Wounds - Fractures - Sprains - Bruises - Abscesses - Morbid Growths - Dislocations - Ruptures - Spaying - Castration

Wounds

{Also see Diseases of the Eye and Ear.)

The cat is by no means exempt from the infliction of wounds, some of which are the outcome of malice by boys, etc. The roving nature of cats renders them specially liable to get hung up in barbed wire, etc. The situation of the wound has an important bearing upon the issue, injuries in the region of the belly and chest being very liable to be followed by internal inflammation. Punctured wounds are usually worse to deal with, and require careful examination. If the torn part is bleeding, it ought to be bathed with cold water, and afterwards with an antiseptic solution, such as Jeyes' Fluid, 'sanitas,' or Pino-Eucalypt, the last-named being an excellent antiseptic, obtainable from Messrs. Gilbertson and Page, of Hertford. After cleansing, it may be necessary to resort to sewing, taking what are called interrupted stitches, i. e. each stitch taken separately and then tied off. Silk or fine can be used. Superficial wounds may be painted with friars' balsam, or some healing ointment, but the hair around the wound should always be clipped off before dressing the injury.

Fractures

Broken bones are nothing like so frequently met with in the cat as in the dog, and when they do occur, the fracture is often of a compound nature, i. e. implication of flesh and bone, hence it is frequently necessary, if a limb, to amputate it; but a spring trap, plus the cat's struggles, sometimes renders an operation unnecessary, and the cat will assist in completing the healing of the stump with its tongue. If the cat is valuable, or much thought of, seek professional aid, if not, destruction is the most merciful end.

Sprains

A sprained leg, though uncommon, occasionally occurs, but the lightness of this animal, together with its extreme caution renders this infrequent. When a part is sprained, if recent, it is indicated by increased heat; swelling; pain, and a variable degree of lameness. Treatment comprises the application of a cooling lotion, such as a little acetic acid in water, but, after about forty-eight hours, stimulating lotions are suitable, such as arnica tincture and water, say, I ounce of former to 1/2-pint of water. In chronic sprains, iodine liniment is the best application.

Bruises

A bruise, or contusion as it is sometimes called, results from some form of external injury, and very often is accompanied by a fractured bone. Foment with warm water, and then apply the arnica lotion recommended for sprains.

Abscesses And Morbid Growths

(See also Serous Abscess of the Ear.)

An abscess consists of an accumulation of matter, and may be situated within the body cavity or externally to it - usually the latter. It generally is the result of an injury, and its presence is denoted by a variously sized swelling, which, as it approaches maturity, gradually increases, and when it reaches a climax, it softens in the centre - the skin pitting under pressure of the finger, which is an indication that it is ready for lancing, and if this is done, it makes a much better job of it, than if allowed to rupture spontaneously. The hair should be clipped off the skin, then the latter cut, the cavity evacuated, and washed out with an antiseptic solution.

Dislocations

The displacement of an organ or of a bone from its normal position in the body constitutes a dislocation. Kittens are liable to have dislocation of a bone, such as the elbow joint, more especially if thin and weakly. A dislocated part is capable of being felt externally, or it may be visible; whilst its function, for the time being, is in abeyance, but restored when it is replaced to its normal position.

Ruptures

An organ is said to be ruptured when it passes through a normal aperture, or one artificially made. A common form of rupture is situated at the navel {umbilical rupture), due to imperfect closure of the umbilical opening, and subsequent passage of the covering of the stomach, or bowels through it, causing a variously sized swelling to appear beneath the skin at this part.

There are numerous other forms of rupture. The treatment is purely surgical.

Spaying

She-cats are occasionally operated upon to prevent them from breeding, and it is a pity that the value of this operation is not more fully recognized, as it constitutes the only method for limiting reckless feline propagation.

It is really an operation of necessity for the common or garden she-cat - one purely professional - and costs, as a rule, about one guinea.

Castration

Tom-cats are easily rendered neuter by castration, the professional fee for which varies from half-a-crown to five shillings. It must not be done too early - the best age being from four to six months, or even a little later, as this gives the animal time to develop certain masculine characteristics which do not show themselves if castration is performed too early. It can, of course, be done at any age, without increased risk, though this is always small, provided the cat is taken ordinary care of. We strongly recommend adoption of castration, as it does away with the roaming habit, and increases the size of the cat.