CATS
Head trauma in the cat: the main clinical warning signs
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Head trauma in the cat: the main clinical warning signs
Head trauma in cats can be caused by a wide range of events, from a collision with a car to a fall from a height, and can have long-term traumatic consequences on a cat's health and quality of life. In this photogallery we have listed the most common symptoms of head trauma in cats with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview to enable you to identify them correctly and act accordingly to ensure the well-being of your cat. (source: cats.com)
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Abnormal behavior
If the cat appears dazed, disoriented and not fully conscious, it may be a sign that it has suffered a head injury; the abnormal behaviour may be accompanied by loud meowing or hissing.
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Difficulty walking or standing
If when observing your cat you notice difficulty in keeping its balance, standing and walking, it could be a warning sign that something is wrong. If your cat starts to stumble and fall, it is very likely that the cause is a head injury.
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Pupil size
If a cat's pupils are small (compared to the usual size) it could be a consequence of head trauma. Even more worrying are very dilated pupils after a head injury, which could be a sign of brain trauma.
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Tilt your head
If after a head injury the cat tends to tilt its head, this is not a good sign: it could indicate a potential brain injury. It may be accompanied by abnormal eye movement.
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Convulsions
Convulsions occurring after a head injury indicate brain damage. In severe cases, convulsions are sometimes accompanied by excessive salivation, loss of consciousness and bodily functions.
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Vomiting
Vomiting in cats can have many different causes, but in the case of head trauma it is worrying and is a sign that you should take your kitten to the vet immediately.
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Loss of consciousness
Loss of consciousness is one of the potentially most serious and worrying signs after a head injury, especially if the pupils are very large: in this situation, a serious brain injury may have occurred.
