If you need to visit the vet, try to
bring a sample of the suspected poison in its original container with you.
If your vet cannot be reached, call a
local or national poison control center
for further instructions.
First aid is not meant to replace
veterinary care. Knowledge of basic
first aid allows kitten owners to effectively handle emergencies until a
veterinarian can be reached. Knowing the basics may someday save
your kitten’s life.
Seven Signs that Say “Get
Thee to a Veterinarian”
Although some emergencies can be
managed at home, others require immediate veterinary attention.
The signs below, if present, usually indicate an emergency that
requires immediate veterinary
assessment.
Non-responsiveness – a nonresponsive kitten is usually in serious trouble. If you get no response
or reaction when you call, stroke, or
touch your kitten, immediately check
its breathing. Airway obstruction,
cardiac arrest, and poisonings are
a few things that can cause nonresponsiveness.
31
Kittycat Issue 1 January/February 2014
Labored breathing – respiratory
problems require immediate attention. Fluid in the lungs or the chest
cavity can obstruct breathing, and
kittens can go into respiratory arrest,
followed by cardiac arrest, if untreated.
Drooling profusely – electric cord
burns to the mouth and tongue,
contact with household poisons
or plants, and nausea from other
systemic illnesses can cause profuse
drooling.
Incessant vomiting – serious electrolyte abnormalities and dehydration
may occur as a result of continuous
vomiting. Intestinal obstruction from
a ribbon, rubber band, or string is a
common cause of chronic vomiting
in kittens and requires immediate
attention.
Profuse diarrhea – severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can
lead to rapid deterioration in kittens
if not addressed promptly.
Abnormal coloration of the gums
– pale gums implies anemia; bluish
gums suggest a cardiac or respiratory problem, and yellow gums denote
red blood cell destruction or severe
liver disease.
All of these conditions require immediate assessment by a veterinarian
Fever – fevers in kittens are often
due to infectious conditions. Fever
increases a kitten’s fluid requirements, and often depresses their appetite. Malnutrition and dehydration
is a dangerous combination. Kittens
with fevers (temp greater than 103
F) should be examined promptly.
Familiarise yourself with
the vets in your area
and keep their telephone
numbers handy.
Emergencies often
happen after hours,
know where the
emergency 24 hour
vet practices are!
Below: Beautiful Maine Coon kittens from GeeDee
Cattery