GotoAID Cats - Gunshot Wound

First Aid Index

People

Cats

Dogs


Search
GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only

Respiratory

Emergency

Bites/Stings

Cuts/Wounds

Breaks & Sprains

Poisons

Burns

Medical Problems

Gunshot Wound

Pets can get injured during hunting season. Even more common is that they are shot intentionally for trespassing or animal cruelty. The wound will depend on the type of gun used and the distance it was shot from as the closer and larger caliber bullet used will cause serious damage. Usually the exit wound is typically much larger than the entry wound. This is an extremely dangerous wound and requires immediate emergency medical assistance.

Symptoms

Bleeding	Shock
Pain

Steps

Check ABC’s of life support--Airway, breathing, circulation. Can you see, feel, or hear your pet breathing? If your pet is not breathing, begin rescue breathing immediately.

If your pet is non-responsive and has stopped breathing, be prepared to give artificial respiration by closing your cat’s mouth with one hand and gently breathe into your cat’s nostrils.

Administer 10-20 breaths per minute for cats. With each breath, one should see the chest slightly rise.

Keep breathing for your cat until he/she is able to breathe on its own or until veterinary help is available.

Check that your cat’s heart is still beating by feeling for the heart on your cat’s chest and/or feeling for your cat’s pulse. (The pulse is easily felt in the femoral artery located on the inside of the thigh.)

If no pulse or heart beat is felt, begin CPR.

Check for bleeding.

Apply a clean cloth or gauze pad to the bleeding wound with firm direct pressure. If blood soaks through the pad, apply another pad over it and apply pressure. Do not remove the pad or cloth underneath it.

If there is a sucking sound coming from the chest wound and you hear air rushing into the body through the hole as your cat breaths you will have to wrap saran wrap over the wound and around your cat's body to seal it and transport her with the injured side down.

To prevent drying of any organs exposed wet a towel or pillowcase with water or contact lens solution and hold it against the organs and use saran wrap to wrap around your cats body to keep the padding in place.

If there is any blood in the eyes, nose, or mouth and if he can't or refuses to get up could have a back injury, in this case move her as little as possible by laying a flat rigid object like a board under her and place a blanket over her to hold her in place during transport.

Treat and check for signs of shock. (Signs of shock include weakness, pale or grey gums, body temperature changes, & rapid breathing.) Slightly raise your pet’s back end to increase blood flow to the heart. Keep your pet warm with a blanket if cold. If your pet is hot, cool down with cold compresses to the chest and abdomen.

Seek veterinary care immediately.

Warnings

DO NOT place a muzzle on your cat if she is having trouble breathing

DO NOT remove initial cloth as it will remove the clot trying to form

Pets can die from shock in 10 – 20 min unless they get veterinarian help

Wrap the saran wrap lightly to seal the area but not tight enough to restrict breathing

Tips

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).

Make sure to get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible.

Wrap cat in towel if necessary to administer first aid

READ THIS