Educational Articles
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Medical emergencies occur suddenly and without warning. It is important for all cat owners to have a basic understanding of common veterinary medical emergencies and basic first aid for their pets. This handout provides guidelines you can follow in the event that your cat is experiencing shock and/or requires rescue breathing or CPR. In any emergency situation with your pet, contact your veterinarian or closest emergency facility immediately.
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While most of the time cats will land on their feet, they can still sustain serious injuries after a fall, including sprains, broken bones, head trauma, and chest or abdominal injuries. If you see your cat fall, monitor her for at least 3-5 days for anything abnormal that may develop. Serious injuries need to be evaluated immediately by your veterinarian, but there are steps you can take at home to prepare your pet to be transported to your veterinary hospital.
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Insect stings or bites can cause mild signs of swelling, pain, and itching or can be more severe, causing hives, anaphylactic reactions, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. In more severe cases, emergency veterinary attention is required to stabilize the cat, screen for organ dysfunction, and provide supportive care.
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Lameness occurs due to the injury or debilitation of one or more parts of the leg; bones, muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, or skin. Depending on the cause of the limp, immediate veterinary care may be needed. If your dog is in severe pain, carefully transport your dog to your veterinary hospital or emergency hospital immediately. For non-emergency limps, you may be able to determine the cause of the limp and provide home care. If the lameness persists for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary care. Medication or surgery may be necessary to help your cat heal and reduce pain.
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Tail injuries are common and can sometimes be managed with home first aid but some cases require veterinary care. Abrasions are mild scrapes that can be treated with daily cleaning and application of antibiotic ointment. Lacerations are more serious cuts that may expose underlying muscle and bone requiring stitches and often antibiotics. Tail fractures can heal well if they occur near the tip of the tail but if bones are severely damaged then amputation may be required. Nerve damage can occur from fractures, crushing injuries or severe tail pulls causing stretching or tearing of the nerves and can result in loss of fecal and urinary continence and can also result in a limp tail.
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If your cat limps, or licks at her pads, she may have a foot pad that is torn, punctured, or burned. Minor injuries may be treated at home, by cleaning and covering the wound, but deeper or complicated wounds require veterinary attention. Try to avoid foot injuries in your cat by surveying the areas where your cat plays and walks.
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Frostbite is the damage that is caused to the skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. The paws, ears and tail are the most common tissues to be affected. If you suspect your cat has frostbite, you should seek medical attention immediately. Mild cases of frostbite usually resolve with little permanent damage, while more severe frostbite may result in permanent disfiguration or alteration of the affected tissues.
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Hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver syndrome, is unique to cats and is one of the most common liver diseases seen in cats. Usually a cat with hepatic lipidosis has recently gone through a period of anorexia (little or no eating) for 3 to 4 consecutive days. Diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is made from blood tests that demonstrate poor liver function and/or from a liver biopsy or fine needle aspirate. Hepatic lipidosis is treatable with aggressive nutritional support until a normal appetite returns. Treating the underlying initial cause of the inappetence is also essential for full recovery.
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There are many potential hazards that pets face during the holidays. With common sense and planning, exposure to these hazards can be avoided, preventing injury or illness. Hazards include tinsel, electrical cords, string from meat, ribbons, Christmas tree water, holiday plants, and food such as chocolate. Some cats do better if given a safe space to stay, away from company, and may require calming remedies to help minimize anxiety and stress during the holidays.
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Cats, with their curious nature, may fall victim to poisoning within the home. Cats’ small size, lack of ability to metabolize certain drugs, and their tendency to hide symptoms when ill, make their poisoning less obvious compared to dogs and may also delay treatment.
