Sasha got mauled--head trauma

sashacat421 · May 19, 2004

Sasha is in ICU and stabilized. he was mauled by what we think is a coyote or wild dog 1:30 am Monday night. I heard it through the bedroom window, grabbed the shotgun, but was too late for the attack. His lower body sustained zero injury, he's 21 lbs and very strong and healthy. His esophagus has a tiny perforation and his had got very banged up, but no jaw or skill fracture on xray. The vet is keeping him to monitor the swelling. He was in shock, and is now out of the oxygen cube and breathing just fine, no evidence of lung or organ damage. The main issue is neurological.....and if anybody has any feedback?? We are hoping for 100% recovery but he's real loopy (and also on drugs) and his eyelids are not fluterring when the doctor touches them lightly. He is walking around just fine and no fever, urination good, but not eating yet. What will happen if he does not recover his neurological level? Does anyone have experience living with a slightly "slow" kitty - and what to make of it if this happens to him? Does anyone know if this kind of head trauma can heal - and does it change their personality? Sasha is very shy, loving, and sweet. I AM VERY NERVOUS at the moment, tons of anxiety, but he has the best care w/same team that did everything they could for Freddie's leukemia.

sandie · May 19, 2004

I havn't had any personal experience with head trauma. I just wanted to let you know that I hope that all goes well, and he recovers 100%.

squirtle · May 19, 2004

Oh my, I am so sorry to hear about Sasha

I don't know anything about head trauma but I just wanted to tell you that I hope and pray poor Sasha recovers well. Hopefully there aren't any long term problems.

Poor baby, and poor Mom

Please keep us updated.

kumbulu · May 19, 2004

There are many head-injured cats around living happy and healthy lives. Of course, the degree of injury varies from just a slight head-tilt to major balance, litter-box and vision problems. It sounds like there may be damage to his eye muscles or the part of the brain that controls vision. Again, there are some very happy blind cats living a normal life (inside only of course). Though, it sounds like your Sasha is on the road to recovery.

Hopefully he is only unresopnisve because of all the meds he is on.

momofmany · May 19, 2004

It will be early to tell. If it is neurological damage, depending on the extent and where it is, it could heal over time or it may not. Be prepared to be patient for a long haul.

My puppy Spike had head trauma when he tripped my husband and he fell on him. We think his jaw was broken, and there was nerve damage to his eye and nose. After 30 days, the vet predicted the nerve damage was permanent, but now after 3 months, it has mostly healed by itself. Nerves can regenerate, but it can be a very slow process.

Big *hugs and scritches* to Sasha kitty! I'm sending healing vibes your way!

cilla · May 19, 2004

So sorry about Sasha

The poor little kittie. Prayers and good vibes to you both.

purrfectcatlove · May 19, 2004

Oh my gosh , I am so sorry

to you .

I agre with the others here . It is to early to say what kind of damage is done , or if there is any . So I would not give up hope right now . Just wait and see what they tell you and you can go from there .

I will say a prayer for Sasha

greycat2 · May 19, 2004

Poor Sasha.

Hope he recovers very well.

to you both.

I'd agree with the others since it is too early to tell what - if any - permanent damage has been done.

feralwhisperer · May 19, 2004

Poor baby

It early and it sounds like she is already showing sign of improvement.

Fern

blondiecat · May 19, 2004

Sending healing vibes for Sasha from me and the babies

I will keep you both on my prayer list.

sashacat421 · May 19, 2004

Sasha recognized me when I saw him tonight!! He is out of the oxygen cube!!He had a very, very tiny nudge of his body towards me, an almost indescernable movement in my direction. His eyes seemed to see me and he lifted his paw ever so slightly and flexed his claws, the ones he has left. It was very subtle, but I felt it intensely. He made a tiny sound when I kissed his nose and laid my head against his body ever so softly. I know he knows it was me. The vet was quite encouraged at this response from him and keeps saying how remarkable he is, so strong and big, which is what's getting him through. We found beige and black fur by the pumpkins where the attack occured, and I brought it to the vet, which came back immediately as coyote fur. I know Sasha is talking to me and wants to come home. It's shocking to see him, almost unrecognizable but it's him. I brought a sweater to pouff up for his comfort and my scent. So I can barely sleep and am waiting for the morning call from the vet to update me. All I can think of is his comfort and hoping the morphine is working, and that there is some betterment to his neurological responses by morning and the swelling in his brain I pray will start to recede. I will see him at noon! THANK YOU ALL. I READ EVERYTHING TWICE. MEANS THE WORLD RIGHT NOW!

blondiecat · May 20, 2004

Originally Posted by sashacat421

Sasha recognized me when I saw him tonight!! He is out of the oxygen cube!!He had a very, very tiny nudge of his body towards me, an almost indescernable movement in my direction. His eyes seemed to see me and he lifted his paw ever so slightly and flexed his claws, the ones he has left. It was very subtle, but I felt it intensely. He made a tiny sound when I kissed his nose and laid my head against his body ever so softly. I know he knows it was me. The vet was quite encouraged at this response from him and keeps saying how remarkable he is, so strong and big, which is what's getting him through. We found beige and black fur by the pumpkins where the attack occured, and I brought it to the vet, which came back immediately as coyote fur. I know Sasha is talking to me and wants to come home. It's shocking to see him, almost unrecognizable but it's him. I brought a sweater to pouff up for his comfort and my scent. So I can barely sleep and am waiting for the morning call from the vet to update me. All I can think of is his comfort and hoping the morphine is working, and that there is some betterment to his neurological responses by morning and the swelling in his brain I pray will start to recede. I will see him at noon! THANK YOU ALL. I READ EVERYTHING TWICE. MEANS THE WORLD RIGHT NOW!

That is indeed some encourging news. Hang in there Sasha, we are all pulling for you and for Mom.

rosiemac · May 20, 2004

Awww i've just read this now!. The poor baby, and poor you

I hope theres more improvement when you go back in to see him, let us know as soon as you can.

dawnofsierra · May 20, 2004

I'm also just now reading this. Oh, sweet Sasha!

I'm so glad to see this encouraging news! It must have done him a world of good to see you, and that's so wonderful that you brought him one of your sweaters for comfort.

You and Sasha are in my thoughts and prayers. We all care about you and your baby, so please let us know how he is feeling as soon as you see him. Please tell Sasha all of his friends here at TCS send our love and look forward to his prompt and complete recovery!

kumbulu · May 20, 2004

I am so glad Sasha is showing small signs of improvement. I'm rooting for him over here in Western Australia and sending prayers and lots of get well vibes.

krazy kat2 · May 20, 2004

I am glad to hear Sasha is doing better. My Fred is 16 years old, and he had a head injury about 10 years ago. He sneaked out and got into the fan shroud of my s/o's car. He got spun in the fan when the car cranked, but fortunately it was one that would stop if anything were caught in in. He got banged up and bruised, along with the head injury. I forget exactly what the nature of the injury was, but it included a concussion along with some other head trauma. I thought we would lose him for a few days.
He is a little goofy, and has some twitches now and then, but he is fine. Sometimes he sits and stares at nothing, until he falls over. Then he just takes a nap.

squirtle · May 20, 2004

I am so glad that Sasha is improving.

Since in your last post you were mentioning that you didn't know to what extent the head trauma was, I am sure that you were overjoyed (if that even begins to describe the feeling) when Sashe recognized you

I am still praying for you both and hope he continues to improve.

Please continue to update us.

hissy · May 20, 2004

You certainly have a cat of courage. Normally when coyotes strike, the only thing left behind is the fur. Please understand that this confrontation will likely have changed Sasha after he completely recovers, and be patient with him, and keep him indoors from now on to further help protect him. The coyote has left his scent behind and will be back soon to find others to prey upon, so please be careful in that area as well.

kiwideus · May 20, 2004

OMG, I am just reading this, I am so sorry that he was attacked! But I am glad that he is on the road to recovery and he is in my thoughts

jeeperscat · May 20, 2004

I'm glad Sasha is doing better, fingers crossed for a good recovery

Sasha got mauled--head trauma

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