Expert: Karen Craft - 4/27/2010

Question
QUESTION: As both of us know, the easiest way to tell if a cat is in shock is if it has pale gums.
The cat in question has sustained an injury to the ankle of his back-right leg. I need to know if he's in shock, but his breathing and heart rates are normal. His ears seem cold.
The nearest vet is 6 hours away (I'm stuck in a town in Kansas that's vet closed down. Can't wait to get out of here.). I talked to a vet nurse on the phone, but all he said was "The best teller is the gums. I have no idea what to do if the cat has black gums.).

The cat is a Bangel (Similar to an orange tabby in colors). He is 10 years old and has almost entirely black gums.
I tried to look in his mouth anyway. The only non-black spot looked more white then pink but wasn't any help.

So, how do you diagnose a cat by it's gums if it has black gums?

ANSWER: Hi Larry,

Sorry this took me so long to get back to you. One of my cats is very sick and I haven't had much time to check my computer. Even if your cat has black gums you will notice a color change in them if he is in shock. They will still turn a grayish color.  A cat in shock has a much lower temperature that normal. He might be drooling a lot. Trembling,shivering, disorientation and listlessness are also signs of shock. A faint pulse or rapid pulse are a couple of more things to watch out for.

Hope all is well with your cat. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for the answer. According what you say, the cat is definitely not in shock. He is eating and drinking normally which is a very good sign.

After careful examination of the injured area, it appears that the cat has some major swelling near his right tarsus. There is no sign of punctures or breakage and he didn't bleed in the area.
The area is very sensitive to him. However, when he is calm and I am petting him he lets me examine the area.
I'm thinking and hoping it's just a sprain.
To me, it looks almost like a nasty rub or a burn.

What do you think it is and what would you recommend as a treatment?

Answer
Hi Larry,

Again my Bandit is taking up a lot of time here. Sorry for being late.  Sounds like your cat got grazed by a car. I would keep an eye on him and make sure he walks OK. And I would put some antibiotic skin cream on the rub area. Try to keep him from licking it. He should be OK  in a few days. If he isn't have your vet check him over.

And finally I would keep him indoors. As you can see cats outdoors don't fare so well. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen