Content
- How to act in case of being run over
- state of shock
- unconsciousness
- superficial wounds
- hemorrhages
- Internal hemorrhages
- Dislocations and fractures
Unfortunately, many cats are run over. Both stray and domestic animals die on the roads every year. What often happens is that they are blinded by car headlights and are unable to escape.
It is also normal for cats to take refuge under cars to avoid the sun and take a nap. In any case, injuries caused by these accidents can be very serious and in most cases require veterinary attention.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we will tell you about the most frequent injuries caused when a cat is run over and how to act in this situation. Check out the first aid for a run over cat then.
How to act in case of being run over
if you find one run over cat it's important to act calmly. If you are lying on the ground, check that you are breathing and that you have a pulse. In the following points we will explain how you should act in the face of different injuries to the cat.
If the blow was not very strong, the cat is likely to take refuge under nearby cars. It will be very scared and even if it is a house cat, it will try to be alone.
Give it space and get closer little by little. When you reach it, treat it very carefully. You can use a blanket or towel to envelop you. This way you will avoid scratches and you will be able to handle it without exerting too much pressure. If you have a cat carrier, use it to transport it.
It is essential to take it as soon as possible to the vet. Although, as we will see below, you can administer first aid, it is essential that the cat is seen by a specialist.
Even if you don't notice external injuries, remember that you can suffer from internal damage that needs veterinary attention. Do not give him water or food as the vet is likely to medicate him.
state of shock
After a bruise or trauma, the cat may go into state of shock. This state is characterized by the following symptoms:
- paleness of the skin
- restless breathing
- increased heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
In extreme cases it can cause death. We must act as soon as possible and with great delicacy. Caress him while wrapping him in a blanket to take him to the vet.
unconsciousness
when the cat is unconscious we must pay attention to your breathing. If it is irregular and breathing with difficulty, position the cat on its side with its head slightly tilted upwards. This will make your breathing easier. If you can't hear his breathing, take his pulse. The best place to take a cat's pulse is in your groin, where the hind legs join the hips.
As the cat has no conscience, we do not know when it is in pain. For this reason it is better to put it on a flat surface to move it. You can use cardboard and put a blanket or towel over it. Shake it as little as possible and call the veterinarian immediately.
superficial wounds
If the wounds they are not deep and do not bleed excessively can cure them, or at least disinfect and clean them before receiving veterinary treatment. Always use appropriate materials.
clean the wound with saline solution to remove dirt. You can cut the fur around it very carefully so it doesn't get into the wound, especially if it's a long-haired cat. Once clean, use a gauze and disinfectant. diluted iodine (iodine, betadine,...) to treat the wound.
You can use what you use for yourself, but always diluted in a ratio of 1:10. 1 part iodine and 9 parts water.
Once seen by the veterinarian, it is likely that he will recommend you to use a healing ointment which will speed up the healing time.
hemorrhages
If the wound is not deep you can clean it as we explained in the previous point. If the cat has a bleeding, with plenty of blood, should press the wound with a gauze or towel and go to the veterinarian immediately.
The ideal is to cover the wound with a sterile, elastic compress. It is not advisable to use a tourniquet as they stop circulation and can be dangerous. If the bleeding is in a paw, you can do it, but you should not press too hard and you should never keep it for more than 10 or 15 minutes.
Internal hemorrhages
In pedestrian accidents, cats often suffer from internal injuries. If you see that the cat bleeds from the nose or mouth, it means that it has internal lesions. These are very serious injuries that need urgent medical attention.
Do not cover the cat's nose or mouth, wrap it very carefully in the blanket and take it to the vet immediately.
Dislocations and fractures
when do they occur dislocations or fractures at either end it can be difficult to hold the cat. They are very painful and cause you a lot of stress, so you will be defensive. Talk to him calmly until you get closer. Do not move very carefully so as not to hurt him and never try to heal a fracture at home, as he needs medical attention.
In many cases, rib fractures occur, which can even perforate a lung. It's difficult to determine this with the naked eye. If you suspect that the fracture is in the left leg, for example, lay him down on his right side to take him, always with great care.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.