Lung Bruising in Cats
Lung Bruising in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Lung Bruising?
Lung bruising is referred to as pulmonary contusions, defined as a consequence of blunt trauma resulting in decompression to the thoracic wall. Pulmonary contusions are characterized by damage to the mechanisms of the lungs, specifically the alveoli, interstitial and pulmonary vasculature. The plasma and blood of the feline leaks into the inner lung (hemoptysis), followed by massive infiltration as well as inflammation. Depending on the damage sustained, the feline may display mild dyspnea (difficulty breathing) or, in severe cases, the lungs will fail, resulting in apnea (absence of breath). Clinical signs may not be evident for up to twelve hours post trauma and can progress for up to 48 hours. 
Lung bruising in cats is an accumulation of blood or fluid inside the lungs caused by trauma. The feline lungs can easily be bruised by being kicked, hit-by-car incidences, or falling. The lungs fill with air to supply oxygen to the whole body. If the lungs are damaged or contain fluids, the organ will experience a decreased ability to complete normal functions. Therefore, a cat that has sustained lung damage will have a difficult time breathing regularly. Lung bruising in cats should be treated promptly, as in some traumatic events, damaged lungs can be fatal if not addressed by a veterinary professional.
Lung Bruising Average Cost
From 578 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,000
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Symptoms of Lung Bruising in Cats
The symptoms of lung bruising in cats can be mild, moderate or severe. A feline with a mild case of pulmonary contusion will experience an increased respiratory rate, which could soon turn into a moderate case of contusion with evidence of orthopnea (shortness of breath). A feline who has undergone a severe lung bruising will open her mouth to breathe, will be in respiratory distress, and her mucous membranes may become blue in coloration. 
  • Hypoxemia
  • Hemoptysis (blood in the lungs)
  • Dyspnea (difficult breathing) 
  • Hypopnea (shallow breathing) 
  • Hyperpnoea (deep breathing) 
  • Apnea (absence of breath) 
  • Cyanosis
  • Thorax pain
  • Tachycardia 
  • Weak pulse
  • Cold extremities
  • Shock
Causes of Lung Bruising in Cats
Lung bruising in cats is commonly caused by blunt force trauma to the thoracic cavity. Approximately 40 percent of all pulmonary contusions cases are due to chest injury sustained by motor vehicle accidents, however, lung bruising in cats can also be caused by: 
  • Falls
  • Stepped on 
  • Physical abuse – kicks, beating 
  • Animal fights 
  • Gunshots 
Diagnosis of Lung Bruising in Cats
The diagnosis of lung bruising in cats is primarily based on the finding on physical examination and recent history of trauma sustained. Upon physical examination, the veterinarian will check the color of the feline’s gums for blue coloration, indicating low oxygen levels in the blood. Using a stethoscope to hear lung sounds, the vet may detect a wheezing or crackling sound that would indicate a complication inside the lung organ. The doctor will then proceed to palpate the feline, noting evidence of abdominal pain and the presence of broken ribs. To further the diagnosis, the veterinarian will likely x-ray the cat to determine the full extent of injury and severity of the condition. However, since a pulmonary contusion can appear between six and twelve hours after the injury was sustained, the veterinarian may ask to have additional radiographs taken a few hours after the initial x-ray was taken. 
Treatment of Lung Bruising in Cats
The goal of pulmonary contusion treatment is to restore adequate oxygen levels to the tissues, stabilize the feline, and repair evident injuries to the thoracic cavity. Treatment begins with oxygen therapy either with a nasal oxygen device or face mask, as felines are often presented with dyspnea. Pain medication may be administered to the feline to reduce cough and promote a positive healing time. In severe pulmonary contusion cases in which the feline has presented clinical signs of shock, fluid therapy may be necessary to restore cardiac output. Expect your feline to be hospitalized and placed on cage rest for several days until the veterinarian feels she is well enough to go home. In general, felines begin to show improvement within 48 hours after received treatment, but your feline will be under careful monitoring, and may stay in the hospital for greater than a week.
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Recovery of Lung Bruising in Cats
At-home care includes greatly limiting your feline’s physical activities and following veterinary protocol. Expect reevaluation of your feline’s condition soon after hospital release, as the veterinarian will want to ensure the cat is breathing properly and the condition is not progressively becoming worse. Despite aggressive treatment, lung bruising in some cases may be so severe that the cat will not survive. Taking your feline to seek medical attention right away greatens her chances of survival.
Lung Bruising Average Cost
From 578 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,000
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Lung Bruising Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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long hair
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Fozzy
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3 Months
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Odd Breathing
My mother steped on my cat in stomach/rib area. At first she was acting real weird, kept walk away from me, was breathing fast and short kinda like she might have been strughling to breath. She just didnt want to be bothered with amd shes not like that at all. She didnt make a single noise when it happened and ive felt all down her belly and seem fine. Shes seems like shes in no pain when i put slight presure on belly to upper chest. Now about an hour later shes back to loving her pets and rolling over for her belly rubs. Should i still be worried and take her immediately to the vet tomorrow? Or am i just being an over worried owner. What should i do and/or look for to for sure know shes gonna be okay?
Sept. 3, 2018
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Tiger
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Cupcake
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2 Months
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Caced In Chest. Rapid Shallow Breat
My cat started to have a very difficult time breathing the one side of its rib cage is caved in and when she breathes the entire are sucks in the pushes out. It seems to be getting worse and it started last night with here trying to take long deep breaths but her mouth will open and she doesn't seem to be getting any air even though I can she her sheet expanding. Now she won't stop crying and she is taking very rapid breaths all the while Lucas with a slight tint on red keeps coming out of her mouth and nose.
Sept. 2, 2018
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Cat
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Tootie
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10 Weeks
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Immobility
Breathing Difficulty
My boyfriend accidentally stepped on our 10 week old kitten. After he realized he stepped on him he was acting weird and having difficulty breathing he is Bieber laying here sleeping he seems like his breathing is better then it was but I am wondering if I should give him some time to rest and heal or if I should rush him to the vet?
Aug. 16, 2018
1 Recommendations
You should visit your Veterinarian regardless since a human’s weight against any cat is going to result in possibly significant damage to the skeleton and/or internal organs; without examining Tootie myself I cannot give you any assurances or determine severity. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 17, 2018
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Unknown
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Puss
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12 Weeks
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Circling
I have a 12 week old kitten and my knees injured at somehow IU not 100% sure I was not paying attention but by the time that I noticed the kitten was spinning around in circles and her head was spinning looking up towards The sky that was yesterday and today I noticed the kit and is disoriented and sometimes falls off of a step or walks in a sway Line.
May 29, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is possible that Puss has some symptoms of brain injury, you should visit your Veterinarian so that they can perform a thorough examination of her and determine the underlying cause and whether or not she requires treatment. Without examining her myself I cannot say whether or not any treatment should be given or what the specific issue is. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 30, 2018
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Not sure
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Leo
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7 Months
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3 found this helpful

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3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Irregular Breathing
Pain When Lifted
My cat was hit by a car last night. We took him to an emergency pet hospital where he received some medecine and fluids through an IV while in an oxygen tank. He’s stable and we took him to the vet where we were told that he has a punctured lung and fractured ribs. Also his third eyelid is still showing. However the vet told us that he would just need a lot of rest with very little to no exercise for about 6ish weeks and they prescribed him an antibiotic, a steroid, and pain medication, in addition to the cortisone and pain reliever injection he was given while there. I was just wondering if the answer of him just needing lots of rest and no exercise with the medications seems like it will heal him or if something else should be done?
May 12, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
There are no real therapies for lung trauma other than rest and medication, and oxygen therapy if needed. The body needs time to heal that kind of injury, and ribs typically will heal. There are always risks with that kind of injury of blood clots occurring, so if he is showing any signs of a sudden problem breathing, he'll need to be rushed to an emergency clinic, but rest and time tend to heal these things.
May 13, 2018
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Cat
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Lucy
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2 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Breathing Difficulties
My two year old Lucy feel off our TV center three days ago and we had her to the day after it happen and the day after that because her breathing got worse. They didn't see anything in X-Ray and had us take her to the ER. Went there and she has small contusions in her lung. They wanted to do 12 to 24 hr oxygen treatment but its was going to cost $1400-1800. I am on a tight budget and can't afford it. I already spent $1200 between the three Vet visit to the normal Vet and ER vet office visit. They gave us home care treatment plan but now she is breathing with mouth open. She wasn't doing that before. Not sure what to do now.
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Persian
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Kotkot
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5 Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Died
My cat fell from the 7 floors, I took him to hospital and they said that his leg is broken ad the top of mouth has injured, 2nd day we did the surgery, 6 hours post-surgery the cat likes as inflated and his breath was not stable and died. The doctor can't give me a proper explanation of the complication occurred post-surgery, although his breath and heart rate was stable and fine before the surgery. , The doctor said that the cat may had lung injuries that made his body looks inflated blown up, but he never diagnosis that prior to decide to do the surgery under full Anesthesia your experience what do you think the reason for making his conditions getting worse after the surgery?
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Siamese
dog-name-icon
Waldo
dog-age-icon
20 Weeks
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Possibly "Bit" By Dog
My GSD gave my 20 week old kitten a few warning grumbles when he was wanting to cuddle and then as I got up to take kitten off of him he barked and put his mouth over kitten's rib cage. No puncture wounds present, barely any dog drool present. kitten was scared but was back to playing a few minutes later. He seems ok, soft abdomen, pink gums, no lethargy, appears to be breathing fine, no disorientation. Unsure if I should take him in to vet or not.
Lung Bruising Average Cost
From 578 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,000
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