what to do when kitten is healing from broken leg

Fractures occur when abnormal stress is placed on a bone, causing information technology to fissure or break. In pets, fractures are normally due to something traumatic, like a autumn, an animal set on, or beingness hit by a automobile. In cats, the bones most likely to break are the femur (thigh bone), pelvis, jaw, and tail.^[ane] Fractures require immediate veterinary treatment to improve the chances of a full recovery.^[2] If your cat has a fracture, do not delay in getting her the treatment she needs.

1. 1

   Picket your true cat walk. ^[three] Fractures can affect your true cat's ability to walk. For instance, if she has fractured a leg bone, she may hold the injured leg up in the air and hop effectually on the other legs. Or, if she can put weight on the injured leg, she may walk with a limp. If your cat has fractures in multiple legs, she would likely be unable to walk at all.^[4]

   • A pelvic fracture would make information technology very difficult for your cat to walk.
   • If your cat has a spinal cord fracture, she may exist unable to walk due to paralysis.^[five]
   • With an injured tail, your true cat may drag her tail when she walks or lack coordination in her back legs.^[6]
   • If your true cat has a jaw fracture, she may not be able to chew or keep nutrient in her mouth. Not existence able to eat could exist simply equally serious equally not being able to walk.

2. 2

   Examine the injured area carefully. ^[7] Fractures are painful. As sweet as your true cat may be under normal circumstances, the pain from her fracture may cause her to lash out at you. In addition, she may be frightened.^[eight] To get close enough to your true cat to examine the fracture, approach her calmly.^[nine] Examine the area for swelling and bleeding.^[ten]

   • Your cat may be very vocal due to the pain. Don't be surprised if she howls, moans, or cries, especially if yous try to bear on her.^[xi]
   • Several classifications be for fractures, including hairline (os is not completely broken), closed (bone doesn't penetrate the skin), and compound (bone penetrates the skin).^[12] Don't worry if yous can't decide what kind of fracture your true cat has—your vet will do that.

3. 3

   Perform first assistance. When your cat has a fracture, she will need firsthand treatment by your vet. If you cannot become her to your vet right abroad, you can perform a few first help measures at home to stabilize her.^[13] If the fractured area is bleeding, or if the fractured bone is sticking out from the peel, place a clean towel or sterile gauze over the area.^[14]

   • Sterile gauze is available at your local drug shop.
   • If in that location is haemorrhage, you do non have to terminate it completely.
   • Do not try to move the fractured os. Doing so could brand your true cat's injury worse.^{[15] [16]}
   • If you lot are unsure what you lot tin can practice for your cat, call your vet kickoff. Do not give your true cat whatsoever pain medications unless your vet has brash you to exercise so.^[17]

4. 4

   Accept your cat to your vet. ^[18] Keeping your cat every bit still as possible, wrap her in a thick towel and transport her to your vet.^[19] Your vet will perform a physical exam and examine the fracture. X-rays will help your vet make up one's mind the fracture's blazon and severity.^[20]

   • Provide your vet with a detailed description of your cat's injury, including how and when information technology happened and any first help you performed.
   • The fracture may not be your cat's only injury—she may have internal injuries (due east.m., internal bleeding, organ damage) and/or other external injuries (e.thousand., cuts, bruises).^{[21] [22]} Your vet would use the physical exam and imaging tests (x-ray, ultrasound) to identify other injures.
   • Depending on the extent of your cat's injuries, your vet may assess these other injuries before examining the fractured area.

1. 1

   Care for life-threatening injuries first. If your true cat'south life is in danger from her injuries, your vet will perform aggressive and immediate treatment to stabilize her earlier tending to the fracture.^[23] Emergency treatments include intravenous fluids, ventilation, and pain relief.^[24] One time your cat is more stable, your vet will devise a treatment plan for the fracture.

2. two

   Discuss treatment options for the fracture. Diverse surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to treat cat fractures. Non-surgical options similar splints, casts, or cage rest may work for some fractures; other fractures may need surgical placement of implants (e.one thousand., screws, pins).^[25] The type of treatment your true cat needs volition depend on several factors, including her age, overall health, and the nature of the fracture (which bones are broken, the type of fracture).^[26]

   • Be proactive in request questions about treatment options and deciding on the best treatment program for your cat. Beingness actively involved in the decision-making process may help improve your cat'southward treatment result.^[27]

3. 3

   Allow your vet to repair your cat'south fracture. When y'all and your vet accept decided on a treatment plan, allow your vet to do what is necessary to treat the fracture. In many cases of fracture, surgery is the best treatment option.^[28] If the fracture is complex, your vet may refer you to a veterinarian surgeon.^[29]

   • If your cat needs to be hospitalized for fracture repair, ask your vet about visiting your cat. Spending fourth dimension with her and talking to her tin assistance reduce her anxiety and stress almost being hospitalized.^[thirty]
   • Some fractures are and so severe that they are beyond repair. If your cat'southward fracture is this astringent, your vet may suggest amputation, peculiarly if the tail is fractured.^[31]

1. 1

   Restrict your true cat's activity. Fractures heal best when the affected bone is kept notwithstanding and undisturbed.^[32] Following veterinary treatment, you will demand to keep your cat relatively still at dwelling—no running or jumping. If she unremarkably roams freely throughout your home, consider restricting her to a smaller expanse when you cannot supervise her.^[33]

   • If possible, put your cat in a room that does not have any furniture or counters on which she could jump.^[34] If this is not possible, consider using a alpine plastic gate to confine her within a larger room.
   • If she has a jaw fracture, you may need to feed her by manus and give her soft foods then she does non have to use her jaw too much.
   • There is no set amount of time for restricting your cat's activeness. Your vet can suggest you on when your cat tin become back to her normal action level.

2. ii

   Give your cat medication. Even if she tries to hibernate it, your cat will probable be in a lot of pain. Your vet will prescribe a pain medication for your cat. If the fractured bone penetrated the skin, then the injured area may have gotten infected. In that case, your vet would also prescribe an antibiotic.^[35]

   • Follow all prescription instructions carefully. If you are unsure how to requite your cat the medications, inquire your vet to demonstrate how to practise so.

3. iii

   Supersede your cat'south bandages. If your vet has bandaged the fractured area, you may need to supplant the bandages when they become wet or dirty. Urine is a common reason for bandages to become wet.^[36] Your vet can show you the proper way to remove the quondam bandages, make clean the affected expanse (if necessary), and put on new bandages.

   • When bandaging, it is important not to wrap the bandages also tightly—this would cutting off circulation to the affected area and filibuster healing. Information technology would besides be very uncomfortable for your cat.
   • Bandaging material is available at your local drug store. Your vet tin recommend which materials to purchase.
   • If you are uncomfortable with irresolute your true cat's bandages, take your vet practise this for you.

4. four

   Take your cat to your vet for a follow-upward appointment. Post-obit fracture treatment, a follow-up date will be necessary for your vet to assess your true cat'due south improvement. For example, your vet may want to take x-rays to see how well the bone has healed. Basic commonly take between iv and half-dozen weeks to heal completely, then your follow-upwards engagement will probably be about a calendar month afterwards initial handling.^[37]

   • If you find any redness, swelling, or belch from the afflicted area, accept your cat to your vet before the follow-up visit.^[38] The afflicted area may be infected and need boosted treatment.

Add New Question

• Question

  How can I set my cat's cleaved leg at dwelling house?

  

  Dr. Jamie Freyer is a Licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine based in Washington. With over ten years of experience in clinical practice and industry, she specializes in veterinary medicine and surgery, creature behavior, and fauna genetics. Dr. Freyer holds a BS in Life Science from The University of Portland and a DVM from Oregon Country University.

  

  Licensed Veterinarian

  Good Answer

  You really shouldn't care for your true cat'due south broken leg at home—even with the best intentions, y'all can make the injury fifty-fifty worse. Instead, go out it be, continue your cat as stable as possible, and bring them to the vet.

• Question

  How practise yous treat a cat's broken leg?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion creature exercise. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the aforementioned beast dispensary in her hometown for over twenty years.

  

  Veterinarian

  Expert Answer

  A vet must assess the fracture to work out the best fashion forward. This can range from a rigid support dressing through to internal fixation with a pivot, or an external fixator. Rest and hurting relief are also crucial.

• Question

  How long does a true cat fracture take to heal?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over xxx years of feel in veterinary surgery and companion animal exercise. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a caste in veterinarian medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over xx years.

  

  Veterinarian

  Expert Respond

  The speed of healing depends on many factors, including how well immobilized the fracture is, the age of the cat, and the complication of the break. A all-time example scenario in a young cat with a simple break that is well-supported, is around six weeks. Information technology's non unusual for a complex fracture, especially in an older animal, to take at least three months.

• Question

  How do y'all tell if a cat has a broken bone?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinarian surgery and companion creature do. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a caste in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

  Veterinary

  Skillful Answer

  Cleaved bones are painful so a kitten with a broken leg is likely to limp or not utilise the limb. If the leg has an odd bending in it, this is a inkling, simply non all fractures are this obvious. A limping cat is in pain so the only option is to take them assessed past a vet to place the cause—be it a sprain, bite, or fracture.

• Question

  Can a true cat heal a broken leg on its own?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinary with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practise. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a caste in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over xx years.

  

  Veterinarian

  Expert Answer

  The problem with a broken bone is that, when the cat moves, information technology pushes the fracture pieces apart. At best the bone volition heal bent, and at worst constant movement will prevent healing altogether. All broken basic need to exist assessed by a vet, who will work out the all-time way to get the bones to mend.

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• Cat fractures tend to heal very well. Following treatment, your cat volition likely regain total apply of the injured area.^[39]

• Internal implants, such as screws and pins, do not need to be removed.^[40]

• To prevent hereafter fractures, keep a shut eye on your cat. If she likes to leap from high places, attempt to keep from those areas.^[41] Place some orange rinds or cotton assurance soaked in perfume in those areas where you don't want her to go.^{[42] [43]}

• If your cat has a jaw fracture, it may look pretty bad to you. Fortunately, a jaw fracture usually has a good to first-class prognosis.^[44]

• Tail fractures are not always easy to detect. You lot may run into signs of nerve damage (urinary or fecal incontinence) caused by the tail fracture.^[45] Your vet would be able to determine the crusade of the incontinence.

• Surgical fracture repairs comport risks, such as infection and poor bone healing. Fortunately, pets tend to recover very well after surgery. Your vet will discuss surgical risks with yous.^[46]

• Fractures of the vertebrae (bones of the spine) can sometimes atomic number 82 to spinal cord harm. If the spinal cord is damaged, the prognosis is usually guarded to poor.^[47]

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Article Summary 10

If you fear that your cat has suffered a fracture, sentry for a few tell-tale signs, like difficulty walking, chewing, or lifting its tail. Yous'll want to call your veterinarian if your cat appears to have a fracture since this is the all-time manner to help it heal properly. Depending on the severity of the fracture, your vet might apply a splint or cast and recommend muzzle rest. For more severe cases, your vet may have to perform surgical placement of screws or pins. Once habitation, endeavour to limit your cat's activity level until information technology is cleared past the vet. This is the best way to ensure that your cat volition make a full recovery. For more tips from our Veterinarian co-author, including how to change your cat's bandages at abode, keep reading!

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