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Cats + Emergencies

  • Cats and dogs can become intoxicated by cannabis in various ways, most commonly by eating things that include cannabis (e.g., baked goods, candies, chocolate bars and chips) or by ingesting cannabis directly in any form (second-hand smoke). A small amount of cannabis is all it takes to cause toxicity in cats and dogs.

  • Sometimes, the location of your cat's wound or the amount of skin lost can prevent surgical closure or bandaging. This handout describes general guidelines for proper care of your cat's open wound at home; your veterinarian can provide you with specific instructions.

  • A cesarean section is surgery usually performed as an emergency to help deliver kittens. Complete recovery from anesthesia may take 2 to 12 hours. The kittens should be ready to nurse as soon as you arrive home, even if mother is still sleepy. If you have any concerns about their health, you should immediately have your veterinarian examine the kittens and their mother.

  • Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer and other conditions in people and animals, and often target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, but normal, healthy cells that grow quickly may also be affected. Side effects of ingestion can include stomach upset, neurological signs, bone marrow suppression, and organ damage.

  • Chlorfenapyr poisoning is suspected if a pet has access to this pesticide and subsequently develops expected signs; it should also be suspected in a pet exhibiting signs and at risk of malicious poisoning. Pets that develop clinical signs following chlorfenapyr ingestion are unlikely to survive and chronic complications may be present for survivors.

  • This handout outlines corneal ulcers in cats, a painful eye condition often resulting from trauma or viral infections. Other causes, clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and treatment options are explained.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Care of Open Wounds in Cats

  • Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, are found in fresh and brackish water of ponds and lakes. These microscopic bacteria can also grow in backyard fountains, garden pots, bird baths, and anywhere water is stagnant. Regardless of where they are found, cyanobacteria can be dangerous.

  • Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes of the body caused by inadequate oxygen levels. Cyanosis is an emergency, and the root cause may be life-threatening and may or may not be reversible. Once back home, homecare instructions must be followed carefully.

  • In cats, diseases of the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) are often grouped under the term feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Typical signs in cats with FLUTD are those of inflammation and irritation of the lower urinary tract. There are many potential causes of FLUTD, and diagnosis is based on assessing clinical signs and laboratory testing. There is no universal treatment for FLUTD. Each case has to be investigated to determine the underlying cause, and then the treatment has to be tailored to the individual cat.