GotoAID Cats - Arrow Wound

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Arrow Wound

An arrow wound can occur when a hunter accidentally shoots a bow at your pet. Usually this happens when an arrow goes astray or misfires at your pet. A similar type of injury can occur if your pet jumps and lands on a sharp stick causing the stick to protrude into your pet. It is an emergency and required medical assistance.

Symptoms

Pain	Puncture Wound
Bleeding

Steps

You will have to restrain your cat by having a second person grasp the cat by the scruff with one hand and by the hind feet with the other and gently hold her down on a table

If the arrow is made out of wood then cut off the shaft of the arrow leaving a couple inches exposed out of the skin

If it’s not wood then wrap a clean towel or bubble wrap around the base of the shaft where it enters the skin and bind it with plastic wrap around the cat’s body

If there is bleeding apply a clean cloth or gauze on the wound and apply direct pressure

Transport your cat to the nearest vet carefully making sure that there is no jiggling as the arrow can cause more injury internally

Treat if signs of shock. Cover with a WARM blanket if COLD. Apply cold compresses to the chest and abdomen if HOT

Warnings

DO NOT remove the arrow

Shock can kill a pet within 10 to 20 minutes

Tips

Transport the cat in a box or pet carrier

Signs of shock may include weakness, collapse, pale or grey colored gums, irregular breathing, high heart rate, weak pulse and body temperature changes (e.g. very cold or very hot)

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Suggestions

Abdominal Non-Penetrating Wound

Abdominal Penetrating Wound

Arrow Wound

Bite Wound

Bleeding

Gunshot Wound