What to do if a cat has a paw fracture

After surgery, and in the case of open fractures, antibiotic therapy is indicated.

Fractured paw in a cat. How to recognize and how to help?

Cats are very agile and dexterous animals with an excellent sense of balance. However, their bones are small and thin, and the risk of a broken paw or pelvis in various accidents is present. How to help a cat with a broken paw?

The most common causes of paw fractures in cats are falls from high floors and car accidents. However, a nasty accident can happen even at home.

Fractures, bruises, and dislocations occur when a paw is pinched by a door, or stepped on, or a cat gets its claw caught in the carpet, causing damage to the paw as it tries to free itself. These are "domestic" injuries to cats.

On four paws. is not always safe

Cats have the ability to turn their bodies while flying. In fact, they are capable of landing on four paws. This ability may save a life, but it does not protect against the risk of serious injury.

When falling from a small height, it happens that the animal does not have time to turn or to put its paws correctly (it usually takes at least 7 meters for a cat to turn completely).

When falling from a great height, the danger is the tremendous energy of the fall, as well as the collision with a hard surface. This is where both fractures and internal organ damage can occur.

Classification of fractures

There are many fractures, and they are mainly divided into open and closed fractures. Regardless of the type of injury, you should not treat an injured paw on its own, much less fix it. It is also better not to touch the cat and do not disturb him for no reason. Such actions will make him feel worse and provoke a state of shock. Or even worse change the location of the bone, increasing the pain.

How to know if a cat has broken a paw

The main symptom of an injury to the front or back legs is limp, but the cat may also have bruised a limb. Examination may reveal a bruise or palpation will cause the animal to be in pain.

Cat broken paw, what to do at home

If there is a suspicion that the pet has a fracture, it is important not to panic, not to feed the animal with the available medications and not to solve the problem yourself by providing first aid.

If a cat suddenly breaks a paw, you need to take him to the vet immediately. If the fracture is open, the first thing to do is to stop the bleeding. Arterial bleeding is stopped with a tourniquet, and venous bleeding with a bandage, making a bandage.

A little kitten's leg is broken, what to do? You will have to transport the injured pet to the hospital, preparing a hard bed. It is best to apply a bandage to the injured paw.

So what to do if a cat breaks a paw

The first step is to call a clinic where your pet will receive expert medical care and make an appointment. First they will carry out a diagnosis with X-rays and prescribe a suitable therapy.

Fixing the limb

After the call to the clinic, the animal will be transported. While providing first aid, the limb should be properly immobilized by applying a tight bandage, splint, or bandage. If there is a fracture of the paw of the cat, especially the front one (regardless of the exact location of the injury), maybe with a dislocation, you should carefully immobilize the cat's paw by fixing it. The main thing is not to cause collateral injuries and not to worsen the problem.

At home the splint is made of a hard material (you can take a plastic object or a wooden one) and fixed with a tight bandage.

Note! If a cat with an injury is aggressive, you should not even try to fix the broken paw, you should put it in a carrier and bring it to the clinic.

To transport the cat to the vet clinic, you need to put it in a rigid shipping container and cover it. It is important to use a hard surface, especially if spinal fractures are suspected.

What to do

What to do if a cat has a paw fracture? If you think the bone is broken, give your pet complete rest: move it as gently as possible to a comfortable cot (soft blanket) or a carrier with a comfortable bottom.
If he is bleeding, apply a tight tourniquet. However, do not squeeze the vessels too hard, otherwise necrosis (tissue death) caused by malnutrition will occur. Apply a bandage, splint, or use a bandage.
You should not give your pet painkillers or other medications (e.g. antipyretics) on your own – this may cause the cat's condition to worsen. The best solution is to take the cat immediately to a veterinary clinic in Moscow!

The initial stage of treatment is diagnosis. A veterinarian examines and gently palpates the injured area, then sends the cat for an X-ray examination. It allows them to diagnose with 100% certainty and establish the nature of the fracture (chip, fracture, break).
If necessary (for example, if other diseases are suspected), the specialist prescribes additional laboratory tests – general tests
– blood,
– urine,
– feces.
Based on the results of diagnostics, the veterinarian prescribes treatment.

Conservative therapy

Conservative treatment is prescribed for closed and uncomplicated fractures. The first stage is local anesthesia, the second stage is the extraction of bone fragments. The procedure is completed by applying a plaster cast to avoid disturbing the injured area.
The veterinarian makes sure that the cast fixes all nearby joints, but does not put pressure on the limb or internal organs. At the veterinary clinic in Moscow they use light polymeric plasters, which are applied for 15 to 40 days.
To prevent inflammation the doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. If necessary, painkillers and sedatives are prescribed. They will help the animal's body to recover faster, and also promote accelerated bone growth.
Additionally, physical therapy techniques may be used to ensure that the pet's recovery is accelerated. On average, about 75-80% of cats recover with non-surgical treatment and without going to a surgeon.

Complicated fractures (such as splinter and depressed fractures) require urgent assistance from a veterinary surgeon. He operates on the animal to connect the bone fragments and fix them securely. After the bone tissue has fused, all the material used for the connection (threads, pins) is removed.
Among the main osteosynthesis techniques are:
• Intramedullary .. Bone fragments are connected using a secure rod fixator, which is inserted into the intramedullary canal. This technique is used successfully in more than 35% of fracture referrals;
• Extramedullary (lamellar). Plates are placed on the injured bone and then fixed with screws. The main advantage of the method is the firm fixation. It is usually used for comminuted as well as oblique fractures;
• Extrafocal. External fixation with the use of spokes is used: they are fixed above and below the fracture. Its advantage is minimal trauma and the possibility of physical activity, which reduces the likelihood of muscle atrophy.
The choice of surgical method depends on the condition of the pet and the nature of the paw fracture. Keep in mind that recovery from surgery takes 5 to 7 weeks.

Diagnosis at the veterinary clinic

The fact that the pet has been injured is immediately apparent, but going to the veterinary clinic is still necessary. After examining the pet and performing a series of diagnostic tests, the veterinarian will determine the extent of the injury and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Necessary diagnostic methods include general and biochemical blood tests, X-rays in two projections, ECHO of the heart. In some cases, an abdominal ultrasound is required.

Care at home

If you have witnessed a cat being hit by a car or falling from a great height and suspect it has a fracture, a splint should be placed on the injured paw. This procedure will immobilize the broken limb. A flat board or, in the absence of such, heavy cardboard folded several times can be used as a splint.

The splint should be applied in such a way as to be able to fix the two joints close to the fracture from below and from above. The construction should be wrapped in bandages in several layers. After that the victim should be taken to a veterinary clinic.

For open fractures, the wound is closed with sterile gauze cloths, and a splint is put on top.

If you are sure that the cat is dislocated, don't try to fix the wounded limb yourself! Your inexperience and ignorance of the cat's anatomy can cause your pet irreparable harm. Put an ice pack on the injured limb, put a tight fixation bandage on it and take your cat to the vet.

To relieve the cat's condition and relieve it from traumatic shock, many owners inject the animal with an anesthetic. However, veterinarians do not recommend doing this at home. Without feeling pain, the cat may harm itself even more.

In addition, analgesics distort the symptomatology of the injury. Finally, sedation will be mandatory at the time of the x-ray, and giving an anesthetic beforehand can have a negative impact on the pet's health.

The pet should be transported to the veterinary clinic in a supine position in the back seat of the car. Put the pet on a horizontal surface, such as plywood, a plank or a car dashboard, and secure its shoulder blades and pelvis with rope or a belt.

Fracture diagnosis

Diagnostic tests should always be done by specialists at veterinary clinics. Diagnosis is aimed not only at fixing the fact of injury, but also at identifying other dangerous conditions that can damage the patient's health. Example: when a cat falls from a height, in addition to a broken paw, soft tissue bruises and injuries of internal organs can be detected.

• A visual examination (called a general clinical examination) is performed;
• the doctor collects the anamnesis – he has to know what exactly happened to the patient in order to see the picture of the injury more clearly;
• Blood tests – general and biochemical – are taken;
• an ECHO cardiogram is taken;
• X-rays of the injured area are taken, and in more than one projection;
• An ultrasound of the abdomen is made to exclude injuries of internal organs.

Radiography is prescribed for sure – it is necessary to assess the damage to health and make a treatment plan. Often the beast is anesthetized with sedatives for this examination.

Treatment

After assessing the type of injury, the doctor prescribes a specific type of treatment – or comprehensive therapy.

A closed fracture is usually treated conservatively. After examination, tests and X-rays the caudal patient will be prescribed a regimen with maximum restrictions on movement, medications to strengthen the bone tissues, physical therapy and vitamins.

Open, depressed or multiple fractures often require surgical intervention. The method of osteosynthesis is used – joining of fractured bones with fixation of their edges.

• Intramedullary fusion – joining of bones by means of a metal rod. Complicated cases require a part of the rod to be taken out. This method is effectively used in clinics throughout the world;
• Extramedullary fusion – a special plate is fastened over the fused bones. This technique is used only for adults with strong bone tissues;
• extrafocal osteosynthesis. The perimeter of the limb is fixed with metal spokes. After such an intervention the cat needs a long period of rehabilitation.

An exact prognosis in the case of paw fractures is impossible: as a rule, the doctor does not give a certain period of time for the broken bone to fully heal. When it does heal, the spokes are removed and the limb is plastered. The period of healing depends on the patient's general health and postoperative care – it has to be of high quality.

Treatment of uncomplicated fractures

Closed paw fractures in cats are easy to treat. The first thing the veterinarian does is to administer a local anesthetic to the animal. Sometimes fragments of bone also need to be removed. After that, the specialist applies polymer plaster plates that fix the nearby joints. The plates are removed 2-4 weeks after the paw fracture, depending on its complexity. As an additional therapy, a specialist may prescribe sedatives and pain relievers for the cat. To speed recovery, veterinarians often prescribe a hormone medication from the corticosteroid class.

In complicated cases, the veterinary surgeon will have to reassemble the shattered bone, fix it, and create conditions for recovery. There are two main methods of treatment:

• Fusion using a metal rod inserted into the core of the injured bone. After the bones have fused, the rods are removed and a plaster cast is placed on top. The final restoration of the limb takes place under it.
• Plasters are placed to fix the combined fragments of the injured bone.

In some cases, fixation of the paws is carried out with metal spokes.

Fracture of the paw in a cat: types and classification

Fracture of the paw in a cat can be divided into two large categories, which are then divided into other categories:

1 Congenital. Sometimes newborn kittens are born with a fracture. This can be due to improper development inside the womb. This can be both a physiological feature, and the cause from outside, such as a fall, a bump, children hurt the mother cat, etc. It is also worth mentioning a pathology that has been acquired since birth. With this pathology and a systemic failure of bone physiology, it can break at any age from minor pressure.

2 Acquired. These are all other types of injuries. A kitten can get a paw fracture because of an improper delivery. Adults, as already mentioned, very often walk on their own, find adventures and often suffer because of it. Cats are too curious and this can be devastating to them.

In both cases, the bone can break in one place or in several. It all depends on the cause. For example, if a pet has fallen out of a window, then there is a chance of multiple fractures, because in flight it may have hit trees or eaves.

Fractured paw in a cat: signs

Identifying a paw fracture in a cat is not difficult. The cat simply stops stepping on the paw, hopping on three. If the hip bone is broken, the cat can not stand on its feet at all. If you palpate the site of the injury, you can detect unnatural bone mobility activity, you may also hear the bones crunching. Also the place will swell within a few hours or after 24 hours. The cat will show his pain in every way possible, whining, meowing and complaining.

Fractured paw in a cat: treatment

Many online resources give advice on transporting a cat with a fracture. However, we Strongly recommend not moving the animal in principle. If it is closed, no one knows what's inside. For example, if there are multiple splinters there, moving around may be too painful for the pet.

Our veterinary center "Ya-VET" is represented in several locations in the city of Moscow. Experienced veterinarians are ready to visit your home on emergency call and in less than 40 minutes they will be there. Professional equipment, necessary certificates and diplomas will show the seriousness and professionalism of our staff. If surgery is required, doctors will conduct on-site quartseration of the room for its sterility. The main thing is to take the necessary steps in time to save your pet's life, not only its leg.

There are two methods of treatment for such injuries, let's consider in more detail.

Conservative treatment – cat's paw fracture

Under conservative treatment refers to the treatment in which there is no surgical intervention in the animal's body. Most often the procedure begins with an anesthetic, after which the bone is assembled and folded by palpation (if necessary), and then a splint or cast is applied. The bandage and cast should fix the nearby joints. In modern medicine, a A new type of castwhich is lighter and stronger. If the fracture is minor and consists of a fracture, the cast will last 15 to 20 days. If it is more serious, for a month or a little longer, depending on the situation.

To make the animal suffer less, a painkiller may be prescribed for the first few days. Some ointments and medications may also be prescribed to avoid inflammation or infection, in the case of an open fracture. From there, it's simple – you just have to wait and occasionally get injections that speed up the growth and repair of bone tissue.

Hip fracture in the cat: treatment

Upon arrival of the veterinarian and carrying out the necessary measures to establish an accurate diagnosis is assigned treatmentThat will help the kitten recover. For fractures, a plaster castthat fixes the limb and allows it to heal properly. It is very important that everything heals properly after the injury. How long your pet will walk around with a castIt depends on the severity of the injury and the genetics of the animal, with the most common time range being from two to three weeks to one to two months. But again, it's worth repeating that everything is strictly individual.

A femoral neck fracture in a cat is in some cases unrealistic to cureUnless the animal is operated on and part of the bone is replaced with a prosthesis made of metal. Often this procedure is required in cats at a more mature age, when the ability to regenerate is greatly reduced. If you have money and no time to wait, there is an operation to equip the damaged limb with metal plates and screws that will help the animal recover many times faster. It should be noted that such an event is quite costly, but the price is fully justified.

In addition to the plaster or surgery, the animal is prescribed painkillerswhich should help relieve pain during the entire period of treatment. It is also necessary to adhere to certain recommendations on care and nutrition. After the fracture, when the animal has recovered and the bones have healed normally, he needs the attention of a specialist for a certain period of time.

Our veterinary center "Ya-VET" has a service called "supervision of the pet after recovery". It will allow you not to worry about the rehabilitation period of your cat. Our specialists will do everything possible to make your pet feel great.

Cat Hip Fracture – Conclusion

In this article, we looked at this type of injury, such as a hip fracture in a cat. This is a serious ailment that, if present, severely limits your pet's movement and is fraught with consequences if not properly treated.

The doctors at our veterinary center, Ya-VET, offer you their services in assisting your pet. The most popular and demanded among them is a house call to the vet. If we talk about hip fracture, it is a necessary measure that must be observed. Because any transportation involves the movement of the animal, both active and passive, and this can lead to a worsening of the situation. If you call the doctor at home, you can consult with him by phone and he will tell you what to do before he arrives. We are always happy to help you. Take care of your pets!

Fractures in cats: types

Veterinary science has an extensive classification of fractures: according to the nature and extent of bone damage, the number of fractures, and the location.

1 Closed – Characterized by damage to the bone tissue, but the skin over the fracture site is preserved.

2 Open – broken bones cut into the skin and are visible in the wound, while muscles and blood vessels are injured and there is a risk of contamination of the wound by dirt.

3 Cracked bone – it is not completely broken, and there are small lesions that do not affect the base of the bone.

4 In young animals, there is an occurrence of epiphyseal fracture at the ends of large bones. These growth areas are composed of young cells that form the spongy structure of the bone. Mostly the femur and humerus break.

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Cats break bones usually as a result of serious trauma, so it is necessary to seek veterinary care and accurately diagnose the type of fracture and the extent of the damage, as internal bleeding, injuries to the pelvis, intestines and lungs may be discovered in passing. The cat may be in a lot of pain and needs to be given medication to eliminate the onset of shock. What should you do if your cat shows signs of this injury and what is the right course of action?

Fractures in cats: signs of fractures

Suspect A cat's paw fracture is worth it when she tries to take care of the sore paw, it quickly develops swelling and soreness. An open fracture is visible, as the damaged bone is white in the wound or comes out of it.

First aid measures – fractures in cats

While waiting for the vet. Move the animal to a flat surface and create motor rest. Immobilize the broken limb without attempting to set it back. It is not a good idea to use painkillers or other means, so as not to harm the cat. It is better to wait for a veterinarian. At the "I-VET" veterinary emergency center, in case of an emergency call, they will come to you within 40 minutes. In a free telephone consultation prior to the visit, the doctor will make recommendations for adequate care for the injured animal.

Below are some of the prices of the Ya-Vet Veterinary Center for treating fractures in cats:

Fractures in cats: treatment of bone fractures in cats

To diagnose a fracture and its type, the veterinarian performs an examination and palpation, sends for x-rays, if necessary, a CT scan or MRI. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will choose a method of treatment, but more often it is a complex treatment.

Fractures in cats: a conservative method of treatment

First, the cat must be anesthetized and sedated, then the bone must be repositioned or its fragments must be folded correctly. Then a cast, a splint or a collar is applied to immobilize the injured limb or other part of the body. The plaster bandage should also fix the joints near the injured bone, and the bandage should not squeeze the soft tissues and organs of the cat. For fractures, it will take 2-3 weeks to heal, and up to 1.5 months in the case of complete bone injuries. In the case of an open fracture, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent complications. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and sedative drugs and physical therapy treatments are also used. Three-quarters of fracture victims are cured by nonsurgical treatment, and only a quarter require surgical assistance from a surgeon.