Cat Bone Injuries

The majority of the bony injuries are produced by traffic accidents and falls. If it is a question of fractures opened, that is to say, that the bone on having broken perforates the skin and go out on the outside, it is easy that they become infected. The closed fractures, in which the bone is not at sight, and the dislocations, in which the bone leaves of its place, are equal of dangerous and painful for the cat, but not so easy to detect. In case of the closed fractures, one of the first aims is to prevent them from become opened.

The injuries in the muscles, ligaments and tendons can produce clinical symptoms similar to those of the breaks of bones. The first aids for this class of situations are described in the paragraph "Lameness and problems of mobility " of the page 108.

Monitor Possible Shock

• Pale or whitish gums
• Agitated breathing
• Weak and accelerated pulse
• Coldness in the extremities
• General weakness

Be which is the fracture, try to calm the pain of the animal and to diminish the risk of suffers major hurts during the transportation. Do not try to reduce the fractures (to return to fit the bones into his place). Do not use antiseptics not even any class of ointments or liniments in the opened fractures.

Fractures of the backbone.

Has cat the arched loin?
Is he paralyzed?
Does he hurt very much when you touch his back?  YES
Possible break of the vertebral spine, Go to the veterinarian  NOW

1. Hold the cat putting a towel around the neck if it's necessary.
2. Be carefully of not twisting the back, put him with smoothness on a flat board and assure him with straps, but avoiding pressing the neck.
3. Take immediately the cat to the veterinarian. Do not try to bind up a broken backbone.

Fracture of the legs
Did you hear a crackle in the moment to the injury was produced?
Is the broken bone in sight?
Is there some change of length, shape or size of the leg?
Does it adopt a strange angle?
Does it hang inert?
Has it declared a sudden pain or swelling?
Has the skin a bluish and damaged aspect?   YES
Probable fracture of the member. Go to the veterinarian   NOW.

1. Immobilize the cat if it is necessary
2. Slide carefully a clean towel down the leg
3. If the fracture is opened- the broken bone is at sight- do not rub it to clean it; spill oxygenated water diluted to 3 per cent on the wound (do not use any antiseptic one in the opened fractures.)
4. Cover with clean gauze the bone exposed to the air. (Use a clinical bandage, a kitchen cloth clean or a hygienic compress) .
5. stuff him an undershirt to immobilize the member only if it is absolutely necessary.
6. Support the broken leg in a thick towel, maintain him sheltered to prevent a possible shock, raise him carefully and take him immediately to the veterinarian.

Do not try to fit the broken bones. The reduction of fractures, including the replacement of dislocated bones, the veterinarian must realize it with general anesthesia.