Shock

Shock is characterized by inadequate blood circulation within a cat and has the possibility to be fatal. When a cat experiences Shock there is a disruption in the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to the vital organs like the heart and lungs. It can be caused by physical or psychological trauma, internal bleeding, allergic reactions or other underlying health conditions. 

• This complaint is likely be fatal in severe cases.
• It requires a fair amount of trauma (either psychological or physical) to send a cat into shock.
• In severe cases, this can cause lasting effects on the cat that will impact lifestyle.

While all stages of Shock require immediate care, mild cases are a lot easier to manage and are less life threatening than others (like the severe cases which are most commonly fatal).

The patient may show signs of lethargy, confusion, rapid or shallow breathing, a weak pulse, or cool extremities as well as pale or discoloured gums after treatment.

Treatment is standard for mild cases and above.

• Keep the patient calm and warm: Gently move the patient to a safe, quiet place. Keep the patient warm while making sure to not overheat the patient.
• Don’t give food or water: A patient in shock may vomit, giving them anything to eat or drink may cause choking
• Watch for Breathing: Ensure that your patient is breathing correctly, lack of breath could be fatal.
• Administer correct herbs: Administering herbs correct for the situation is vital for the patient’s overall health and recovery

• Lethargy for up to a week following acute recovery
• Weakness for up to a month following acute recovery

• Injury of the kidneys (10%)
• Injury of the lungs (10%)

Moderate cases of Shock can be just as life altering as the more severe of cases, as the lack of regular blood flow and irregular airflow can lead to the failing of vital organs such as the lungs and kidneys. Treatment is universal across all levels but some may need extra care.

As per mild case instructions

• Lethargy for a week or two following acute recovery
• Weakness for a month following acute recovery

• Injury to the kidneys (20%)
• Injury to the lungs (20%)
• Injury to the heart (10%)

A severe case of Shock is likely fatal to the patient, though in some cases, cats can survive it (though not without lasting damage to the lungs, heart or kidneys, which means the patient would not be able to continue warrior duties at the detriment of their own health. While treatment remains the same, a cat in shock should always be monitored by a medicine cat or likewise.

As per mild case instructions

• Lethargy for at least 1 month after acute recovery
• Weakness for a minimum of a year after acute recovery

• Death (90%)

In cases where the cat survives:

• Hypothermia (25%)
• Seizures (50%)
• Injury to the kidneys (50%)
• Injury to the lungs (50%)
• Injury to the heart (50%)
• Impairment of the kidneys (50%)
• Impairment of the lungs (50%)
• Impairment of the heart (50%)