Q: We accidentally dropped our kitten, how can I tell if she's OK?
Q:We accidentally dropped our kitten, how can I tell if she's OK?
A:Firstly make sure she is breathing well. The kitten should be breathing through the nose, with the mouth closed. Watch her chest wall movement - it should not be excessively deep, and there should be no deep abdominal movement associated with the breathing. Rapid shallow breathing is also a sign of a problem.
The kitten's gum colour should be pink -white, grey, or blue is a problem. She should be lively rather than weak and lethargic. Abdominal pain or swelling of the abdomen may indicate internal bleeding or other injury. It is possible for a fall to cause bladder rupture - some kittens will still seem to urinate normally for a little while, but often there is blood in the urine, or straining to urinate. Make sure the kitten is able to walk and use all her legs with no signs of limping. You can gently feel all over her legs and body for any painful areas.
Depending on how she fell, head trauma is also possible. This can result in bruising and bleeding in the brain, which can lead to abnormal behaviour, depression, coma, blindness, and seizures. Your veterinary surgeon will be able to detect signs of head trauma on examination, before they become obvious to you at home.
If you notice any problems at all, you should take the kitten to see your veterinary surgeon immediately. Due to the possibility of internal injuries, pain and head trauma, to be on the safe side I would advise seeing your veterinary surgeon even if you can't detect an obvious problem.
If you have a question for Dr. Dalya simply send it through to drdalya@petside.co.uk
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