

Head injuries in cats are quite common, and none of them are immune. Because of their tendency to climb heights, feral, stray or street cats are at risk for head injuries from falls from trees, fences or collisions with vehicles. Aggressive fights with other cats or animals can also lead to brain injuries.

Can a cat that lives at home have a concussion? Sure, if she is stepped on, sat on, or dropped a heavy object. Pets who live in high-rise buildings are at risk for what's called "high-rise syndrome." The term was first coined by the Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City to describe an accidental fall from a significant height. These types of serious falls often result in "a common triad of injuries: chest injuries, head/face injuries and limb fractures," according to the AMC.

Concussion in cats: symptoms

The cat brain, though small, is a fine-tuned, efficient and complex machine. After all, cats are genius animals. As Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine notes, the cat brain is very similar to the human brain. It controls and coordinates the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, consisting of other nerves and muscles. There are many mechanisms at work in the cat's gray matter, which is no bigger than a golf ball!

When a furry friend suffers a head injury, such as a concussion, important connections between these two nervous systems are disrupted. This leads to visible signs of a problem. Since cats often hide their injuries and illnesses, it is important to closely monitor any changes in your pet's behavior. Signs of a cat concussion that should be watched for include:

• trouble walking;
• vomiting;
• unresponsiveness, such as no response to one's name or unusually long stares at one point;
• seizures;
• swelling on the muzzle;
• bleeding from eyes, nose, mouth, or open wound;
• loss of consciousness.

If a cat has fallen or suffered a head injury, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. He will properly assess her condition and provide immediate medical attention.

What happens during a head bump?

When a concussion occurs, the animal's CNS and motor functions are impaired for a while. Most often, cats get mild concussions.

Severe concussions in cats are known to be the result of damage due to a blow. If the cat's brain injury is not treated properly in time, it is fraught with complications that can develop into chronic diseases that can worsen the health of the cat and limit its motor activity.

Every cat owner should be well aware that even minor head trauma can result in a concussion. The more minor the injury, the harder it is to determine brain damage at home.

A cat may behave perfectly adequately, not suffer from a lack of appetite, and show no signs of impaired motor functions. However, after a while, symptoms such as seizures, heart disturbances, behavioral disorders may suddenly appear. This is evidence of a hidden suffered brain injury.

So you don't have to wait for any symptoms of a concussion to show up after a bump – you need to take your pet to the vet. Especially since there is a 24-hour veterinary clinic for emergencies. Better let it be a false alarm, than the appearance of chronic diseases as a result of untimely treatment or lack of it at all.

Symptoms of concussion in cats

The most telling symptom of concussion in cats is a brief loss of consciousness after injury. Loss of consciousness usually occurs for a couple of minutes, but a comatose state can occur. There is a pattern: the longer the cat is unconscious, the more severe its condition and consequences.

When the cat regains consciousness, it may not be able to orient itself 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. Concussion in a cat is common, but the pet's condition should not be ignored.

Concussion in a cat – symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis

Disruption of blood flow in the brain, can cause swelling, increasing the overall intracranial pressure. The most dangerous consequence of a concussion is vascular rupture and hemorrhage.

If you notice the characteristic signs of a concussion in your pet, especially after a fall from a great height or a collision with a vehicle, you should immediately go to a veterinary clinic for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

A qualified physician will take a medical history, perform a clinical examination and prescribe a series of laboratory and instrumental tests.

Previously, veterinary clinics would prescribe treatment based on x-rays and clinical picture collection. In modern veterinary clinics, MRI and CT scans are performed to visualize the condition of the brain.

Rules of treatment and basic principles of care for the cat

Having suspected a pathological change in the work of the cat's cerebral cortex, the veterinarian immediately begins a treatment regimen selected with individual consideration of the peculiarities of the lesion.

First of all, the sick animal is provided with complete rest, placing it in a quiet place, preferably pre-darkened without bright lights and lamps.

It is recommended to lay the cat on its side. If a cat has suffered head trauma and has lost consciousness in front of the owner, it is not advisable to bring the cat to its senses on its own, and in particular not to shake or let it breathe ammonia. If a sick animal vomits open, the mouth should be gently opened and the mouth should be emptied of gastric contents.

The main task in treating a concussion in a cat is to relieve the swelling or prevent it from developing.

To this end, medications such as thiazide diuretics are widely used in veterinary medicine:

Administration of caffeine with Urotropin has a positive therapeutic effect. This compound helps to reduce the increased permeability of blood vessels in the brain. It is also important to prescribe analgesics – Baralgin, No-Spa, Ibuprofen.

Maintenance of the cardiovascular system is achieved by administration of camphor, cardiamine or caffeine preparations.

Increasing the functioning of the structural units of the brain is achieved by introducing nootropic drugs prescribed strictly by a veterinarian into the therapeutic regimen. These drugs help to improve the passage of nutrients to the nerve cellular structures, increasing the metabolic processes in the brain tissues.

When vomiting in a cat with a concussion, antiemetic medications are prescribed, and autonomic disorders are stopped by the introduction of antispasmodics. The use of sedatives based on medicinal plants is not unimportant.

An important condition for a favorable outcome with a concussion is to properly create the conditions of the sick animal. The pet must be shielded from various noises made by appliances, animals or people. The sick animal should be at complete rest.

How the pathology manifests itself

Signs of concussion in a cat depend on the strength of the blow and the severity of the injury. They may occur immediately, after some time, or not at all. They can also be isolated or complex, affecting several organ systems.

Symptoms are conventionally divided into two groups: behavioral changes and somatic (bodily) changes.

• Heavy breathing;
• rapid pulse;
• pallor of mucous membranes;
• nystagmus (involuntary eye movements);
• eye discoloration; hemorrhages;
• nausea, vomiting;
• weakness of limbs, unsteady, unsteady gait;
• trembling of head, paws;
• convulsions, convulsions, paralysis.

If the skull is damaged, hematomas, abrasions, wounds may be visible on the head of the animal.

It should be noted that the absence of symptoms of concussion in a cat or their rapid disappearance is not a reason to be happy and calm. Disruption of blood flow circulation to a greater or lesser extent leads to an increase in intracranial pressure. Even though the acute symptoms have disappeared, pathological changes in the pet's head may continue to occur, so if you suspect a traumatic brain injury, you should take your pet to the clinic. Quite innocuous medications will restore blood flow and prevent nerve cell death.

How to provide first aid yourself

What to do if you witness a cat suffering a head injury? Before professional veterinary care, depending on the condition of the animal, a number of steps can be taken.

• Make sure there is a pulse.
• Place the pet in a quiet, shaded area. Place it on its right side.
• Examine the cat's mouth: if vomiting, use a tissue to remove any debris; if the tongue is sunken, gently pull it outward to prevent suffocation.
• If there is an abrasion or head wound, apply a cold compress. Open wound can be washed and treated with antiseptic, if not possible, a clean dressing can be applied.
• Take a flat solid object, such as a board, cardboard, to transport the animal.

Even if the cat is unconscious, ammonia should not be given! It is also contraindicated to shake the cat, trying to bring it to its senses, shine a flashlight in its eyes, lay it on its back.

First aid for an injured cat

First, you need to understand if the cat has suffered a concussion. The first sign after a serious head injury, will be a loss of consciousness. The animal will be in this state for a couple of minutes, and then it will begin to come to its senses.

If the head injury resulted in a contusion of the brain, the cat may fall into a comatose state. By the length of time the cat is unconscious, the severity of the pathology can be judged. The longer the animal does not wake up, the more serious the consequences and the more dangerous the injury.

After coming out of unconsciousness, a cat after a head injury cannot orient itself normally in space. There may be memory loss manifested by aggression or fright at the sight of the owner. Symptoms of concussive head trauma that require immediate referral to a veterinarian are:

• Change in pupil size;
• Weak or no reaction to a beam of light;
• Rapid pupil movements which cannot be predicted;
• appearance of a cloudy spot on the pupil, iris trembling – more often indicates a displacement of the lens or a tear of the ligaments in the eyeball;
• visible lesions on the head;
• changes in the hue of visible mucous membranes – pale or on the contrary, heavily bloodshot;
• coordination problems with gait;
• attacks of unmotivated aggression;
• involuntary twitching of the pelvic and thoracic limbs;
• paw paralysis;
• breathing problems – wheezing while breathing in and out, intermittent breathing.

The manifestation of signs directly depends on the severity of the injury. But in any case, it is very important to show the cat to a veterinarian, especially if the cat's head was hit in front of the owner.

If the head injury was sustained when the cat was struck by a heavy object or the head was accidentally pinched, you should take the cat indoors with dimmed light and access to fresh air. If the cat is unconscious, the following manipulations should be performed:

Actions at the veterinary clinic

After the cat has been injured, it is necessary to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible and take the pet to the clinic. Over the phone, the doctor will be able to tell you how to properly transport the injured animal. If the cat has fallen from a great height, it is recommended that it be transported on its side, not using a carrier for this purpose. In the clinic setting, the veterinarian will perform a number of necessary tests.

A professional will have to make a diagnosis based on the symptoms, history and general condition of the cat. The fact is that magnetic resonance imaging and X-rays, may not always successfully show the area of damage.

If the animal is taken to the clinic immediately, it is diagnosed with aspiration syndrome and impaired consciousness, immediate tracheal intubation and sanation of the bronchial tree are performed.

The basis of treatment for a suspected concussion is the administration of drugs to prevent the development of brain tissue edema. In addition, injections of medications are administered to keep the body alive. Sedatives and painkillers are administered. With open skull injuries, the doctor conducts antiseptic treatment and imposes, if necessary, stitches. If there is a threat to heart function, drugs are administered to suppress the negative effects.

Depending on the severity of the injury, the specialist makes a prognosis. An animal can recover from a moderately severe concussion in a few weeks. But with severe brain injury, the fatality rate is about 60-80%. This depends on whether there is primary or secondary brain damage. Primary ones are fractures of the skull bones, vessel ruptures, crushing and ruptures of the brain parenchyma.

Secondary are cerebral edema, hematoma, increased intracranial pressure, ischemia, which develop hours or even days after the injury.

Treatment of the animal

Therapeutic measures are aimed primarily at reducing cerebral edema. For this purpose, such drugs as Hypothiazide, Indapamide, Indapamide are used.

For the same purpose, the veterinarian may prescribe diuretics, such as Furosemide, Diacarb, Veroshpiron, potassium preparations.

Some of these drugs also have an antiedematous effect. Diacarb reduces intracranial pressure, relieves swelling of the brain, and has a mild sedative effect. Administration of Urotropin with caffeine also reduces the permeability of the blood vessels of the damaged organ.

The animal is mandatorily prescribed painkillers: analgin, baralgin, nostropa. In the treatment of the ailment are used cardiac agents: camphor, cardiamine, caffeine.

A good therapeutic effect is achieved by using nootropic agents: Piracetam, Glycine, Cerebrolysin, Cytoflavin. Neurotropic drugs improve nourishment of nerve cells, metabolism in brain tissue.

The veterinarian may prescribe antiemetics such as Cerucal, Metoclopramide, if indicated. If vegetative disorders are pronounced, No-shpa, Eufillin are prescribed, which have a pronounced antispasmodic effect.

An animal with a concussion is necessarily prescribed sedatives: Fitex, Xylazine, Fospasim. Drugs based on herbs, such as motherwort, are also used.

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Concussion Care

One of the conditions for the successful recovery of a pet after a trauma and brain injury, along with drug therapy, is quality care. First and foremost, the sick pet should be given complete rest. It is best to place the cat in a separate, dry and warm room for the duration of treatment.

The fluffy patient should be protected from harsh extraneous sounds, communication with children, strangers and animals.

It is forbidden to let the cat outdoors until it has fully recovered. The physical and mental peace of mind of the pet is essential for a speedy recovery.

In order to reduce the risk of developing negative effects of a concussion, the owner should periodically see the cat's veterinarian for 8 to 12 months after the injury. Such preventive examinations will allow you to evaluate the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment, the clinical condition of the cat, the recovery of brain function and correct, if necessary, therapeutic measures.

Concussion in domestic cats is a consequence of various kinds of trauma and mechanical effects. The clinical picture of the ailment depends largely on the severity of the injury. If symptoms of brain damage are detected, the owner should urgently show the animal to a veterinary specialist.

Concussion in the cat: causes and dangers

Representatives of the feline family are at greater risk of injury than other pets. This is due to the fact that they are not afraid of heights, love to explore new objects and are quite peaceful to strangers. If a pet for any reason was on the street, there is a good chance that he will fall under a car, fall from a tree or get kicked by a nasty person. Often pets fall out of the window, slip from the railing of the balcony, or a heavy object (a wooden shelf, a large flower pot and other items) falls on them. It is almost impossible to keep an injured ward out of harm's way because there is no way to watch him 24 hours a day.

What is a concussion?

A concussion in cats is a form of head injury accompanied by impaired brain activity. Disruption of intracranial blood flow and compression of certain parts of the brain can provoke a cerebral hemorrhage. The disorder can also be asymptomatic up to a certain point.

Even a mild form of brain injury is very dangerous, because it can lead to serious consequences: paralysis, CNS malfunction, tumor formation and other ailments.

Pay attention! Even minor head trauma should not be left unattended. Make sure to take your pet to the vet for a full examination, even if initially there are no symptoms of concussion. After a while, he may develop seizures, heart problems, and other conditions.

A severe concussion in a cat is not asymptomatic, so knowing the main signs is a must.

Symptoms of concussion in a cat

In terms of severity, a distinction is made between mild, moderate and severe concussion. Depending on this, the symptomatology also changes. The main signs of a concussion include:

• The presence of hematomas, bruises or contusions on certain parts of the body (head and neck).
• Temporary loss of consciousness (usually a few minutes), but it is possible for the animal to be unconscious for a severe concussion for a long time.
• Impairment of motor functions (shaky gait).
• Lack of appetite.
• Behavioral disorders: aggression towards the owner, attempts to find a hiding place and hide, fright, disorientation in space.
• Severe headache (the animal rests its head against hard surfaces and stays in this position).
• Sleepiness.
• Vomiting.
• Total or partial loss of hearing or vision.
• Intermittent breathing.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Convulsions of the limbs.
• Noticeable displacement of the lens capsule, iris trembling and other deformities of the visual organ.

Some signs are similar to other diseases, so veterinarians insist on urgent hospitalization at the first manifestation of the above symptoms.

Important: It is recommended to transport the pet on a flat surface (such as a car seat), but not in hands or in a carrier.

The sooner the pet is examined by a veterinarian, the better its chances of recovery.

There is practically no way to save your pet from injury, because you can't watch him 24 hours a day. Source: Flickr (Sherry_White)

Symptoms of Illness

The main symptom of concussion in cats is that when an animal is injured, it immediately loses consciousness. The pet "blacks out" for a couple of minutes, and when it comes to its senses, it looks dazed. He may have short-term memory loss, at first he may not recognize the owner, run away from attempts to inspect and even attack the owner. It is important to understand that the longer the pet lies unconscious, the more severe the concussion.

The main signs of a concussion consist of these characteristic manifestations:

• The eyeball begins to shake (nystagmus);
• The pupils of the pet have a different size and react poorly to light stimuli;
• mucous membranes excessively red, or on the contrary, pale;
• coordination of movements is impaired;
• the breathing process is disturbed, with wheezing when exhaling;
• a severe headache causes the cat to put its face against the wall;
• apathy and loss of interest in food;
• vomiting;
• limbs of the cat twitch involuntarily;
• hematoma or bruises may be found on the pet's head;
• Paw paralysis.

The more severe the injury, the more pronounced the symptoms. However, even if the signs are almost non-existent, it does not mean that the furry friend should not be shown to the vet as soon as possible. If this is not done immediately after a concussion, the pet is at risk of impaired blood circulation in that organ, increased intracranial pressure, and a brain hemorrhage that can render the pet disabled.

First Aid

So, the owner has witnessed that his pet has suffered a head injury and is unconscious, what to do in such cases? The first thing veterinarians recommend is to carefully move the cat to a quiet room without bright light sources and put him on his side. The main condition – do not try to bring the pet to its senses with ammonia or cold water. He must regain consciousness himself.

If the tongue has dropped, secure your furry friend from suffocation by pulling it out of the cat's mouth with a clean cloth or tissue. Such a measure is also necessary as insurance that the animal will not choke on its own vomit. If there is a clearly visible, open wound on the head, try to wash it off with warm water, then treat it with an antiseptic. Apply a cold compress to the bruised area.

Watch the cat's heartbeat, in case of cardiac arrest make artificial respiration and massage this organ. Do not forget that as a result of the contusion the cat may not recognize its owner for 1-2 days. Be patient and do not be upset by the aggressiveness of the animal.

Transport your mustachioed friend to the veterinary hospital on a hard surface. Do not use a carrier under any circumstances, it is better to transport the cat in your arms, trying to keep the pet on its side. The most ideal option is a cardboard box with a wide bottom. Lying in it the animal will not feel any strong shaking, which means that the risk of a sudden brain hemorrhage will be negligible.

Treatment of concussion in cats

Once the pet with a head injury is in the hands of the veterinarian, a series of medical procedures begins. First of all, the doctor makes sure that there is a concussion, and then prescribes the necessary drugs for the therapeutic effect. Treatment of concussion in cats involves the prescription of analgesic, analgesic and sedative drugs. First of all, the veterinarian injects medication to prevent cerebral edema and to maintain basic vital functions, then, if the condition of the animal is satisfactory, symptomatic treatment is prescribed. Depending on the severity of the brain contusion in cats, the administration of drugs is prescribed once or for a long time.

Caring for a cat that has suffered a concussion

Injuries such as concussions always affect both the physical and mental condition of the cat. No matter how severe the injury, the cat is stressed and requires special care. After prescribing the necessary treatment, the entire responsibility and result for the pet's recovery and condition falls on the owner.

First and foremost, the pet should be given peace and quiet. It is necessary to protect the pet from loud noises, animals, children and other factors that can disturb the whiskered family member. For a speedy recovery, it is recommended to eliminate possible drafts and provide nutritious food. It is also important to provide regular check-ups with the veterinarian, to fully monitor the recovery process.

A concussion is a serious injury to a cat that requires immediate treatment. Symptoms may not fully appear and may be difficult to recognize, but the earlier the veterinarian diagnoses it, the better the outcome of treatment. It is necessary to be attentive to changes in the behavior and general condition of the pet, for timely recognition of the disease. An attentive and caring owner is the key to a healthy and happy pet, whether it's a cat or a dog.