Can a kitten's organs move to its chest after being run over?

Poor Kitten!! Without examining your kitten and seeing the results of any diagnostic tests, it is hard to determine the prognosis. I am assuming he has a diaphragmatic hernia that needs to be repaired. I have treated cats that have survived that surgery but your vet is probably the best person to give you advice on the prognosis. You could always take the kitten to a board certified veterinary surgeon and get a second opinion. Whoever kicked your kitten should be charged with animal abuse. That is really sad that someone would do that to an innocent kitten.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about your kitty. The problem with dog and cat fights or altercations is that it is hard to know the extent of the internal injuries even if there is no external injuries. It is really important to have him checked by a veterinarian to determine for example if he has any evidence of internal injuries such as bleeding into the abdomen, a broken rib or something of that nature. He is probably avoiding contact because he is painful. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and evaluation. They may proceed with radiographs and blood work for example depending on his physical examination. At the very least they can start him on pain control medications. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is definitely a possibility of congenital defect. He could be the runt of the litter, he could have dwarfism, or he could just have an abnormal skeleton. The runt of the litter or a "depressed", poor doing kitten often has an underlying reason for being that way. Is there a liver shunt? Heart defect? Brain abnormality? If you want to know for sure, you'd need to see a vet who may be able to tell some based on the physical exam but who may also recommend bloodwork and/or x-rays. Pain assessment is difficult to begin with in cats but I certainly could not tell you if he were in pain without an exam. My gut says he is likely not painful because he is eating and resting comfortably - but again, no way to know for sure without an exam. Long story short, get a vet involved soon to help weigh in on what might be going on. For now, keep doing what you're doing: feed him plenty, love on him lots, treat him gently, and keep watching. Best of luck to you and the kitten!

Poor Blue! Symptoms of a broken rib would include fast or labored breathing, and crying or acting painful when her chest is touched. In some cases, you may even be able to feel a fracture by running your fingers over her rib cage. If she was stepped on, she could also have other internal injuries such as damage to her liver, kidneys, or spleen, bruising of the lungs, or internal bleeding. If she is acting painful or lethargic, I would definitely recommend having her examined by a vet as soon as possible - she may need x-rays to help determine the problem and find out what can be done to help her.

He may have had an injury, been hit by a car or he had a congenital heart defect that caused a blood clot at the bifurcation of the aorta (that paralyses hind legs and hurts terribly). This can also cause a clot in the lungs which would cause breathing problems. Unfortunately most cats with these blood clots die within a short time. I am so sorry for your loss. This is very sad.

Poor Simba! There is a chance he has damaged something when he fell. For example he could have broken a rib or caused a rupture in a lung or diaphragm. It may just be that he's in a bit of pain from being bruised. However I would go to the vet to have an exam just because it could be something serious.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear about this young cat! When an animal is hit by a car sometimes there are injuries you can't see from the outside. They can bleed internally, herniate organs from the belly in to the chest, get contusions (bruising) of the lung or air can get trapped outside of the lungs (pneumothorax), rupture their bladders, brain trauma. Cats can also breath heavily when they are in shock. Sadly there is nothing that you can do alone. He needs a Vet to listen to his lungs and evaluate him for internal bleeding and shock. Just keep him warms and comfortable if you can't get him anywhere I wish you both the best!