2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
The cat's paw is swollen - what to do? The first step is to find out the reason why the limb began to swell in the animal. It is unlikely that you will be able to determine something on your own, therefore, in any case, you will have to visit a veterinarian for diagnosis and prescribing therapy. Later in the article, we will look at all the possible causes of swollen paws in cats, find out how the diagnosis is made and what treatment is required for each of the cases.
Reasons
If a cat's paw is swollen, then there are reasons for it, because swelling or swelling cannot occur by itself. Puffiness appears due to the accumulation of fluid (lymph), blood or pus in the intercellular space.
Different circumstances can cause swelling. To understand what happened, you need to watch the pet for some time, because some symptoms should appear. If a cat's paw is swollen, this shouldprecede certain prerequisites.
Injury
Cats are inquisitive creatures, they can get various injuries: lacerations, bruises, dislocations, fractures, sprains, cuts. Not only the paw itself can suffer, but also its pad, so the limb of the animal should be examined in detail.
If a cat's paw is swollen during an injury, and it limps, does not lean or barely holds the diseased limb elevated, first check the integrity of the skin to exclude torn purulent wounds. If there are any, then you can provide first aid yourself: wash the wound, clean it from the accumulation of blood and pus, treat it with an antiseptic, and bandage it. Next, you need to contact the veterinarian: you may need a course of antibiotics so that infection does not follow.
If there are no lacerations, then the cat will need to be taken for x-rays to determine the presence or absence of a fracture. If necessary, the veterinarian will apply a splint.
You can apply a cold compress to your pet while you wait.
Allergic reaction
If a cat's paw is swollen after a walk, it's most likely an acute allergy. This may be the result of poisons and toxins entering the body of an animal, and also be the result of insect bites. Allergies are often accompanied by increased tearing and a runny nose, and the swollen area itself is often cold to the touch.
If it's an allergy, then take the animal to the veterinarian as soon as possible so that he can prescribe and apply a fast-acting antihistaminemeans. You may need an injection with Diphenhydramine.
Fungal infection
Especially often such infections are exposed to cats walking on the street and animals with low immunity. If the cat's paw is swollen, and at the same time peeling, dandruff and an unpleasant smell from the animal appear, such symptoms are inherent in mycosis.
It is necessary to consult with a veterinarian about the treatment of the animal and the appointment of immunity-boosting drugs. A doctor can prescribe "Imaverol" or "Fungin" to eliminate the fungus.
Inflammation of joints
Older animals, animals after injuries, those lacking vitamins and minerals can develop arthritis. The disease is accompanied not only by pain (which the cat cannot talk about), but also by asymmetrical edema: the animal becomes limited in movement, its flexibility and dexterity are out of the question.
Only a veterinarian can diagnose arthritis. The treatment is carried out as a course, the following drugs can be prescribed:
- "Meloxicam" - relieves pain syndromes.
- Antibacterial drugs - they are required because they can quickly relieve inflammation and reduce pain.
- "Synulox" - this drug is one of the safest for animals, as it is non-toxic.
- Chondroprotectors - help restore damaged joint tissue.
Hyperparathyroidism
This disease is not affectedadult animals, it only applies to recently born kittens. If a kitten has swollen paws (or one), it is lame (a consequence of muscle pain), then medical intervention is simply indispensable. Take your cat to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Venous insufficiency
If the cat's paw is not swollen for the first time, and this condition occurs systematically, then most likely he has venous insufficiency.
In diseases that are accompanied by blockage of blood vessels (it can be thrombophlebitis, thrombosis), swelling in the limbs is often noted.
For the prevention and treatment of venous insufficiency, thrombolytic agents, diet, vitamins are prescribed.
To ease the condition of the animal, you can give him a foot massage, this will help restore normal blood circulation.
Chronic diseases of internal organs
If a cat has a swollen hind leg, while he does not feel pain (does not limp, does not groan, does not show any signs of pain and he does not have a temperature), then the animal needs to be fully diagnosed. A characteristic sign of diseases of the kidneys, liver, heart - swelling only on the hind legs, while there are no other symptoms.
A limb can also swell with diseases of internal organs: the process of inflammation begins from the tips of the paws, gradually the swelling spreads higher. Be sure to go through an examination with your pet, timely therapy will help prolong his life.
Lymphadenitis
If inflammation occurs in the axillary lymph nodes, then the animal begins to develop swelling of the paws. In this case, the cat feels severe pain, discomfort. If you suspect it was lymphadenitis, then do not resort to self-medication, you will not be able to alleviate the suffering of your pet on your own. Bring the cat to the veterinary clinic, the doctor will administer an anesthetic and prescribe therapy.
Cancer
No, swelling on the paw is not the tumor itself, it is only its consequence. If an animal develops breast cancer, then it begins to interfere with the circulation of lymph in the vessels and thereby causes its stagnation.
The disease is detected through tests, x-rays. If a diagnosis is made, they may offer surgery to help prolong the life of the pet. Next, a course of drugs is prescribed.
If the cat has a swollen paw, what to do in this situation - only the doctor will tell you after examining the animal. We talked about the possible causes of edema, diagnostic methods, and possible treatment. And if the animal has swollen limbs, you should definitely take him to the veterinarian. It is important to remember that you cannot self-medicate, because the he alth of your beloved pet depends on the correctness of the measures taken.
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