Rescued cat with brain trauma symptoms improving. What should I do?

Poor kitty! Unfortunately, a lot of the time when it comes to neurologic trauma time and small signs of improvement are what you are looking for. X-ray only tells us if there are fractures in the skull and are very difficult to see the full scope of the trauma as so many structures are superimposed on top of each other. The best diagnostic to give you an idea about extent of trauma and prognosis would be an MRI. It sounds like the kitten is making some progress, but only time will really tell us how much progress he will make. He may never be completely healed and functional, so you will also have to decide how dedicated you can/willing to be for a potentially special needs kitten. Hopefully this provided some help and guidance. Best of luck to you and the kitty!

Oh no, I'm so sorry! It sounds like Jane suffered some significant head trauma and is showing signs of traumatic brain injury. I would recommend taking her to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible. Prompt intensive care, oxygen, and IV fluid support are usually recommended and depending on how severe her neurologic signs are and how she responds to therapy she may be able to make a full recovery. Good luck to Jane!

Trauma to the eye, head, and neck can result in many different problems. I am glad she seems improved today, but I would still highly encourage you to have her evaluated by a veterinarian. If the eye has an injury early intervention is best. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon.

I am so sorry to hear this. Based on what you are describing I would assume that the head trauma Dada sustained has caused swelling on the brain. This would account for the neurological symptoms you are seeing. Unfortunately cats with head trauma need intensive nursing care, special IV medications to help decrease the swelling, and possible oxygen therapy. Having your cat examined by a veterinarian is probably the only thing to do in this situation. I am sorry we could not be of more help. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Keep an eye on her mentation (is she acting normally, responding normally, she doesn't seem "depressed" or "dull"), the way she's walking (is she bumping into walls, does she have a wobbly or drunken appearing gait), and her desire and ability to eat and drink. Also keep an eye out for vomiting. If it gets to be 12-18 hours after the incident and she's showed no symptoms, you should be in the clear. I hope thats helpful! Thanks for asking PetCoach! Here's some good info regarding brain injuries in pets: http://download.skyscape.com/download/ota/5mvetcf5/documents/pdf/brain_injury.pdf

Without examining and knowing how bad/what exactly is happening with Sam, it's hard to give specific advice. If he's still able to eat and drink, keeping the bowls close to him and at a height he can reach even while laying may help him stay eating. You may need to move him to litter or bring food to him if he is having trouble with balance and walking. If the eye is shut, keeping it clean and from sticking by wiping it with a way washcloth may help until it is healed. If Sam seems in a lot of pain, or can't eat and drink at all, I would bring him back to the vet. It may mean he needs additional pain meds or meds to help with the injury, or even IV fluids or medications to help keep his strength up until he can heal some.

It looks like that left eye may have some ongoing damage ongoing problem with the cornea clear, (front part of the eye). Does she seem like she can see? Does she walk along walls (as though looking to be leaning in for a knowledge of where she is), does she bump into things? If she does not bump into things and DOES seem to be able to see, then her pupils are probably functioning appropriately even if you can't see it. However it is possible too that she has some lens changes... the lens in the left eye looks a bit cloudy in the picture. As long as she's an indoor cat, it shouldn't matter too much whether or not she can see. Most blind animals do quite well and function great as pets. However, if she seems uncomfortable or painful, I would encourage you to take her to your vet to have the eyes re-evaluated. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!