Answer: The general first aid treatment for both fractures and dislocations is very similar. The cat should be carefully approached and restrained, and then carried to a place of safety and warmth with the damaged part carefully supported. A cat basket or large cardboard box is ideal but in an emergency the cat can be carried in your arms. If there is need for artificial respiration, or treatment for haemorrhage or shock, this must receive priority. Then the cat should be restricted to a confine area to limit its movements-in a cat basket or its own bed (ideally lying down with the affected part or limb uppermost)-until a vet can examine and treat it. This is minimize pain and, in the case of fracture, to prevent further damage to surrounding tissues. Make the animal as comfortable as possible and don’t handle the area of the fracture or dislocation more then is necessary. Moreover, don’t attempt to correct a dislocation; this can be often only achieved after using a general anaesthetic to relax the muscles.
A fractured limb can be well supported and immobilized with a firm bandage. But if there is any possible that you are dealing with a dislocation and not a fracture, it is best omitted. The procedure is to apply a thick pad of cotton wool 4 to 6 inches long over the area of the fracture and then to tightly bandage the pad in place with a crepe bandage. As a general rule attempts to secure splints to the limbs do more harm then good and are best avoided. If the lower jaw is hanging free it can be supported by applying a crepe bandage fairly loosely around the head, but check that the animal can breathe satisfactory, especially if there is bleeding in the mouth.
Spinal fracture and dislocation may result in paralysis of the hind quarters, shown by the cat’s inability to move its hind legs and, to avoid further damage, it is important that such an animal is lifted its spine in kept perfectly straight. Unfortunately, the outlook for such cases is poor and the victims often have to be put to sleep.
