01/07 - Terra Cotta

Meet Terra Cotta…

He is very loving, outgoing 4 year old kitty. He enjoys his time hanging outside and lounging around. One day, he fell asleep under a tire and was accidentally run over. He was immediately brought to Rockledge Animal Clinic with massive head trauma including profuse bleeding from his mouth and eyes. Although he was alert, he was very scared and in pain. The staff took immediate action, placing an IV catheter to administer fluids and give medications in order to minimize the effects of shock and decrease his pain.

After Terra Cotta was stable, he was sedated for radiographs which were taken of his whole body to check for internal damage and to look for fractures of his bones. Luckily, Terra Cotta’s injuries were restricted only to his head. His fractures included the lower jaw (mandible) and his entire hard palate. His head was entirely cracked in half like a nut. He also had massive tissue damage of his eyes.

Evidently, Terra Cotta’s injuries were severe. Long term, he may be blind or have permanent brain damage. Due to swelling, Terra Cotta could not eat so he was treated with IV fluids in order to maintain hydration and administer medications. After 3 days, he was taken to surgery where his fractures were wired. A feeding tube was also placed so he could be fed. He was discharged 7 days after he was ran over, but visited us every 3 days for a check over.

Terra Cotta’s owner reported that he was doing well, even jumping the fence outside. His feeding tube was pulled after 2 weeks and his fracture wires were removed after 5 weeks. He has healed very well yet his vision is minimal.