My cat was attacked by a dog, now weak and can't swallow. Does she need a vet?

How scary. I would recommend going to a vet for evaluation and x-rays even though it doesn't seem like she has injuries. Internal bleeding in the abdomen or chest is very common when small animals are attacked by larger animals. She could also be in shock and need some supportive care. If going to an emergency/24hour clinic isn't an option, keep her warm and offer food and water as soon as she'll take them, but know she may be in more danger than is immediately obvious and sadly internal injuries can results in fairly sudden death.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Koneko is very cute! I can't make out the scratch on the 2nd picture. Cat bites can be very dirty and commonly cause infections or abscesses. Koneko could have an abscess forming for could be painful after being attacked. She could also be a little traumatized. I would ask your neighbors who they use for Veterinary care. Some large animal (horse or cow) also are mixed animal Vets that also treat cats and dogs. Or I would call your local SPCA and see if they have a low cost Veterinary clinic built in. The best thing for Koneko is to have an exam done, that way we can bet her better. She also needs to start her vaccinations and be dewormed. Until she is better and had her shots I would keep her indoors. I hope this helps and I wish Koneko the best!

Cats can definitely inflict damage in a fight. cats can also carry and cause disease to the animals that they do injure. Because of the swelling, especially in the throat area, I urge you to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can start appropriate treatment. I am worried that there may be a large abscess that is accumulating around the throat area and it may impair breathing. I believe it is simply too risky to wait to see if this will just pass. I hope this helps and that you were able to see the vet as soon as possible.

I'm so sorry Lizzie went through this traumatic event! Without seeing her and her injuries it is very hard so say. If they shook her at all they could have caused bruising to her lungs or brain. The other concern would be any puncture wounds. I would look her over carefully for wounds and keep her inside for the next 24-48 hours to monitor her. Any signs of lethargy or respiratory distress/panting, I would see a vet ASAP. Good luck and kisses to Lizzie!

If Pussy Cat truly cannot swallow food on his own, he will need a feeding tube placed to allow for him to continue to receive regular nutrition. This will need to be placed by a veterinarian under sedation or general anesthesia. Depending on the type of tube, some can be left in place for long periods of time until the injury or problem with the GI tract is resolved. Without knowing the actual nature of the injury it is very difficult for me to assess how long it might be until things are back to normal. If you could perhaps provide some more details or a picture of the problem, I might be able to help some more.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If she is not getting better by now, it is definitely recommended to have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. The main reason is that she may have suffered some trauma that will require further therapy. Often times there is much more trauma than what it appears in dog bite cases. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is very important that she is evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. This is quite concerning. Keep in mind that most dog attacks to small dogs cause a lot of trauma and most of the time there is much more trauma inside than what you can see from the outside. They would be able to examine her more closely and proceed with therapy accordingly. At the very least they can proceed with pain control medications as she is likely painful which is why she is not eating well. I am hoping for a full recovery!