My cat's tongue is injured and he can't eat. Is it a vet emergency?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Thumbelina. She could hand injured her tongue. Since she can eat wet food, it’s not an emergency. Keep feeding her wet food over the weekend, and have her seen by a vet on Monday. If she stops eating or appears to be in significant pain, then take her into an emergency vet. Best of luck.

Your cat needs to see his veterinarian ASAP. It is possible that your cat has a tooth abscess, severe periodontal disease, something lodged inside the mouth, an injury, or an oral tumor. Regardless of cause, this is a serious medical condition since it is preventing him from eating and drinking normally. Your cat is at risk of becoming dehydrated and developing a condition called hepatic liposis, which can lead to liver failure. Even going 24 hours without food can cause changes in liver functioning.

It sounds like your cat has some chemical burns on his tongue, and I would be concerned he also have chemical burns on his esophagus. He needs to see a vet as soon as possible to have this treated, as he's not eating. Cats who won't eat or drink require a temporary feeding tube. Leaving him without eating and drinking will be fatal, and cats develop a fatty liver (which is also fatal without treatment) when they don't eat for longer than 72 hours. Because most chemical burns take up to two weeks to heal, he cannot be left without treatment. You need to take the trip to the nearest vet as soon as possible. Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pappy! I would have the Vet take a look to see if the wound needs to be stitched up and be sure it isn't a growth. It will likely heal faster with an antibiotic. Wounds in the mouth do tend to heal quickly. Good luck!

You won't be able to put anything on the tongue to treat topically. I would recommend having Melcho checked by a vet. The wound may need stitches to heal. The tongue is great at healing but the edges of the wound need to be close together to heal. Antibiotics would probably be a good idea.

Sheru could have eating something toxic, injured his tongue, or is experiencing a severe allergic reaction. This is a medical emergency, and he has to see a vet immediately. Please take him into a vet now for veterinary treatment.

I'm so sorry to hear if Miss Meow's accident! I'm glad you were able to take her in to be evaluated and treated. Without seeing a picture of the wound it is difficult to say how much, if any, deformity will remain in the long run. The tongue is a very rapidly healing organ though and I suspect that after a few days Meow will be feeling back to her old self again. You may need to offer her soft/canned foods for a week or so and your vet will likely prescribe some pain medications and antibiotics.