Cat head trauma, What are his chances?

[PinkieCandie]

My cat was hit yesterday by a car. He has severe head trauma but no other injuries, we don't know if there is any hemoraging as he was taken to an emergency vet and not a cat specialist hospital.

I'm not sure what medication he's no but they said it was to reduce swelling and he's on an IV saline drip and oxygen.

He was outside for a few hours before we found him and before we took him in to the vet and they say it lowered his chances of survival.

However when we went to see him he was conscious enough and seemed to respond to my voice and responded to touch. His limbs are rigid especially his back right foot, however he seems to know when someone is touching him, and he is breathing through his mouth though I suspect that may be because of the oxygen therapy.

He does make odd meowing sounds though. He hasn't made an effort to get up though and the vet told me that he was becoming less responsive and that I should put him down.

But he was still kicking his legs, and I love him so much, I can't imaging my life with out him. What are his chances?

[Jade59]

Yay, welcome home Pelos!  

Have you tried going through the side of his mouth gently with a little food in a syringe...or just on your finger to give him the flavor, and to get him chewing, licking and swallowing?  He may begin on his own and 'remember' once he actually tastes the food and goes thru the motions.  

You're doing awesome, Mom.  Keeping Pelos in my thoughts...

[PinkieCandie]

He loves ham! I know that, that may get him eating again. And thank you so much for the suggestion!!

Also he's home today! He does he the feeding tube but tempting him to eat on his own is suggested it.

[opus88]

of course speak to a Vet abt what you can give him, but I myself see no harm in giving him treats...you mean the packaged cat treats right? if that will get him started wanting to eat than sure, even a small amount of human tuna or salmon...(not recommended for more than just a few bites)...but anything IMO that will tempt him to want to start ...I also know of a product to sprinkle on wet food that supposedly is very tempting to cats and safe, not to be used as a diet though. I've never used it myself but heard cats really love the smell. I will give you a link to where I know its available, good pet stores will probably also carry it. there are NO preservatives in this product (unlike most of the packaged cat treats)
I order supplements from iherb all the time, they are a very good source for many items I can't get locally, and shipping is only $4. if you quote this code you will get a percentage off your first order and will be enough to at least cover the shipping chg.  SED957

http://www.iherb.com/Cat-Man-Doo-Sprinkles-Crushed-Dried-Bonito-Flakes-for-Cats-Dogs-2-5-oz-71-g/46334

[PinkieCandie]

Will treats be okay? D:

And they said they would teach us how to feed him and we still may need to push his bladder to pee.

[opus88]

thats great news.....he will recoup even faster at home, a feed tube can be alot of work, but well worth it for dear little Pelos... I hope he will soon want to eat on his own, keep trying to tempt him with some things he always  enjoyed. YEA Pelos!!!!

[PinkieCandie]

Pelos update:

Today they have inserted the more permanent feeding tube. His surgery went well they said and he can come home tomorrow.

He still shows only interest in food but doesn't eat. However his condition is well enough to be an out-patient.