Sprain or Bruised?

randomsyllables

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I was walking down the stairs carrying a heavy laptop I had borrowed from my mother.  Lo and behold, my 15 year old cat decided to dart in front of me.  My bare foot came down on one of her hind legs, and I felt it shifting under my weight in ways I'm not sure were natural.  I didn't step off of her right away because I was trying not to fall myself or drop the laptop (because it would probably land on her) so I had to put up with her screaming until I could regain my balance.

So now my cat is walking rather gingerly, and the feeling of things shifting under my foot is quite vivid.  I THINK she may have swelling just above her heel - it does feel warm to the touch.  If she has a sprain, are there any tips for help her heal and stay comfortable?

I was thinking of putting cold on her leg for maybe five to ten minutes every once in a while and not letting her outside.  Or would heat be better?  I don't imagine trying to wrap up her back leg would go over well.  

Any tips would be nice.
 

red top rescue

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At age 15, her bones could be very fragile.  I would definitely NOT let her outside, keep her close and see how the injury progresses.  Watch for swelling, heat, tenderness, and see how well she uses it.  It can be anywhere from a bruise to dislocation to a fracture.  If she doesn't recover completely in a day or so, a trip to the vet for an x-ray is the best thing to do.  If something is out of place, it may need to be adjusted or set  Hoping she is just bruised, but do watch her carefully for the next few days.
 
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randomsyllables

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Alright.  I will keep her in and give her a day, watching her gait and occasionally examining her leg.  Now just to keep her out of reach of small children.

Hopefully it IS just a bit of soreness and she'll be right as rain in a day or two.
 
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