Jaw and head injury, can anyone offer helpful advice?

Our 5 month old cat was attacked by dogs on Christmas day. She is an outdoor cat. We were able to save her. There are no vets in the area of the world where we are living.

She was bleeding through her nose and eye. After her initial shock she is breathing normally. She is lethargic but is walking about. Her head is swollen and her jaw dislocated, or at least I think so. I also think she has a concussion. Sounds like liquid or blood squishing if you touch it.
She cannot eat or drink. I have fed her with a syringe. She went to the bathroom twice since the accident. Her top and bottom jaw seems to be okay, not broken, from what I can feel. They are totally misaligned.

I've put warm compresses on her head and next to her body. There is a lump on the side around her stomach area.
If we stroke her she purrs and has been purring and making sounds like she used to. She doesn't seem to be in pain, no yowling. She has opened the eye which she was bleeding out a little. Now it remains shut. From what I could see is that there is a scratch on the white eye covering.

Is it possible to realign the jaw by ourselves? Should I just let her be? How many times a day should I feed her.
Our main concern is the jaw. I don't know if it would make things worse if w try to realign it.

We have other cats two adults and another kitten, same age. When we feed the others she sniffs at the food and makes licking motions but cannot eat.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[Ghilly]

My recommendation would be for you to repost this in the "Ask A Vet" section.  Since there are no veterinarians at all where you are living, this would at least give you the chance to "speak" with one and get their expert opinion as to which route you should take.  Poor kitty!  Thank God you saved her!  

[zodiacqueen]

What area do you live in that doesn't have a vet, or shall I say-which Universe?  Jupiter?

If you read the first post of this forum, you will see that you're not supposed to use this forum for an emergency.

[dominosarah]

How far away do you live from civilization??  There has to be a vet someplace.  You have internet.........find the nearest vet and take that poor kitty in.

[lightblack]

I'm in Cape Verde/ near Africa.There are people here who work with animals but only with livestock goats cows and such. The "ask a Vet section" has reached it's question limit. I've asked around if anyone can help but so far no avail. If there would be a Vet nearby I would have already gone there. Why do you think I'm asking for help here.
Just because I have Internet does not mean that there is a Veterinarian on every corner. You cannot imagine how badly I wish there was one here! Why do you think I'm asking for help here.

[zodiacqueen]

IF you are telling the truth, do NOT set the jaw yourself.  You can do more damage-blood vessels and nerves run through the jaw that you do not want to mess with.  AND, on top of that it is horribly painful to set it yourself.

These are life threatening injuries, and you must find a way to get that kitten help.
I say life threatening because there is a major risk of a massive infection from the dog bite that could lead to a full body infection.  It's more dangerous because the bite is to the head, which gives easy access to the brain.  And, your cat's jaw is broken and locked into place.  Honestly, there is no home treatment that will cure these problems.

You must find a way to take care of this.

[PrettyKitty1]

I'm so sorry about your cat. Just try not to touch the swollen areas too much. She is purring because she is probably in pain or still a bit scared. Cats not only purr when they're contempt but also when they're in pain. That jaw looks pretty messed up and I can tell it is fractured. There is no way you can get that fixed by yourself, and if you leave her be, the jaw will not fix itself and she will always have problems eating. Have you tried googling vets in your area? Perhaps a vet tech?

A vet can perform surgery or wire the jaw shut to heal. Your cat needs to be fed a liquid diet with a syringe until you can get her to a vet.

I wouldn't leave it broken and hope it gets better on it's own. Eating will be excruciating and your cat can develop more problems from not being able to get adequate nutrients. See the chain reaction?

[lightblack]

@zodiacqueen
Yes I am telling the truth. Thank you for your advice. I've read on the internet of people who have set the jaw themselves. But the reason not to do so was my fear of doing more damage than any good. Like you just described. I'll ask around in the Village tomorrow and hopefully someone can help me. Besides making the suggestion of putting her to sleep...

[zodiacqueen]

Did you find any vets on-line?  I hope you can find one.

[lightblack]

if you have any site suggestions. Please list them. The ones I've written to so far have not answered.

[zodiacqueen]

I meant, have you done a search for a vet in your area on the yahoo or google search engine.  That will turn up many results.  You don't have the time to waste waiting for an answer.  Now, the Ask A Vet forum will be worth it!

If you're not sure how to do the search on yahoo or google, then post back!

[lightblack]

There are no search results for Vets in my area. Cape Verde is a third world country. Still developing. The village doesn't even have an Xray machine for humans at the local examination station. I know it is difficult to imagine.
There is no emergency center for animals here. The web will not find one.

@PrettyKitty1
How much water does a kitten need to sustain herself? She has tried to drink but started to yowl because of the pain.

[zodiacqueen]

First off, that was a boo boo ALL of those repeated posts.  The forum screwed something up.  Just wanted to clarify that.

I think that you should check out the health pages on this forum-located in the upper right corner of the screen under "e-mail".  Once you get there, click on the article that says syringe feeding.  It's very good.  But, I'm still not sure how much to give.  Try to research it.  I will look, too.  Also, can you get your hands on some kitten milk replacer called KMR?  It's got important ingredients in it-protein and fat, as well as vitamins and minerals.  Your kitten desperately needs it, since he can't eat at all.  You might get very lucky and dodge the infection.  But, in all honesty, without food and the right nutrition-there really is not much of a chance.

[dominosarah]

Are you even remotely close to the Onderstepoort Faculty??  It looks like it is at the University of Pretoria.  I have been googling everything i can think of here and it does look real grim in the area for any type of medical help. I am going to keep looking here.  sara

[Savas]

I will tell you that your cat's chance of survival with her jaw like this is very slim.

If you do decide to try a realignment (assuming it isn't a break), then my best advice is to be quick and decisive in the action.

I've popped a shoulder back into place and it's a very violent procedure. This is a case where erring on the side of "rough" is the way to go, as people almost always hesitate and fail in their first attempt and just cause pain without result.

I'm trying to think of a way to describe just exactly how the jaw socket area should "feel" and it's just not easily done on the internet. The best advice I can give is feel along the affected area for any sharp edges that would indicate fractures.

If it's a sharp/jagged fracture...well, you should still try to reset the jaw, but the chances of a successful outcome aren't great.

If you do try to do this, then you'll need to immobilize the cat. Drugging it would be ideal, if possible.
Regardless, you'll have to cup the back of the jaw with your hand (palm), place you've other hand firmly on the back of the head, and using the base of the palm as a pivot, give a sharp jerk/pull up and to the side (in the direction you want the jaw to settle properly) while holding the head rock steady in place with the hand on the top.

But I'll warn you, this is a desperation move in this case, and frankly it isn't one I've ever done myself (on a jaw, that is, human or cat) so I can't speak for how easy it is or how well it works. I've only read about it in texts that are the equivalents of emergency in-the-field treatment for woodsman/hunters.

But I get the impression this cat will probably die in about a week if you don't do something.

Otherwise the eye will heal or not; the big issue is infection. You'll have to find antibiotics if it does infect. As far as the head swelling... that really depends on whether or not it's a straight contusion and swelling or if other complications arise.

This one is beyond me. While I know in theory about relieving pressure from swelling on the brain...I wouldn't begin to dare to suggest how or when to go about doing it.

[Savas]

Oh; I would suggest having the human doctor take a look, as it sounds like there is one. In your type of town, it isn't unusual for them to help with pets.

[lightblack]

sorry but this is a group of islands. I am no where near the mainland of Africa. It is a flight away. So this is not possible.
@savas if I would be so brave as to try and relocate the jaw myself. What could I use for drugging the cat. She has bitten before out of fear. I know she would put up a fight. But if I don't find anyone who can help me. I would like to know the options. I can't let her starve or dehydrate.
The jaw feels lumpy. I don't feel any sharp edges. She has tried herself to relocate it but was yowling and complaining because of the pain. By opening as wide as she could. Putting her paws to the front of her nose trying to fix it.

Thank you for your condolences and empathy. I'm really desperate. I don't want her to suffer.

[zodiacqueen]

Well, I found a couple of places in Cape Verde-you weren't very specific about where you are.  There is a Dr. Dottora Fatima Santos operates a veterinary clinic in Santa Maria, Sal.  I looked for the phone number and couldn't find one.  I also saw that there are vets in Santiago and S.Vicente.

Please, make sure that you look at the 3 or 4 posts before this one-because there's some good info that you should see.

Please, keep us updated!

[lightblack]

Yes there is a human doctor. I was planning on doing that while I'm asking around for an animal doc suggestion. It's just unusual for people to keep house cats here.

[zodiacqueen]

From what you described about the jaw, it really does sound like it's dislocated!  Your kitten is trying to fix her jaw-I don't think she would if it was broken.

I'd call every doctor in your area, whether it's human or not!

Please check out our health pages in the upper or lower right corner.  There is some good info there!

[lonewolf07]

Even a vet who deals with livestock has had training in working with cats and dogs.  This I know because I had such a vet.  If I were in your position, I'd do everything it took to take the cat to the vet.  Based on your initial message, your cat has more than just a possible broken jaw.

When our Akita accidently got too rough with our lhasa apso (I know this is a cat forum) we took the small dog to the vet and he had a broken jaw.  If it had not been treated, he would have developed complications.  I'm far from being an expert but I'd take my pet wherever I had to so he/she could get the help she needs.  Easy to say, not so easy to do.

[Savas]

I'd suggest trying the human doc first.

As to drugging... I'd have to know what you have access to. There are herbal drugs like skullcap and Valerian, but the amount you'd need would be close to a dangerous toxicity level which would be hard to administer.

You would likely need help in holding down the cat. If you can't get help, you could try wrapping her in a sheet and bracing your body against your cat to immobilize her. I've used this method, but never for something as tricky as this involving fairly exact hands manipulation as well.
I'm picturing how it would go and I think the angles would be all wrong to perform the maneuver.

[zodiacqueen]

Savas, you don't think this is too dangerous for her to be trying to reset the jaw herself AND use herbs to tranquilize??  I think it is way too dangerous for her to try and she'd wind up using too much force on the jaw or wind up overdosing the kitten on those drugs.  I think Wolfie is right in suggesting the doctors that deal with livestock.  I think they're the better choice than a human doctor.  A human doctor wouldn't know jack about animal drugs!

[Ghilly]

It's easy enough to reset a dislocated jaw, *IF* you know basically what you are doing.  It's not something that I would recommend the average pet owner try.  A human doctor might be able to do it, because a jaw joint is a jaw joint, but as far as anesthetizing the cat first, I don't know if a human doc would know the correct dosage to give something as small as a cat.  I am hesitant to post the method for realigning the jaw because I don't want anyone to try anything that might do more harm than good, so for that reason, I am not going into detail as to how to realign the jaw.

ghilly

[lonewolf07]

Where is Cape Verde?  Maybe an internet search will find a vet who can help your cat.  I tried it after I read your message but to be honest I don't know where Cape Verde is.  Also, I'm in Canada and I have had vets to treat livestock but part of their training is to be able to work with smaller animals too.  I don't know if any of this is helpful but when our small dog broke his jaw there was no way we could reset it.  Maybe like Savas suggested, a human dr might be able to help you.

[marissposa]

You say there are vets in your area that treat livestock.  If you are offering them money I don't see how they can turn you away if if they think your a little crazy.   It seems like an extreme situation that is worth the risk of having the townspeople think you're a bit nutty.

[lightblack]

after trying to find someone who could help me yesterday. I found a person "vet" who works with livestock. But he is an Alcoholic or so I was told. The thing is as he told me he aws not trained to work with small animals nad has very little real life experience.

The thing is that he told me he has had insufficient training this is also a problem  in other work areas e.g. you can become an electrician in 3 months but you are not provided with the sufficient tools.

The guy was nice enough to try to help the kitten looked at the jaw but said without an anesthetic. He cant help and was not able to reset it. He gave me another contact and we contacted him per phone. A doc in the capital Praia of the island. I went there today 2 1/2 hour drive. He gave her an anesthetic reset her jaw as much as he could.
No Xray or anything.

He prescribed the following:
Ronaxan 100 said give her 1/2 pill morning and evening
Deep Heat, he told me to massage this into her jaw and push it daily in the right direction.

I didn't realize what he gave me until I had it in my hand. I don't think this is a good idea, to use this for animals!? I'm not planing on using it on her.
Please let me know what you think and if you have any other suggestions let me know.
She can open her jaw, it is still crooked that is what the Deepheat is for to push it more back into the right direction. I will not know what her exact condition is until she recovers from the anesthetic which she is still woozy from.

Cape Verde/ Cabo Verde is a group of islands off the coast of West Africa http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Verde I'm living on the main island of Santiago. It's a nice place and the people are really friendly/warm. I think they like dogs more that cats because of the huge amount of dogs I see here. There are numerous strays and dog gangs. But there is not a single Veterinarian here. There hasn't been one for the last 4 yrs from what I was told. Maybe someone out there has a heart and would like to come and volunteer... Wishful thinking.

[dominosarah]

Hopefully the kitty will be okay.  When i googled where you lived they said they are really hurting for vets as they all leave.  Please keep us posted on how the kitty is doing.  I am so glad you found someone!!!!!  

[zodiacqueen]

What awesome news!!!  I am so happy that you found someone to look at your kitty!

Your instincts were right on to be worried about Ronoxan 100.  I did an internet search and it is WAY too high for a cat.  The 100 mg is a dose for a dog.  I found this info on the following website.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3187973

Cut and paste this link!  Also, this antibiotic is very important, because the risk of infection is very high with a dog bite!  Your cat definitely needs it!

Please keep us updated!

[lightblack]

thank you for your comments and all your advice. about the article it doesn't say how much am I allowed to give a kitten then if the Ronaxan 100 is too high.
1/4 of a pill of Ronaxan 100 instead of give her 1/2 pill morning and evening would that be a correct dosage.
What about using the "Deep Heat" this is for humans can I use it on cats? Will this help at all to reset the jaw further. She still trying to move her jaw further over.

She drank for the first time on her own. I am really happy!

[zodiacqueen]

Yes, the article DOES say the dosage and once a day.  It said 20 mg, and at the end of the article it said once a day!  Reread it, and you'll see!

What in the world is Deepheat???  I've never heard of it!  Is it some kind of patch that heats up or is it a cream?  I will check on the internet, and you should check, too.  We can compare notes!

I am sooooo happy to hear that your kitty can drink, now!  :D

[dominosarah]

She is drinking on her own......... That is great news!!!!!!!  I am keeping my fingers crossed for a good recovery!!!!!            sara

[lightblack]

I read that but I only have the Ronaxan 100 here. So I have to use what I have. That's why I'm asking if it is possible to figure out how low the dosage of the Ronaxan 100 has to be. If you are normally only supposed to give cats the Ronaxan 20 once a day.

I already read on the Internet what "deep heat" is for. Like I wrote it is used on humans to relieve muscular aches, pains and stiffness in backache, sciatica lumbago and rheumatic pain.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Heat_(Heat_rub)
I have the cream. I just don't want to do her any harm. The ingredients are non- toxic though and seem harmless. I'm worried about the burning sensation. Just wanted to know what the opinion on using it is here. Thanks!

[zodiacqueen]

That medicine is 100 mg Ronaxan, so if you split it up in quarters and give it to kitty once a day.  That should work!  I hope that you have a pill splitter, because if you use a knife the pill will not break up evenly.  I guess a razor blade would work, too.

That Deepheat stuff is too dangerous to put on the kitten.  Whatever cream, gel, or lotion gets put on a cat's body, they WILL lick it off.  That could poison the cat, so do NOT use it.

[toomanycats]

OMG do NOT put any deep heating cream on your cat's jaw! She will get it in her eyes and that will be insanely painful for her! I have TMJ and my jaw dislocates on it's own all the time and locks shut. To loosen the muscles around that joint, I soak a towel in medium-hot water and hold it on my jaw until it cools. That is the only safe way to apply heat to your cat's jaw also. Do this 3-4 times a day for at least 20 minutes and massage gently through the warm wet towel with your finger tips. She will love it!

My cat Jill was attacked by a dog also and received wounds that sound very similar to your kitty's wounds around the head and neck area. Jill had large punture holes through the top of her skull from the dog's teeth and she was bleeding badly out her nose and ears. Her throat also swelled up so badly that she was having trouble breathing. She survived but she had to be syringe fed liquified food for over a month until she could swallow properly again.

As for pilling her, I would not force the pill into her mouth with anything, especially not with your fingers or a 'piller' at this time because she will fight it and her jaw will dislocate very easily again until it heals. Crush it up into a fine powder and add it to a very small amount of her favorite 'gushy' food. Beef flavored baby food is perfect if you can get some where you are. If you cant, a little goat's milk will be okay to just get the pill into her tummy at this time. She wont die from a little milk if that's all you got to work with. I have a barn full of cats who lap up all the spilled milk every day when we milk the cows....and they are all very healthy and alive.

As for the antibiotics....you need them now for her. Go to the 'human doctor' and get some Amoxicillin which is safe for cats. It's pink and comes in liquid form and very easy give. Every doctor, including vets, carry this type of antibiotic on hand 24/7. But if you cant find any, I can send you a supply. Only problem with that is, it will take awhile to ship it to you I'm sure but it can be done.

Her wounds can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, Betadine solution, or iodine (but iodine will stain her fur for a short while). After the wounds are cleaned it is safe to use a triple antibiotic ointment on them such a Neosporin twice a day.

Good luck and give her lots of love!