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Head / Neck Trauma

Kaylee, my 3 month old kitten was found hanging by the neck from my washroom mirror 2 days ago. The mirror has a wrought iron frame which has curly circular shapes & she got her neck in one of those while we were out.

After she was extracted from the mirror -- Kaylee was very lethargic, titling her head to one side, her inner eyelids kept blinking, & she was very anxious. Hours later, the right side of her face was swollen under her jaw & side of her face giving the look of a double chin. She is titling her head to that side  &  walking strangely. Her inner eyelid closes of her left eye closes when her right eye closes, she seemed to have issues focusing, & controlling her eyes in general.

Local vets and SPCAs were closed -- a 24 hr vet in the next town over was called for advice. They told us to keep her head raised, try to get her to drink ( via syringe), & to give her corn syrup or something to get her blood sugar up. All I had was kool aid mix so mixed that with water & put it on her gums.

The next morning, she seemed much more aware & responsive. She is still favoring her right side, & her face/jaw is still very swollen. She is still having issues walking but less so than the day before. She is still having issues controlling one of her eyes, & instead of blinking normally only the inner eyelid blinks.

Today, she's just a little swollen now. The only real sign of something having happened is one of her eyes rather than blinking normally, is blinking the 3rd eyelid instead.  The side of her mouth seems to be paralyzed or numb. She has been getting pieces of food stuck there -- resembling a chipmunk.

I am wondering if there is anything I can do to help her regain control of her eye, and her mouth on that side.

The local SPCA was called hoping they could provide emergency vet care. They said based on what they were told that she is doing well & that all they could do would be to put her down.
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234713 tn?1283526659
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I think there is still hope.

Your cat's traumatic injury caused constriction of the nerves and muscles of the neck leading to bruising of the nerves and muscles and other damage, which further led to lack of oxygen to the brain.  The lack of oxygen to the brain may have led to some brain damage.  Depending on the extent of damage she may get some or most of her normal function back.  

Please take her to a vet who wants to give her a chance.

At the very least she needs anti-inflammatory therapy, and GI protectants.  You will be able to give her these medications at home.  

I am most worried about her inability to eat to properly.  You will have to use only canned food and help her eat, by giving her only a small amount multiple times per day.  Please watch her eat and drink.  If she is still having difficulty, put her food in a blender and syringe feed her.

Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
She is actually eating very well, other than periodically... storing a piece or two in the side of her mouth due to paralysis/numbness I suspect. She already is running, walking, jumping and is actually trying to "help" me type right now. The only two things that are off are her eye, and the side of her mouth seeming numb. The swelling is almost gone at this point, just her cheek seems a bit swollen.

Unfortunately, my financial situation won't permit me to run her to a vet. I think I will post a donate thing on my MSN / online journal and hopefully I can get enough to have her looked at and whatnot.
Helpful - 0

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