Cats are very agile and favor climbing and jumping from spot to spot. Because they are such independent creatures, it can be difficult to protect them from accidents and injury. A common problem with cats are back injuries because of their adventurous nature. The most common back problems that your cat can suffer from are spinal cord fractures, intervertebral disc disease and spinal trauma. Be sure to contact your local Rockford-area veterinarian as listed below or one closest to your home as soon as you suspect your cat has a back injury.
In the event of a back problem, take note of any and all symptoms to relay to your vet. It can sometimes be difficult to know when your cat is not well. Take note of any unusual behavior or actions that may signify something is wrong with kitty. Most often, your cat will be in extreme pain due to any back pain, spinal cord fractures, Intervertebral disc disease or spinal trauma. With any signs or symptoms of discomfort due to back pain in your cat, seek a diagnosis and medical care for your pet.
Relay what you have noticed to your doctor immediately so kitty can be tested. Your cat will go through a thorough examination, along with your doctor’s recommendations for X-rays, a myelogram to test for spinal swelling, computed axial tomography (CAT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tests and radiographs will provide a definitive diagnosis to begin treatment of the back injury.
If tests reveal that the back injury is due to either a spinal cord fracture or an Intervertebral disc disease, set up an appointment for surgery with your vet. The spinal cord will be aligned together with screws and your cat may need oxygen therapy and IV fluids. The Intervertebral disc disease, after surgery, will require corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory medications to help with swelling and inflammation.
Keep your cat calm and immobilized as much as possible once you return home. Isolate your pet to a small area away from other pets until healed. It may also be necessary to help your cat relieve itself at this time of healing. Administer appropriate medications as prescribed by your veterinarian until medication therapy is complete.
If advised to do so, perform physical therapy on your cat at home which normally includes hot and cold treatments. Your veterinarian can show you motion techniques that you can follow for at-home care to provide a quicker recovery of back and spinal injuries.
Schedule a follow-up visit with your veterinarian to determine if your cat is healing appropriately. All cats respond differently to treatment and can take anywhere from weeks to months to heal. Continue with your physical therapy and any other treatment prescribed by your vet such as hydrotherapy and acupuncture until fully recovered.
http://www.vetinfo.com/cat-back-injury-treatment.html
http://www.petplace.com/cats/spinal-trauma-in-cats/page1.aspx
http://www.vetinfo.com/rehabilitating-injured-cat-physical-therapy.html
If you are seeking Veterinary assistance in the Rockford area, you can check out one of these at - Rockford Vet Clinics, Bellwood Vet, Rockford Veterinarians, Perryville Veterinarian , Cat Veterinarians Specialists
For all your pets needs and accessories in the Rockford area, go to your local PETCO - 6305 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 229-0184 - Petco or your local PETSMART - 6320 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 397-7880 - Petsmart -PETLAND, (815) 332-4200 - Petland
For many of your pet essentials, visit your local Rockford-area CVS pharmacies. There are four convenient locations - 3134 11th Street, Rockford, IL 61109, (815)398-0048 - 110 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61108 - 3718 Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103, (815)877-9620 - 2454 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61108, (815)399-5421 - CVS Pharmacy
For therapy options for your dog in the Rockford, Illinois area, go to - Hydrotherapy for Pets in Rockford
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