Brain contusion symptoms in cats

Initial activities

MRI, CT (if available);
X-ray of the chest, skull in two projections, cervical spine; IMPORTANT! Every tenth patient with severe TBI also has damage to the cervical spine. Until spinal injury is ruled out, the animal should be managed as having a spinal injury.

Laboratory tests: complete blood count, blood glucose, blood gases and electrolytes, creatinine and blood urea, complete urinalysis; monitoring: general clinical – blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, ECG, blood saturation; neuromonitoring – ICP, EEG, transcranial Doppler echography.

Diagnostic measures

First, the sick animal is examined externally by a doctor.
To identify a concussion in a cat, the doctor finds out the causes of the injury, listens to the owner’s complaints, conducts an external examination and prescribes diagnostic procedures, such as:

• neurological reflex test;
• ophthalmoscopy;
• radiography of the skull bones;
• computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging;
• blood pressure measurement;
• General and biochemical blood test.

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First aid for concussion

If brain damage is suspected, the first thing the owner should do is provide rest to the pet. The cat should be placed in a quiet, darkened room without sources of bright light. It is best to lay the animal on its side.

If the cat is unconscious, you should not revive it yourself. Under no circumstances should you shake or apply ammonia.

If your tongue is retracted, you should take safety measures: place your tongue on its side with a clean napkin and clear the mouth of vomit.

If there is an open head wound, it is necessary to carefully rinse and treat the injury site with disinfectant solutions. Apply dry ice or a cold compress to the impact site.

It is best to transport a sick pet to the clinic on a hard surface. The carrier and lap of the beloved owner are not suitable for this purpose.

To learn how and what to treat a cat’s wounds, watch this video:

First aid for a cat with a concussion

In the case where the injury was caused by a strong blow to the head, you need to take the cat and bring it into a room with fresh air and dim lighting. If the animal is unconscious, then you need to do the following:

• Lay the cat on its side.
• Make sure your pet's tongue is not stuck.
• Apply a cold compress to the impact site. An ordinary towel soaked in water can play its role.
• If there is an open wound, then it must be covered with a bandage, after stopping the bleeding.
• When vomiting begins, you need to do everything to prevent the cat from choking.
• If the cat has stopped breathing, you will need to perform artificial respiration and massage the heart area.

Before the veterinarian arrives, it is allowed to give the injured pet an injection of caffeine , but it is still better not to try to treat it yourself.

Do not forget that after a concussion the cat will be in a state of shock for several days. At this time, she may not recognize her owners and treats them aggressively. Therefore, you need to be patient.

If the cat still does not regain consciousness, and there is no way to call a veterinarian, then the pet should be transported for examination by a specialist on its side. However, the animal should not be placed in a carrier. It is better to transport the cat in your arms.

Concussions and contusions of the spinal cord

When a spinal cord injury occurs, conduction along centrifugal and centripetal pathways in one part of the brain weakens or disappears. When the brain is damaged in the cervical thickening, paralysis of the motor pathways of all extremities of the body and internal organs occurs, but the work of the brain and the cyphergram continues to ensure breathing. Damage to the spinal cord between the medulla oblongata and the 4th-6th pairs of cervical nerves is fatal, as paralysis of the respiratory center immediately occurs.

Symptoms.

In case of mild bruises, without damage to the substance of the splint, short-term paresis is noted; in severe cases, the presence of vertebral cracks, ruptures of the meninges and spinal roots, and complications of hemorrhages in the brain are recorded. In this case, there are signs of persistent spinal cord paralysis, decreased deep and superficial sensitivity of the tail and limbs, and prolapse of the rectum. Cats move only with the help of their front limbs, their hind limbs drag. The pelvic part of the body is lowered, the animal is characterized by a sitting position with elongated pelvic limbs. A hump forms at the site of injury.

Diagnosis.

Clinical signs of the disease appear in the animal within the first 5-6 days. With hemorrhage, movement disorders gradually decrease; with appropriate treatment, they completely disappear after 10-15 days. When the meninges are compressed, paraplegia slowly develops and symptoms of movement disorders appear, first on one limb, then on both, and disorders of urination and defecation occur. Preservation of the function of the thoracic limbs in case of pelvic paralysis is determined by a violation of the conductivity of the spinal cord in the anterior part of the lumbar region.

Injury to the sacral spinal cord is characterized by paralysis of the pelvic limbs, tail, sphincters of the rectum and bladder. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to take x-ray pictures of the injury site and two projections.

Treatment.

The cat is given complete rest, the bleeding is stopped, and cold is applied. Then sedatives and pain-relieving drugs are administered. In the future, thermal procedures and spinal massage are prescribed. Darsonvalization of the spine is very effective in combination with vitamin Bi2 and strychnine (0.1% solution) - 1 ml for paralysis of the pelvic limbs.

For cracks and fractures of the spine, surgery is performed if possible. It should be borne in mind that the treatment is long and requires patience from the doctor and the cat’s owners.

Cats are very dexterous animals, but they do not always manage to avoid falls and bruises. Head injuries and severe concussions in cats are common.

The cause of a concussion in outdoor cats can be a fall from a height, being hit by a car on the road, an awkward jump from a tree, or being hit by a person.

Domestic cats receive head injuries as a result of heavy objects falling on them or hitting a wall if the animal is frightened or does not have time to brake in time. A concussion is accompanied by cerebrovascular accident and sometimes hemorrhage. This process results in disruption (temporary or permanent) of normal brain activity and activity.

First of all, you need to call a veterinarian. An experienced doctor will provide immediate assistance to the animal.

There is a suspicion of a concussion in a cat: signs of the disease and treatment methods

One of the unpleasant consequences of injury in pets is a concussion.

The danger of damage to an organ of the central nervous system is that the pathology has long-term consequences and can manifest itself after years.

In this regard, the owner of a furry fidget should be attentive to even a minor injury, have an idea of ​​the symptoms of the disease and provide the necessary assistance in a timely manner.

How can a cat get a concussion?

A domestic cat can get brain damage in a variety of situations. The most common cause of the disease is collisions with road vehicles, including bicycles.

Falling from a height or incorrect landing when jumping from a tree is a common cause of concussion in free-ranging cats. With the onset of the summer season, cases of animals falling out of windows and balconies are becoming more frequent.

Stray cats can become victims of hooligans and cruel treatment of people. Blows to the head are one of the common causes of pathology. Heavy objects falling on your pet's head and accidental hits against a wall are also common causes of brain damage.

The owner of the animal should not ignore even a minor injury in this area. The danger with a concussion is that after a few months, your pet may experience severe symptoms such as seizures, convulsions, neurological problems and other health problems.

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First aid for concussion

If brain damage is suspected, the first thing the owner should do is provide rest to the pet. The cat should be placed in a quiet, darkened room without sources of bright light. It is best to lay the animal on its side.

If the cat is unconscious, you should not revive it yourself. Under no circumstances should you shake or apply ammonia.

If your tongue is retracted, you should take safety measures: place your tongue on its side with a clean napkin and clear the mouth of vomit.

If there is an open head wound, it is necessary to carefully rinse and treat the injury site with disinfectant solutions. Apply dry ice or a cold compress to the impact site.

It is best to transport a sick pet to the clinic on a hard surface. The carrier and lap of the beloved owner are not suitable for this purpose.

To learn how and what to treat a cat’s wounds, watch this video:

Diagnosis of the condition

In a specialized institution, the veterinarian will first of all collect a detailed medical history. A thorough clinical examination will help to suspect brain damage in a furry patient. During it, the specialist will assess the degree of damage to the eye lens, the condition of the mucous membranes, and the nature of neurological disorders.

If necessary, the animal will undergo an X-ray examination of the skull. Modern equipped veterinary clinics also use magnetic resonance and computed tomography.

Animal treatment

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

For the same purpose, the veterinarian may prescribe diuretic drugs, for example Furosemide, Diacarb, Veroshpiron, and potassium supplements.

Some of these drugs also have a decongestant effect. Diakarb reduces intracranial pressure, relieves swelling of the brain, and has a mild sedative effect. The administration of methenamine with caffeine also reduces the permeability of the blood vessels of the damaged organ.

The animal is required to be prescribed painkillers: analgin, baralgin, no-spa. Cardiac medications are used to treat the disease: camphor, cardamine, caffeine.

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

According to indications, a veterinarian may prescribe antiemetic drugs such as Cerucal, Metoclopramide. For severe autonomic disorders, No-shpa and Eufillin, which have a pronounced antispasmodic effect, are prescribed.

An animal with a concussion must be prescribed sedatives: Fitex, Xylazine, Fospasim. Preparations based on medicinal herbs, for example, motherwort, are also used.

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Concussion Care

One of the conditions for a pet’s successful recovery after suffering trauma and brain damage, along with drug therapy, is high-quality care. First of all, a sick animal should be given complete rest. It is best to place the cat in a separate, dry and warm room during treatment.

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

It is forbidden to let the cat outside until it has fully recovered. Physical and mental peace of a pet is the key to a speedy recovery.

In order to reduce the risk of developing negative consequences from a concussion, the owner should periodically show the pet to a veterinary specialist for 8 to 12 months after the injury.

Such preventive examinations will allow you to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, the clinical condition of the cat, the restoration of brain function and, if necessary, adjust therapeutic measures.

Concussion in domestic cats is a consequence of various types of trauma and mechanical impact. The clinical picture of the disease largely depends on the severity of the injury. If symptoms of brain damage are detected, the owner should urgently take the animal to a veterinarian.

Source: https://zootvet.ru/sotryasenie-mozga-u-koshki/

Causes of injury

A cat can get a concussion for a variety of reasons. The most common of these is falling from a great height.

. Despite their agility and ability to always land on their paws, which significantly softens the blow, cats do not know how to circumvent the laws of physics. When falling from a considerable height, they do not die, like other animals, but receive a severe blow, causing a concussion of the brain and spinal cord.

Unfortunately, it is often the person who causes the injury. It can be inflicted accidentally (a blow from a door being opened, a kick while walking) or deliberately. Not all people love these cute animals.

A cat can get a concussion by hitting an obstacle at high speed. This happens when an animal gets scared of something and rushes headlong away. At this moment, there may be an obstacle in its path that the cat, in a panic, does not notice.

Finally, these animals are causing trouble for themselves.

. While playing or exploring the surrounding area, animals can throw a heavy object onto themselves, the impact of which can cause a concussion.

Treatment of concussion in cats

High-quality treatment of an animal is possible only after a comprehensive examination . Unfortunately, research methods such as X-rays and MRI cannot be applied to a cat. Or rather, it can be used, but for concussions in cats, these research methods will not be effective. Therefore, veterinarians have to make a diagnosis based on clinical data.

The specialist first assesses the severity of the concussion, and then, if necessary, gives injections to prevent brain swelling. In addition, the veterinarian may give injections of life-sustaining medications.

Drug treatment is limited to the use of analgesics and sedatives . Also, vascular medications will not be superfluous. For severe concussions, medications may be prescribed to support cardiac function.

The cat recovers from the concussion within a few weeks.

(c) Veterinary center for the treatment and rehabilitation of animals “Zoostatus”.

Varshavskoe highway, 125 building 1.

The most common causes of head injuries in cats are motor vehicle injuries, falls from heights, dog bites, accidental door impacts, and gunshot wounds. Head injuries can be blunt or penetrating and can cause brain dysfunction (concussion).

Symptoms in an animal

If the injury occurred in front of the owner, then a characteristic sign of brain damage is the pet losing consciousness. The animal may be unconscious from several seconds to half an hour. Typically, the duration of unconsciousness is influenced by the severity of the injury.

By observing an animal that comes to its senses after being exposed to a mechanical factor, the owner may detect strange behavior. Inadequacy manifests itself in poor spatial orientation, the cat does not recognize familiar people, hisses, behaves aggressively, looks around in fear, and hides.

If the owner did not notice the moment of injury, veterinary experts recommend judging brain damage based on the following symptoms:

• Wounds, bruises, abrasions in the head area indicate that the animal has received trauma. With severe damage, hematomas can be detected.
• Change in color of mucous membranes. Both hyperemia and pallor are observed.
• Pathology of the eye lens in the form of dislocation. In this case, the pupil takes on an unnatural appearance, and different sizes may be observed. A careful examination reveals a trembling of the iris and a spot on the pupil.
• Trembling of the eyeball (nystagmus).
• Lack of reaction to light from dilated pupils.
• Temporary blindness.
• Unsteady, uncertain gait.
• Disorientation in space.
• The animal may rest its head against the wall.
• Drowsy, lethargic state.
• Loss of appetite.
• Vomit.
• Signs of aggression: the cat growls, takes threatening poses, attacks, tries to bite.
• Tremor of the limbs: twitching of the paws, facial muscles, ears. Convulsions.
• Paralysis of limbs.
• Tachycardia.
• Heavy, intermittent breathing.

The intensity of clinical signs is largely determined by the severity of the injury or mechanical impact on the animal. The hypothalamus and brainstem are most often affected. There is a disturbance in the blood circulation of the organ, swelling develops, and intracranial pressure increases. Hemorrhage is also a dangerous consequence of injury.

Symptoms of Concussion in Cats

Concussions in cats are not easy to recognize, especially if the owner did not witness a fall, blow, or other cause of injury to the pet. With a slight blow to the animal’s head, symptoms may not appear at all, but make themselves felt after some time in the form of chronic diseases and other pathologies in the pet’s body that appear against the background of the concussion. It should be remembered that the manifestations of concussion symptoms can be isolated, complex, or completely absent.

Symptoms of a concussion:

1. Loss of consciousness;
2. Restless animal behavior and aggression;
3. Pallor or increased color of mucous membranes (eyes, mouth);
4. Nystagmus (eye trembling);
5. Unsteadiness of gait;
6. Loss of spatial orientation;
7. Lethargy and drowsiness;
8. Lack of appetite;
9. Nausea and vomiting;
10. Tremor of the limbs or head;
11. Convulsions;
12. Paralysis;
13. Rapid pulse;
14. Heavy and uneven breathing;
15. Headache (the animal rests its head against the wall).

Visible signs of a possible concussion:

• Wounds or abrasions on the animal’s head;
• Hematomas;
• Bruising;
• Change in color of the eye lens;
• Hemorrhages in the eyeball;
• Dislocated eye.

If the owner, due to the presence of at least a few symptoms or changes in behavior, suspects a concussion in his pet, then he should immediately show his pet to a veterinarian to confirm or refute the diagnosis.

© shutterstock

Strange animal behavior

You should promptly consult a specialist if your cat exhibits the following signs:

1. Uneven pupils.
2. Lack of pupillary response to light stimulus.
3. Rapid and unnatural eye movements.
4. A cloudy spot on the pupil, trembling of the iris, an abnormal appearance of the eye associated with displacement of the lens or damage to the ligaments that support it.
5. Bruising on the head.
6. Too pale or, conversely, too reddened mucous membranes.
7. Dizziness (its sign is an unsteady and unsteady gait).
8. Headache is a sign of it: the animal rests its head on a hard surface and stands motionless.
9. Drowsiness.
10. Attacks of aggression.
11. Involuntary twitching of paws and facial muscles.
12. Paralysis of limbs.
13. Short-term loss of hearing or vision.
14. Difficulty in orientation.
15. Increased heart rate.
16. Intermittent breathing accompanied by wheezing.

You need to know that the intensity of the symptoms of a concussion in a cat directly depends on the severity of the injury and the area affected. The mechanism of brain damage during trauma is as follows: the place where the blow was directly received suffers, and after that the brain hits the opposite wall of the skull, also receiving injury. During a concussion, the hypothalamus and brain stem are most vulnerable. Brain hemorrhage is very dangerous

This condition can lead to paralysis of the animal, temporary or permanent, so it is very important to get help as soon as possible. Usually the main symptoms in animals disappear within 2 weeks

In any case, calling a veterinarian will not hurt.

Why does this happen?

The cause of a concussion in outdoor cats can be a fall from a height, being hit by a car on the road, an awkward jump from a tree, or being hit by a person.

Domestic cats receive head injuries as a result of heavy objects falling on them or hitting a wall if the animal is frightened or does not have time to brake in time. A concussion is accompanied by cerebrovascular accident and sometimes hemorrhage. This process results in disruption (temporary or permanent) of normal brain activity and activity.

First of all, you need to call a veterinarian. An experienced doctor will provide immediate assistance to the animal.

First aid at home

If your pet passes out after being hit right in front of you, don’t panic. Take heart and just follow the algorithm, which explains in detail what to do if your cat has a concussion:

Carefully turn your pet onto its side and try to eliminate all irritating factors. To do this, close the curtains tightly, turn off the TV and ask the children to move to another room. Do not use ammonia to revive you - it can burn your mucous membranes.

Examine the victim's mouth. If you find traces of vomit, quickly remove it with a clean cloth or napkin. The sunken tongue needs to be removed. This will help prevent suffocation.

Wash the open wound with warm water and treat it with an antiseptic, remembering to apply a cold compress to the bruised area.

Please note that the removal and repositioning of bone fragments is strictly prohibited.

Count your pulse. If it is missing, begin a rescue operation to restart the stopped heart

To do this, you need to inhale air directly into your nostrils several times or rhythmically squeeze your chest, clasping it with your fingers. Calculate the force of inhalation and pressing so as not to harm your pet. These actions can be alternated by checking your pulse every 2 minutes. Please note that only 20 minutes are allotted for rescue.

Use a flat, hard surface for transport to the veterinary clinic. Instead of a cloth carrier, it is recommended to use a regular cardboard box. It will reduce shaking during movement and protect the animal from sudden hemorrhage.

Providing first aid for a concussion in a pet

If the cat received a blow to the head area and there is a suspicion that she has a concussion, then you need to bring her into a room with dim lights and put her down. If the symptoms do not disappear within ten minutes, then you should definitely seek advice from a specialist. Large cities usually have a 24-hour veterinary clinic.

In case of loss of consciousness, you must follow the following algorithm:

• do not try to stir up the animal or lay it on its side;
• in case of tongue retraction, ensure its straightening;
• Apply dry cold to the injury site;
• make a cold compress on the head (wet a towel in cold water, fold it several times and place it on the animal’s head);
• if there is an open wound, you need to stop the bleeding and apply a bandage;
• if vomiting begins, make sure that the cat does not choke on the mass;
• in case of cessation of breathing, it is recommended to perform indirect cardiac massage and artificial respiration.

Among the drugs that can be used without consulting a doctor, use an injection of caffeine and camphor. But it’s better not to treat a cat’s concussion on your own. The symptoms should prompt you to see a specialist.

Traumatic shock

Traumatic shock is considered one of the most dangerous conditions in cats. It is the most common cause of death in animals.

Signs of traumatic shock

Shock in a cat can be determined by the following signs:

• change in heartbeat (increased or slowed down);
• breathing became faster;
• gums become pale (may become completely white);
• body temperature has decreased.

If you find no external damage to your pet, shock may be caused by bleeding or internal damage.

First aid for a cat with traumatic shock

An injured cat needs immediate help. To begin, place the cat on its side on a pre-spread towel (or diaper). If necessary, open its airways: place your palm under the animal's head so that the index finger and thumb are above its upper fangs. Then tilt your head lying on your palm so that the animal’s nose is directed upward. Squeeze your fingers very gently, after which the cat’s mouth will open slightly. Gently pull your pet's tongue with your other hand, thereby opening the airway.

Place a rolled-up towel or small pillow under the cat's hind legs and hips - the back of the cat's body should be elevated.

Carefully examine the animal, if you find external bleeding, stop it.

Treatment

It would be ideal if a dog’s concussion and its treatment are monitored by a veterinary specialist throughout the entire therapeutic course. The veterinarian assesses the animal’s condition and prescribes treatment based on personal observations and medical history from the owner of the four-legged patient. During the course, medications and their dosages can be replaced by one another, depending on the body’s response to the medication.

For a complete diagnosis it is recommended:

• take an X-ray of the skull to rule out fractures or splits of the cranial bones, as well as displacement of the cervical vertebrae;
• conduct a computed tomography scan to assess the extent of brain damage;
• Additionally, obtain advice from a veterinary ophthalmologist and neurologist.

Medications

Calcium chloride 10% Twice daily intravenously for 1-2 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition and the risk of developing cerebral edema. Manitol (Mannitol) 15% Administer slowly by drip (from 20 minutes to half an hour) at a rate of 0.25-2 g/kg daily for as many days as the situation requires, but at least 3 days. Furosemide 5% (diuretic) Intramuscularly from 0.5 to 2 ml 1-2 times a day for 3-5 days depending on the condition

Use caution if you have kidney problems.

Mexidol-Vet 2.5% Intravenously or into the muscle, 0.5 ml/kg during the first week, and then 0.25 ml/kg for another 2-3 weeks. Cerebrolysin 1 to 5 ml intramuscularly 1-2 times a day for at least a month. Piracetam Intramuscularly from 1 to 5 ml 1-2 times a day, depending on the severity of the condition. The course is at least 14 days. Cinnarizine ½ tablet

twice a day for a course of 1 month. Monitor the dynamics, the dose can be increased to 1 tablet in special conditions. Actovegin Intramuscularly, 1 ml 1-2 times a day for 1-3 weeks. The first week - daily, then every other day.

Papaverine Subcutaneously or intramuscularly 1-3 mg/kg twice a day or as required. Travmatin Subcutaneously or intramuscularly, 0.1 ml/kg, but not more than 4 ml at a time. Symptomatically. Baralgin 0.1 ml/kg intramuscularly in the morning and evening or on demand when the dog is clearly in pain.

Sereniya Subcutaneously at a dose of 0.5 ml/5 kg once a day and no longer than 5 days. Cerucal Intramuscularly (rarely subcutaneously) 0.2-0.4 mg/kg up to 4 times a day. Doesn't always help, because... There is individual sensitivity to vomiting of central action. Ondasetron 0.5 mg/kg intramuscularly or intravenously no more than 2 times a day for 3-5 days.

About the signs of pathology

First of all, you need to understand that a concussion is not a disease, but a consequence of an injury. If left untreated, complications will arise in the form of chronic diseases that undermine the pet’s health. The owner must be aware that any head injury, sometimes minor, can lead to a concussion. A cup that accidentally falls on an animal's head or a blow from a sharply opening door can provoke this pathology. After this, your animal may appear normal. And all because the milder the injury, the more difficult it is to notice with the naked eye the deterioration of the animal’s condition and, even more so, disruptions in brain function. After all, after minor injuries, a cat eats well and reacts adequately to the situation. But after a few months she may experience seizures, convulsions, and heart ailments. By that time, the owner has already forgotten about the injury.

That is why it is so important to show the patient to the doctor after it, even if the injury is mild. When it is strong, a short-term loss of consciousness may be a symptom of a concussion.

The animal comes to its senses after a few seconds or minutes. The longer the fainting state lasts, the more serious the injury. When the injured animal comes to its senses, it looks stunned, not understanding what happened to it. Sometimes short-term memory loss may occur. A cat does not recognize its owner, hisses at him, and hides in hard-to-reach places.

It often happens that animals are walking on the street and get injured there, and the owner is not present. You can suspect something is wrong based on the following signs: bruises, hematomas, bruises on the head and neck, pale mucous membranes. Problems with the head are clearly signaled by the animal's eyes. We are talking about an unnatural shape of the pupil, that is, a dislocation of the lens. A pale spot may appear on the pupil, and the iris may tremble. The eyes of cats after severe head injuries look unnatural because the lens capsule is displaced. Also, the visual apparatus can respond to injury with nystagmus - rapid movement of the eyeballs. Unsteady gait, twitching or paralysis of facial muscles, convulsions, loss of orientation and hearing, wheezing, rapid pulse are typical symptoms of severe head injuries in animals. Their headaches may manifest themselves by leaning against walls or corners and freezing in this position.

Signs of a concussion depend on the severity and location of the impact. Brain tissue is damaged not only in the place where the blow was struck, but also on the opposite side.

Symptoms of a concussion in cats and what to do about it

All representatives of the cat family are distinguished by natural dexterity and grace, but this property is not always able to protect them from injury. In addition, the world is full of unkind people who may not like these furry fidgets, and therefore are quite capable of causing them intentional harm. Therefore, every responsible owner should be aware of what a concussion is in cats.

Veterinarians note that concussion is not an independent disease, but is only a consequence of the injury received.

However, it should not be underestimated, since as a result of a head injury, the animal may experience hemorrhage in the brain or its compression inside the skull.

All this leads to dangerous dysfunction of the motor and central nervous systems, which affects the entire life activity of the tailed friend.

The insidiousness of a concussion is that it may not manifest itself in any way for quite a long time, and then suddenly the cat begins to have seizures or develop chronic heart disease on its own.

Therefore, owners must remember that even the most insignificant at first glance head injury to a mustachioed friend can have very serious consequences.

The article will discuss the causes of a concussion in a cat, and will also discuss the symptoms and treatment of this disease.

Symptoms of the disease

The main symptom of a concussion in cats is that when an injury occurs, the animal immediately loses consciousness. The pet “passes out” for a couple of minutes, and when it comes to its senses, it looks stunned.

He may have short-term memory loss; at first he may not recognize the owner, run away from inspection attempts, and even attack the owner.

It is important to understand that the longer the pet lies unconscious, the stronger the concussion.

The main signs of a concussion consist of the following characteristic manifestations:

• the eyeball begins to tremble (nystagmus);
• the pet’s pupils have different sizes and react poorly to light stimuli;
• the mucous membranes become excessively red, or, conversely, turn pale;
• coordination of movements is impaired;
• the respiratory process is disrupted, wheezing is heard when exhaling;
• due to a severe headache, the cat rests its muzzle against the wall;
• apathy and loss of interest in food;
• vomit;
• the cat's limbs twitch involuntarily;
• you can find a hematoma or bruises on your pet’s head;
• paw paralysis

The stronger the injury, the more severe the symptoms. However, even if signs practically do not appear, this does not mean that your furry friend does not need to be shown to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

If this is not done immediately after a concussion, the pet faces the risk of disruption of proper blood circulation in this organ, an increase in intracranial pressure, as well as hemorrhage in the brain, which can turn it into a disabled person.

Treatment of the disease

After examining the patient and establishing an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes treatment.

Primary therapy is aimed at reducing cerebral edema in a cat; the drugs Hypothiazide and Indapamide, as well as diuretics such as Furosemide and Veroshpiron, are excellent for these purposes.

The pet is also prescribed pharmaceuticals with a pronounced analgesic effect, for example, Analgin, and injections that can support the functioning of the cardiac system (caffeine).

Immediately after swelling and the most painful symptoms are removed, the doctor prescribes nootropic drugs (Piracetam, Glycine) for the cat, which improve metabolism in brain tissue and nourish nerve cells.

In addition, the cat is prescribed mild sedatives, such as Fitex and Xylazine, as well as those based on medicinal herbs - motherwort, peppermint. The duration of medication is determined by how severe the cat's concussion was.

On average, complete healing takes from 7 to 14 days.

Never try to treat an animal at home.

Even experienced veterinarians cannot always understand all the nuances of a concussion without the use of X-rays or CT scans.

Caring for an injured pet on your own without first consulting a doctor will probably only aggravate the current situation and lead the cat to irreversible disorders of the functioning of the brain.

Treatment

If your dog has a bad fall or accident and exhibits any of the above signs, it is very likely that he has a concussion. Now that you have identified the problem, you need to treat your concussion as quickly as possible. Just like humans, dogs also have a treatment protocol.

First, you need to calm your dog so that he doesn't get too excited. If she is scared or anxious, you will have a hard time determining whether she actually has a traumatic brain injury.

In some cases, your dog may not even be injured. You won't know until you calm him down and make sure he's okay. If there is a visible wound you should take your dog to the vet immediately. Even if there is no head injury, if your dog is showing symptoms, take him to the vet as well.

Since your dog may not report pain or confusion, in the event of a head injury, it's best to play it safe and take him to the hospital.

When it arrives, the veterinarian will run a series of tests on your dog. Basically, the veterinarian will draw blood and ensure that all of your dog's organs are working properly, eliminating the possibility of shock, before proceeding.

The shock is extremely severe and results in long-term damage and death. If you notice your dog is in shock, raise his head and watch his breathing in case he needs to perform CPR.

How to perform CPR on a dog:

1. Lay the dog on its side on a flat surface.
2. Place your hand on most of the dog's chest.
3. With your arms secured, squeeze your dog's chest to a quarter of its width at a steady rate of 80 compressions per minute.
4. Continue CPR until your dog is conscious, breathing on his own, or a trained veterinarian or staff can provide compressions.

Signs of shock are:

1. Limited mental performance or activity
2. blue gums
3. irregular heartbeat
4. low temperature
5. rapid breathing
6. shallow pulse
7. convulsions

After ruling out shock and evaluating the heart and lungs, your veterinarian may give your dog oxygen and fluid infusions to prevent nausea and relieve some symptoms.

Your dog may also be prescribed some anti-inflammatory medications to reduce and prevent brain inflammation and to make your dog more comfortable.

Certain neurological tests may be performed to better assess the severity of a concussion. Some severe cases require surgery to correct brain bleeding or other internal injuries that accompany a concussion.

Like people who suffer a head injury, your dog will likely be kept overnight for observation. In severe cases, your dog may remain in the hospital for several days.

This time allows the veterinarian to determine how severe the brain swelling may be, rule out any type of internal bleeding, and closely monitor any symptoms that arise.

It also prevents secondary injuries, which can be more traumatic and cause more serious long-term consequences than the initial head injury. Other than these few steps, there really isn't much that can be done for a head injury. Observation and rest are key aspects of the healing process.

Forecast

The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease, the area of ​​injury and its degree. Coma that lasts more than 48 hours or a progressive deterioration of the condition is considered to have a poor prognosis.

Cats who have suffered a TBI should be regularly examined by a neurologist to monitor the dynamics and correct the prescribed therapy. Some patients recover quite slowly and the extent of their recovery cannot be predicted

Neurological signs can persist in cats for almost months and it is important to be patient, follow all recommendations of a veterinarian, provide a high-quality diet and good care

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Prognosis for traumatic brain injuries in cats

Animals that have suffered a head injury should be regularly examined by a neurologist to monitor the dynamics and timely correction of treatment. Sometimes a cat can recover slowly, and it is impossible to predict how long rehabilitation will take. Neurological signs can persist in cats for six months. We recommend that owners be patient and follow all the instructions of the treating veterinarian and provide their pet with good care and quality nutrition.

In general, the prognosis depends on the severity of the disease, the location and severity of the injury itself. It is generally accepted that if a coma lasts more than two days, and the condition worsens, then the prognosis is unfavorable.

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POLAR BEAR

The veterinary clinic in Nizhny Novgorod "White Bear" provides all types of services for cats and dogs.
Conducts any examinations and tests in its own veterinary laboratory; the clinic operates a veterinary ambulance for animals and a 24-hour veterinarian is on call at home. Agreement on the processing of personal data

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• Nizhny Novgorod st. Vyatskaya 7
• 8 (831) 437-25-27
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First signs

A dog that has suffered a concussion may behave normally with a minor injury. With more severe injuries, the following signs and symptoms of a dog concussion occur:

1. Lethargy, inert behavior, apathy. These are usually the first signs of a mild concussion.
2. Headache, due to which the animal either tries to keep its head unnaturally straight and still, or shakes it vigorously.
3. Impaired coordination of movements.
4. Nausea, vomiting.
5. Lack of appetite.
6. The dog sleeps a lot, tries to hide from everyone, even from its owners.
7. Loss of consciousness, unexpected fainting. Loss of consciousness is especially dangerous if the animal is constantly vomiting - it can choke on its own vomit.
8. Inappropriate behavior up to and including attacks on its owner and strangers.
9. In severe cases, breathing and heartbeat disturbances occur, and the pupils are dilated over the entire eye and do not respond.